Spectacular Southern Italy

10 Days / 9 Nights

Sorrento, Monopoli, Lecce, Naples

from$3,375 per person

Average Guest Rating 5.0 / 5

Few places can be as seductive as Southern Italy and this carefully crafted 10-day itinerary is your ticket to exploring some of the area's best-kept secrets. Start your quest for Southern Italy's sunniest nooks in Sorrento, this lemon-scented land that can take your breath away with its picture-perfect landscapes and dolce vita vibes before you continue to the utterly picturesque town of Monopoli with its iconic blue fishing boats. While there, you'll walk among olive groves in Puglia's stunning countryside and indulge in a sailing trip to the captivating Polignano a Mare. Your journey continues to Lecce, this Baroque dream of a city, often considered Italy's Florence of the South. After a brief stop in Naples, fly back home with all those memories that will make you vow to return to Europe before too long.
One of our team members in Italy 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 this country has to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

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 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Sorrento

Upon landing at the Naples Airport, our driver will pick you up and take you directly to your accommodation in Sorrento. The drive should take about 1 hour.

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 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Sorrento

Group Boat Excursion to Capri

Included in your vacation package price.

Experience the beauty of Capri on a full-day excursion starting from the Sorrento port. Sail along the picturesque Sorrento coastline and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Green Cave, the White Cave, and Faraglioni Rocks. Enjoy stops for refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters and explore Capri and Anacapri during four hours of free time, discovering charming spots like Piazza Umberto I. Conclude your unforgettable journey with a return to the Sorrento port, having savored the essence of "la bella vita".

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 7-8 hours

Indulge alla Sorrentino

Suggestion to explore on your own

Even though limoncello is the most famous product in this area, there are many other foods and specialties to try in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Some of the most famous are Provolone del Monaco di Sorrento, a sort of semi-hard cow's milk cheese that has a smooth texture and mild smoky flavor, which goes great with local wine. The tomatoes here are also very special. There are many different varieties, and each is rich in flavor. They all taste excellent when they are sliced thick and topped with extra virgin olive oil, basil, and a dash of salt for a perfect bruschetta. Of course, the list wouldn't be complete without mozzarella! There are many places to try this famous cheese, but our favorite is the Caseificio Apreda Francesco, a traditional producer with many delicious varieties.

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Sorrento

Pompeii Private Day Trip with Cooking Class and Wine Tasting on Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento

Roman Ruins and Wine

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

The Campania region's must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites are Pompeii and Herculaneum. Visit Mt. Vesuvius and the famed ruins of Pompeii, buried by its most infamous eruption. Volcanic soil is extremely fertile, a fact taken advantage of by farmers for eons, so enjoy the fruits of their labors with a cooking class at a vineyard, complete with delicious wines made with local grapes. Once you've learned how to make traditional recipes and gotten to enjoy the meal you prepared, you'll be ready to enjoy the wonder of Pompeii itself with first-hand insight into its tragic ending thanks to its well-preserved ruins.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 8 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Monopoli by Private Transfer

Today our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Sorrento and take you to Monopoli in Puglia. The journey takes about 5 hours along the main highway. For an additional fee, we can arrange a stop in Matera on the way.

We also offer the following excursions in Sorrento

Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip from Sorrento

Moderate8 hours

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

3 Nights in Monopoli

3 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 4

Day 4 - 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.

People Watching in the Main Square

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you are here for the first time and have already explored the historic center a little bit, or you have a walking tour planned for the day after, then there is nothing left to do other than sit in the main square, enjoy a nice, refreshing glass of white wine and some pizza, and do some people watching (an all-time favorite activity for people in the South of Italy!). The very best place to engage in this is Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. It's a gorgeous square, but the best part is that it really comes alive after 5:00 PM when locals go to enjoy a nice aperitivo. And you know what they say, right? When in Rome…

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Monopoli

Farms, Olive Trees, and Grotto Churches Group Bike Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Get to know the real Apulia on this half-day biking excursion. You'll set off from Old Town and there will be several stops along the way: First at Porto Ghiacciolo, a picturesque beach near the Saint Stephan castle, then at an old grotto church and fascinating oil mill excavated inside the rock. Before going back to Monopoli, you'll visit an authentic Apulian farm and taste some typical regional products. It's a refreshing way to end your day of exploration through this beautiful region.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 5 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Monopoli

Manduria Noble Wines and Heavenly Beaches Private Tour

Manduria: Noble Wines and Paradisiacal Beaches

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

After breakfast, we suggest you leave Monopoli and head towards Manduria, which is famous for its world-class Primitivo and rosé wines. You can discover the history, tradition, and flavor of this nectar while visiting the Consorzio Produttori and its folk museum, with a guided tasting by a local sommelier and a light lunch. In the afternoon, relax on the gorgeous white sandy beaches nearby, which are part of a protected natural area. We also offer the option to explore both as a private tour.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 8 hours

Sunset Sailing at Polignano a Mare

Suggestion to explore on your own

Polignano a Mare, a scenic coastal village just up the coast from Monopoli, is perched atop a rocky outcrop, offering spectacular photo opportunities. An ideal spot to admire a romantic view over the sea while sipping a refreshing aperitivo, this village can also be reached by boat from Monopoli so that you can admire the picturesque marine caves nearby. One of the best ways to explore and enjoy this wonderful marine area is on a boat ride. We offer opportunities to take boat rides, so be sure to contact your Destination Expert for more details and book a tour.

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Lecce by Private Transfer

Today you're heading to the heart of Puglia, the beautiful baroque town of Lecce. Our driver will meet you at the accommodation and to make your journey more than just a transfer, you'll have a stop in Alberobello on your way. This quaint little town is known for its unique Trulli, dwellings with conical rooftops marked by rune-like signs, a perfect place for an exploration break. After 2 hours of discovering Alberobello, you'll continue your drive to Lecce. The total duration of the journey is about 4 hours. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer.

Lecce by Private Transfer with a stop at Alberobello

We also offer the following excursions in Monopoli

Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Private Excursion

Light8 hours

Castel del Monte and Altamura Private Excursion

Light8 hours

Lecce Half-Day Private Tour from Monopoli

Light4 hours

Monopoli Private Walking Tour

Light2 Hours

2 Nights in Lecce

2 Nights in Lecce

Lecce is the most important town on the Salentine peninsula, the very heel of Italy. The town's rich history, stretching back to the times of the ancient Greeks, is what makes it so interesting.. The centerpiece of the old town is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater which was only rediscovered in the early 1900s during construction work, and it is still half buried; however, the exposed part is now used for concerts. Much of Lecce's historical center's architecture dates from the Baroque period and has earned the city the nickname 'Florence of the South'. These beauties stand in stark contrast to some of the Fascist buildings erected during Mussolini's reign.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Lecce

Your driver will bring you directly at your hotel in the city center of Lecce.

Romantic Evening - The Most Beautiful Rooftop in Lecce

Suggestion to explore on your own

Sira is the place of sunsets and summer nights, the place where time is still and gives way to awe and wonder. Sira is pure emotions. The most evocative terrace in Lecce, with an amazing view of Santa Croce church, welcomes you when the sun goes down during the beautiful season to offer you a peerless moment, simply unforgettable.

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Lecce

Lecce Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Get to know the charming town of Lecce with your local guide. Splendid historic and artistic attractions of the center of Lecce await, spanning through over 2000 years of glorious history and with a spectacular scenic effect. An experienced guide will show you the main attractions of the Roman and Baroque times.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Relax on the Beach at Santa Maria al Bagno

Suggestion to explore on your own

After exploring Lecce's historic gems, you might want to join the locals and head to the nearby Santa Maria al Bagno, a small fishing village known for its unspoiled beaches. The seafront is compact, fronted by old townhouses which double as waterfront cafes. Here you can pick up an Africano (espresso with Disaronno, fizzy water and ice) and spend the afternoon on the lovely beach. Then, as the sun begins to set, head south a few miles towards Lido Conchiglie and one of the fish restaurants on the water's edge. Santa Maria al Bagno also hosts the small Museum of Memory and Hospitality to remember the times when survivors of the Shoah were sent here to recover before the birth of Israel.

Relax on the Beach at Santa Maria al Bagno

Day 9

Day 9 - Traveling to Naples by Private Transfer

Say goodbye to Puglia and hello to Italy's pizza capital, for today you're traveling to Naples! Our driver will meet you at your accommodation and transport you in door-to-door comfort to the other side of the country. To break up the journey, you'll make a 2 hour stop at Matera in the Basilicata region. This unique UNESCO-listed cave town is perfect for exploring and a brief lunch break. After the stop, you'll be back on the road to Naples. The total duration of the journey is about seven hours. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer.

We also offer the following excursions in Lecce

Gallipoli and Otranto Private Tour

Light8 hours

Half-Day Group Cycling Tour of Lecce and its Countryside

Moderate4 hours

1 Night in Naples

1 Night in Naples

To call Naples rough around the edges would be quite the understatement. Yet amidst the chaos and beneath the grime is one of Italy's true gems. It's the third-largest city in the country, home to over three million people. An important port city for all the civilizations that have existed there, Naples is the original melting pot. Founded as Neapolis (literally "new city") by the Greeks in the 7th century B.C., Naples has many layers of history for you to discover.

Day 9

Day 9 - Arrival in Naples

Upon reaching Naples your driver will drop you directly at your accommodation in the center of the city.

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

A driver will pick you up at your Naples accommodation and drop you off at Naples International Airport for your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Naples

Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour

Moderate9 hours

Authentic Pizza Making Group Class with Aperitif

Easy2 hours

Half Day Small Group Tour of Pompeii

Light4 hours

Half-day Private Excursion to Caserta from Naples

Light5 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.

Sorrento

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Naples Airport - Sorrento Private Transfer

Group Boat Excursion to Capri

Sorrento - Monopoli Private Transfer

Monopoli

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Farms, Olive Trees, and Grotto Churches Group Bike Tour

Monopoli - Lecce Private Transfer with a 2 hours Stop in Alberobello

Lecce

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Lecce Private Walking Tour

Lecce - Naples Private Transfer with 2 hours Stop in Matera

Naples

1 Night Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Naples Airport 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

5.0 / 5

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

Peter, Carol, Patty, Guy, Alice, Craig, Mark & Sara

California

A wonderful experience...great planning and perfect execution. Our personal host Daniele made sure that everything happened according to plan. We would certainly consider another trip with him and Jay Way Travel.

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Naples, Sorrento, Naples, Catania, Siracusa, Taormina, Palermo
Rating :

5 / 5

Mark & Karen

New York

Using JayWay can turn your travel dreams and wishes into reality all the while providing a level of great care and attention to detail. They listen to your every word and customize the perfect trip for you.

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy, Croatia
Itinerary : Bari, Monopoli, Lecce, Bari, Dubrovnik, Split
Rating :

5 / 5

Anne & Ronald

Highly recommend JayWay. Very professional and patient. I kept adding and deleting and I also had a lot of questions. They always made me feel like that was ok! Every detail of our trip was so well taken care of. Never had a doubt of what was going to happen the next day. Absolute perfection!

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Rome, Florence, Castellina in Chianti, Florence, Naples, Sorrento, Naples, Siracusa, Rome
Rating :

5 / 5

Get an Instant Price Estimate

Choose the month of travel, how many travelers and what star level accommodation you'd like to stay in, then get an instant price estimate.

Once you’ve done that you can request a tailor-made itinerary based on this by entering just a few more details.

Per Person Package Price from^*

Sending ...

Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in taking a trip based on this itinerary. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to start tailoring it precisely to your preferences.

Ooops!?

Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.