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South of Amalfi - Cilento, Basilicata and Calabria

Small Group · Naples

Experience a New Paradise South of the Amalfi Coast: Cilento, Mountain Monasteries, Blue Grottoes, the Coast of Maratea and Dino Island

9 Days Campania · Italy

The Overview

Overview

For those who want to enjoy an authentic experience in southern Italy away from the masses, this experience is for you!  Explore the majestic Cilento Coast and incredible white sand beaches, blue grottoes, unspoilt coastlines and nearly deserted coasts and islands.  Enjoy Maratea, Dino Island, the Cape of Polinuro and fall in love with authentic Italy! 

Duration

9 days

8 nights

Pricing

On request

Tailored to your dates and group.

For those who want to enjoy an authentic experience in southern Italy away from the masses, this experience is for you! Explore the majestic Cilento Coast and incredible white sand beaches, blue grottoes, unspoilt coastlines and nearly deserted coasts and islands. Enjoy Maratea, Dino Island, the Cape of Polinuro and fall in love with authentic Italy!

Regions
Campania · Italy
Tour Style
Small Group
Departs From
Naples
Meeting Point
Airport
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 6 dinners · 5 lunches · 3 wine tastings · 1 cooking class
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Campania

Chapter 1 · Days 1–4

Welcome to Campania

The region of Campania on the south-west coast of Italy is home to one of the world's most famous and most beautiful coastlines - the Amalfi Coast. This spectacular area draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the mildness of the climate, the exotic vegetation of palms, lemon and orange trees and the remarkable sandstone cliffs which…

Explore Campania
Day 1

Campania, Santa Maria di Castellabate

Private Transfer to Santa Maria di Castellabate

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Private Transfer to Santa Maria di Castellabate — photo 1 Private Transfer to Santa Maria di Castellabate — photo 2 Private Transfer to Santa Maria di Castellabate — photo 3 Private Transfer to Santa Maria di Castellabate — photo 4 Private Transfer to Santa Maria di Castellabate — photo 5

Upon arrival at the Naples train station or airport, our English speaking driver will be there to meet, greet and welcome you to the beautiful Campania region and transfer you to the beautiful sea-side town of Santa Maria di Castellabate, located one hour and fifteen minutes south of Naples (traffic permitting).

Here, you will be welcomed into the beautiful sea-front hotel and enjoy a gorgeous Mediterranean facing view.

You will have time to settle in, enjoy a panoramic walk through the town, a dip in the gorgeous Mediterranean or simply relax before our welcome group dinner this evening. 

Where we meet Airport
Day 2

Campania, Paestum

Paestum - Mozzarella di Buffala - Castellabate Historical Center

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Wine Tasting
Paestum - Mozzarella di Buffala - Castellabate Historical Center — photo 1 Paestum - Mozzarella di Buffala - Castellabate Historical Center — photo 2 Paestum - Mozzarella di Buffala - Castellabate Historical Center — photo 3 Paestum - Mozzarella di Buffala - Castellabate Historical Center — photo 4 Paestum - Mozzarella di Buffala - Castellabate Historical Center — photo 5

After buffet breakfast at the hotel this morning we leave at 9:00 AM, to enjoy and discover some of the most-well-preserved ruins in Italy, the Greek Temples of Paestum which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Our engaging local guide will bring the ruins of this ancient city to life for you.  

Following our visit, we will head to a local farm, famous the world over for the incredible Mozzarella di Buffala, Olive Oil and local wines produced right on site. 

After lunch, we head up to the historic center of Castellabate which offers mesmerizing views of the entire coastline north and south.  From here, you can view the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri and Ischia.

In the later evening, around 6 PM, we head back to Santa Maria di Castellabate, where you will have some free time to enjoy a swim, walk the town and experience dinner at leisure after a day with the group. 

Day 3

Campania, Cilento Coast Campania

The Southern Cilento Coast, Blue Grotto and Palinuro by Private Boat

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Wine Tasting
The Southern Cilento Coast, Blue Grotto and Palinuro by Private Boat — photo 1 The Southern Cilento Coast, Blue Grotto and Palinuro by Private Boat — photo 2 The Southern Cilento Coast, Blue Grotto and Palinuro by Private Boat — photo 3 The Southern Cilento Coast, Blue Grotto and Palinuro by Private Boat — photo 4 The Southern Cilento Coast, Blue Grotto and Palinuro by Private Boat — photo 5

This morning at 09:00 AM, we will head south from Santa Maria di Castellabate into the magnificent Cilento Coast where you will experience one of the most un-touched and beautiful coastlines in Italy.

Gorgeous sea-side towns await you, with incredible white-sand beaches hemmed by olive groves and vineyards which seem to drop right into the sea.

We will head as far south as Palinuro (about a 1.5 hour drive), where we will board a boat that will take us around the cape of Palinuro.   You will get to experience the magnificent Blue Grotto, many people say is more beautiful than that of Capri's and with far fewer tourists (part of the reason - our tour is on the alternative list of great experiences for those who don't want mass-tourism experiences in Italy).

After our visit to the Grotto we head around the cape where we will discover a truly mesmerizing cliff-face, which is one of the most impressive in Europe.

Heading further around the cape, we will head to the natural arches, beautiful beaches and stop at one of the beach-lidos for a wonderful and picturesque sea-food lunch right on the beach where you will have time for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. 

In the afternoon, we return to the mainland and head up to the Medieval, hill-top town of Pisciotta, where your luggage will already be in your room at the stunning hotel where you will have time to clean, relax and get ready for a light dinner on the hotel's magnificent terrace. 

Day 4

Campania, Cilento Coast

Food, Wine, Life & Shopping in Cilento - Optional Horseback Riding

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Wine Tasting
  • Cooking Class
Food, Wine, Life & Shopping in Cilento - Optional Horseback Riding — photo 1 Food, Wine, Life & Shopping in Cilento - Optional Horseback Riding — photo 2 Food, Wine, Life & Shopping in Cilento - Optional Horseback Riding — photo 3 Food, Wine, Life & Shopping in Cilento - Optional Horseback Riding — photo 4 Food, Wine, Life & Shopping in Cilento - Optional Horseback Riding — photo 5

Following breakfast today, we 

Italy

Chapter 2 · Days 5–9

Welcome to Italy

There is nowhere on earth quite like Italy. From the vineyard-covered hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, from the art and history of Rome and Florence to the quiet fishing villages of the south, this is a country that gets under your skin and stays there. Come for the landmarks, stay for the long lunches, the warm welcomes, and the feeling…

Day 5

Italy

The Sanctuary of Cilento

  • Breakfast
The Sanctuary of Cilento — photo 1 The Sanctuary of Cilento — photo 2 The Sanctuary of Cilento — photo 3 The Sanctuary of Cilento — photo 4 The Sanctuary of Cilento — photo 5
Day 6

Basilicata, Maratea Calabria, Praia a Mare

Maratea's Incredible Rendentore del Christo - Praia a Mare

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Maratea's Incredible Rendentore del Christo - Praia a Mare — photo 1 Maratea's Incredible Rendentore del Christo - Praia a Mare — photo 2 Maratea's Incredible Rendentore del Christo - Praia a Mare — photo 3 Maratea's Incredible Rendentore del Christo - Praia a Mare — photo 4 Maratea's Incredible Rendentore del Christo - Praia a Mare — photo 5

After breakfast today we head south traveling firstly through the town Sapri and then along the Coast of Maratea which is a glorious stretch of coast with wonderful photo opportunities.  We will stop en-route in some incredible locations and then from the town of Maratea head up to one of the most incredible stretches of highway in Italy, to the 'Rednentore dal Cristo' in Maratea. 

Following our visit here, you will enjoy a wonderful pizza lunch in the historical center of Maratea.

From here, we make our way further south to the town of Praia a Mare which offers a long stretch of coast, great shopping with local artists like Claudia Giannini and Ricardo Salmena, both of which are walking distance from our hotel this evening.

Dinner and overnight in Praia a Mare. 

Day 9

Campania, Naples

Time to Say Goodbye in Naples

  • Breakfast
Time to Say Goodbye in Naples — photo 1 Time to Say Goodbye in Naples — photo 2 Time to Say Goodbye in Naples — photo 3 Time to Say Goodbye in Naples — photo 4 Time to Say Goodbye in Naples — photo 5

Following a magnicent buffet breakfast in Naples at the Hotel Continental in front of the Ovo Castle in Naples, it will be time to say goodbye. 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • English speaking professional tour guide
  • Excellent Photo Opportunities
  • Internet at All Hotels
  • Local and International Travel Assistance During your Tour
  • Local English speaking Driver Guide
  • Punctuality & Professionalism by our Staff and Associates

What's Not Included

  • Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • Gratuities of any type
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Optional excursions during your tour
  • Travel Insurance
Your rooms

Where You'll Stay

Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a property of similar standard.

Hotel Villa Sirio

Hotel Villa Sirio

Italy, Campania

The Villa Sirio is one of the most well-positioned beach-front hotels in southern Italy. Located directly on the seaside, this hotel offers sea-view r...

Discover Property
In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Naples

Naples and beyond

9 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Airport

Where it starts

Naples

Nearby Experiences

Private Tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
Private Tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
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Sicily: Private Full Day Tour of Erice - Castellammare del Golfo and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve
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Palermo and Monreale Full Day Private Tour
Palermo and Monreale Full Day Private Tour
In the Shadow of Vesuvius: the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Campania
Paestum & the Cilento Coast Private Tour
Paestum & the Cilento Coast Private Tour
Full Day Tour of Capri by Public Ferry with Private Guide
Full Day Tour of Capri by Public Ferry with Private Guide
The Amalfi Coast & Capri for Lovers
The Amalfi Coast & Capri for Lovers
A Private Journey with Local Hosts through Southern Italy and Malta including the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, Sicily and the Island Nation of Malta
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Calabria Private Tours and Excursions
Calabria Private Tours and Excursions
Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

Are the hotels shown the ones we will stay in?

Usually, yes. Hotels are subject to availability, and if one is full on your dates we will replace it with a property of a similar standard and tell you before you book. Never a surprise on arrival.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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9 days · Pricing on request

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