Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
Explore a wide diversity of self-guided tours through South Italy. We have 126 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
- 4 Day Self Guided Palermo, Italy
- Adventure in Sicily: Behind Volcanoes and the Sea
- Historic Rome To Sorrento Coastal Bliss
- Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
- 7 Days Rome, Naples and the Amalfi coast.
- Sicily Quick Escape
- Paris & South of Italy
- Aeolian Islands Tour: The 7 pearls of Sicily
- Island Escape: Overnight in Ischia from Naples
- Self Guided Walking in Puglia: From Lecce to Matera
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
- US$726
Adventure in Sicily: Behind Volcanoes and the Sea
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The organization was at a very high level, everything went smoothly.”
Adriana, traveled in November
You'll drive your included rental car self-guided from Catania through Ragusa Ibla's Baroque alleys to Agrigento's UNESCO Valley of the Temples. Follow Mediterranean coastlines to Trapani, staying at the 9.1-rated Hotel San Michele just 400 meters from the cathedral and 5 minutes from Egadi Islands ferries. The Worldee App Guide provides step-by-step navigation and audio stories as you check out Palermo's Quattro Canti square, hike Zingaro Nature Reserve's seven-kilometer coastal trails between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, and climb Mount Etna's active volcanic craters before taking photos at Taormina's Ancient Theatre overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Duration 7 days Destinations Ragusa, Marzamemi, Agrigento, Scopello, San Vito Lo Capo, Palermo, Mount Etna, Taormina Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$467
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
- US$2,134
Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The suggestions for the itinerary and the choice and quality of the accommodations were excellent.”
Tony, traveled in April
Puglia reveals itself at your pace, from Castellana Caves' 70-meter depths to Gallipoli's baroque churches. This self-drive format enables stops at landmarks like Trani's San Nicola Pellegrino Cathedral and Otranto's Aragonese Castle, with 4-star accommodations throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Trani, Bari, Altamura, Matera, Martina Franca, Ostuni, Otranto, Santa Maria di LeucaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $1,264
15% Off- US$1,074You save $190
7 Days Rome, Naples and the Amalfi coast.
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very well organized, and communication between me and the tour managers was excellent.”
Catherine, traveled in May
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$2,196
Sicily Quick Escape
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It's a great way to make traveling simpler and more enjoyable.”
Kristina, traveled in February
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$331
Paris & South of Italy
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful trip! It was just perfect for us and everyone who took care of us did a fantastic job.”
MELINDA, traveled in April
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$1,098
Duration 3 days Destinations Naples, Ischia, Forio Age Range Ages 12+ Operator IAMME IA - Gray Line Amalfi Coast From
15% Off- US$596
South Italy's architectural wonders await, from Lecce's Roman amphitheater to Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli houses. Self-guided routes lead along Otranto's coastline watchtowers and through Martina Franca's Baroque streets, with maps guiding you to Matera's ancient Sassi district.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni, Coreggia, Locorotondo, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Matera, Gravina Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
15% Off- US$1,865
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.
- Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
Our trip was well organized from the lead up communications to the hand over of the car, the suggestions for the itinerary and the choice and quality of the accommodations. A very enjoyable trip- we will choose Tour Radar again for a future holiday.
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.