Highlights of Southern Italy

10 days - from $3295

A cultural adventure discovering the essence of southern Italy, from Campania to Calabria

From Naples, the ancient capital of southern Italy, we travel south to the magnificent Greek temples at Paestum. Standing for more than 2000 years, the three temples are quite simply spellbinding. Next we head south into one of Italy's best kept secrets – Cilento National Park. Here we stroll through medieval villages and enjoy a scenic boat journey around the mythical Cape Palinuro, and enjoy a great coastal walk to an old Roman harbour with several chances to swim in the crystal clear waters.. Next we explore the Basilicata & Calabria regions, the real epitome of the 'deep south'. We head first to Matera – much of this fascinating city lies underground, built into caves – we explore the area of the ‘Sassi’, where the houses are literally carved out of the cliff faces. We end our tour in the region of Calabria, the toe of Italy’s ‘boot’, a perfect place to explore the Mediterranean Old World. Today you’ll encounter sleepy medieval villages surrounded by an impressing nature. And we’ll alo discover the tremendous cultural heritage, ranging from the Greek Sybaris, to Byzantine Rossano and the Orthodox Albanese village of Civita. A trip to the great Pollino National Park and then through the impressive canyon of the Lao River down to the seashore makes the trip complete. This cultural adventure helps you to taste the flavours of southern Italy and discover the essence of true southern Italian life.

Highlights

• The wild mountains and coastline of Cilento National Park
• Matera's ‘sassi’ stone houses
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naples
• The Greek temples of Paestum

Itinerary:

Day 1: Naples2: Into the Cilento National Park: Paestum & Palinuro3: Marina the Camerota, land of the Siren ‘Kamaraton’4: Through Basilicata, the Deep South5: Discovering Matera, city of the ‘Sassi’6: From Matera along the Ionian Coast into Calabria7: Rossano and Castiglione8: Civita & The Pollino National Park9: Orsomarso National Park and Lao River Canyon10: Scalea
Included:

Local tour leader, transport and sightseeing.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, drinks, optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.