Northern Italy may be famed for its finesse, haute couture, expensive resorts that attract the interest of every international jet setter, but the south of Italy has nothing to be jealous about! The south of Italy is characterised as authentic, with a temperament that attracts even the most discerning, exuding the Mediterranean flair and boasting with well hidden secrets that promises a unique travel experience you will never forget! We have prepared a 7-day tour guide on what to explore while wandering through the unique Italian south.
SORRENTO
Our journey can only but start from the entrance of the cosmopolitan Costiera Amalfitana, Sorrento! Undoubtedly the breathtaking sunset of the picturesque town impresses everyone! The sun sinks into the centre of the sea and the view from the Bay of Naples is absolutely breathtaking. A little further your eye will definitely catch Italy’s famous volcano named Vesuvius. A breath away from the beautiful romantic villages of Amalfi, Sorrento is the perfect base for excursions when planning to explore the surrounding area. When staying for two nights, you can visit Pompeii, admire the city and experience the daily life of the locals, where the volcanic lava left intact almost 2000 ago. From Sorrento you can also take the boat and within an hour reach the cosmopolitan Capri!
ACCOMMODATION SORRENTO: Gran Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento
After a long and tiring day you spend exploring and wandering Costiera Amalfitana, the Gran Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento is the place you will want to be, to relax and enjoy a chilled wine at the hotel’s terrace while watching the city lights flickering. The hotel comprises of three Victorian buildings located over the Bay of Naples, which were built in 1834. The modern-designed hotel with touches of classical décor, trompe l’oeil walls and parquet floors, with rooms in different genres and styles, only a few metres away from the city centre, is the perfect retreat when staying in the area! If you want, you should definitely try the Terrazza Bosquet restaurant that serves Neapolitan dishes all made with their own local produce.
Web: https://www.exvitt.it/
CAPRI
For decades now, Capri has captured the hearts of visitors who describe it as the ultimate island of Dolce Vita! Capri is one of the most cosmopolitan islands of the Mediterranean and has been a top holiday destination for the rich and famous for many years now. The heart and soul of Capri beats at the town’s central square, Umberto I, or as the locals have named it Piazzetta. Capri is a destination where you’ll make lifelong memories and have a great time. Prestigious hotels, excellent restaurants, wine bars and a nightlife that will not disappoint you, are all at your disposal, promising you a unique stay! Treat yourself and go all out on your trip by staying overnight at one of the unique hotels you’ll find here, even for one night!
ACCOMMODATION IN CAPRI: Capri Tiberio Palace
Capri Tiberio Palace is found in one of the most peaceful areas of Capri, away from the busy streets and crowds, just a five-minute walk from Piazzetta! This ultra stylish 46-room hotel, with a clear Mediterranean influence evident even in the décor, combines local architecture and décor such as handmade ceramic tiles with fine vintage pieces and impressive fabrics. The geometric tapestries on the walls and the pastel shades add a modern touch. The unique view of the Mediterranean from some of the hotel’s rooms that stretches out before you will make your stay extra special!
Web: https://www.capritiberiopalace.it/
POSITANO
The entire Amalfi coast is a small masterpiece, but Positano is the one that stands out and impresses all its visitors! While returning to the mainland, before continuing your journey south, make a stop by this enchanting village. The village is perched on rocks, boasting with little houses all in earthy hues and picturesque alleys just waiting to enchant you! Do not forget to dive in some of the crystalline beaches, accessible through small cobblestoned alleys surrounded by nature! Taste traditional delicacies and remember that this is where the famous and delicious liqueur Limoncello started its journey and conquered the whole of Europe!
MATERA
While driving south-west, you will reach Matera. Some call it the hidden treasure of Italy and not unjustly. This is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with caves carved into the cliffs, known as the Sassi, where up until the early 20th century some of its inhabitants still resided in them. It is also a World Heritage Site, and in 2004 the movie “The Passion of Christ” was filmed there by Mel Gibson. With elements of baroque architecture combined with the houses carved in the rocks, this city reveals an unusual beauty that the human mind cannot easily capture!
ACCOMMODATION IN ΜATERA: Le Grotte della Civita
We recommend you stay in one of the refurbished hotels that have been carved into the rocks without a second thought. An excellent choice that will delight you is the Le Grotte della Civita. The rooms feature stone floors and stunning antiques. From the terrace you will enjoy the panoramic view over the Murgia National Park.
Web: www.sextantio.it/legrottedellacivita/matera/
PUGLIA
Leave behind the magnificent Matera while moving even farther south to get to Puglia, where your wandering will come to an end. A different kind of air blows within the Italian south and you will realise this the first time you set foot in the region of Puglia, the heel of Italy. Puglia is Mediterranean and it shows in the locals’ temperament, cuisine, the smell of the air and the majestic landscapes that you immediately come across, but also call you to discover. If you have three days to your disposal visit Lecce with its Baroque architecture and the peninsula of Gallipoli, the small architectural pearls of Puglia and of course the Greek-speaking villages found here. Indulge in delicious fish and try fresh pasta with tomatoes, olives and fresh oregano and do not forget to dance to the rhythms of the tarantella!
ACCOMMODATION IN PUGLIA: Masseria Potenti
The Masseria Potenti is an old country mansion that incorporates elegant features as well as the wild natural beauty of the area in its architecture. Situated on the wild west coast of Apulia near the historic town of Manduria, near the dunes and nature reserves of the Ionian coast, this country house can be your perfect retreat.
Web: www.masseriapotenti.it/masseria/
