Some are enamoured with elevated scenic views, whilst others say nothing compares to an Aperol Spritz served by an ocean of azure blues. It’s the age-old travel question: Do you prefer mountains or beaches? Well, on this trip, you don’t have to answer, because you get the best of both. You listen to folk tales within the wooded slopes of the Majella National Park, visit villages that cuddle the rocky sides of the Lucanian Dolomites, and walk atop the ridges of the volcano of Vesuvius. At the same time, you see the gentle, lapping waves of Torre Lapillo’s lesser-known beaches; experience the glitz and glamour of the famous Amalfi Coast; and taste every type of seafood you can in the fishing villages of the Adriatic Sea. What’s more is that we’ve even managed to mix in Pompeii, Montecassino Abbey, and a few historical wonders into this irresistible itinerary. Take this tour through the best of South Italy and let both their mountains and beaches take your breath away.
You leave the hustle and bustle of Rome and head south towards peaceful Cassino. Sitting atop of the mountain, the Montecassino Abbey is a sight to behold. A working monastery and a pilgrimage site, this place was a centre of art, culture, and learning. It was also the scene for a decisive battle near the end of World War II. You have your entrance ticket included and get time to stroll through the cloisters of the monastery and contemplate the turbulent history of war.
You wake up in the stunning region of Campania and head south to Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Apulia’, this historic stone-built port and fishing village exudes sophistication. Walk along the promenade in the marina or stroll through the historic centre and admire the medieval churches, cathedral, and historic Jewish quarter.
Buongiorno! Wake up and start the day with some pasticciotto, the gorgeous breakfast pastry. Enjoy your free time in the morning by strolling through Lecce’s old town and admiring its unique architecture. The city’s Baroque style is so unique it got the name of its own, ‘Lecce Baroque’.
You leave Lecce and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera. This city is so perfectly adapted to the terrain that it blends in with its rocky surroundings on a cliff edge. It’s a higgledy-piggledy jumble of sassi, the ancient cave dwellings, houses and churches. Spend your time uncovering the rich history of this place and visit ancient churches with paintings on stone cave walls. You can also check out what the 18th-century dwellings were like and stumble upon locations used in Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ.
Today is all about the glamourous Amalfi Coast. Pastel-coloured houses and villas, chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants; this is La Dolce Vita at its finest. You start the day by exploring the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento. This town of lemons and plunging cliffs allured literary geniuses from Byron and Goethe to Dickens and Tolstoy. Wander through the sun-drenched piazzas and savour a glass of cold limoncello before you continue your day.
In the morning, you travel north to face Mount Vesuvius. In ancient times, this mountain was considered to be divine and had connections to Jupiter – god of sky and lightning. Legends say that the giants used to inhabit the volcano, which explained the loud noises and rumbling.