Daydreaming in the Mezzogiorno | Round trips Italy

Route

From Naples and the Amalfi Coast to Matera in Basilicata, then on to Puglia with stops in Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni and Lecce. You end up on the Ionian coast.

Pace

A self-drive tour of southern Italy with manageable distances and several nights per region. Time for culture in the morning, sea in the afternoon and long dinners in the evening.

Highlights

Pompeii and Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, overnight stays in the Sassi of Matera, the trulli of Alberobello, baroque Lecce, Polignano a Mare and the beaches of the Ionian coast.

Accommodation

Characterful masseria farms in Puglia, a stay in the heart of the Sassi of Matera and carefully selected addresses on the Bay of Naples.

Profile

For travellers who want to combine a tour of Puglia and the Amalfi Coast with Matera. Ideal for those seeking culture, sea and landscape in one relaxing trip to southern Italy.

DAY 1: Departure to Naples

Your journey begins at the airport, where you eagerly await your flight to Naples. There, you will pick up your hire car and drive to one of our prime locations near Sorrento.

DAY 2: Pompeii and Ercolano

You will visit the excavations of two cities that were buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD, but where life is still tangible. Caractère will arrange a local guide for you so that you can learn all about how life used to be here.

DAY 3: Capri

From Sorrento, you will take the ferry to Capri. A short boat trip with endless views will take you to this beautiful island. Take the cable car to the top and lose yourself in the charming streets or explore the island by sea with a boat.

DAY 4: Vesuvius

Put on sturdy walking shoes and get ready for a challenging climb. At the top of the historic dormant volcano, you will discover the impact of ancient eruptions at the summit. On a clear day, the view here is breathtaking. Afterwards, relax by the pool at the hotel or lose yourself in the charming streets of Sorrento.

DAY 5: The Amalfi Coast

Today, you will drive along the beautiful Amalfi Coast and stop in picturesque Positano, Amalfi with its Duomo, and beautifully situated Ravello, where you will visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone with their amazing views. You can also choose a guide to take you on a day trip along the Amalfi Coast.

DAYS 6 and 7: Sorrento– Matera

You leave the Bay of Naples and travel on to Matera, Basilicata. Here you will spend the night in the heart of the “sassi”, where you will find ancient cave dwellings that are protected by UNESCO. Explore the Sasso Barisano and the Sasso Caveoso with their dozens of rock churches.

DAY 8: Puglia

You will swap the “Sassi” for the “Trulli” when you continue on to Puglia. You will stay in the northern part to explore the entire region from here. You can also choose to split your last nights: a few days in the north and a few days in the region around Otranto.

DAY 9: Locorotondo / Alberobello

A little-known fact about Locorotondo is that it is the only town listed in the Guinness Book of Records, as no other town has five O's in its name. Apart from that, it is simply a very pleasant and typical village with excellent restaurants. Alberobello has the largest number of trulli in the region, but it can get very busy during the high season.

DAY 10: Castellana Caves / Polignano a Mare

Visit the beautiful Castellana Caves, the most famous speleological site in Italy. Another well-known location in Puglia is Polignano a Mare, where the sea crashes wildly against the cliffs, but this picturesque village remains standing proudly, and rightly so. Explore this ancient town and wander through the streets. Are you looking for a bit of adventure? Then you can go on a kayak trip on the sea.

DAY 11: Monopoli

This charming coastal town is known for its picturesque old town centre, a maze of narrow streets with nice shops and atmospheric squares. Monopoli has a rich history dating back to the ancient Greek and Roman eras, which is reflected in its historic buildings, such as the castle of Charles V and the cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia.

DAY 12: Lecce You drive to the far south and visit the highlight of Baroque architecture in southern Italy, Lecce. In addition to visiting the magnificent Santa Croce Basilica, you can enjoy strolling through the lively Piazza Sant'Oronzo and Piazza del Duomo.

DAY 13: Return home

You drive back to Naples Airport where you return the hire car. During your return flight, you can reflect on all the wonderful adventures you have had.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a hire car for this trip through Puglia?

Yes. A hire car is essential for this tour of southern Italy. You will be travelling between Naples, Matera, Ostuni, Lecce and the Ionian coast, with stops in smaller villages such as Alberobello and Otranto, which are difficult to reach by public transport.

When is the best time to visit Puglia?

The best time for a tour of southern Italy is May, June, September and early October. Then the temperatures are pleasant for city visits in Lecce and Matera and warm enough for beach days on the Ionian coast.

What kind of atmosphere can I expect in these three parts of Puglia?

During this tour of Puglia, you will combine the white town of Ostuni, the baroque city of Lecce and the peaceful Ionian coast. Expect historic centres, trulli in Alberobello, long dinners and beaches among olive groves. Each region has its own rhythm and character.