Southern Italy's Best

Name: Southern Italy's Best
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.91 (21 reviews)

11 Days / 10 Nights

Rome, Sorrento, Matera, Monopoli

from$4,425 per person

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

Get to know Southern Italy on this private 11-day tour. Start out in Rome, Italy's magnificent capital. Whether it's your first time in the city or your fifth, we can always show you something special. Next, you'll head by high-speed train to Naples where you'll meet your private driver who'll take you to Sorrento with an optional stop in Pompeii or (our favorite) Herculaneum. With three nights in Sorrento you'll have time to visit the area's famous Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. The final stop on this tour is Monopoli in Puglia on the opposite coast. The cross country journey will take you through Matera, 2019's European Capital of Culture, and a bona fide movie star with the release of the James Bond movie, No Time to Die. Monopoli is one of Puglia's loveliest coastal towns but its small size belies the centuries of history of the place. All our itineraries are customized to your needs and the below is a starting point for us to craft together to your exact tastes.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

3 Nights in Rome

3 Nights in Rome

The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Rome

After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

Aperitivo

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you are strolling in the city and it gets to early evening (around 6:30 PM), well, it's time for the "happy hour"! An Italian happy hour is called "aperitivo," and most bars offer it around this time. You can find many different kinds of aperitivo, from buffet to "à la carte", where you pick a drink (usually a glass of white wine or some prosecco) and you'll get something light to eat such as chips, nuts, or slices of pizza with it. The best places where you can go are Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere), Doppiozeroo (Ostiense), and Rec23 (Testaccio - a few steps from Circo Massimo). From June to September, along the river (Lungo Il Tevere), there are many stands and places where you can go right next to the water on the sidewalk.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Rome

Private Rome Golf Cart Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

The Private Rome Golf Cart Tour is designed to allow you to see the city without putting miles on your feet. Enjoy seeing the most important sites and hidden gems in an eco-friendly, comfortable golf cart on this private tour. Your private tour guide will chauffeur you around the Eternal City quickly and efficiently while sharing with you the rich history and exciting stories that have built up Rome. Your Rome Golf Cart Tour is a private tour that allows you to maximize your time in the Eternal City and gives you the opportunity to stop and snap a photo or enjoy a short coffee or gelato break if you wish (not included). Come enjoy a tour mixed with culture, history, and fun!

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 3 hours

Welcome to Rome - Group City Stroll with Gelato Tasting

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Join an intimate Rome walking tour designed to acquaint you with the Eternal City at the outset of your journey. Explore the foremost attractions while savoring a delightful gelato tasting experience. Wander through the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and encounter remnants of Ancient Roman history along this leisurely excursion, limited to just 15 fellow travelers.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Rome

Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This Private Colosseum Tour is a comprehensive visit to the world’s largest amphitheater! This tour will take you back Roman times, 2,000 years ago, when Rome ruled the world. Your experience is enhanced through a virtual reality reconstruction of Ancient Rome, truly giving you a once in a lifetime experience. Your private guide will have LivTours original VR cardboard glasses ready for you, so you can see what Rome looked like two millennia ago. And, you can continue enjoying your glasses after the tour – they are yours to keep! One of the best ways to tour a city is with a local, at your own pace and your expert guide will be happy to tailor your tour to your tastes. Plus, you will enjoy priority access to the Colosseum, maximizing your time in Rome. A private Colosseum tour is a great way to navigate this historic monument, so you can enjoy discovering the history and stories behind the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome. This is an excellent tour if you want to maximize your time in the Eternal City.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Gourmet Experiences

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

There's no better way to explore Italian cuisine than by taking gourmet tours, which will give you a deep cultural experience. You can learn how to make gelato and tiramisu, enjoy a luxury gourmet dinner with a wine tasting in a private cellar, or be part of a small group food crawl. Choose any of these experiences, and we guarantee you'll want more.

Guided Group Wine & Food Pairing Dinner Near the Pantheon

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

This 2.5-hour tour and degustation is perfect for foodies. You'll start with an aperitif as you soak up the atmosphere. Then you'll head for dinner, enjoying sumptuous Roman specialties while you get the special treatment from the owners of the restaurant. We can't think of a better way to enjoy a Roman dinner!

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Small Group Food Tour - Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Food lovers, here's your chance to experience Rome’s enchanting squares and neighborhoods while tasting your way through some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and markets, discovering the secrets of Italian cuisine. Meet your friendly, local expert food connoisseur in the city center, and get ready to stroll through a number of neighborhoods to visit the most famous food markets, groceries, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Taste some of the delicious food and wines the city is famous for, including pizza bianca, mortadella, gelato, and supplì. From fried artichokes or zucchini flowers in the Jewish ghetto to spices and vegetables in Campo de Fiori, you'll ignite your senses and burn some calories while you enjoy walking amongst the beauty around you.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Sorrento by Train

Today you're off to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The fastest and most economical way to get there is to take a 1-hour train from Rome to Naples and then have our driver pick you up from the train station to take you directly to your accommodations in Sorrento. We've included standard class tickets in your package but an upgrade to a higher class is possible for an extra fee. The whole journey should take approximately 2 hours.

You can upgrade your transfer

Sorrento by Private Transfer with a Stop in Pompeii

Upgrade for an additional cost

We also offer the following excursions in Rome

Cooking Class in the Jewish District Group Tour

Easy2.5 hours

Crypts, Bones and Catacombs - Rome Group Walking Tour

Light3 to 3 hours 30 minutes

E-bike Along the Appian Way Private Tour

Moderate3 hours

Early Entrance Small Group Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour with Special Arena Access

Light3 hours

3 Nights in Sorrento

3 Nights in Sorrento

The genteel resort town of Sorrento on the southern end of the Bay of Naples is clearly designed for comfort. Complete with a solid portfolio of three to five star hotels, plenty of restaurants and gelaterias it's a typical slice of the Italian riviera. It makes for an easily accessible and affordable base for boat trips to Capri, a visit to Naples, Pompeii and Vesuvius or a jaunt to the other side of the Sorrentine peninsula to the Amalfi Coast. In Sorrento itself you'll enjoy all the advantages of a small town with a sizeable year-round population and a cosy Centro Storico packed with bars, antique shops, churches and grand old palazzos.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Sorrento

Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation in Sorrento.

Sorrento Chill

Suggestion to explore on your own

You've made it to the Amalfi Coast! Once you're comfortably settled, head out of your accommodations and enjoy Sorrento's Mediterranean charm. A nice stroll along the main promenade or Marina is a perfect way to stretch your legs and enjoy the spectacular views. Follow that by relaxing with an Italian-style aperitif at one of the numerous bars, sample some locally-produced limoncello in one of the shops, or go to one of our favorite restaurants for a nice dinner. Or you can even do all of the above! No matter what you decide to do, we're sure you'll instantly fall in love with this angle of paradise.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Sorrento

Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip from Sorrento

Included in your vacation package price.

Don't miss the opportunity to go touring the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. We can arrange for an experienced English-speaking driver to pick you up in the morning and remain at your disposal for the whole day, so you can explore at your own pace and really make the most of your time on the Italian Riviera. This is an eight-hour tour, so you'll have plenty of time to explore, and your driver knows just where to go. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, and don't forget your camera!

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 8 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Sorrento

Soak up the Capri Sun

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

There are several ferries a day to and from the island of Capri, making this an easy self-guided day trip. Once you arrive at Marina Grande you could hop in an open-top taxi or take the funicular to visit the town of Capri for some shopping. The quieter town of Anacapri is more suitable if you're looking for a laid-back kind of place. From both spots you'll be able to admire the views over the island and over the Bay of Naples. Another popular option is to take a boat to the island's most famous sight, the Blue Grotto.

One great way to enjoy both the island and the water is a boat trip. This is available as a group tour on the ferry or as a private tour.

Capri & Anacapri Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the best of the beautiful island of Capri. Meet your guide and group in Marina Piccola in Sorrento and depart for a pleasant boat ride to Capri. During the crossing, the breathtaking sight of the Sorrento Coast will unfold before your eyes. When you land in Capri you'll hop aboard a minibus for a guided tour of the island. You'll stop at Anacapri to visit the Villa St. Michele, built by the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe on the remains of Roman ruins. The area offers a wonderful view of the island from its beautiful shady garden. Next you'll go from Anacapri to Capri by private minibus. After lunch you can visit the Garden of Augustus, which has a wonderful view of the famous “Faraglioni.” The main square here, Piazza Umberto I, has a pretty white church and several open-air cafes where you can sit and watch the world drift by. You'll have plenty of free time for shopping in the elegant and exclusive island boutiques before heading back to your accommodation.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 8 hours

Private Day Trip to Capri from Sorrento

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Don't miss opportunity to embark on an eight-hour excursion from Sorrento to Capri. You'll see amazing coastlines and natural beauties and you'll also get plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and don't forget your camera!

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 7 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Monopoli by Private Transfer, via Matera

Today, our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Sorrento and take you directly to Matera. The journey takes about 4 hours, but could be longer depending on the traffic in the area. Along the way, for an extra fee, you might consider a detour to visit the splendid Greek temples of Paestum and sample the world-famous buffalo mozzarella by a local producer. Our local staff in the region will provide more information if you are interested.

We also offer the following excursions in Sorrento

Capri and Positano Small Group Boat Tour

Light7 hours

Capri by Night Private Tour from Sorrento

Light6 hours

Cook Like a Local with a Sea View Group Cooking Class

Easy3 hours 30 minutes

Farm Experience with Tastings, Pizza Making and Limoncello Group Tour

Moderate4 hours 30 minutes

Day Stop in Matera

Day Stop in Matera

A striking, unique sight, legend has it that Matera was once known as “Meteoron,” since its slopes pockmarked with caves resembled a meteor shower. While Matera has a more modern section, its draw is the Sassi which is likely one of the oldest continually inhabited places on earth. Sassi is a must-see, honeycombed with homes carved directly into the rock, widening ancient caves over the millennia. This rock-hewn district has barely a tree in sight, though it does have a cathedral looming above everything. The caves are thought to have been constantly used as homes for 3-9,000 years. As the locals say, "man came here and never left." Once seen as the poorest part of Italy, the caves were emptied out and modernized, so that all cave accommodations are completely modern. The caves aren’t the only reason Matera was named the 2019 European Capital of Culture alongside Plovdiv in Bulgaria. The town is known for its unique dishes, which use fresh, local ingredients, such as flowers that grow in the valley below, or a unique slow-baked bread that stays fresh for a week. The university and conservatory mean there are ample events to attend, as does the nearly year-long jazz festival, and the festival devoted to women’s fiction. The town’s famed ceramic rooster whistles make for great souvenirs. Many caves were used for churches since the earliest days of Christianity, and now serve as ancient Jerusalem in films such as "The Passion of the Christ" or the recent "Ben-Hur" remake, although you can also spot the town in "Wonder Woman," "No Time to Die," and many Italian classics.

Day 7 - Day Stop in Matera

Your driver will bring you to Matera's city center, where you will meet your guide for a walking tour. At the end of the tour, your driver will meet you again to continue to your final destination.

Matera Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover Matera's beauty, and hidden spots only known to locals, like your licensed guide. On this tour, you'll explore both famous Barisano and Caveoso districts along with one of the most beautiful Rock Churches with frescoes and one of the old cave-dwellings/Museum of Peasant Culture, but also some more hidden places, which are no less stunning.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 2 hours

Today our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Matera and take you to Monopoli. The journey takes around one and a half hours. Along the way, for an extra fee, we can arrange a stop to visit Altamura, a historic town famous for its centuries-old bakeries, or in Alberobello to see the famous trulli.

4 Nights in Monopoli

4 Nights in Monopoli

The heel of the Italy's boot, Puglia has long been off most foreign travelers' radar, but not so for the Italians. This is where they love to go on their own vacations, particularly in summer, because the food down here is just that good. In Puglia you'll find a distinctly Mediterranean approach to life, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic and some fantastic food and wine with cuisine changing almost every few miles. One of our favorite spots on the coast is the small town of Monopoli. The whitewashed and white stone buildings of the old town and the marble-smooth limestone paving have a relaxing effect. Monopoli is popular with Italian vacationers too, but the fact that almost everyone's speaking Italian adds to that "for-locals" feeling. All the bounty of the sea is on menus around the old town, but we'll share the best places with you. You're ideally placed here for day trips either along the coast or inland to some of Puglia's small hilltop towns, the trulli of Alberobello, or the caves of Castellana Grotte.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Monopoli

Monopoli's Old Town is mostly pedestrian and access for cars is restricted. Your driver will bring you as close as technically possible to the accommodation. The hotel will arrange a pick-up by their courtesy vehicle directly at your parking spot, and will help you with luggage.

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Monopoli

Small Town, Long Story

Included in your vacation package price.

At first glance Monopoli might seem like a run-of-the-mill quaint fishing village but dig beneath the surface (literally) on a walking tour with a Monopoli native and you'll discover that there's more to this city than meets the eye. Given the labyrinthine nature of the narrow streets in the town you'll also find it a helpful way to get oriented and avoid getting lost later on! The tour concludes with a visit to a shop specializing in Apulian products for a tasting of typical foods of the area.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 Hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Monopoli

Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Private Excursion

Included in your vacation package price.

Don't miss the highlights and gems of northern Puglia, explore them with a private driving tour! Your English-speaking driver will bring you to the UNESCO world heritage site of Alberobello with its gorgeous, world-famous Trulli, together with the countryside, and the seaside wonders of Polignano a Mare, one of Puglia's most famous spots for swimming. This is an eight hour tour, so you will have plenty of time to not just discover the two towns, but also relax and swim!

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 8 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Your Third Full Day in Monopoli

Lecce Half-Day Private Tour from Monopoli

Lecce and Ostuni Private Excursion

Included in your vacation package price.

Enjoy this private driving tour as you discover Lecce, Puglia's second biggest city, with over 2,000 years of history. The past here is on full display, from the ancient Greeks to Baroque churches, and Ostuni, the white city, named for the color of its houses and buildings, all built in a maze of streets and alleys that you're sure to enjoy. The tour will allow you to learn more about the history of the heel of Italy and to discover some of the beauties that attract fellow visitors.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 4 hours

Day 11

Day 11 - Departure Day

Today our driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Bari Airport. The journey will take about 1 hour.

We also offer the following excursions in Monopoli

Castel del Monte and Altamura Private Excursion

Light8 hours

Farms, Olive Trees, and Grotto Churches Group Bike Tour

Strenuous5 hours

Manduria Noble Wines and Heavenly Beaches Private Tour

Light8 hours

Private Day Trip to Matera from Monopoli

Moderate8 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Rome

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfer

Private Rome Golf Cart Tour

Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour

Rome Train Station Transfer

Rome - Naples Standard Class Train Ticket

Naples - Sorrento Private Transfer

Sorrento

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip from Sorrento

Sorrento - Matera Private Transfer

Matera

Matera Private Walking Tour

Matera - Monopoli Private Transfer

Monopoli

4 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Monopoli Private Walking Tour

Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Private Excursion

Lecce and Ostuni Private Excursion

Monopoli - Bari Airport Private Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Kevin & Janet

North Carolina

Helped us in every way possible in planning and executing our hoped for trip of a lifetime to Italy for 2 weeks.

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento
Rating :

5 / 5

David, Debra, Robert & Catherine

Indiana

JayWay is professional & kind, extremely helpful, & upfront & honest when asked about cities & activities. We are extremely satisfied & highly recommend Jayway!

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento
Rating :

5 / 5

Maria, Michael, Erika, Nicole & Jake

New York

If you want to have an amazing vacation without all the stress that goes into the planning and worries of something going wrong and having no recourse you need JayWay Travel! JayWay truly listened to everything my family wanted in our vacation and delivered a beautiful and memorable experience!

Year : 2024
Visited : France, Italy
Itinerary : Paris, Florence, Venice, Monopoli, Otranto, Rome
Rating :

5 / 5

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