Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
Explore a wide diversity of self-guided tours through South Italy. We have 124 adventures that vary from 3 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best self-guided South Italy tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar
- Amalfi Coast: 2 Weeks - Self Guided Rail Tour
- 4 Day Self Guided Palermo, Italy
- Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
- Historic Rome To Sorrento Coastal Bliss
- 7 Days Rome, Naples and the Amalfi coast.
- Sicily All Year Round – A Quick Escape Worth Taking
- Paris & South of Italy
- Aeolian Islands Tour: The 7 pearls of Sicily
- South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
- Pompeii & Vesuvius: Between Fire & Ashes
Your independent Southern Italy rail journey connects Naples, Sorrento, and Capri. Visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii ruins, then follow the coastline to Positano's Spiaggia Grande beach. Central hotels serve as your base while visiting Amalfi's Paper Museum and Salerno's medieval Castello di Arechi at your own pace.
Duration 14 days Destinations Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Salerno Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Euroventure Travel From
- US$4,555
Check out Sicily's capital at your own speed with private airport rides and 3 nights at Tonic Hotel or Principe di Villafranca Hotel. See the UNESCO-worthy Teatro Massimo opera house and La Kalsa's old streets leading to Santa Maria dello Spasimo church, then use the hop-on hop-off bus to reach Art Nouveau buildings.
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $737
30% Off- US$516You save $221
Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The history, the culture, the breathtaking views - it's all there for you to discover.”
Gruoch, traveled in May
Southern Italy's charm unfolds through self-guided exploration from Palermo to Syracuse. Your Lancia Ypsilon takes you to UNESCO sites like Valley of Temples and personal stops at Fontane Bianche beaches. Expert-led tours of Baroque towns Noto and Modica included.
Duration 11 days Destinations Palermo, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Marzamemi, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Agrigento, MarsalaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $2,265
15% Off- US$1,925You save $340
Historic Rome To Sorrento Coastal Bliss
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Highly recommend this tour for an unforgettable Italian exploration. Their staff was very collaborative.”
Julia, traveled in February
Rome welcomes you at Hotel Conciliazione. Visit Vatican Museums and Colosseum at your pace, then board included high-speed train to Sorrento Coast. Private transfers and optional Pompeii guide available. Rest at Domo 20 in Vico Equense.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rome, Vatican City, Pompei, Vico Equense, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri, Anacapri Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Flag Travel Holidays From
15% Off- US$2,165
See the ruins of Pompeii with an expert guide, checking out the Macellum and ancient workshops before heading to Naples for a city tour that includes a traditional food market. Travel along the Amalfi Coast with stops in Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, including a visit to a Limoncello factory and lunch with sea views. Take a hydrofoil trip to Capri to see Anacapri and the Augustus Gardens, with time to browse the island's exclusive boutiques and check out the cove-lined coastline.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Capri, Anacapri Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
15% Off- US$2,228
This self-directed trip mixes volcanic landscapes with baroque architecture across Sicily. Drive from Catania's lively fish market up to Mount Etna's summit, stop by Taormina's coast, then see Syracuse's Greek-Roman Theatre and Villa Bellini. Wrap up in Palermo at Quattro Canti and the 16th-century Fontana Pretoria.
Duration 5 days Destinations Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Island of Ortigia, Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$276
Paris & South of Italy
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved the hotel and the food at the hotel in Sorrento and the tours.”
BRENDA, traveled in May
South Italy opens up with pre-arranged UNESCO Pompeii access and Capri ferry tickets. The Michelangelo 4* Sorrento serves as your base for Sorrentine Coast adventures. Authentic Neapolitan pizza lunch and Blue Grotto excursion options available.
Duration 11 days Destinations France, Italy, Vatican City (Holy See) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wingbuddy From
15% Off- US$3,099
Your South Italian island base at Hotel Bougainville 4* awaits. Choose when to enjoy Vulcano's mud baths, Salina's capers tasting, and Stromboli's evening shows. Daily boat excursions and breakfast included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Milazzo, Lipari, Salina, Panarea Island, Stromboli, Vulcano, Isola Alicudi, Filicudi Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
15% Off- US$1,114
South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were blown away with Sicily, how easy everything was and the hotel quality, especially in Syracuse was great.”
Oliver, traveled in May
Your South Italian adventure starts from around $700. The route winds through Baroque towns like Scicli and Modica, Syracuse's Neapolis Archaeological Park, and charming Marzamemi. Includes unlimited mileage Lancia Ypsilon rental and premium hotel stays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Scicli, Marzamemi, Modica, Ragusa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $932
15% Off- US$792You save $140
Walk through Pompeii's Forum, Basilica, and House of the Faun using the Worldee App Guide's audio at each Roman site. Later, hike Mount Vesuvius's crater trail to the summit for views over Bay of Naples and Campania coastline. Stay at Resort CostantiNapoli 27 near Naples' National Archaeological Museum.
Duration 4 days Destinations Naples, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$203
What people love about Self-Guided Tours in South Italy
- Historic Rome To Sorrento Coastal Bliss
Day tours were good, express way of seeing the areas. Transportation was good. Rome hotel could be more central. Sorrento was really nice, nice views. Mix up with the double room/twin bed room was the only hiccup, no solution/apology given by hotel or Tourradar. Recommend guided tour for Pompeii, audio tour was not a great option.
This trip was perfect. During the Easter holidays we had the opportunity to get to know some of the local traditions. We visited important monuments (entrances are often free). We experienced spring green Sicily with beautiful scenery, where the Targa Flora was held. We swam in the sea. We enjoyed many gastronomic delicacies and drove home enchanted by Etna. Due to time constraints, we chose a four-wheeled ride around the volcano.
Adventure in Sicily: Behind volcanoes and the sea
- Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
We loved the convenience of having everything booked and organized before we arrived. One of the hotels wasn't to our liking (not a convenient location, strange vibe, poor breakfast and ants in the bathroom), but the rest was wonderful. We'd have loved to have had one more booking north of Bari
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
What are the best regions to explore on a self-guided tour in South Italy?
South Italy's three standout regions for self-guided exploration are Sicily Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. Sicily delivers archaeological wonders from Mount Etna's slopes to Syracuse's ancient streets and Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Puglia's landscape is dotted with the distinctive cone-shaped trulli houses of Alberobello and ornate baroque buildings in Lecce while coastal Monopoli offers Mediterranean charm. The Amalfi Coast connects postcard-perfect towns like Positano Amalfi and Ravello through well-marked walking paths with accommodations such as the Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel. A TourRadar traveler noted, "The Sicily Self Drive tour is a near-perfect blend of adventure and autonomy with breathtaking landscapes and rich authentic cuisine making for an unforgettable experience."
What's the best time of year for a self-guided tour in South Italy?
South Italy welcomes self-guided tourists from April through October. Taormina and the Amalfi Coast shine brightest in May and June when temperatures hover at 75°F with lighter tourist traffic. Puglia's September climate at 80°F coincides with wine harvest festivities. Early October brings optimal hiking conditions around Sicily's Mount Etna. According to a TourRadar traveler, "The weather in September was perfect for exploring the Amalfi Coast's stunning views and coastal charm."
How reliable is public transportation for self-guided tours in South Italy?
South Italy's public transit system serves travelers well particularly in Campania. Regular train service connects Naples to Sorrento while buses and ferries link Amalfi Coast destinations including Positano Amalfi and Ravello. The Hotel Naples offers convenient access to transit connections. One TourRadar traveler advises: "Be aware that in high season public buses in Amalfi can be very busy therefore arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a self-guided tour in South Italy?
Accommodations range from 3-4 star hotels to family-run B&Bs and distinctive local properties. Visitors can sleep in authentic trullo houses in Alberobello or cave dwellings like Hotel Belvedere in Matera. The NH Catania Centro represents the coastal properties offering sea views. A TourRadar traveler reports, "The accommodations were outstanding on this bike tour. Friendly and comfortable." Properties are selected for their location character and proximity to attractions.
How does luggage transfer work on self-guided tours in South Italy?
Tour operators handle daily luggage transfers between hotels letting travelers walk or cycle with just essentials. One bag per person (max 20kg) moves ahead to the next stop such as from Hotel Villa Angela in Taormina to Hotel Una One in Syracuse. Local services complete transfers before guests arrive at their next accommodation. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The tour was well-organized with seamless luggage transfers."
How far in advance should I book a self-guided tour in South Italy?
Planning should start 4-6 months before travel especially for summer visits from June through September when sought-after spots like the Amalfi Coast fill quickly. Popular hotels including Grand Hotel Oriente in Bari and Hotel Mediterranean in Rome often reach capacity early. Booking data shows successful trips average 144 days between initial inquiry and departure date.