12 days in Southern Italy Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): don't miss a visit to Anfiteatro Romano di Paestum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll through Lido Mediterraneo Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Parrocchia Ss. Annunziata, then explore the ancient world of Archaeological Park of Paestum, then get outside with Lido Esercito, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Torre di Paestum.

To see more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Paestum online tour itinerary planner.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Paestum is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of ferry and car. Traveling from Jeddah to Paestum, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Jeddah in July; daily highs in Paestum reach 34°C and lows reach 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) so you can drive to Civita.

Civita is a hilltown and comune in the province of Cosenza in the Calabria region of southern Italy. On the 4th (Tue), get engrossed in the history at Museo Etonico Arbresh, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta, then identify plant and animal life at Setteventi del Pollino, then take in the views from Il ponte del diavolo, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Santuario della Madonna del Castello.

To see other places to visit, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Civita online itinerary planner.

You can drive from Paestum to Civita in 2.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Matera.

Famous for its resemblance to the ancient settlements of Jerusalem and Cappadocia, Matera remains one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Wed): examine the collection at Museo Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina, appreciate the extensive heritage of Sassi di Matera, then see the interesting displays at MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum, and finally explore the ancient world of Materasum Ipogeo.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Matera vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Civita to Matera in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In July, daytime highs in Matera are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to drive to Pompeii.

Pompeii has been a tourist destination for more than 250 years.

Venture out of the city with trips to Ravello (Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela & Duomo di Ravello), Salerno (Duomo di Salerno, Promenade Trieste, &more) and Castello di San Nicola de Thoro-Plano (in Maiori). The adventure continues: delve into the distant past at Pompeii Archaeological Park and admire the striking features of Villa dei Misteri.

To find ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Pompeii trip itinerary website.

Getting from Matera to Pompeii by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. July in Pompeii sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 24°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can drive to Positano.

Often referred to as the gem of the Amalfi Coast, Positano remains one of southern Italy's most sought-after vacation locales, thanks to its hillside location and picturesque, pastel buildings.

Change things up with these side-trips from Positano: Amalfi (Duomo di Sant'Andrea & Fontana sant'Andrea), Ravello (Villa Cimbrone Gardens, Villa Rufolo, &more) and Food Tours (in Sorrento). There's lots more to do: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, steep yourself in history at Church of Santa Maria Assunta, take a memorable drive along Amalfi Coast, and get great views at Il Sentiero Degli Dei.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Positano trip itinerary builder app.

Traveling by car from Pompeii to Positano takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in July, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Thu) to allow time for the flight back home.