People may have some obsolete preconceptions about what is called Italy’s meridional area, but we are deeply in love with the south. You can see some of Italy’s most important works of art here and dive into a sea where you can swim nearly all year round – not to mention the delicious food and excellent wines! The south of Italy is a desirable destination all year round and particularly favorable off-season, to shorten the winter or extend the summer.
We’ll take you to Puglia, the land of Frederick II, where you can marvel at the charming trulli houses of the Itria Valley. A trip through the Salento region takes you to the most southeastern point of Italy, Santa Maria Leuca. You can visit the picturesque towns of Otranto, Trani, and Monte Sant’Angelo, and you’ll encounter magnificent baroque buildings of unparalleled splendor in Lecce and Nardò. Puglia is also a land of outstanding natural beauty. The Gargano peninsula and Salento cliffs are stunning, and the inland areas of the so-called Murgia are marked by a rugged beauty, especially near the towns of Matera and Castel del Monte.
Next, we’ll travel to Sicily, which rivals Puglia in all respects. Palermo, with its Arab-Norman architecture, is a destination unto itself. Erice and Trapani in the north of the island are equally magnificent. In the center of the island, you can visit Villa Casale, home of the largest floor mosaics from the Roman period. Heading south, we’ll explore the baroque towns of Scicli, Ragusa, Noto, and Modica. We’ll follow in the footsteps of the Greeks to Syracuse and Agrigento, and discover the necropolis of Pantalica, a hidden gem still today. The trip is enhanced by numerous natural wonders. Mount Etna, of course, stands in a league of its own. The Zingaro and Vendicari nature reserves boast beautiful coastlines, while the Madonie and Hyblaean Mountain ranges remain wonderfully unspoiled.
We are also delighted to showcase the Campania region. From Naples – which far exceeds its reputation – to the legendary Palinuro in Cilento National Park, there is much to see. Naples, Capri, Ischia, Pompeii, and Herculaneum are all not to be missed. The same applies to the Amalfi Coast, which is simply breathtaking. Further south, you will find cultural treasures such as the Greek temples of Paestum and the Charterhouse of Padule, along with charming seaside locales that have avoided mass tourism. With its rugged coastline and olive groves, the Cilento National Park offers magnificent natural experiences. And we will explore some fascinating sites that are steeped in the myths of Odysseus, Palinurus, and the Siren Leucosia.
For those who crave wilder adventures, we can take you to Calabria and Basilicata. The latest James Bond movie was filmed in Matera, where spectacular scenery meets stunning architecture. The lesser-known Craco, a film location favorite, is equally captivating. Along the coast, you’ll find charming medieval towns like Maratea, Tropea, and Paola. But the true highlight may be the unspoiled mountain world of Pollino and Aspromonte, with its untouched villages and pristine nature.
Equally untarnished is Sardinia. We’ll explore its most beautiful nature reserves, with crystal-clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean. The islands of Maddalena and the Asinara National Park are must-visits, while the authentic villages of the Gennargentu mountains offer a true cultural experience. The mysterious nuraghe, and enormous stone structures, are also well worth a visit, and other highlights include Orgosolo, filled with vibrant contemporary murals, and Alghero, one of the island’s most beautiful towns. In Sardinia, you can immerse yourself in an ancient world that has preserved its originality.