Self-drive journey captures the very best of Southern Italy and Sicily, linking famous coastlines, active volcanoes, and years of history. Start in Naples, and drive along the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, explore ancient Pompeii, and cross into Apulia to discover the stone cave city of Matera, the fairytale trulli of Alberobello, and the Baroque streets of Lecce. Continue down through Calabria, a short ferry trip takes you across to Sicily. Experience Mount Etna, the coastal elegance of Taormina, classical ruins in Syracuse and Agrigento, and the vibrant culture of Palermo. Ultimate southern road trip combining freedom on the open road with world-class sights, coastal views, and rich gastronomy.
Highlights
-
Itinerary - click for more
Day 1: Naples to Sorrento Arrive at Naples airport or train station, pick up your rental car, and take the drive down to Sorrento. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, exploring the coastal town on your own, and settling into your hotel.
Day 2: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello (50 km) Take a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, stopping first in Positano to wander its vertical alleys, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and sample local limoncello or pizza. Continue along the coast to Amalfi to see its historic alleys and Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, then head up to the clifftop town of Ravello to visit Piazza Vescovado and the gardens of Villa Rufolo before returning to Sorrento.
Day 3: Capri Take a ferry across the Bay of Naples to Capri for an island cruise featuring views of the Faraglioni rocks, the Natural Arch, the Punta Carena Lighthouse, and coastal sea grottos. Disembark at Marina Grande to enjoy several hours of free time exploring the island on foot before returning to Sorrento for the night.
Day 4: Pompeii & Paestum (206 km) Drive inland to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, walking along its Roman streets, forums, thermal baths, and preserved frescoed villas. In the afternoon, continue south to Paestum to tour its ancient Greek temples and National Archaeological Museum before returning to your hotel.
Day 5: Matera to Taranto Area (325 km) Depart Campania and drive through the hilly landscapes of Basilicata to reach Matera, one of the world’s oldest cities. Walk through the historic Sassi cave dwellings and take in panoramic views of the city before continuing east into Apulia to check into your hotel in the Taranto area.
Day 6: Ostuni & Alberobello (136 km) Explore the Itria Valley with a morning visit to Ostuni, wandering through its whitewashed old town and stairways leading up to the 15th-century cathedral. Drive past countryside farmhouses to Alberobello to view the UNESCO-listed conical trulli houses and enjoy scenic lookouts over the town before heading back to Taranto.
Day 7: Lecce & Gallipoli (250 km) Drive into the Salento region to visit Lecce, admiring its Baroque landmarks like the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Duomo, and the Roman Amphitheater. In the afternoon, head to the island town of Gallipoli to stroll past white-washed alleys, 16th-century walls, and the ancient Greek Fountain before returning to Taranto.
Day 8: Bari & Polignano a Mare (210 km) Head north to Bari to explore the old town’s narrow alleys, visiting the Basilica di San Nicola, the Swabian Castle, and the historic port. Continue to Polignano a Mare to stroll its cliffside historic center and take in views of Lama Monachile beach and coastal caves before returning to the hotel.
Day 9: Calabria, Tropea & Crossing to Sicily (416 km) Drive south through Calabria with a scenic stopover in the coastal town of Tropea. Continue to Villa San Giovanni, board the vehicle ferry across the Strait of Messina to Sicily, and drive along the coast to Acireale near Taormina for your overnight stay.
Day 10: Mount Etna & Taormina (127 km) Drive up Mount Etna through the surrounding national park, reaching the Silvestri Craters at 1,900 meters, with opportunities for honey and wine tastings at local estates along the slopes. In the afternoon, head to Taormina to explore the town center and visit its ancient Greek-Roman theater overlooking the sea.
Day 11: Catania & Syracuse (165 km) Visit Catania’s historic center and lively fish market, taking in its UNESCO-listed Baroque architecture. Continue south to Syracuse to explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis—home to the Greek theater and Ear of Dionysus—followed by a walk through the seaside alleys and cathedral square of Ortigia Island.
Day 12: Agrigento to Palermo (305 km) Drive west across Sicily to Agrigento to explore the Valley of the Temples, viewing the ancient Doric ruins of the Temple of Concordia, Juno, and Hercules. In the late afternoon, continue north across the island to Palermo for check-in and overnight.
Day 13: Palermo & Monreale (25 km) Explore Palermo’s historic center on foot or via a local three-wheeled Ape tour, visiting the Cathedral, the Royal Palace with its golden Palatine Chapel, the Four Corners, the Massimo Theater, and the vibrant Capo street market. In the afternoon, head to nearby Monreale to admire the gold mosaics inside its Arab-Norman Cathedral and cloister before returning to Palermo.
Day 14: Erice, Marsala & Segesta (290 km) Drive to the medieval hilltop town of Erice to visit Venus Castle and sample local almond pastries, then continue down to Marsala for a winery tour and tasting. Wrap up the day visiting the ancient Doric temple at the Segesta archaeological site before returning to Palermo.
Day 15: Departure Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out, drive to Palermo Airport to return your rental car, and depart.
Included
Not Included
Hotels or Similar
2027 Rates $Cad Starting From
| Rates valid from 01 Apr -30 Oct |
|---|
| $1950 pp based on duble |
Notes:
Rental vehicle one way drop fees may apply. Each rental day is a fraction of 24 hours, the vehicle must bereturned on time or within the next 59 minutes to avoud extra costs
Supplements: It is possible to add join in city tours.
Platinum insurance, the amount of the deductible will not be charged. The “Platinum” package clears the deductibles provided for all damages,partial, attempted and total theft, including windows, tyres, damage to the roof, damage to the lower part of the vehicle. Damage to the interior and damage caused by vandalism, riots, etc. are excluded
Hotel name reconfirmed 30 days prior to departure: In case of problems the indicated hotels may be replaced with similar category located in the same area of city for towns to a nearby town up to 30 Km distance, where will be possible to realize the program. Incase of hotels fully booked we confirm the booking in a middle-classhotel
The CAD ($) rate is indicative of Euro price and subject to change.
Price per person in CAD $ Dollars.