Southern Italy tours

Your questions about Southern Italy, answered

Burnt-orange sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The scent of basil drifts from a trattoria doorway. Ancient ruins that still make you hold your breath. We’ve gathered the questions our travellers ask most often about visiting southern Italy.

And here’s some peace of mind upfront: when you choose us, you can Book With Confidence, knowing your payments are protected. Curious about the details? You’ll find them in our booking terms and FAQs.

1. Is southern Italy good for a self-drive tour?

Really good. The distances are short, most driving days are only 1 to 2 hours, and the roads between Rome, Naples and the coast are well maintained.

The Amalfi Coast road is the one people ask about most. It’s narrow, winding, and carved into the cliffs. If you enjoy that kind of driving, it’s one of the best stretches of road in Europe. If you’d rather not, guided day tours from Sorrento let someone else handle the hairpins while you look out the window.

2. How does Cancellation Protection work?

Our cancellation protection is available when you pay a 20% deposit on your tour. Once added, you can rebook your tour once or cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund plus travel credit.

It’s not included as standard, but if flexibility matters to you, it’s worth adding at the booking stage. Full details can be found on our Book With Confidence page.

3. When is the best time to visit southern Italy?

April to October, though we’d nudge you towards the shoulders – late April through June, or September into early October. The light is warmer, the roads are quieter, and you won’t be competing for a table at every waterfront restaurant.

July and August are hot (30°C+), and the Amalfi Coast gets very busy. It’s still a wonderful trip, but you’ll share the road with more people.

4. What’s included in my tour?

The essentials, plus a few things you might not expect. Your accommodation with daily breakfast, a rental car with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance, a second driver at no extra cost. You’ll also get a personalised itinerary with hand-annotated maps and local recommendations from your travel consultant.

Also, you’ll receive our Italy Travel Guide and 24/7 support throughout your trip. Guided experiences, cookery classes and other extras can be added when you book.

5. Is it easy to drive in southern Italy?

Yes, but with a couple of caveats. Italian drivers are confident, toll roads are common (bring cash or a card for the booths), and parking in city centres like Naples and Rome can test your patience. We’d suggest collecting your car the morning you leave Rome rather than driving in the city itself.

Once you’re on the open road, it’s a different story. Well-signed routes, manageable distances, and scenery that genuinely rewards slow driving. We include practical tips in your travel documents – where to refuel, how the toll system works, and where not to park.

Our complete guide to driving in Italy goes into more detail.

6. Can I customise my tour?

Absolutely. Most people tweak something. Popular changes include adding an extra night or two in Rome (one day there never quite feels like enough). You could also weave in a cookery class, or add in a guided walk through the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Just let your travel consultant know what you’re thinking – they can adjust the itinerary before you book.

7. What will I see on a southern Italy tour?

Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and even the island of Capri. You’ll also have the option to visit Herculaneum (often better preserved than Pompeii, and far quieter) and take in views of Mount Vesuvius from multiple angles along the way.

It’s a mix of 2,000-year-old ruins, cliff-edge coastal roads, and some of the best food you’ll eat anywhere. The kind of trip where you come home with strong opinions about pizza.

8. Can I book flights through Nordic Visitor?

We don’t include flights in our tour packages. This way, you’re free to plan the journey that works for you. You choose your airline, where you fly from, and flight times that suit you.

We recommend looking into flights first, then booking your tour. Just wait for our confirmation before buying tickets.

9. Will I have support during my trip?

You’ll receive a detailed itinerary before you go, packed with our local tips and recommendations – so you’ll have plenty of guidance at your fingertips from day one.

And if something unexpected comes up while you’re travelling, our team is available 24/7 by phone. It doesn’t need to derail your trip. We’re only a call away.

10. Do I need an international driving licence?

If your licence is in English and issued in the UK, US, Canada, or Australia, you won’t need one for short visits. For licences in other languages, an International Driving Permit is recommended.

Your personalised itinerary covers all the driving details, and our complete guide to driving in Italy answers the rest – parking, speed limits, and what to keep in the car.