Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
Explore a wide diversity of self-guided tours through South Italy. We have 157 adventures that vary from 2 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, 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
- Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
- Historic Rome To Sorrento Coastal Bliss
- Sicily Quick Escape
- Paris & South of Italy
- 7 Days Rome, Naples and the Amalfi coast.
- Aeolian Islands Tour: The 7 pearls of Sicily
- 6 Days Tour in Italy from Catania to Palermo.
- South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
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 $712
35% off- US$463
Adventure in Sicily: Behind Volcanoes and the Sea
“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 $542
15% off- US$461+$1,208 upfront costs
Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
“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 $2,297
15% off- US$1,953
Historic Rome To Sorrento Coastal Bliss
“The standout was the Pompeii guide—exceptional in knowledge and kindness. Adding an extra hour enriched our experience.”
Julie, traveled in November
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 $2,230
20% off- US$1,784
Sicily Quick Escape
“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
20% off- US$317+$590 upfront costs
Paris & South of Italy
“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
20% off- US$3,099
7 Days Rome, Naples and the Amalfi coast.
“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
20% off- US$2,152
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
20% off- US$1,076
Sicily's Valley of the Temples in Agrigento has ten Doric temples including the well-preserved Temple of Concord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste Marsala wines at a local vineyard and check out the historic salt pans of Vía de la Sal with traditional windmills. See Monreale's Arab-Norman Cathedral with its 228-column Cloister and finish in Palermo with the Byzantine Palatine Chapel inside the Palace of the Normans.
Duration 6 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Ragusa, Marsala, Monreale, Palermo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
20% off- US$1,777
South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
“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 $946
15% off- US$804
Explore our featured South Italy tours
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What people love about Self-Guided Tours in South Italy
- 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.