Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
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10 best self-guided South Italy tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar
- Amalfi Coast: 2 Weeks - Self Guided Rail Tour
- Self Guided Walking in Puglia: From Lecce to Matera
- Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
- Campania Thermal Baths, Private Tour
- Aeolian Islands Tour: The 7 pearls of Sicily
- 4 Day Palermo, Italy
- Paris & South of Italy
- Cycle Puglia
- From Top to Toe of Italy: Venice to Sicily
- A Pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo from Rome
Your independent Southern Italy rail journey connects Naples, Sorrento, and Capri. Visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii ruins, then follow the coastline to Positano's Spiaggia Grande beach. Central hotels serve as your base while visiting Amalfi's Paper Museum and Salerno's medieval Castello di Arechi at your own pace.
Duration 14 days Destinations Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Salerno Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Euroventure Travel From
- NZ$7,533
South Italy's architectural wonders await, from Lecce's Roman amphitheater to Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli houses. Self-guided routes lead along Otranto's coastline watchtowers and through Martina Franca's Baroque streets, with maps guiding you to Matera's ancient Sassi district.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Matera, Gravina Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$2,685
Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The suggestions for the itinerary and the choice and quality of the accommodations were excellent.”
Tony, traveled in April
Puglia reveals itself at your pace, from Castellana Caves' 70-meter depths to Gallipoli's baroque churches. This self-drive format enables stops at landmarks like Trani's San Nicola Pellegrino Cathedral and Otranto's Aragonese Castle, with 4-star accommodations throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bari, Brindisi, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Trani, Castel del Monte, Altamura, Matera, Martina Franca, OstuniSee all destinations Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator TUI Italia From $2,030
10% Off- NZ$1,827You save $203
Campania Thermal Baths, Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent hotel, good food. Wonderful thermal pools in Negombo and Poseidon.”
Carol, traveled in June
Your thermal wellness retreat includes private transfers throughout South Italy. Relax at Negombo Bath, Poseidon Gardens, and Casa D'Ambra vineyard in Forio at your leisure. Stay at 4-star Hotel Sorriso Thermae in Ischia and Hotel Naples, with daily breakfast.
Duration 7 days Destinations Naples, Ischia, Forio Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator TUI Italia From $3,038
10% Off- NZ$2,735You save $303
Your South Italian island base at Hotel Bougainville 4* awaits. Choose when to enjoy Vulcano's mud baths, Salina's capers tasting, and Stromboli's evening shows. Daily boat excursions and breakfast included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Milazzo, Lipari, Salina, Panarea Island, Stromboli, Vulcano, Isola Alicudi, Filicudi Island Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
10% Off- NZ$2,331
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,141
5% Off- NZ$1,085You save $57
Paris & South of Italy
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wibuddy you are fantastic...we never had one hiccup.”
JOAN, traveled in October
South Italy opens up with pre-arranged UNESCO Pompeii access and Capri ferry tickets. The Michelangelo 4* Sorrento serves as your base for Sorrentine Coast adventures. Authentic Neapolitan pizza lunch and Blue Grotto excursion options available.
Duration 11 days Destinations Paris, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Wingbuddy From
5% Off- NZ$4,023
Cycle Puglia
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were outstanding on this bike tour. Friendly and comfortable.”
Denise, traveled in May
South Italy's landscapes unfold as you cycle from Alberobello's trulli district to Baroque Lecce using GPS tracks. Pedal past Manduria's Primitivo vineyards and along the Adriatic coastline. Traditional trulli houses provide authentic accommodation.
Duration 8 days Destinations Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator UTracks From
5% Off- NZ$2,690
South Italy reveals itself from Pompeii's ruins to Taormina's Greek theatre. Luxuriate at Hotel Michelangelo Sorrento and Arathena Rocks Taormina while visiting Capri's Blue Grotto and Mount Etna. High-speed trains link each destination.
Duration 12 days Destinations Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Reggio Calabria, Taormina Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
5% Off- NZ$5,068
South Italy's spiritual landmarks await your personal schedule with pre-arranged logistics. High-speed trains link Rome to Foggia, while private transfers bring you to Hotel Gran Paradiso. Visit Padre Pio's Shrine at your own pace.
Duration 3 days Destinations Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
5% Off- NZ$952
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
What are the best regions to explore on a self-guided tour in South Italy?
South Italy's three standout regions for self-guided exploration are Sicily Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. Sicily delivers archaeological wonders from Mount Etna's slopes to Syracuse's ancient streets and Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Puglia's landscape is dotted with the distinctive cone-shaped trulli houses of Alberobello and ornate baroque buildings in Lecce while coastal Monopoli offers Mediterranean charm. The Amalfi Coast connects postcard-perfect towns like Positano Amalfi and Ravello through well-marked walking paths with accommodations such as the Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel. A TourRadar traveler noted, "The Sicily Self Drive tour is a near-perfect blend of adventure and autonomy with breathtaking landscapes and rich authentic cuisine making for an unforgettable experience."
What's the best time of year for a self-guided tour in South Italy?
South Italy welcomes self-guided tourists from April through October. Taormina and the Amalfi Coast shine brightest in May and June when temperatures hover at 75°F with lighter tourist traffic. Puglia's September climate at 80°F coincides with wine harvest festivities. Early October brings optimal hiking conditions around Sicily's Mount Etna. According to a TourRadar traveler, "The weather in September was perfect for exploring the Amalfi Coast's stunning views and coastal charm."
How reliable is public transportation for self-guided tours in South Italy?
South Italy's public transit system serves travelers well particularly in Campania. Regular train service connects Naples to Sorrento while buses and ferries link Amalfi Coast destinations including Positano Amalfi and Ravello. The Hotel Naples offers convenient access to transit connections. One TourRadar traveler advises: "Be aware that in high season public buses in Amalfi can be very busy therefore arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a self-guided tour in South Italy?
Accommodations range from 3-4 star hotels to family-run B&Bs and distinctive local properties. Visitors can sleep in authentic trullo houses in Alberobello or cave dwellings like Hotel Belvedere in Matera. The NH Catania Centro represents the coastal properties offering sea views. A TourRadar traveler reports, "The accommodations were outstanding on this bike tour. Friendly and comfortable." Properties are selected for their location character and proximity to attractions.
How does luggage transfer work on self-guided tours in South Italy?
Tour operators handle daily luggage transfers between hotels letting travelers walk or cycle with just essentials. One bag per person (max 20kg) moves ahead to the next stop such as from Hotel Villa Angela in Taormina to Hotel Una One in Syracuse. Local services complete transfers before guests arrive at their next accommodation. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The tour was well-organized with seamless luggage transfers."
How far in advance should I book a self-guided tour in South Italy?
Planning should start 4-6 months before travel especially for summer visits from June through September when sought-after spots like the Amalfi Coast fill quickly. Popular hotels including Grand Hotel Oriente in Bari and Hotel Mediterranean in Rome often reach capacity early. Booking data shows successful trips average 144 days between initial inquiry and departure date.