The Best 9-Day Southern Italy Itinerary

Dreaming of sun-soaked coastlines, ancient ruins, and charming hilltop towns? At Civitatis, we’ve curated the ultimate 9-day Southern Italy itinerary. From the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and the unique charm of Bari, we’ll guide you through the region’s most unforgettable destinations. Along the way, you’ll discover the must-see sights, local experiences, and insider tips to make the most of each stop. And if you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days, we’ve included ideas to extend your adventure even further. What more could you ask for?

Know Before You Go

This 9-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time in southern Italy and see as much as possible in just over a week. Of course, feel free to adapt the route to suit your interests, whether that means spending extra time in a favorite destination or skipping a stop that doesn’t appeal to you.

In each section, we’ve included a selection of recommended activities, but with time limitations, you may want to choose just one or two highlights per location.

This itinerary is designed with drivers in mind, as public transport in southern Italy can be limited or time-consuming, especially in rural areas. Plus, having a car gives you more flexibility. Rent a car with Civitatis for a hassle-free experience. That said, you won’t need a rental car right away—you can wait until day 2 or day 3 if you opt for the suggested day trip on day 2.

Top tip: Parking can be tricky in some of the smaller towns along the route. We recommend checking parking options in advance. Many towns have public lots or zones where parking is only allowed at specific times.

Day 1: Arrive in Naples

Welcome to Italy! Naples is one of the best places to start a road trip in southern Italy, thanks to its better connections to other cities. After arriving and settling into the capital of Campania, we recommend spending the day exploring this beautiful city. Did you know that it’s the third-largest city in Italy?

Naples has something for everyone! History buffs will love strolling through the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to check out monuments such as the Santa Chiara complex, Castel Nuovo, the Royal Palace, and the Naples Cathedral.

If it’s your first time visiting the city, why not book a free tour of Naples? It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the top landmarks in just a few hours. Another fun option is hopping aboard a sightseeing bus tour of Naples.

If you’re a soccer fan, you already know about Naples’ connection to the legendary soccer player Diego Maradona. The love that the city still feels for Maradona is palpable. You can see for yourself at the iconic Maradona Mural in the Spanish Quarter. Near the mural, you can dive into the history of the iconic soccer player by grabbing a ticket to the Maradona Museum.

It goes without saying that any trip to Naples will be an exquisite culinary experience. Did you know that pizza originated here? You simply can’t visit Naples without tasting a delicious pizza! We also recommend trying pasta dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole, spaghetti with clams, or a parmigiana di melanzane, a mouthwatering baked dish made of sliced eggplant layered with parmesan and tomato sauce.

If you want to get truly stuck into Italian cuisine, why not take a cooking class? Our top recommendations are this pizza-making class or this handmade pasta workshop—the perfect way to bring these delicious Italian recipes home with you!

After spending your first day exploring the sights (and flavors) of Naples, be sure to rest up for an even bigger day of discovery on day 2!

Day 2: Naples – Pompeii – Sorrento

Buongiorno Principessa! Ready for another day in paradise? We have a lot planned for today, so be sure to get yourself a delicious cornetto and cappuccino for breakfast (before 11 am!) to start the day the Italian way. After spending the morning in Naples, it’s time to hit the road to one of the most famous places in history, Pompeii!

Pompeii

After about a 30-minute drive, you’ll arrive in Pompeii. Visiting this town is a true journey back in time, with much of it preserved due to the volcanic ash that it was buried under after the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

As you walk around the town, you’ll get a unique insight into Roman life as you see temples, thermal baths, houses, theaters, and even artwork like frescoes and mosaics that managed to survive the eruption. You can see all of this and more by booking these tickets to the Pompeii Archeological Site. The ticket also includes an informative audio guide!

If you’re interested in exploring the volcano that caused this infamous eruption, join this Mount Vesuvius tour, in which you can climb to the volcano’s crater!

Sorrento

Having explored the hidden treasures of Pompeii, the next destination on the trip is the picturesque seaside town of Sorrento. You can either grab lunch in Pompeii before embarking on the hour-long drive to Sorrento, or save your appetite to eat in a restaurant with ocean views in Sorrento.

Perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a beloved gem in southern Italy. Steeped in history that stretches back to ancient Roman times, the town boasts a rich cultural legacy. Its historic center, a maze of narrow lanes and hidden nooks, feels like something straight out of a postcard!

Among Sorrento’s top landmarks are the 11th-century Cathedral of Sorrento, a striking example of medieval architecture, and the serene Cloister of San Francesco, known for its elegant interlaced arches. The lively Piazza Tasso, the town’s central hub, is also worth a visit.

To dive into the city, join this street food tour to combine exploring the city with tasting some delicious local specialities. Did you know that Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and is therefore a top producer of limoncello? This limoncello tour is the perfect way to learn all about the production of this delicious liqueur.

For the more adventurous, Sorrento offers plenty of fun water activities along its coastline. If you want to explore the turquoise waters and hidden coves along the coastline, book this kayak tour. Those who prefer to sit back and relax can join this sunset cruise.

In the evening, for a truly unique experience, you could attend a performance by The Three Tenors. This opera concert brings a famous 1994 concert back to life, with live accompaniment by a violin, cello, and piano. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to make sure you get a spot!

Disclaimer: If you would prefer to wait a bit longer to rent a car, you could visit Pompeii and Vesuvius by booking this day trip from Naples. If you choose this option, you’ll return to Naples in the evening to spend the night, and then the following day, you can rent your car and drive to Sorrento and pick up the itinerary from there. Remember, this is your dream trip!

Day 3: Sorrento – Amalfi Coast – Ravello

Welcome to day 3 of your southern Italian adventure! After waking up in Sorrento, take some time to have breakfast and continue exploring the old town, or tick the last few Sorrento highlights off your list. When you’re ready to move on to the next spot, it will be a 35-minute drive to Positano—welcome to the Amalfi Coast!

Made up of 13 towns along the coastline, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its picturesque towns, pristine beaches, and breathtaking views. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places to visit in southern Italy.

Positano

Positano is the perfect first stop along the Amalfi Coast. Tucked into the cliffs along the coastline, this town is as famous for its stunning scenery as it is for its cultural landmarks. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its iconic tiled dome and Black Madonna, is the town’s most recognizable sight.

As you wander through Positano’s maze of narrow streets, you’ll find chic boutiques, artisan shops, and breathtaking coastal views at every turn. If you’d like to relax on one of the beaches, Spiaggia Grande is the town’s main beach, perfect for soaking up the sun and local atmosphere. For a quieter escape, Fornillo Beach offers a more relaxed vibe just a short walk away. If you want to explore the turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast, join us on this boat cruise and snorkeling activity.

At lunchtime, we recommend heading into the old town of Positano to enjoy a delicious meal before continuing to explore the Amalfi Coast. Top tip: to guarantee a good meal for a good price, find a restaurant that locals go to!

Continue your journey another 45 minutes along the coast to the town of Amalfi, where you can admire its striking Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo, sip on a spritz at a panoramic terrace, or take a dip at one of the town’s beaches.

Ravello

From Amalfi, hop back in your car for a 20-minute drive to Ravello. Dating back to the 5th century, this town boasts a rich history and strong cultural heritage. Today, it’s one of the most exclusive destinations to visit in southern Italy.

Two of Ravello’s top sights are the Duomo di Ravello and Villa Rufolo, a villa within the city with unbelievable views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It also has beautiful gardens that you can stroll through. If you happen to visit in summer, you might be lucky enough to visit during the Ravello Festival, an annual celebration of music and the arts. No matter how you spend the evening, be sure to rest up for a big day tomorrow!

Day 4: Ravello – Bari

On the fourth day of this southern Italy itinerary, we’ll leave Campania behind and head to Apulia, specifically to Bari. This day will have the longest drive, 3.5 hours, so we recommend having a hearty breakfast in Ravello before leaving. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s also a good idea to hit the road on the earlier side to avoid the traffic of people going to the beach, and the midday heat!

After settling into your accommodation, take the rest of the day to explore the beautiful city of Bari. The first thing to explore in Bari is its historic center. A labyrinth of narrow, charming streets features numerous architectural and cultural treasures, including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the Norman-Swabian Castle.

Be sure to stroll along the picturesque Strada Arco Basso, which the locals call “Orchiette Street”—this is one of the best places in the world to buy orecchiette pasta! Join this guided walking tour of Bari to discover the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems. Make it more fun by taking a Segway tour!

Foodies will love Bari, with specialities such as the delicious focaccia barese, or dishes like orecchiette con cime di rapa. Be sure to also try taralli and the delicious sporcamuss, a fluffy puff pastry filled with cream. If you don’t know where to start, join this food tour of Bari to taste some delicious local delicacies.

Day 5: Bari – Polignano a Mare – Alberobello – Lecce

Good morning, Bari! On the fifth day of this southern Italy itinerary, you’ll continue exploring the region of Apulia. Once you’re ready to leave Bari behind, hop into the car for the 35-minute spin to Polignano a Mare, a coastal town located along a rocky coastline with striking white buildings sitting atop the limestone cliffs.

Polignano a Mare

Polignano is the perfect spot to enjoy water activities, thanks to its beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. If you want to explore the coastline and admire the cliffs, sea caves, and coves, join this cruise around Polignano a Mare.

Did you know that this town is also a very popular spot for scuba diving? If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at this exciting water sport, why not take part in a beginner’s scuba diving class? If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can explore the old town on this tuk-tuk tour.

Alberobello

Just a 30-minute drive from Polignano a Mare, you’ll find the fascinating town of Alberobello. This small town, whose name literally means “beautiful tree,” is famous for its unique trullo buildings. These small dry stone huts with conical roofs were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. You can admire the trulli for yourself on this guided tour of Alberobello. Make the experience even more special with this guided tour that also includes an apéritif!

In the late afternoon, make the 1.5-hour drive from Alberobello to Lecce, where you can stroll around the old town, enjoy an apéritif at the Piazza Sant’Oronzo, savor a delicious dinner, and settle in for the night.

Day 6: Lecce – Matera

On day 6 of our southern Italy itinerary, you’ll wake up in Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South.” Famous for its stunning Baroque architecture and intricate carvings in golden-hued Lecce stone (a type of limestone), this city is over 2,000 years old!

Lecce

With this private tour of Lecce, you can stroll through the city’s charming streets and see the remains of the city’s ancient Roman Amphitheatre with an exclusive guide. You’ll also admire the ornate facades of the Baroque buildings, such as the Basilica of the Holy Cross and the Lecce Cathedral.

For a fun way to explore the city, we suggest this bike tour, where you’ll pass the city’s iconic landmarks and get to choose between a food tour or a wine tour. Stop by traditional bakeries to sample local delicacies or visit Lecce’s best wineries to taste exquisite wines—all while enjoying the ride!

Matera

Next, it’s time to head to the Basilicata region. After a 2-hour and 15-minute drive, you’ll reach the city of Matera, best known for the Sassi di Matera, two districts (Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano) with ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period. Did you know these districts have been used as filming locations for iconic movies, like Ben-Hur, The Passion of the Christ, and No Time to Die?

You’ll be able to see this World Heritage Site, nicknamed “the underground city,” and more historic landmarks with this walking tour of Matera. Or, if you prefer an exclusive experience with a guide just for you, check out this private tour. If you book this tuk-tuk tour, you’ll see the Matera Cathedral, the city’s tallest building that dominates the skyline, and the Chiesa del Purgatorio (Church of Purgatory). Its eerie facade is decorated with skulls and skeletons! After exploring, you’ll spend the night in Matera to rest up for the next day. Goodnight!

Day 7: Matera – Castelmezzano

Rise and shine! After spending the morning in Matera, admiring the rock-cut architecture and its ancient monasteries and churches, it’s time to set off to our next destination: Castelmezzano. You’ll reach this small but stunning village after driving for about 1 hour and 17 minutes. Considered one of I Borghi più belli d’Italia, “the most beautiful villages of Italy,” Castelmezzano is nestled in the Dolomiti Lucane mountain range in the Basilicata region.

With narrow, winding streets, stone houses built into the mountainside, and ancient archways, the village has a timeless, fairy-tale feel. Here, you can admire the Church of Santo Sepolcro, the Chapel of Madonna dell’Annunziata, as well as the Mother Church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo. At the top of the village, you’ll find ruins of a Norman castle with carved stone steps and breathtaking scenic views.

But that’s not all—Castelmezzano is also a great place for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. The Percorso delle Sette Pietre (Seven Stones Path) is a hike inspired by author Mimmo Sammartino’s book Vito ballava con le streghe, “Vito Danced with the Witches.” This book is based on ancient folktales, and each path includes a space that evokes a scene from the story.

For those looking for adventure, hop on the Volo dell’Angelo or Angel Flight, a high-speed zip line crossing the valley between Castelmezzano and its neighboring village, Pietrapertosa. You’ll enjoy the incredible views at over 1,300 ft (400 m) from the ground at speeds of 70 mph (120 km/h)! After a day of exploring Castelmezzano, spend the night here to prepare for day 8 of our southern Italy itinerary. See you tomorrow!

Day 8: Castelmezzano – Paestum – Naples

After waking up in Castelmezzano, hit the road for approximately 2 hours to get back to the Campania region, specifically Paestum. Founded around 600 B.C. by Greek colonists and later taken over by the Lucanians and the Romans, Paestum is one of Italy’s most remarkable archaeological sites, blending ancient Greek ruins, Roman history, and coastal charm. History buffs, this is your day!

Paestum

While less crowded than Pompeii, Paestum boasts some of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. You’ll find the Temple of Hera I, considered one of the oldest Greek temples in Italy, nicknamed “the Basilica” by archaeologists because they believed it to be a Roman building. Paestum also has the small but elegant Temple of Athena, built in Doric and Ionic style. The most majestic temple is the Temple of Hera II, the best preserved of all Greek temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On this guided tour of the Paestum Archaeological Park, you’ll explore the Greek temples, amphitheater, and other ancient ruins. Plus, you’ll even have the chance to visit the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum, home of the famous painted tombs, among which the Tomb of the Diver stands out.

After diving into Greek and Roman history in this unique site, you can try some of Paestum’s cuisine, such as wine and buffalo mozzarella. The area around Paestum is famous for it! Then, it’s time to embark on a road trip to Naples, where you’ll arrive after 1.5 hours. Since there’s so much to do in this iconic city, you’ll stay here for the night before your trip back home.

Day 9: End Your Trip in Naples

It’s the last day of our southern Italy itinerary! Admire Naples’ Baroque art and architecture by exploring its opulent churches and buildings, and check out the Teatro di San Carlo, one of the oldest and most prestigious opera houses in the world. If you’re interested in archaeology, stop at the National Archaeological Museum. Here, you’ll find classical sculptures, mosaics, and a large collection of frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Did you know it has 2,500 Egyptian artifacts? This museum has one of the largest collections in Italy! For even more ideas on what to do in this historic city, check out our list of the 15 best things to do in Naples!

Capri

Have some extra time before heading home? No worries! The Gulf of Naples also offers easy access to the stunning island of Capri, perfect for you to make the most of your holiday in southern Italy. Known for its natural beauty, glamorous vibe, and Roman history, Capri is one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations. In fact, it’s been a retreat for emperors and celebrities across history—even Beyoncé has vacationed here!

The island has two main towns: the bustling Capri and the quieter and more residential Anacapri, located higher up the island, which you can discover on this day trip to Capri and Anacapri.

Capri is renowned for its natural highlights, like the Faraglioni Rocks, a famous group of three rock formations and a recognizable symbol of the island, and the Gardens of Augustus, beautiful botanical gardens with a rich flora and 180° scenic views. Standing at 1,932 ft (589 m), you’ll find Monte Solaro, whose peak is the highest point of Capri, and where you’ll find a statue of Emperor Augustus, who first landed on Capri.

There are also tons of sea caves for you to explore in Capri. The most popular are the Grotta Verde, known for its emerald-colored water, the Grotta Bianca, named for its white rock formations, and the iconic Blue Grotto. This magical sea cave glows with an otherworldly blue light and is the most famous. Cruise around Capri and marvel at the breathtaking views and natural wonders on this boat tour!

Bonus: Take a Ferry to Sicily

If you have extra time in southern Italy, hopping on a ferry and visiting Sicily is an absolute must! It’s the largest and most populated island in the Mediterranean Sea, where ancient history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant local traditions come together. The island has been a crossroads of civilizations for over 3,000 years, and you’ll see a unique blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European influences. Here are the top Sicilian cities we recommend visiting:

Taormina

One of Sicily’s most elegant and picturesque towns, perched high above the Ionian Sea, is Taormina. The town’s gem is the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a stunning Greek-Roman amphitheater with views of Mount Etna and the sea. Here, you can ride the cable car connecting the upper town and the beach below and stop at the chic boutiques. Explore Taromina on this free tour—although it’s one of the priciest spots in Sicily, it’s well worth visiting!

Palermo

Palermo is Sicily’s vibrant capital, rich in Arab-Norman architecture and home to Italy’s largest opera house, the Teatro Massimo. Visit major landmarks such as the Palatine Chapel, the Palermo Cathedral, the Monreale Cathedral, and the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, an underground burial site with over 8,000 eerily mummified bodies. Palermo is also known for its street food culture and bustling markets, perfect for foodies to indulge in the best local delicacies, like arancini, sfincione, panelle, and more. Find out the top 10 things to do in Palermo here!

Catania

Located on Mount Etna’s slopes, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city and a great base for exploring this famous volcano. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by Etna’s lava flows and earthquakes, which you’ll see with its dark lava-stone Baroque architecture. It’s known for its nightlife, with buzzing bars and a youthful university scene, along with its ancient ruins. Landmarks include the Piazza del Duomo and the Elephant Fountain, the city’s symbol, which you can see with this private tour.

Mount Etna

Sicily’s most important landmark and Europe’s tallest active volcano is Mount Etna, standing at 11,165 ft (3,405 m) high. Hike through the Bove Valley and Mount Etna or, if you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity at one of the most active volcanoes in the world, join this quad bike tour of Mount Etna!

Disclaimer: The ferry journey from Naples to Sicily takes about 8 to 12 hours, so make sure you have plenty of time!

From the vibrant streets of Naples and the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the unique trulli of Alberobello and the ancient cave dwellings of Matera—with a step back in time at Pompeii along the way—you’re bound for an adventure in southern Italy. We hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your journey through this rich and diverse region. Now all that’s left to do is pack your bags and set off! Buon viaggio!