How to Spend 2 Weeks in Southern Italy

Naples stands as one of Italy's most captivating and historically complex cities, where millennia of conquests have created a unique culture unlike anywhere else in Europe. This magnificent metropolis has been shaped by Ancient Greeks, Romans, Normans, French, Spanish, and countless other civilizations, each leaving their distinctive mark on the city's architecture, cuisine, and way of life.

Today's Naples’ energy seamlessly blends these diverse influences, creating an atmosphere where ancient Greek tunnels lie beneath bustling modern streets and Baroque churches stand alongside contemporary art galleries. The city's dramatic setting beneath the imposing Mount Vesuvius and along the sweeping Bay of Naples provides a breathtaking backdrop that has inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries.

Immerse yourself in Naples' rich historical and cultural offerings with these unforgettable experiences.

• Trek the trails up Mount Vesuvius: Ascend this legendary active volcano with a private guide for panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and gain insight into the geological forces that shaped this dramatic landscape
• Witness the ruins of Pompeii: Explore the remarkably preserved ancient Roman city frozen in time by volcanic ash, offering an unparalleled glimpse into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago
• Admire the ancient architecture of Castel Nuovo and Castel dell'Ovo: Discover these magnificent medieval fortresses that have guarded Naples' harbor for centuries, each telling stories of royal intrigue and maritime power
• Head underground to see Naples' historic origins in the Napoli Sotterranea: Journey through mysterious subterranean passages carved by ancient Greeks, revealing hidden aqueducts, air raid shelters, and archaeological treasures
• View contemporary masterpieces in the Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum: Experience cutting-edge modern art in this beautifully renovated historic building that bridges Naples' ancient past with its vibrant present

Plan your trip to Naples after taking a look at our Culture of Southern Italy Tour: Naples, Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.

Perched dramatically on towering cliffs that plunge into the azure waters of the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento embodies the romantic essence of Southern Italy with its perfect blend of natural beauty and Mediterranean charm. This enchanting town has long served as a muse for artists, poets, and writers, including literary giants like Lord Byron and Charles Dickens, who wandered its flower-lined streets and sun-drenched piazzas in search of inspiration.

The town's strategic position offers breathtaking panoramic views across the bay to Mount Vesuvius, while its terraced hillsides cascade down to hidden coves and pristine beaches, creating a setting that seems almost too perfect to be real. In the heart of Sorrento, locals and visitors gather to experience the town's infectious joie de vivre. Elegant cafés spill onto ancient cobblestones, street musicians provide a soundtrack to lazy afternoons, and the gentle sea breeze carries the scent of lemon blossoms from the groves that surround the town.

Experience the quintessential charm of this clifftop paradise through activities that capture its natural beauty and cultural richness.

• Embrace the local atmosphere emanating from the Piazza Tasso: Soak in the vibrant energy of Sorrento's main square, where elegant shops, historic cafés, and stunning architecture create the perfect setting for people-watching and aperitivo hours
• Enjoy regional delicacies such as Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Savor this beloved local pasta dish, featuring pillowy potato dumplings in rich tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil, representing the pinnacle of Sorrentine comfort food
• Swim in the warm waters surrounding the Bagni Regina Giovanna Roman ruins: Discover this hidden gem where ancient Roman villa remains meet crystal-clear swimming pools carved naturally into the rocky coastline
• Embrace the luxuries of the Marina Grande: Stroll along this picturesque fishing harbor lined with colorful boats, waterfront restaurants, and traditional trattorias serving the day's freshest catch
• Peruse the tranquil Chiostro di San Francesco monastery: Find peace in this beautifully preserved 14th-century cloister featuring elegant arches and peaceful gardens that provide respite from the bustling town center

For more inspiration, take a look at our Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento tours.

The legendary Amalfi Coast stretches for 30 mesmerizing miles along the Sorrentine Peninsula, where dramatic limestone cliffs plunge into sparkling Mediterranean waters, creating one of the world's most spectacular coastal landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the pinnacle of Italian coastal beauty, with its serpentine roads carved into mountainsides that reveal breathtaking vistas around every curve.

Ancient fishing villages cling impossibly to steep hillsides, their pastel-colored houses tumbling down towards hidden coves and pebble beaches, while terraced lemon groves and olive trees create a patchwork of green across the dramatic terrain. The region's unique microclimate and fertile volcanic soil have blessed the Amalfi Coast with an abundance of natural treasures, from the famous Sfusato lemons that grow to enormous sizes in the coastal sun to the wild herbs and Mediterranean vegetation that perfume the air with their intoxicating fragrance.

Discover the diverse wonders of this iconic coastline through experiences that showcase its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique charm.

• Set off on a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast road: Navigate the famous Strada Statale 163, one of the world's most beautiful coastal drives, where every twist and turn reveals new panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean and picturesque clifftop villages
• Capture stunning photography of Italy's only fjord: Visit the hidden Fiordo di Furore, a dramatic gorge that cuts through the coastline, offering unique photo opportunities of turquoise waters framed by towering rock walls
• Reminisce about the Moorish roots of Ravello: Explore this elevated town's Arabic-influenced architecture, magnificent gardens, and cultural venues while enjoying some of the coast's most spectacular elevated views
• Capture the wonder of glowing sea caves at the Emerald Grotto:  Experience the magical Grotta dello Smeraldo, where underwater openings create an otherworldly emerald illumination that bathes the cavern in ethereal green light

Zicasso’s Amalfi Coast tours and vacations will provide you with all the inspiration and information you need to plan a trip to the region.

The legendary island of Capri rises from the Tyrrhenian Sea like a jewel, its dramatic limestone cliffs and exclusive atmosphere having attracted emperors, artists, and celebrities for over two millennia. This sophisticated island paradise offers a rarefied world where luxury yachts anchor in pristine harbors, exclusive boutiques line ancient Roman streets, and some of the world's most beautiful people gather in chic piazzas to see and be seen. The island's two main towns, Capri and the quieter Anacapri, each offer their own distinct pleasures, from the glamorous shopping and dining scene around the famous Piazzetta to the peaceful mountain paths and historic sites that crown the island's heights.

The island's unique position in the Gulf of Naples creates a special microclimate that supports lush vegetation, including the famous Capri lemons that are transformed into the island's signature limoncello liqueur. Whether you're sipping cocktails at a cliffside bar watching the sunset paint the sea in shades of gold and pink, or exploring ancient Roman ruins scattered across the island's heights, Capri offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty, history, and sophisticated pleasures.

Indulge in the exclusive pleasures and natural wonders that make this island one of the Mediterranean's most coveted destinations.

• Tour the mindblowing Blue Grotto: Journey by small rowboat into this legendary sea cave, where sunlight passing through an underwater cavity creates an ethereal blue illumination that has captivated visitors for centuries
• Fine dine at chic restaurants in and around Piazzetta di Capri: Experience world-class cuisine while people-watching in the island's glamorous main square, where celebrities, locals, and discerning travelers gather for aperitivo and al fresco dining
• Ascend to the summit of Mount Solaro by chairlift: Take a scenic chairlift ride to Capri's highest point for 360-degree panoramic views encompassing the entire Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the surrounding islands
• Wallow in the peaceful seaside setting: Relax at exclusive beach clubs, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoy the island's unhurried pace while soaking in the Mediterranean sun
• Discover history flooding the historic center of Anacapri: Explore the island's quieter town, home to the Villa San Michele, ancient churches, and traditional island life away from the more tourist-focused areas

Experience the beauty of a region that has attracted sophisticates for millennia when you embark on one of our Capri vacations and tours.

Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest and most culturally complex island, serves as the magnificent crescendo to your southern Italian odyssey, offering a world unto itself where ancient civilizations have left their mark across millennia of fascinating history. This island at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has been shaped by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and countless other peoples, creating a unique cultural fusion that's distinctly Sicilian, yet unlike anywhere else on Earth. From the smoking summit of Mount Etna to the pristine beaches of Taormina and the bustling markets of Palermo, Sicily offers an incredible diversity of experiences.

The island's archaeological treasures rank among the world's finest, with Greek temples at Agrigento that rival those of Athens, Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale that showcase imperial luxury in stunning detail, and Norman cathedrals whose golden mosaics reflect Sicily's unique position as a meeting point of civilizations. Sicily's culinary tradition is equally remarkable, blending Italian techniques with Arab spices, Greek ingredients, and Spanish influences to create dishes found nowhere else in the world.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of experiences that showcase Sicily's unique mix of natural wonders, ancient history, and vibrant culture.

• Make your way to the lookout points of Mount Etna: Explore Europe's most active volcano through cable car rides, guided hikes, or jeep tours that reveal lunar landscapes, volcanic craters, and panoramic views across the entire island and Mediterranean Sea
• Trace Roman history at the Villa Romana del Casale: Marvel at the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where intricate floor decorations depict everything from exotic hunts to athletic competitions with remarkable artistic detail
• Appreciate the remarkable Magna Graecia architecture at the Valle dei Templi: Walk among some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece, where ancient Doric columns frame sunset views that have remained unchanged for over 2,500 years
• Visit the captivating Cattedrale di Monreale: Discover this architectural masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Norman-Arab-Byzantine art, featuring golden mosaics that cover nearly 6,500 square feet with biblical scenes of breathtaking beauty
• View the awe-inspiring church mosaics of Palermo: Explore the Sicilian capital's stunning religious architecture, including the Palatine Chapel and Cathedral, where centuries of artistic traditions converge in displays of overwhelming beauty and historical significance

For more information on visiting Sicily, see our Sicily tours and vacations.

From pastel-colored villages flanked by forested hills to ancient ruins preserving generations of Greek history, Southern Italy's surreal settings will seduce you. To sample the experiences that await you, explore our Southern Italy itineraries and tours.

If you wish to wallow in the charming Mediterranean culture, dine on delicious delicacies with the locals, or capture the captivating coastal scenery as you delve into dramatic Ancient Greek history, then plan your trip with helpful tips in our Southern Italy travel guide.