[Southern Italy Culture and Scenery Circuit] 8-Day In-Depth Tour | Explore the Pompeii Ruins + Visit Capri's Blue Grotto + Stroll Along the Amalfi Coast · 1/3 — 1 / 3

[Southern Italy Culture and Scenery Circuit] 8-Day In-Depth Tour | Explore the Pompeii Ruins + Visit Capri's Blue Grotto + Stroll Along the Amalfi Coast

Trip duration

8 days

Departure date

Departures on Mondays

Type

Group Tours

Journey through the sunshine, mountains, and coastline of the Mediterranean to discover one of southern Italy’s most culturally rich and atmospheric hidden gems. This 8-day itinerary links the traces of Pompeii’s past, the lively streets of Naples, the Baroque splendor of the Royal Palace of Caserta, and the azure legends of Capri with Matera’s mysterious caves, a filming location for *No Time To Die*; the white hilltop town of Ostuni; and Alberobello, a village of fairytale trulli…

Take in views of the Mediterranean from a cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast, savor Italian charm at Gran Caffè Gambrinus, sail toward the dreamlike Blue Grotto, and experience the dialogue between civilization and time among thousand-year-old monuments.

Tour Highlights

• World Heritage tour: Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Pompeii, the Royal Palace of Caserta, Matera, and the Trulli houses of Alberobello
• Dream island experience: Take a boat to Capri and, weather permitting, enter the magical sea cave known as the Blue Grotto
• Classic Mediterranean towns: Amalfi, Sorrento, and Salerno—experience the colorful, sun-drenched pace of Italian life
• Film and TV locations: Retrace the steps of “No Time to Die” in Matera, visit Sorrento, the setting of “Come Back to Sorrento,” and see Alberobello, the village said to have inspired “The Smurfs”
• Chinese-speaking tour leader: Travel with an experienced Chinese-speaking tour leader throughout the trip
• Handpicked hotels: Includes 7 nights’ accommodation at comfortable hotels in city centers or nearby areas

Who This Tour Is For

This tour is ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends, especially travelers who love culture and natural scenery. It is also perfect for photography enthusiasts, history and culture buffs, and travelers drawn to Mediterranean aesthetics.

Ancient City of Pompeii

In 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the entire city under volcanic ash, making Pompeii one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world. As you stroll through the ruins, you can clearly see the layout of the streets, baths, theaters, shops, and even frescoes and mosaic floors—an almost time-traveling glimpse into everyday Roman life two thousand years ago.

Naples

The capital of southern Italy and the birthplace of pizza, Naples is a colorful city with spectacular sea views and a historic old town. Savor a latte at the atmospheric Gran Caffè Gambrinus or sample a traditional Neapolitan pizza at a little shop on an old street—both are classic experiences not to be missed.

Sorrento

A seaside town perched on the cliffs, where Mediterranean sunshine falls on lemon groves in shades of yellow and green and spring seems to last all year. This is the town that inspired the famous Italian folk song “Come Back to Sorrento”; its celebrated scenery and romantic atmosphere remain captivating to this day. It is also an important starting point for exploring the Amalfi Coast.

Royal Palace of Caserta

Known as the “Versailles of Italy,” this 18th-century palace is a masterpiece of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Its lavish interiors feature monumental staircases, halls, and galleries, while its grounds include one of Europe’s largest palace gardens. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1996.

Capri Island

Known as the “blue paradise of the Mediterranean,” Capri has been cherished by nobles, artists, and thinkers since Roman times. The island’s Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a natural sea cave. When sunlight refracts through the water and into the cave, it glows with a dreamlike blue light, making it one of the world’s most romantic natural wonders.

Amalfi

One of the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic towns, Amalfi is built into steep cliffs, with colorful houses clinging to the mountainside beside the sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its maze of narrow lanes, relaxed cafés, and ancient churches make it feel as though you have stepped into a Mediterranean scene from a Renaissance painting.

Matera

This “city of stone” is famous for its Sassi cave dwellings, and the entire old town is a living archaeological site. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. In recent years, filming locations for international blockbusters such as *No Time To Die* have brought it wide acclaim. It is one of southern Italy’s most iconic cultural destinations.

Ostuni

Known as the “White City” for its clusters of buildings with gleaming white limestone walls, it exudes the charm of southern Italy in its winding mountain lanes and archways. Renaissance and Baroque architecture blend here, and white walls against blue skies make a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

Alberobello

Famous for its domed Trulli stone houses, this fairytale-like village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. White cottages with gray roofs cluster along the hillside, earning it the nickname “Smurf Village.” Many of the stone houses have now been converted into shops and guesthouses, making this a uniquely southern Italian destination and a popular spot for photos.

Day 1

Rome - Group Hotel

Your delightful journey begins upon arrival at Rome Airport (FCO/CIA). Our English-speaking driver will meet you based on your flight’s actual arrival time and take you to your hotel to rest. Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Meals are at your own expense. You may make your own way to the hotel or choose an airport pickup service (€55 per person; minimum two people). Suggested hotel: iH Hotels Roma Z3 or similar Meals: Not included; guests may make their own arrangements

Day 2

Group hotel - Pompeii - Naples

After meeting up, head to the famous ancient city of Pompeii. It was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and rediscovered and excavated about 1,800 years later. Stroll through the ruins and feel transported back in time to the bustling, brilliantly lit city of 2,000 years ago. Then drive to Naples, the birthplace of pizza. In addition to exploring local sights, we recommend visiting the famous Gran Caffè Gambrinus to try authentic Neapolitan pizza and experience the atmosphere of southern Italy. Accommodation: Naples or nearby. Reference hotel: Inn Naples Airport or similar Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense, with your choice of dining location

Day 3

Naples - Sorrento - Caserta - Naples

After breakfast, depart for Sorrento, a charming town in southern Italy known for its beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, and abundant lemons and lemon products. The famous Italian song “Torna a Surriento” celebrates the area’s beauty and romance. Stroll through the old town and soak up its Mediterranean atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, known as the “Italian Versailles.” Built in 1752, it is one of Europe’s largest royal palaces, renowned for its lavish decorations and expansive Baroque gardens. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent palace and symmetrical fountains and waterways are breathtaking, making it a prime example of Italian architectural art. After the tour, return to Naples and check in to your hotel. Accommodation: Naples or nearby. Suggested hotel: Inn Naples Airport or similar Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense, with your choice of dining location

Day 4

Naples - Capri - Salerno

After breakfast, take a ferry (round-trip tickets included; journey approximately 1 hour) to Capri, a famous resort destination in southern Italy. Since ancient Roman times, the island has been beloved by emperors, artists, and philosophers, earning it the name “Island of the Sea.” Today, it continues to attract visitors from around the world with its azure waters, striking coastal formations, and romantic atmosphere. You may choose to take the chairlift to the observation point at your own expense, where you can enjoy sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. The island also offers many stylish boutiques and specialty restaurants. Weather permitting, you can also visit the famous Blue Grotto at your own expense. This mysterious sea cave glows a dreamlike blue as sunlight refracts through the water, making it one of Capri’s most iconic natural wonders. After the tour, take the ferry back and continue to Salerno to check in and rest. Accommodation: Salerno or nearby. Suggested hotel: Hotel Commercio or similar Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense, with your choice of dining location

Day 5

Salerno - Amalfi - Salerno

After breakfast, depart for the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most famous coastal routes. This stunning 50-kilometer coastline, renowned for its steep cliffs, winding roads, colorful villages, and azure Mediterranean waters, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Amalfi, the coast’s most iconic town and the namesake of the entire coastline. Perched between cliffs along the sea, Amalfi was once a powerful maritime republic. Today, its relaxed atmosphere, medieval architecture, church squares, and cafés combine to create a captivating scene. Stroll through the old town’s narrow streets and experience its tranquility and charm. Special recommendation: Visit Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi), a beautiful church combining Arab-Norman style with Gothic elements and an important local historic landmark. After the visit, return to Salerno to check in and rest. Accommodation: Salerno or nearby. Suggested hotel: Hotel Commercio or similar Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense, with your choice of dining location

Day 6

Salerno - Matera - Bari

After breakfast, set off for Matera, a renowned city in southern Italy known as a “forgotten paradise.” Matera is world-famous for its ancient cave complex, the “Sassi di Matera.” Carved out of limestone, these cave dwellings and churches are among the earliest human settlements and preserve traces of life from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. In 1993, Matera’s cave city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In recent years, Matera’s caves have been transformed into distinctive hotels, restaurants, and shops, creating a remarkable and captivating cultural landscape. The film *No Time To Die* was shot here, bringing Matera to international prominence as a popular filming location. Walking among the limestone steps and cave dwellings feels like traveling through time and stepping into the pages of history. In the afternoon, drive to Bari, the capital of the Apulia region. An important port city in southeastern Italy, Bari has a rich history, cultural heritage, and religious traditions. Accommodation: Bari or nearby. Reference hotel: Hotel & Residence Federiciano or similar Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense, with your choice of dining location

Day 7

Bari - Ostuni - Alberobello - Bari

After breakfast, head to Ostuni, Puglia’s most distinctive hilltop town, also known as the “White City.” Built on a hillside, this ancient town has been famous for its whitewashed stone exteriors since the Middle Ages. Its winding lanes are lined with white houses that gleam in the sunlight, evoking a Greek island village in the Aegean. Its architecture and churches blend Renaissance and Baroque styles, making it one of southern Italy’s most romantic places to visit. Next, visit Alberobello, a town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most famous buildings are the distinctive stone trulli, with conical roofs and white walls that resemble fairy-tale mushroom houses. They have been nicknamed a “real-life Smurf village.” Today, many trulli in the old town have been converted into souvenir shops, artisan workshops, restaurants, and guesthouses, making this a popular spot for photos and an introduction to the charm of southern Italy. In the evening, return to Bari and continue exploring the charm of this historic seaside city. Accommodation: Bari or nearby. Reference hotel: Hotel & Residence Federiciano or similar Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense, with your choice of dining location

Day 8

Bari - Rome

After breakfast, travel back to the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy the natural scenery and countryside of northern and southern Italy along the way. Arrive at Rome Tiburtina Station at approximately 6:30 p.m., bringing this memorable journey through the culture and charm of southern Italy to an end. Important notes: Accommodation is not included for tonight. Please make your own arrangements for onward accommodation or travel. The departure time is for reference only. Delays caused by traffic or other circumstances beyond our control do not constitute grounds for any claim. Thank you for your understanding.

Included

• Hotel accommodation: We guarantee hotels rated at least three stars according to local European standards. All rooms have private bathrooms and are generally arranged for two people per room. Guaranteed upgrade: two nights in a four-star hotel on every tour. • Transportation: Deluxe air-conditioned tour buses, as specified in the itinerary, will be used throughout the tour. • Tour leader: A professional bilingual tour leader who speaks Mandarin and Cantonese will accompany the group from departure locally.

Not included

• All types of insurance, travel documents, and visa fees • Attraction admission tickets: As specified in the itinerary; optional activities outside the itinerary are charged separately • Tips: €10 per person per day for the tour guide and driver (same rate for adults and children) • International flights and fees for oversized or overweight baggage • Personal expenses (such as lunches and dinners not included in group meals, in-room drinks, telephone calls, laundry, or compensation for damage) • Additional expenses arising from force majeure (such as strikes or transport delays) • City entry taxes and accommodation taxes (please refer to the “City Tax / Spending Guide” for details)

Booking information

• Please do not book flights in advance: If you need to purchase a flight to join the tour, please wait until you receive the Booking Confirmation from our company before booking, to avoid losses due to itinerary changes. • Instructions for using the “Tour Voucher”: The Tour Voucher contains departure information and an emergency contact number. Please print it and carry it with you; you must present it when boarding for identity verification. Only the version issued by our company is valid. Any information or terms added by a travel agent who prepares its own version are unrelated to our company, and we reserve all rights to pursue liability. • No responsibility for delays: We accept no responsibility for delays or expenses caused by passenger negligence, missed connections, arriving late at the meeting point, or similar circumstances. In a serious emergency, please call the emergency contact number listed on your “Tour Voucher.” • Airport pickup reminder: To ensure a smooth airport pickup, please use the mobile number provided when you booked on the day of pickup. If the driver cannot locate you after you have cleared customs, they will contact you at this number. • Please read before registering: To protect your rights, please read the terms, conditions, and liability information in “Registration Procedures & Information for Circular Tours” carefully before registering. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted our company’s relevant terms.

Cancellation policy

When booking, please read carefully and make sure you understand the cancellation, date-change and refund terms that apply after your booking is confirmed: • If you need to cancel your booking for any reason after booking, the following charges will be deducted as compensation (including for medical or personal reasons): • 16 days or more before departure, either party may make any changes, bringing the departure forward or postponing it, with no charges deducted • 15–8 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price will be charged • Within 7 days of departure: 100% of the total tour price will be charged

Special Notes

• Tour prices are calculated by “number of days”; there is no accommodation on the final night of the itinerary (i.e. seven days and six nights, four days and three nights, or one day with no overnight stay) • Children aged 2–11 must share a room with two adults and do not get a bed (limited to one child per room). If a child needs a bed, the adult tour fare applies. • Infants aged 0–2 travel free of charge but are not entitled to a seat or any services. • The times listed for departure points are for reference only. Delays are not grounds for dispute or compensation claims. • Group activities: Where group activities are arranged as part of the itinerary, participants must pay to take part. • Gratuities: €10 per day, payable in cash to the tour guide after joining the tour.

Helpful Information

Hotels in Europe generally include breakfast, but it is usually a simple continental breakfast (defined as coffee or tea, juice, bread, and jam). Hotel rooms in Europe are relatively small, and their amenities and service standards are below those in Asia and North America. Please bring your own toiletries. Temperatures can vary widely between day and night in Europe. Temperatures exceed 30°C for no more than two months of the year, and environmental awareness is strong. Some hotels do not have air conditioning; thank you for your understanding.

Quick booking

Enter your departure date and party size on this page. After you submit, an advisor will confirm the fare, availability, and optional extras.