Best of South Italy in 13 Days: Rick Steves Tour Guide

Best of South Italy in 13 Days: Guided Travel with Rick Steves

Italy’s southern regions beckon travelers with a vibrant tapestry of ancient ruins, sparkling coastlines, charming villages, and hearty cuisine. Rick Steves’ 13-day Best of South Italy tour is specially crafted to immerse visitors in the contrasts of this fascinating part of Europe, offering the perfect blend of guided exploration, local culture, and breathtaking sights. This comprehensive travel guide walks you through everything included in the tour—what you’ll see, do, and experience from Rome across the heel to Naples.

The South Italy Tour Overview

Duration: 13 days
Starting Point: Rome
Ending Point: Naples
Group Size: Small groups of 24–28 people, allowing for a friendly, intimate atmosphere and personalized attention from guides.
Pricing: From $4,695 per person plus airfare (single supplement available)
Included: 18 sightseeing events, all group transport from Rome to Naples, 12 nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts and 6 additional meals, tips for guides and drivers, tour kit, flexible transfer and cancel policies.

• Rome: Iconic neighborhoods, fascinating museums, and ancient wonders.
• Adriatic Coast: Beach towns and scenic boat cruises.
• Puglia & Basilicata: Unique architecture and vibrant food culture.
• Campania: Timeless ruins, cliffside villages, and the energy of Naples.

Detailed Itinerary & Highlights

Day 1–3: The Heart of Rome & Tivoli

Begin your adventure in Rome, immersing yourself in one of the world’s most historically rich cities. The tour offers:

• Trastevere Walking Tour: Trace the characterful streets of Trastevere, a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife, charming piazzas, and bustling restaurants. Once a working-class district, Trastevere is now one of the most popular and vibrant areas, similar in spirit to Florence’s Oltrarno.
• Jewish Ghetto Tour: Explore the overlooked Jewish Ghetto, an area brimming with centuries-old stories and distinct Roman-Jewish culinary flavors.
• Capitoline Museum: Admire some of the world’s greatest classical art collections.
• Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli: Walk the expansive park of Hadrian’s Villa, once the emperor’s retreat, with its lush gardens, ruins, and historic backdrops.

Day 4: Journey to the Adriatic Coast

After Rome, you’ll cross Italy’s boot to the enchanting Adriatic coastline:

• Adriatic Coast Boat Cruise: If weather permits, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Gargano Peninsula, savoring the dramatic sea cliffs and mysterious caves that characterize the region.

This lesser-known coastline offers a peaceful contrast to Italy’s busier shores. The ocean’s tranquility is frequently cited by tour alumni as a “wow” moment—imagine opening your hotel drapes to find the Adriatic at your doorstep.

Day 5–6: Puglia & Basilicata

Heading south, the tour features the hidden gems of the Puglia and Basilicata regions:

• Alberobello: Wander the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage village, famous for its whimsical trulli—ancient, conical-roofed stone homes.
• Puglia Wine Tasting: Experience the region’s subtle and flavorful wines during a local tasting.
• Matera Sassi Walking Tour: Delve into the atmospheric Sassi cave dwellings of Matera, a unique city resembling a movie set, with its labyrinthine passages and dramatic scenery.

Matera is often highlighted as one of the itinerary’s most memorable stops, evoking wonder at its ancient structures and cinematic ambiance.

Day 7: The Taste of the Land

• Mozzarella Farm: Visit a local mozzarella buffalo farm to witness production and sample fresh cheeses—a highlight for food lovers.

Day 8: Greek Ruins at Paestum

• Paestum: Explore the exceptionally well-preserved Greek temples and archaeological sites at Paestum, offering a glimpse into southern Italy’s ancient Greek heritage.

Day 9–10: Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

• Pompeii: Stroll through the haunting ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
• Gelato-Making Demonstration: Enjoy a hands-on demonstration of Italy’s beloved dessert, tasting the freshest flavors.
• Orientation for Capri Excursion: Receive expert guidance for a possible excursion to the island of Capri.

Day 11: Sorrento’s Hospitality

• Home-Hosted Dinner in Sorrento: Experience true Italian hospitality with a home-cooked meal in Sorrento, often cited as the “quintessential” Italian experience by past travelers.

Day 12–13: Vibrant Naples

• Naples Pizza Experience: Savor authentic Neapolitan pizza in its birthplace.
• Naples Walking Tour: Discover Naples’ energy, architecture, and street life on foot.
• Sansevero Chapel: Marvel at the exquisite Baroque sculptures and mysterious legends.
• National Archaeological Museum: Explore extensive collections of ancient art and artifacts.

Naples serves as the grand finale, with its unique blend of chaos, history, cuisine, and charisma providing an exhilarating end to the tour.

Included Amenities and Group Experience

• Professional Guide: Expert leadership throughout, with local specialists bringing history, art, and culture alive.
• All Local Transfers: Seamless movement from Rome to Naples and every town in between.
• Memorable Hotels: Centrally located accommodations in every destination, selected for comfort and character.
• Meals: All breakfasts and selected lunches/dinners, spotlighting regional specialties.
• Tour Kit: Guidebook, moneybelt, and other travel essentials.
• Group Size: Small group—around half the size of most tours, enabling better access, and stronger camaraderie.
• Guaranteed Price: Tour price locked in at deposit.
• Discounts: Tour alum discount available.

Guest Experiences & “WOW” Moments

Past participants frequently comment on the food, scenery, and the warmth of local hosts. Common “wow” moments include:

• Home-cooked meal in Sorrento: Often described as the quintessential Italian experience.
• Vieste’s ocean views: Waking to the Adriatic directly on your doorstep.
• Boat ride into the caves of the Amalfi coast: The thrill of exploring hidden grottos.
• Matera’s ancient streets: Feeling transported into a scene from a film.
• Buffalo farm visit: A favorite foodie stop for tasting fresh mozzarella.
• Greek ruins at Paestum: Connecting with southern Italy’s Hellenic roots.

Each stop is carefully selected to balance guided learning, local flavor, and personal discovery, with guides praised for their professionalism, knowledge, and kindness.

Practical Information & Tour Conditions

• Drinks and Free-Time Sightseeing: Not included; participants can personalize part of their experience.
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum: These major Rome sights are not included in the official tour but can be visited during free time.
• Group Sightseeing Events: While the itinerary is well-defined, specific group events may change due to weather or local circumstances.
• Tour Transfer and Cancellation: Flexible policies to accommodate travel uncertainties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What sets the Rick Steves South Italy tour apart?

The itinerary covers both iconic destinations and hidden gems, led by expert guides and limited to small groups, ensuring a personal and enriching travel experience.

Are meals and accommodations included?

All breakfasts and six other meals are included, with carefully chosen hotels in the heart of each city or region.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

Group sightseeing typically includes walking tours in cities and towns; good mobility is recommended. The itinerary is designed to be immersive but manageable for most travelers.

Can I see major Roman sights like the Vatican and Colosseum during this tour?

These sites aren’t part of the guided events but can easily be visited in your free time while in Rome. Pre-tour planning is available to help guests maximize their stay.

Is the Adriatic Coast boat cruise always available?

The boat cruise is weather dependent and may be replaced or adjusted if conditions are unfavorable.

Is there a discount for returning travelers?

Tour alumni can receive a $50 discount for each previous Rick Steves tour taken.

Why Travel South Italy with Rick Steves?

• Expertise: Local guides and Rick Steves’ reputation for insightful, enriching travel.
• Small Groups: More personal attention, easier logistics, better group dynamics.
• Comprehensive Experiences: A perfect balance of ancient sites, natural beauty, food, and regional culture.
• Flexibility and Security: Transparent pricing and flexible cancellation.

Final Thoughts

The Best of South Italy in 13 Days tour is an invitation to explore a region bursting with contrasts—from ancient ruins to modern vibrancy, sun-drenched coasts to bustling cities, and family kitchens to world-class museums. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking warm Italian hospitality, this tour promises unforgettable days and “wow” moments at every turn.