One week in Southern Italy: Our itinerary includes highlights such as Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, the stone city of Matera, and the stunning Trulli houses.
Ready for a week of stunning coastlines, ancient cities, and food that’ll make you want to move to Italy forever?
Our Southern Italy itinerary for 7 days is the trip you’ve been dreaming about!
It’s actually one of our favorite Italian road trip routes.
From our own experience, the best way to explore is by car, unless you’re willing to book guided day tours from major cities.
Using public transportation is doable, but it takes a lot longer.
Southern Italy Itinerary For One Week At A Glance
- Trip Length: 7 days (you can easily extend it to 10 days)
- Best Way to Get Around: By car (read our tips for renting a car in Italy) for maximum flexibility, or public transport if you’re not comfortable driving
- Must-See Attractions: Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Matera, Alberobello, Bari
- Don’t Miss: Street Food in Naples, the Sassi of Matera, and a sunset on the Amalfi Coast
- Our Tip: Book tickets for major attractions in advance, especially Pompeii
Southern Italy Itinerary: Daily Highlights
| DAY | DESTINATION | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 | Naples | Street Food, Old Town, Underground Tour |
| 2 | Pompeii | Ancient Ruins, View of Mount Vesuvius |
| 3 | Amalfi Coast | Positano, Sunset Views, Ferry to Capri |
| 4 | Capri | Blue Grotto, Gardens of Augustus |
| 5 | Matera | Sassi, Cave Hotel, Canyon Views |
| 6 | Alberobello | Trulli Houses, Local Products |
| 7 | Bari | Old Town, Pasta Street, Basilia, Sea View |
Day 1: Naples: Pizza, Old Town, And The Underground
Start your Southern Italy itinerary in Naples, the city of pizza, street food, and great attractions.
Wander the historic center (UNESCO World Heritage), and if you’re feeling brave, join the underground tour of Napoli Sotterranea to see ancient aqueducts and WWII bunkers. We thought it was mind-blowing!
⭐Our Tip: Don’t miss the Spanish Quarters for a taste of local life. And you need to try street food like Baba or Pizza Sfogliata, specialties, and highlights in Naples.
Check out our one-day Naples itinerary for more details and hidden gems.
Traveling by car? Check out our Southern Italy road trip itinerary!
If using public transport, see our detailed guide on how to visit Pompeii. We share in detail how to get from Naples to Pompeii (without getting confused or taking the wrong train).
Day 2: Pompeii
Pompeii is a must-visit when traveling in southern Italy.
The ancient city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
⭐ Our Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes. The ruins are huge, and the sun is relentless.
Want to see Herculaneum too? Here’s how to visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day.
If you want to extend your trip, add a visit to Mount Vesuvius.
We’ve been there and share everything you need to know about how to visit Mount Vesuvius, including a video sneak peek into the volcano.
Public transport options: Train from Pompeii to Sorrento, then bus to Positano.
Pro Travel Tip: For comfort, book a transfer from Naples to Positano via Pompeii.
Day 3: Amalfi Coast With A Sunset In Positano
After Pompeii, head to the Amalfi Coast, about 1 1/2 hours.
Check out our full Amalfi Coast travel guide.
You can alternatively book a ferry from Naples or take the train to Sorrento, and from there take a bus to Positano, if you’re uncomfortable driving in Italy.
Enjoy a sunset in Positano with its dramatic cliffs, colorful buildings, and the sparkling blue sea.
The next day, you can enjoy Positano, and in the afternoon, take a ferry to Capri.
Check into your hotel in Capri and enjoy an evening on this glamorous and famous island.
⭐ Photo Tip: Visit the Gardens of Augustus in Capri.
Alternative route: Switch Day 3 and Day 4 ferry routes from Naples to Capri to Positano.
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Day 4: Capri And The Blue Grotto
Start with a boat tour to the Blue Grotto, then return to Positano in the afternoon.
⭐️ Travel Tip: You're not driving? Switch Day 3 and 4. Take the ferry from Naples to Capri, and the next day from Capri to Positano.
Travel by public transport with SITA buses and ferries connecting Amalfi Coast towns.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Salerno.
From Salerno, take the bus to Matera.
The easiest way to find the fastest connections is to check out the comparison site Omio. They show you the available bus and train connections.
Or drive from Positano to Matera. While you can drive along the relatively short coastal road along the Amalfi Coast, you can save time by driving inland.
We drove along the Amalfi Coast, and while it seemed like a good idea, it was a stressful experience.
The streets are very narrow, and there’s a lot of traffic.
Trucks and buses will pass you, because it’s the only road connecting the small towns.
Day 5: Matera – Sassi And Canyon Views
Next stop is Matera, the city of caves, one of Europe’s cultural cities, and one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Italy.
The Sassi districts are ancient, mysterious, and totally unique.
Wander the winding alleys, pop into a cave house (we had pizza in an underground restaurant), and soak up the views from the canyon.
⭐ Our Tip: Stay overnight in a cave hotel. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We stayed at the Casa Festa Rooms, where we enjoyed our breakfast at the edge of the canyon.
Day 6: Alberobello – The Trulli Houses
On to Alberobello, home of the famous trulli houses, and a must-visit on any Italy itinerary.
These whitewashed, cone-roofed homes are a must-visit in Apulia.
You can walk the UNESCO-listed old town, step inside a trullo house, and maybe even spend the night in one.
What I wish we’d done: staying overnight in a Trulli House
⭐ Don’t Miss: Local shops selling olive oil, handmade pasta, pistachio liquor, and limoncello.
Driving Time: 1:15 hours by car
Public transport: The easiest and fastest option is by taking the SITA bus (approx. 2 1/2 hours).
Day 7: Bari – Old Town And Pasta Street
End your trip in Bari, a lively port city.
Stroll the old town, visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and head to the “pasta street”.
Local nonnas (grandmothers) make orecchiette pasta by hand right on the sidewalk.
You can also grab a gelato and walk along the water promenade.
⭐ Pro Tip: Take a street food tour or a pasta-making class. It’s a flavor explosion you’ll never forget!
Travel Time: 1 hour by car
Public transport: 1:10 hours by bus
Southern Italy Itinerary Map
Here’s our recommended Southern Italy trip route, one of the best Italian road trip routes:
FAQs About 7 Days In Southern Italy
Is 7 days enough for Southern Italy?
Yes, seven days cover main highlights well, though 10 days is ideal for a relaxed pace.
Can I do this itinerary without a car?
Absolutely. Public transport and ferries connect all major destinations, though travel times are longer.
Best time to visit Southern Italy?
Spring and fall (April-June and September-October) offer favorable weather and lighter crowds.
What local food should I try?
Taste Neapolitan pizza, fresh seafood, local pasta varieties, and renowned local wines.
Final Thoughts About Southern Italy In One Week
This is your ultimate Southern Italy itinerary for 7 days!
From ancient ruins to fairytale villages, and drool-worthy food.
This trip combines the best cities, coasts, and historic sites into an unforgettable adventure.
Final tip: Check out our linked articles inside this itinerary for more tips on specific cities, areas, and must-see sites.
