• Essence of Italy
  • Essence of Italy Itinerary
  • Pompeii Archaeological Site
  • Essence of Italy multiday tour
  • Matera
Escorted multi-day

Essence of Southern Italy - from Pompeii to Apulia in 9 Days

Blending history, natural beauty, and local flavors, this journey tells the unique story of Italy’s South through handpicked, unforgettable experiences.

About this tour:

Duration
9 days
Languages
English
Live tour guide
Our expert guides selected for you
Personalized attention
Experiences designed for your needs
Highlights
  • Authentic flavors of Southern Italy – From a Neapolitan pizza-making class to orecchiette in a masseria, mozzarella demos, and olive oil & limoncello tastings
  • Ancient wonders brought to life – Exclusive Pompeii excavation access, Matera’s cave dwellings, and the dramatic Gravina gorge
  • Scenic coastal icons – The Amalfi Coast with Positano, Ravello, and the Emerald Grotto, plus seaside charm in Polignano a Mare
  • Island adventures – Capri by hydrofoil, the dazzling Blue Grotto, and a vintage cabriolet ride with sea views
  • Unique cultural encounters – Alberobello’s trulli, Baroque Martina Franca, and Ostuni’s White City with its dazzling alleys

Days 1–3: From Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast

Day 1 – Naples Arrival & Authentic Pizza Workshop
 Arrive in Naples and check into your hotel from 2:00 PM. Meet your Tour Leader for a welcome briefing before diving into a hands-on pizza-making class. Learn the secrets of authentic Neapolitan pizza and share a lively dinner with your fellow travelers. Overnight in Naples.

Day 2 – Pompeii’s Secrets & Vesuvius ViewsStep into history with an expert-led visit to Pompeii, including exclusive access to an active excavation site and a refreshing drink inside the ruins. Continue to Il Giardino dei Sensi winery on Mount Vesuvius for a wine tasting and leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, ascend the volcano for sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. Overnight in Sorrento.

Day 3 – Amalfi Coast & Limoncello Bliss
 Travel along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, pausing in Positano to explore its colorful lanes. Sail to the enchanting Emerald Grotto before enjoying a seafood lunch in Amalfi. Visit a traditional limoncello lab for a guided tasting, then conclude the day in Ravello, a hilltop haven of gardens and villas. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento.

Days 4–6: From Capri’s Coastline to Matera and Apulia

Day 4 – Capri Boat Discovery & Vintage Cabriolet Ride
 Board a hydrofoil to the island of Capri and circle the coastline by boat, entering the famed Blue Grotto’s glowing waters (weather permitting). Spend time exploring at your own pace before experiencing the thrill of a vintage cabriolet ride along the island’s winding roads with panoramic sea views. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento.

Day 5 – Mountain Flavors & Sorrento Charm
 Head into the Monti Lattari mountains to visit a traditional cheese producer, where you’ll taste the celebrated Provolone del Monaco alongside local wines. Back in Sorrento, enjoy leisure time to wander the elegant streets before a relaxed limoncello tasting on your hotel’s terrace overlooking the sea. Overnight in Sorrento.

Day 6 – Matera’s Ancient Sassi & Arrival in Apulia
 Travel east to Basilicata and discover Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi cave dwellings on a guided tour. Admire sweeping views over the dramatic Gravina gorge before continuing to Apulia’s Itria Valley, famous for its conical trulli houses. Dinner and overnight in Monopoli.

Days 7–9: Trulli, Baroque Treasures & Ostuni

Day 7 – Trulli Traditions & Adriatic Coast
 Enjoy a guided walk through Alberobello’s iconic trulli village. Visit a family-run cellar for a tasting of Primitivo wine paired with rustic friselle prepared by a welcoming nonna. Learn to make orecchiette pasta in a historic masseria, then continue to Polignano a Mare for free time before a seafood dinner by the Adriatic Sea. Overnight in Monopoli.

Day 8 – Baroque Towns & Apulian Flavors
 Discover Martina Franca’s baroque treasures with a guided visit, then taste its prized Capocollo salami. Watch fresh mozzarella being crafted before heading to Ostuni, the “White City,” for a stroll through dazzling whitewashed streets. Cap the day with a rich olive oil tasting and a festive farewell dinner featuring Apulian specialties. Overnight in Monopoli.

Day 9 – Farewell & Departure
 After breakfast, your journey concludes. Private transfers to the airport or onward destinations are available on request. Arrivederci!

Important Information

Departure dates: 

April 26th, May 24th, June 21st, July 19th, September 20th, October 18th.

Included

Local English speaking Tour Leaders to get the most out of your experience
Accommodation in 4-star hotels
American buffet breakfast throughout the tour•LDC transport by private bus
Tastings, lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary
English Speaking Guide service where specified Pompeii, Matera
Admission fees Pompeii, Emerald Grotto, Blue Grotto, DelMonaco cheese-factory, Home in Grotto in Matera

Excluded

Transfers on arrival to hotel and departure
Drinks over meals unless otherwise specified
•City tax to be paid directly upon check-in at each hotel
Everything not specified among inclusions
Gratuities

Starting from

€5300,00

price per person