Highlights of the South
What makes this journey special
A journey through the history, culture and dolce vita of Southern Italy, from Lazio and Campania to Calabria and Sicily. Discover ancient archaeological sites, baroque towns, Mediterranean landscapes and the flavours of the South, with highlights including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Paestum and Syracuse. Meet local producers, discover the craft behind traditional buffalo mozzarella in Battipaglia and experience the coast by boat, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and impressive caves. A combination of public and private transport allows for comfortable travel while keeping the journey connected to everyday life and the places along the way. This Best Of version of “The South” brings together selected highlights of the longer journey – ideal for those with less time who would like to experience the essence of Southern Italy.
Next dates
28 September to 6 October 2027
Days
9 days / 8 nights
Journey character
CULTURE
FOOD
NATURE
RELAXATION
ACTIVITY
The journey at a glance
Regions
Sicily, Calabria, Campania, Lazio
Group size
6 to 16 travelers
Travel style
small-group, slow travel, cultural immersion, culinary moments, beaches
Accommodation type
agriturismo, b&b and small hotel
Transport
public & private
Starting point
Tivoli (Rome area)
End point
Catania Airport
The Hidden Moments
- Thousands of years of Mediterranean history, from Greek and Roman heritage to Byzantine, Arab and Baroque influences
- A visit to a local buffalo mozzarella dairy
- A boat trip along the Mediterranean coast, with crystal-clear waters and hidden caves
- A hands-on cooking experience with traditional Southern Italian recipes
- Villa d’Este and its magnificent Renaissance gardens
THE ITINERARY
The journey, day by day
Arrival in Tivoli
Get together & welcome dinner
Accommodation at a b&b in Tivoli
Day overview
After breakfast, discover Tivoli on a walk through its historic centre before visiting the magnificent Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Renaissance gardens and spectacular fountains. Continue towards the coast and enjoy some free time in Sperlonga before arriving in the Gaeta area for dinner and your overnight stay.
Breakfast
Walk in Tivoli and visit of Villa d’Este in Tivoli (UNESCO)
Free time in Sperlonga
Dinner
Accommodation at a b&b in Gaeta area
Day overview
Today brings together Southern Italy’s culinary heritage and ancient history. Visit a buffalo mozzarella dairy to discover how this renowned local speciality is produced before continuing to Paestum. Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological site and its impressive Greek temples before dinner.
Breakfast
Visit buffala mozzarella dairy production
Visit of the archaelogical site of Paestum (UNESCO)
Dinner
Accommodation in b&b in Paestum
Day overview
After breakfast, discover the Cilento coast from the water during a boat tour, with stops to explore its impressive sea caves and hidden coastal landscapes. Continue to Palinuro for a walk through the picturesque coastal town before heading to the agriturismo in Pisciotta for dinner and the evening.
Breakfast
Boat tour and grotto visits along the Cilento coast
Visit of Palinuro
Dinner
Accommodation at agriturismo in Pisciotta
Breakfast
Visit of an agriturismo in Belvedere Marittimo
Wine tasting
Dinner
Accommodation in b&b in Belvedere Marittimo
Breakfast
Walk to Belvedere Marittimo and Marina di Belvedere
Cooking class
Dinner
Accommodation at agriturismo in Scilla
Breakfast
Walk in Taormina
Wine tasting
Accommodation in b&b in Syracuse
Day overview
After breakfast, discover the ancient heritage of Syracuse with a visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Continue with a walk through the historic city, exploring its remarkable layers of history and UNESCO-listed heritage. The afternoon is free to enjoy Syracuse at your own pace before dinner and another night in the city.
Breakfast
Visit of the Archeological Park of Neapolis (UNESCO)
Walk in Syracuse (UNESCO)
Free time in Syracuse
Dinner
Accommodation in b&b in Syracuse
Breakfast
Private transport to Catania Airport
Departure. See you soon!
What’s included
in this journey
In carefully selected agriturismi, b&bs and small
hotels
17 meals
8 breakfasts, 8 dinners, 1 lunch
Personal travel guidance
Small-group support throughout the journey
8 experiences
Guided visits, walks, cultural experiences
3 culinary experiences
Tastings, cooking class, visit to local producers
Transport
Public transport & private transfers throughout he journey
What is not included
- Travel arrangements to/from Italy
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Lunches and services not specified
Download all the information about the journey here
Your The South tour starts here!
Highlights of the South
EUR 1.990,00*
*Price per person in double room.
Single room possible at extra charge of a total of EUR 300,00.
28 September to 6 October 2027
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What our travellers say
”Every journey leaves a story behind. We’re still collecting some of those shared by our travellers — stories of people met, places discovered and flavours remembered. Perhaps yours will be among them.
Good to know, frequently asked
Where does the journey start and end?
The journey begins with an individual arrival in Tivoli (nearby Rome), where the group meets before setting off through Southern Italy. The journey ends at Catania Airport, from where you can continue your journey independently.
What interests does this journey focus on?
This Best Of journey brings together a carefully selected collection of cultural, historical, culinary and scenic highlights from our 14-day journey through Southern Italy. From ancient heritage and historic towns to coastal landscapes, local traditions and culinary experiences, it offers a taste of the many different sides of the South.
How physically demanding is this journey?
This is a moderate-paced journey, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You should be comfortable walking for longer periods, including during town visits, guided walks and cultural experiences. Some historic towns and rural sites include steps, slopes, cobbled streets or uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
How much free time will I have?
The itinerary combines organised experiences with time to enjoy the destinations at your own pace. As this is the shorter version of our 14-day journey, the programme is a little more compact, while still leaving room to wander through historic towns, enjoy seaside villages, stop for a coffee or simply take in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
How will we get around during the journey?
The journey combines public transport with private transfers, depending on the destination and itinerary. This offers a comfortable way to travel while also allowing us to experience Italy as locals do and enjoy the changing landscapes along the way.
What kind of experiences are included?
The journey combines guided visits, historic sites, walks, local encounters, culinary experiences and time by the sea. The programme brings together selected highlights from the longer journey, including cultural heritage, local producers, traditional food, coastal landscapes and experiences that capture the character of Southern Italy.
Is this journey suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome on all our journeys. You can either share a double room or, subject to availability, book a room for single use at the applicable supplement.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We stay in carefully selected agriturismi, b&bs and small hotels, chosen for their character, comfort and location. Especially in rural areas, agriturismi offer an authentic setting and a wonderful opportunity to experience the landscapes and slower rhythm of Southern Italy.
How is the 9-day best of journey different from the 14-day journey?
The 9-day Best Of journey brings together a carefully selected collection of highlights from the full 14-day journey, offering a more compact introduction to Southern Italy. It is ideal for those with less time who still want to experience the region’s history, landscapes, traditions and flavours across several destinations.
SEEN ALONG THE WAY
Memories from past journeys
STORIES AND PEOPLE
Discover the places & stories behind this journey
Seven Generations of Lemon Growing on the Amalfi Coast
Seven Generations of Lemon Growing on the Amalfi Coast
From the Forests of Monferrato to the Table
From the Forests of Monferrato to the Table
Painting Emotions: Art, Colours & the Strength Within
Painting Emotions: Art, Colours & the Strength Within
Espresso stories: Jasmin Dobrovsky
