The Hidden Gems of Southern Italy in 10 Days

In the first days of your trip spend some time in Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and various other Amalfi Coast towns. For here, visit Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. You may not have heard of these towns before, but they are the most memorable places you will visit on this tour. Brave people will enjoy doing the zip line from one town to the other. From Castelmezzano, I recommend you travel to scenographic Matera and head to Alberobello, a city in Puglia that seems like being in the pages of a fantasy novel. 

This is a travel tip for a 10 days journey. 

The places to be in this itinerary are: 

Amalfi Coast 

Capri

Sorrento 

Pompeii 

Paestum 

Castelmezzano 

Matera 

Alberobello 

Polignano a Mare 

About this itinerary: 

This trip can be done all year, but the best time is in May, June, September and October, because simply the weather is great and there are not so many crowds. 

During summer all is very crowded and seaside is full of tourist, also hotels and rental cars are more expensive. You also will face delays when traveling to Amalfi Coast. 

From late fall to early spring expect rain and cloudy skies. Be prepared and take an umbrella with you. Also it is important to note that many restaurants and hotels may be closed during this time of the year. 

For this kind of trip you have to rent a car, since public transport is limited in this part of Italy and it can be really challenging to get around in Basilicata and Puglia. 

 The starting point is in Rome or Naples and the tour ends in Bari. 

Day 1 in Southern Italy 

You can start from Napoli International Airport. From there, many ways are possible to reach Amalfi Coast. You can drive, hire a driver to get to your hotel, take the ferry or Campania Express Circumvesuviana Train to Sorrento. Begin your journey at Napoli International Airport.

Various transportation options are available to reach the Amalfi Coast, including driving, hiring a driver, taking a ferry, or using the Campania Express Circumvesuviana Train to Sorrento.

Day 2 - Pompeii and Sorrento 

Visit in the morning the beautiful city of Pompeii, with a stunning archeological aerea. In 79 AD, the city was buried in ash thank to the eruption of Mt.Vesuvius. The city was many centuries later excavated and now is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It takes from 2 to 4 hours visiting, you can walk around your own, but only with a guide (book or person), otherwise you can’t understand much of it. In the afternoon I recommend visiting Sorrento. The top experiences to do there are spending time at them beach, shopping, tasting limoncello and having dinner. Explore the ancient city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its history.

In the afternoon, visit Sorrento for beach time, shopping, tasting limoncello, and dining.

Day 3- Amalfi Coast Day trip 

You have a day to visit Amalfi Coast. I suggest heading to Ravello and Amalfi to visit those towns and the historical center. 

Driving in Amalfi Coast is amazing but in summer this could be an awful experience since there are many tourists and the roads are packed. It is way better to take the ferry boats so you see the cities from the sea taking a small boat tour for groups. For budget travelers the bus is the most economical option. Spend the day exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast, including the towns of Ravello and Amalfi.

Consider taking ferry boats to enjoy scenic views from the sea or using the budget-friendly bus option.

Day 4- Capri 

Capri is easily reachable from Sorrento and Positano by ferry. The best activities to do in Capri are visiting the Blue Grotto and riding the lift chair up to Monte Solaro. Take a ferry from Sorrento or Positano to Capri.

Explore the Blue Grotto and ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro for stunning views.

Day 5- Paestum and Castelmezzano 

Today you are driving to Basilicata and you have the option to add the visit to Paestum, an important archaeological site in Italy. The site is home to three Ancient Greek temples dating back to 450 BC, this Unesco Site is one of the most popular places in Italy. The main attraction are Temple of Neptune, Temple of Hera and Roman Forum. 

In the afternoon visit Castelmezzano, check in at the hotel and just stroll around the town, it does not take a long walk from one side to the other one. Drive to Basilicata and visit the archaeological site of Paestum with its Ancient Greek temples.

In the afternoon, explore the charming village of Castelmezzano.

Day 6- Castelmezzano, Pietrapertosa and Matera

Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are two small villages that sit side by side in Basilicata, Italy. From these small towns, takes one hour and fifteen minutes to drive to Matera (85 km). Check into your hotel, spend the evening walking through Matera’s picturesque streets and have dinner at a restaurant in Matera. Explore Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, two picturesque villages in Basilicata.

Drive to Matera, a UNESCO-listed city known for its unique cave dwellings and architecture.

Day 7 - Matera 

You have one full day to explore Matera. In the morning you can see Murgia Materana Park. You hike across the ravine and explore the caves and churches. You will have the best views of Matera from this park. After a short hike, visit the Rock Church (Sant Mary of Idris). In the afternoon, visit a cave house, explore the streets of Matera, visit Matera Cathedral. Spend a full day exploring Matera, including Murgia Materana Park, the Rock Church (Sant Mary of Idris), and the city's cave houses and streets.

Day 8 - Alberobello

In the morning, drive to Alberobello, over one hour driving. 

Alberobello is very known for Trulli, typical round houses made in white stone with conical rooftops. Drive to Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses with conical rooftops.

Day 9- Puglia Day Trip

Today you are going to visit towns near Alberobello. The towns in Puglia are relatively small so it is possible to visit two or three on a single day trip. 

Polignano a Mare famous from beaches, coastal cliffs and sea caves, so you can enjoy a boat tour to visit, spend some time on a beach and dine in a cave. 

Then you recommend visiting Monopoli and Locorotondo, near Alberobello, these make a fantastic day trip from Alberobello. 

Firstly, start at Locorotondo, just a 15-minute driving from Alberobello, and spend an hour strolling through the streets of this small, white town. 

Then, 30 minutes away there is Ostuni. Explore at midday this really nice town. It is a great place to have lunch and do little shopping.

On the drive back to Alberobello, make a pause at Cisternino to walk the streets here. Sleep in Alberobello. Explore nearby towns in Puglia, starting with Polignano a Mare for its beaches and sea caves.

Continue to Monopoli, Locorotondo, and Ostuni for a day of sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

Day 10- Fly Home 

Today you will fly home. Take an airplane to Naples or Rome from Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari. Fly from Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari to your home destination.

Travel Tips:

The best times to visit Southern Italy are May, June, September, and October to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.

Summers can be crowded and expensive, so plan accordingly.

Late fall to early spring may have rain and fewer open businesses.

Renting a car is recommended for easier exploration of this region.

The tour starts in Rome or Naples and ends in Bari.

This itinerary offers a well-rounded exploration of Southern Italy, from the stunning coastline of Amalfi to the historic sites of Pompeii and Matera, as well as the charming villages of Basilicata and Puglia. Travelers can experience the region's rich history, culture, and natural beauty over 10 memorable days.