Experience the best of Southern Italy & Malta with Locals ๏ปฟ
๏ปฟDiscover Calabria, Sicily, Sardegna, Puglia & the Amalfi Coast
Southern Italy and Malta are layered, complex, and profoundly beautiful. The history in these regions dates back thousands of years and it’s a combination of the food, wine and nature that makes these destinations so extraordinary. The springtime in the southern Mediterranean is an exceptional time to visit. In this weekโs newsletter, we explore some of southern Italy’s most captivating areas, which you can explore in depth on our website: Calabria, Sicily, Sardegna, Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, and Maltaโseen through the eyes of people who know these places intimately.๏ปฟ
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Our story began in Calabria in 2003, at a time when the internet was still in its infancy and many hotels didnโt even have websites. Twenty-five years later, weโre still hereโliving, working, and writing about Southern Italy as it truly is. At Italy Vacation Specialists, we donโt design trips from a distance. We live here. We drive these roads. Many members of our team have led bike tours, traveled extensively with large groups, and navigated the real-world challenges of travel in Italyโexperience that unlocks access and allows us to curate journeys most travelers never even see.
If youโre looking for depth, authenticity, and seamless travel in Southern Italy and Malta, read on because youโre in the right place. We can cusotmize any journey. ๏ปฟ
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Italyโs Deep South Is Best Experienced with Those Who Speak the Language and Know the Land
Planning is only part of the journey. What happens once you arrive is where experience truly counts.๏ปฟ
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- Italy doesnโt operate the same way everywhere โ local knowledge matters city by city, region by region๏ปฟ
๏ปฟ - Language barriers can quickly complicate simple situations, especially in smaller towns๏ปฟ
๏ปฟ - Transportation, timing, and access often change with little notice๏ปฟ
๏ปฟ - Having people on the ground turns disruptions into seamless adjustments
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Is renting a car in Italy worth it? What Travelers should know.
Southern Italy Is StunningโBut Itโs Not Simple. We know first hand.
Southern Italy is extraordinarily beautiful, shaped by history, tradition, and striking landscapes. Regions such as Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, Sicily, and Sardegna offer ancient towns, dramatic coastlines, and food cultures deeply woven into daily lifeโplaces that invite travelers to slow down and connect more meaningfully. You can explore all of these regions where we have documented many towns and cities on our website where we have spent decades documenting these regions and use the interactive map to discover unique programs.๏ปฟ
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Experiencing these regions with ease often comes down to local support. In many smaller towns and family-run businesses, English is spoken sparingly, and having people on the ground who speak the language and understand local rhythms makes travel feel natural rather than complicated. Logistics flow smoothly, plans adapt easily, and experiences feel personal instead of packaged.๏ปฟ
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With local guidance, journeys through these regions becomes intuitive and refined. Families relax, multi-generational groups move comfortably, and travelers enjoy the quiet confidence of knowing every detail is handledโso the experience feels as beautiful as the places themselves.
It is particularly difficult to get around southern Italy by train. The Amalfi Coast, Matera and many of the coastal towns are not accessible by train at all and parking can be a nightmare. Make sure to know the ins and outs of transportation in these regions before you travel. Read more in our Italy Magazine.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR UNIQUE PROGRAMS IN SOUTHERN ITALY ๏ปฟ
The Amalfi Coast, Sicily & Malta with local hosts.
Discover the ultimate Mediterranean adventure on this private 14-day journey through Southern Italy and Malta. Begin on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, based in Sorrento, and explore Capri, Ravello, Positano, Pompeii, and iconic coastal scenery. Then head to Sicily to visit Palermo, Monreale, Taormina, Mt. Etna, Siracusa, and the Valley of the Temples, enjoying rich history, stunning landscapes, and local flavors. Finally, cross by ferry to the island nation of Malta, where ancient fortifications, UNESCO heritage sites, charming Valletta, and the beautiful island of Gozo await. This customizable itinerary blends breathtaking views, cultural treasures, fascinating history, and delicious cuisine into one unforgettable Mediterranean vacation.ย Learn More
Explore Italyโs deep south on the Kingdom of the Sun Discovery, a personalized 9-day journey through Puglia, Basilicata & Calabria for curious cultural travelers. Wander UNESCO towns, coastal villages, ancient sites, and seaside gems, with private transportation and authentic local experiences. Limited availability โ book your customized adventure today and savor Southern Italyโs history, food, and scenic beauty, with the option to extend into Sicily, Malta & Beyond. Read More about this unique adventure through southern Italy and contact us today.
Embark on this unique journey through northern Calabria where our story first began in 2003. This is a tailored tour for for food lovers and curious travelers. Stay with the Calabresi family in the center of Praia a Mare & enjoy incredible nearby mountain villages and costal towns. This experience blends hands-on cooking classes, tastings of local specialties, and visits to markets and vineyards Enjoy authentic Calabrian flavors, expert guides, and private transportation. Limited availabilityโbook your customized culinary adventure now to savor Southern Italyโs rich traditions and tastes. Read more.
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๏ปฟDiscover Sardegna Discovery, a personalized journey for culture and nature lovers through Sardiniaโs rugged landscapes, timeless villages, and crystalline seas. This is an amazing experience from Coast to Coast where you will experience ancient Nuragic ruins, authentic local cuisine, and hidden coves with private transportation and expert guides. Limited availability โ book your customized adventure now to explore Sardiniaโs rich heritage, pastoral traditions, and breathtaking Mediterranean beauty.ย Read More about this journey and how we can customize your trip.
Speak directly with an Italy-based IVS expert and get clear, personalized advice before you plan another step.
100% Free
15 Minute Consultation
Be sure to book
[NOW] with a Local Expert!
Booking a 100% no-fee consultation with an IVS expert means getting real, on-the-ground Italy expertiseโwithout pressure or hidden costs. Our specialists live and work in Italy, understand logistics, timing, and local realities, and design trips that actually work. Youโll receive honest advice, personalized recommendations, and clarity before you commit. No AI guesswork. Just experienced humans helping you travel smarter, with confidence.
A Taste of Southern Italy
Savor Southern Italy on this personalized 9-day Taste of Southern Italy tour designed for food and culture lovers. Explore the culinary gems of the Amalfi Coast and Campania region with private transportation and authentic experiences. Enjoy tastings, market visits, and regional specialties.
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๏ปฟWe visit family farms and enjoy cooking in idyllic locations where you will enjoy some of Italy’s best food, wine, olive oil & Gelato.
Limited availability โ book your customized adventure today to immerse yourself in Italyโs flavors, traditions, and scenic beauty.ย
Learn More About this Incredible Program & Many other unique culinary adventures.
Journey Through Italy & Greece with Ease: Let Our Expertise Turn Your Dream Trip into Reality
1๏ธโฃ Timing means everything in Italy & Greece when you are planning a vacation!
Nowadays, you can go online and book hotels, trains, tours, and activities without having to interact with a single person! However, what ends up happening in so many instances is that you’re treated as a number once you get here. Not only are you guessing in many instances about the neighbourhood and the property, there’s nobody there to help you in the event that anything goes wrong. We take the guesswork out of the process by customizing your itinerary, selecting the most beautiful and appropriate accommodations given your budget. Our relationships with the venue owners themselves makes a huge difference for how you are received upon arrival. Often, complementary upgrades are given as a result of our relationships which span in some instances nearly 2 decades!
2๏ธโฃ Stress-Free Transportation including Ferries, Transfers, Helicopters & Private Yachts
Navigating Greece and Italy’s transport system can be tricky. Trains, ferries, taxis, and buses donโt always run on time, and rental cars in big cities can be a nightmare. We arrange private transfers, chauffeured vehicles, and smooth connections so your family can travel effortlessly between destinations.
3๏ธโฃ Private & Truly Small Group Experiences
Crowded group tours can be exhausting, especially in the heat. We provide exclusive, private and truly small group experiences designed for absolute comfort, and an overall better experience.
4๏ธโฃ Travel for Humans by Humans who have Local Knowledge & Handpicked Recommendations๏ปฟ
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Not only can finding restaurants be stressful, so can knowing where to go shopping. In many areas stores in Italy and Greece are not open all day. Sometimes entire towns shut down from 1:00-5:00 PM. Our team knows how to avoid the pitfalls of travel here, so you don’t run into problems you wouldn’t otherwise.
5๏ธโฃ 24/7 Local Support in both Italy and Greece During Your Trip & Emergency Assistance
When unexpected issues ariseโmissed trains, lost luggage, or medical concernsโour on-the-ground team is just a phone call away. Unlike online booking platforms, we provide real-time assistance to ensure your trip stays smooth and stress-free.
With Italy Vacation Specialists & GreeceVisits, youโre not just booking a tripโyouโre gaining trusted local support, expert guidance, and a stress-free Italian adventure tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Let us handle the details so you can relax, explore, and create lifelong memories together! ๐ฎ๐นโจ
TRIP ADVISOR’S 2025 Traveller’s Choice Awards
We were thrilled to have received Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award and we were both delighted and surprised to have received the Best of the Best Award.
What we do isn’t easy because of the incredible coordination and numerous logistical factors on the ground in Italy we need to account for.
We do what we do with all of our heart and because we are passionate about Italy.
Thank you for your continued support and you can read a number of recent reviews online.
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๏ปฟCONNECT WITH OUR TEAM IN ITALY & GREECE TODAY! ๏ปฟ
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๏ปฟEMAIL US FOR A FAST RESPONSE:
team@italyvacationspecialists.com ๏ปฟ
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BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY AND TURN YOU or YOUR CLIENT’S DREAM TRIP INTO REALITY. WE WORK WITH TRAVEL AGENTS ALL OVER THE WORLD & WELCOME AGENT REQUESTS VIA OUR TRAVEL AGENT SIGN UP FORM
NO FEE 15 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION.
https://www.italyvacationspecialists.com/book-your-free-consultation.html
CALL DIRECT IN ITALY OR WHATSAPP: +39 375 823 5314
TOLL FREE: 1-866-779-2565
