SOUTHERN ITALY ADVENTURE
ACTIVE immERSIVE SOUTHERN ITALY TOUR
EXPLORE NATURE & CULTURE IN Naples, PompeiI, AND the Amalfi Coast
Trek the Path of the Gods along Amalfi coast + explore Hell Valley on Mount Vesuvius
Hike & swim and watch the sun set of Ischia Island + explore the ancient ruins of Pompei
Visit a caciocavallo factory, where cheese-making seamlessly blends with history
Taste the terroir of wines made on ancestral lands of a family-owned vineyard
Learn the legends and stories of local medieval villages and meet the people who are preserving them
Are you looking to explore Southern Italy in a unique way? This 8-day Southern Italy itinerary mixes must-see highlights like the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and the fascinating ruins of Pompeii with gorgeous under-the-radar destinations like Irpinia. You’ll enjoy days of exploring the lively streets of Naples and Sorrento while also diving deep into the natural beauty of the region with phenomenal hiking opportunities. Trek to the top of Mount Vesuvius, as well as the Path of the Gods along the Amalfi coastline. Discover medieval villages full of charm and tradition nestled in the rural hills of Irpinia. Connect with local culture throughout your journey as you soak up history and meet the characters that preserve it. Taste the culinary specialties of each region as you learn their traditional cooking methods - and bring some skills home yourself with a ricotta cheese cooking demo. And to round out your Italy adventure, you’ll taste the terroir of a family-owned vineyard preserved on their ancestor’s land, complete with a tasting course paired with insight into the rich history of winemaking in the region.
Book our 8-day Southern Italy Adventure Group Trip starting at $4495 per person, or choose Custom Dates year round starting at $4995. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
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STARTING AT $4495
Fully guided 8-day Southern Italy group trip
6-16 people
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STARTING AT $4995
Fully planned & booked 8-day itinerary
Minimum of 4 people
Local guide & arranged transit
Trip Inclusions
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7 nights total stay in 3-star boutique accommodations
2 nights hotel in Naples
1 night hotel in Ischia
2 nights hotel in Sorrento
2 nights hotel in Irpinia
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Airport transfers on arrival/departure days from Naples airport
Private vehicle transportation for all excursions
Boat from Naples to Ischia
Boat from Ischia to Sorrento
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Guided walking tour of Naples
Mount Vesuvius guided hiking tour of Hell Valley
Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Guided hiking tour with folk music on Ischia Island
Cooking demonstration on Maronti beach
Spiritual trek, the path of the Gods, along Amalfi Coast on Sorrento Island
Private winery tour, wine tasting & ricotta cheese demonstration at Colli di Castelfranci vineyard
Irpinia medieval villages trek
Caciocavallo factory cheese tasting
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Daily breakfasts + 4 lunches + 1 dinner
Restaurant recommendations along the way
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Visit with our local Community Partner to learn about slow food + donation to their organization
Traverse representative assisting you from booking through the end of your trip
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Extra nights in Naples
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International airfare
Additional in-country transportation (only as indicated)
Additional meals not listed, or optional excursions and activities
Tips to your local guides and drivers
Required travel insurance
Testimonials
DAILY ITINERARY
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Arrive to Naples International Airport (NAP) by the afternoon and transfer to your boutique hotel. Settle in and enjoy exploring this walkable city, brimming with life and history. In the late afternoon, you’ll take a walking tour through the narrow, bustling streets, where each cobblestone tells a story. We’ll gather together in the evening for a heartfelt dinner at a local Trattoria, savoring the flavors that will connect you with the traditions of Naples.
Meals: D
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In the morning, we’ll set out to explore Mount Vesuvius. As you ascend, the landscape changes and you find yourself entering “Hell Valley,” a desolate yet mesmerizing area. Here, the remnants of past volcanic activity are visible, with striking landscapes shaped by the forces of nature.
Your expert guide will provide insights into the geological phenomena that shaped Hell Valley. As you approach the crater, you’ll be surrounded by panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the distant islands. The air becomes charged with excitement as you approach the edge, and the vastness of the crater unfolds before you. Observe the remnants of ancient lava flows, frozen in time like a petrified river and marvel at the otherworldly colors of the mineral deposits, creating a surreal landscape that seems to belong to another planet. As you reach the edge of the crater, wisps of steam rise from the depths below, a potent reminder of the volcano's dormant power. Your guide will share insights into the ongoing monitoring of Vesuvius and the history of its eruptions.
Following the descent, we’ll stop together at a local winery for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, it’s time to dive deeper into the ancient ruins of Pompeii, where the past whispers its tales. In the evening enjoy free time in Naples to choose a dinner spot and share reflections and stories of the day.
Meals: B, L
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This morning you’ll ferry from Naples to the enchanting island of Ischia. Here, we’ll traverse a route from the highest peak of the island to the magnificent sea of the fishing village of Sant'Angelo. The route starts from Via Militare and follows an ancient mule track carved into the rock, passing through dense forest of chestnut trees before arriving near the rock hermitage of San Nicola. A short jaunt further brings you to the summit of Monte Epomeo, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Ischia, the Pontine islands, Capri and the Campania coast. Along the way your guide will impart stories of farmers, saints and hermits that will allow you to relive the essence of this mystical mountain.
The journey continues on the Epomeo crest and eventually reaching Frassitelli. We’ll stop for lunch and then continue on to more beautiful viewpoints.
Through music and traditional songs, we will experience the stories, legends and history of these villages, while appreciating the surrounding natural beauty. In the afternoon we’ll arrive at the Fumarole (Maronti beach), where you’ll learn about traditional cooking methods under the sand, using boiling steam. Here you may also enjoy a swim in the crystal clear sea, before finishing our walk at the beautiful former fishing village of Sant'Angelo.
Meals: B
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After breakfast on the island, we’ll transfer to another boat heading towards the coastal city of Sorrento. Upon arrival at the port we’ll be transferred to our boutique hotel. Settle into your new surroundings and enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace.
Meals: B
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Today we’ll set out on the Path of the Gods, a 15 km journey along the Amalfi Coast. Each step whispers tales of ancient beauty, where lemon-scented breezes dance through vineyards. Ascend through emerald canopies, catching glimpses of Positano's pastel embrace. Rugged peaks reveal panoramas of azure wonders, creating a symphony of nature's grandeur.
Along the path, you’ll descend to the village of Nocelle, where the sea cradles sun-kissed cliffs. Wander through Montepertuso's rustic charm, and let Colle Serra's heights touch your soul. We’ll stop for lunch together at a Shepard’s house, immersed in this timeless land, filled with stories carved out by rugged cliffs and terraced dreams. As you continue on, Agerola welcomes tired feet with the warmth of an Italian embrace.
The Path of the Gods - a pilgrimage through nature's masterpiece - leaves heartbeats echoing in the embrace of this coastal haven.
Meals: B, L
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Following breakfast we’ll check out from Sorrento and enjoy a private transfer to Irpinia, a land of hidden treasures. Begin your adventures among the picturesque hills of Irpinia with a visit to an enchanting vineyard. Here, the air is filled with the sweet scent of ripening grapes, while rolling hills create a breathtaking backdrop for a truly authentic experience. As you approach the vineyard, you will be welcomed by the inviting smiles of the family who own and operate the land. Their eyes twinkle with pride and love, as they bring you on a journey through the vineyard, where the family shares stories of their ancestors, the rich history of winemaking in the region, and the unique terroir that imparts distinct character to their wines.
After the insightful tour, we’ll gather in the heart of the vineyard for a wine tasting that transcends the ordinary. The family will expertly guide you through a symphony of flavors, from the crisp notes of their Fiano to the robust richness of the Aglianico. Each sip tells a story of the sun-drenched slopes, the fertile soil, and the artisanal craftsmanship that transforms grapes into liquid poetry.
Following the tasting, enjoy a special invitation into the family home to experience the heart of Irpinian culture – the kitchen. With the matriarch at the helm, you will learn to create traditional ricotta cheese. The warmth of the kitchen, the aroma of fresh ingredients, and the laughter that fills the air make it a truly immersive experience. The hands-on process creates a bond, transcending language barriers, as we share a moment that bridges the gap between visitor and local.
Your lunch table will overflow with a feast of regional delights – handmade pasta, locally sourced meats, and of course, the ricotta we crafted together. Seated with the family, you will feel like an honorary member of their clan, connected by the shared joy of good food and even better company.
Meals: B, L
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Today you’ll embark on a journey through the medieval villages of Irpinia. Beginning with the enchanting town of Calitri, nestled amidst rolling hills and embraced by a timeless charm, connect to this quaint destination full of culinary delights and cultural wonders. Your adventure today also takes you to a caciocavallo factory, a place where the art of cheese-making seamlessly blends with history.
As you enter the factory, the rich aroma of aged cheeses envelops you. The skilled artisans will welcome you with warm smiles, their hands deftly crafting caciocavallo, a cheese deeply rooted in the region's heritage. The artisans will then guide you to a tasting session. Each bite of the velvety caciocavallo reveals the essence of Irpinia – a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Leaving the caciocavallo factory behind, you will reach the heart of Cairano, a village draped in magic and steeped in history. The cobbled streets whispered tales of centuries gone by, while the rustic architecture painted a picture of a bygone era.
Engaging with the locals becomes an integral part of your Irpinian experience. In Cairano, you will find a community that welcomes you with open arms, eager to share their stories and traditions and their food!
You will understand that Irpinia isn't just a destination; it is an immersive journey into the soul of Southern Italy, leaving an indelible mark on your traveler's heart.
Meals: B, L
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After breakfast you’ll hop into a private transfer bringing you back to Naples International Airport (NAP) for your departing flight.
Meals: B
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You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.
$4495 per person, double occupancy
+$895 “my own room” option
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$4995 per person, double occupancy
+$895 “my own room” option
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Extra nights in Naples
Faqs
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We recommend “shoulder season” months in spring (March-May) and fall (Sept/Oct) for fewer crowds and less heat. That said, you can book this itinerary any time of year.
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This itinerary contains a fair bit of hiking from shorter 1-2 hour hikes to longer full-day treks, and the hikes are how you’ll get to see some of the sites. That said, if you're tired or not feeling up for it there are generally options to hang back from the excursion.
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YES! Some of the best travel is done by yourself and we have no doubt you’ll leave with friends.
ABOUT YOUR TRAVERSE HOST
Raffa lives in a village nestled in the Italian Alps. Raffa has been working in the tourism industry since 2008, and she has lived in different countries. Joining the Traverse team is a wonderful opportunity to create and offer some unique experiences to all our guests willing to explore Italy as well as other magic destinations.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $250-500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking (varies by trip). 50% remainder due 30 days from booking. Balance due 60 days prior to trip start. Refer to the Flexible Booking Policy for cases in which the deposit may be transferrable.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule below. Payments will be invoiced via e-mail for credit card or Paypal payment online.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified.
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $200,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.