In the summer of 2027, Ciao Giulia takes you on an exclusive 3-week road trip through southern Italy. We explore four unique regions: from the spectacular Amalfi Coast to sunny Puglia, via unspoiled Calabria to the characterful island of Sicily. In this lesser-visited part of Italy, you will experience an authentic side of the country, far away from mass tourism.
During this journey, you will stay in small-scale, locally run accommodations (no large hotel chains) and travel in comfort with our private minibus. This allows us to combine flexibility with a sense of calm and quality. You will take part in carefully selected local activities and meet the people who truly shape these regions.
You won’t experience southern Italy as a tourist, but more like a local, through meaningful experiences, connections with residents, and places you wouldn’t easily discover on your own.
The Best of the South is a small-group journey (max. 12 people), ideal for those looking for an authentic Italy experience with more depth, a slower pace, and meaningful moments. This trip is designed for couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, and families. Age doesn’t define the experience, it’s about how you choose to travel. Please note: our group trips are 18+ only. You’ll be guided by the Ciao Giulia team, with support in Dutch, French, English, and Italian.
What to expect?
During The Best of the South, you travel through four completely different regions, each with its own rhythm and character.
In Sicily, you start in Palermo with a street food tour, follow the northern coastline with stops in places like Cefalù, and take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands.
In Calabria, you explore Tropea and Capo Vaticano before heading towards Crotone, with quiet villages, sunset moments, and surprisingly white sandy beaches.
In Puglia, you discover the iconic trulli, taste olive oil at the source, and explore Lecce along with small fishing villages along the coast.
Along the Amalfi Coast, you combine a boat trip past Positano, a visit to Capri, and driving along the coastline on your own Vespa.
Your itinerary
Sicily
We land in Palermo and dive straight into the city: lively markets, narrow streets, and a first introduction to Sicilian cuisine during a street food tour.
From there, we follow the northern coastline on a scenic road trip, with a stop in Cefalù: one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Sicily.
As an extra highlight, we take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands: a volcanic archipelago set in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
Calabria
In Calabria, the pace slows down. We begin along the coast near Tropea and Capo Vaticano: clear waters, rugged cliffs, and villages where life still unfolds outdoors.
From there, we cross to the other side of the region, towards Crotone. Less touristic, and all the more special because of it. Here, you’ll find long stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise water.
In between, there’s time to swim, wander through a local market, and in the evening, we gather at an agriturismo where everything comes straight from the kitchen.
Puglia
Before entering Puglia, we make a stop in Matera, a UNESCO-listed place you simply have to see.
Once in Puglia, you discover the iconic trulli of Alberobello, wander through whitewashed villages like Locorotondo and Ostuni, and taste olive oil straight from the producer.
We also head to Bari, where we end the day with an aperitivo in the old town, surrounded by locals and narrow streets.
You explore Lecce, often called the Florence of the South, and enjoy lunches in small fishing villages along the coast, with time to linger and simply enjoy where you are.
Amalfi Coast
Along the Amalfi Coast, you experience the region in different ways. We head out to sea for a boat trip past Positano and Amalfi, taking time to swim and enjoy the coastline from the water. Capri is also part of the journey, where we explore the island at our own pace.
On land, you hop on your own Vespa and ride along winding roads to places you wouldn’t reach otherwise.
We fill our days with a limoncello tasting, a seaside lunch of pasta alle vongole, and evenings that end in a wine bar overlooking the coastline.
Your route through Southern Italy
During The Best of the South, we travel through four distinct regions in Southern Italy: the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily, each with its own character, landscapes, and traditions.
In every region, we stay multiple nights in small-scale accommodations and explore from there.
Along the way, you’ll discover the flavors, traditions, and people of the south. We taste regional specialties, visit local producers, and uncover places you wouldn’t easily find on your own.
Where you’ll stay
During the journey, we stay in one to two small-scale, centrally located accommodations per region. From there, we explore each area over several days, so you won’t have to unpack and repack your bags every day.
Think family-run local hotels, a charming agriturismo, or a unique trullo. All accommodations offer spacious double rooms and thoughtful comforts, often including facilities like an outdoor swimming pool.
Practical information
What's included?
The price for our 3-week roadtrip The Best of the South will soon be announced!
- Airport transfers (when opting for our recommended flights).
- All transportation including a private minibus with driver throughout the entire journey.
- 21 nights in carefully selected, small-scale accommodations, each with a private bathroom.
- Daily breakfast with fresh, local products.
- A selection of lunches and diners featuring regional specialties.
- (Alcoholic) drinks during included meals and activities.
- All listed activities, excursions and experiences in the program, including entrance fees, guides and tastings.
- Ciao Giulia tour guidance: A local expert, speaking your language, available 7 days a week to ensure a seamless and authentic travel experience.
- A local Ciao Giulia welcome package upon arrival.
- Personal tips and recommendations for your free time during the trip.
- All taxes, local tips, tourist taxes and administrative fees.
*The above price is based on two people sharing a double room. Traveling solo or prefer a single room? Feel free to ask us about the available options.
What's not included?
- Return flights.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Additional meals and drinks not mentioned in the program.
- Optional activities that can be booked separately.
- Travel and cancellation insurance (strongly recommended).
Would you like to add a few extra touches to your trip, like a bottle of wine or bubbles waiting in your room on arrival, a private massage, or even a photoshoot? Just let us know, we’re happy to think along with you.
Pre-registrations now open: The Best of the South (Summer 2027)
It’s happening: pre-registration for our exclusive 3-week journey, The Best of the South, is officially open.
Would you like to be part of it? Sign up for the pre-registration list now. You’ll get first access to bookings, before the official launch, and enjoy an exclusive early bird rate.
Our group trips are intentionally small-scale (max. 12 people) and tend to fill up quickly. Pre-registering gives you the best chance of securing your spot.
Note: pre-registering is not an official booking yet.
Price: soon available!
- available
- last places
- full
arrival
3 July 2027
departure
24 July 2027
Can’t make it this time?
Can’t join on these dates? Sign up for “The Best of the South” interest list and be the first to hear about new departure dates and registrations!