Tour Introduction
Discover the irresistible beauty of Southern Italy on a journey from vibrant Naples and the enchanting island of Ischia to the spectacular Amalfi Coast, ancient Matera and the whitewashed towns of Puglia. Along the way, we’ll savour regional wines and produce, cruise beautiful coastlines, cook with a local mamma, discover centuries-old traditions and enjoy plenty of time to simply soak up la dolce vita – all with sisters for company.Highlights
Explore vibrant Naples and taste authentic Neapolitan pizza
Escape to the beautiful island of Ischia
Wander through the enchanting La Mortella Botanical Garden
Savour an Ischia winery lunch with local wines
Toast an island sunset with Prosecco on the water
Step back in time amongst the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Discover the spectacular Amalfi Coast and charming Ravello
Taste traditional limoncello at a family-run lemon terrace
Create your own keepsake at a Vietri ceramic workshop
Visit a buffalo mozzarella farm with a delicious country lunch
Explore the extraordinary UNESCO-listed Sassi of Matera
Try your hand at traditional Matera bread making
Enjoy a Puglian winery visit and wine tasting lunch
Discover beautiful Baroque Lecce, the “Florence of the South”
Celebrate with dinner, live pizzica music and dancing at a masseria
Enjoy an exclusive palazzo visit and aperitivo in Lecce
Explore whitewashed Ostuni aboard an Italian Ape Calessino
Cruise the spectacular Polignano a Mare coastline by catamaran
Make traditional orecchiette pasta with a local mamma
Taste Puglia’s liquid gold at a traditional olive mill
Enjoy aperitivo amongst the vines in beautiful Locorotondo
Wander amongst the iconic trulli of Alberobello
Enjoy plenty of leisure time to discover Southern Italy your way
Inclusions
Hosted throughout by a Sisterhood Womens Travel Tour Hostess, ensuring a smooth, supported and memorable travel experience
Return economy airfares from Melbourne to Italy, including taxes (other departure cities available upon request)
Professional English-speaking local guides throughout the itinerary
All accommodation as per itinerary
All transportation and private transfers as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Zoom Meet and Greet prior to departure
Notice
Activity Level:
This tour is designed for travellers with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy combining cultural sightseeing with relaxed food, wine and coastal experiences. Throughout Southern Italy, we’ll explore historic cities, archaeological sites, gardens, hilltop towns and atmospheric old quarters, with regular walking on cobblestones, stone pathways, steps and uneven surfaces. Travellers should be comfortable walking for several hours on sightseeing days and keeping pace with the group. Particular attention should be given to Pompeii and Matera, where ancient streets, stone surfaces, slopes and steps require good balance and mobility. The Amalfi Coast also involves hills and steps, while ferry and boat journeys require travellers to board and disembark independently.
Activity Factors:
✔ Regular walking on sightseeing days
✔ Orientation walking tour through historic Naples
✔ Extensive walking through the archaeological ruins of Pompeii
✔ Uneven ancient stone streets and surfaces at Pompeii
✔ Walking through La Mortella Botanical Garden on Ischia
✔ Ferry travel between Naples, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast
✔ Walking through Amalfi and to a family-run lemon terrace
✔ Hills, steps and sloping pathways on the Amalfi Coast
✔ Exploring Villa Rufolo and its gardens in hilltop Ravello
✔ Guided walking tour through the Sassi of Matera
✔ Numerous stone steps, slopes and uneven pathways in Matera
✔ Walking tour through historic Lecce
✔ Exploring Ostuni's historic centre with some independent walking
✔ Boarding and disembarking a catamaran independently
✔ Walking through Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo and Monopoli
✔ Walking through Alberobello's historic trulli district
✔ Cobblestones and uneven historic streets throughout Southern Italy
✔ Extended periods standing during guided sightseeing
✔ Independent luggage handling when required
✔ More than 10,000 steps possible on some sightseeing days
✘ No compulsory hiking or trekking
✘ No sustained long-distance walking days
✘ No technically challenging terrain
✘ No high-altitude activities
Additional Meal Allowance:
A wonderful selection of meals and special culinary experiences is included throughout our journey, with plenty of opportunities to discover Southern Italy’s fabulous cafés, trattorias and local restaurants during our free time. For comfortable budgeting, we recommend allowing approximately EUR800 per person for lunches and dinners not included, together with coffees, drinks, gelato and incidental treats throughout the tour. Travellers wishing to enjoy regular alcoholic beverages, premium seafood restaurants or additional special dining experiences may wish to allow a little extra.
Tipping:
Tipping is customary throughout Italy and is a way of recognising the service provided by local guides, drivers and other tourism professionals. To make things simple and stress-free, Sisterhood Womens Travel operates a group tipping kitty. At the beginning of the tour, each traveller contributes to the kitty, which is managed by your Sisterhood Tour Hostess. Tips are then distributed throughout the journey to local guides, drivers and other service providers on your behalf. This means you won’t need to worry about individual tipping situations throughout your holiday, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the journey. The estimated contribution to the Sisterhood tipping kitty for this tour is EUR160 per person. The final amount will be confirmed in your final travel documentation. Any additional gratuities for exceptional personal service are entirely at your discretion.
Visa Information and Travel Advice:
Please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy for all travel advice.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 2 October 2027
Melbourne - Naples (Meals Inflight)
Meet your Sisterhood hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbournre Aiport.
Our Italian adventure begins today as we meet at Melbourne Airport and prepare to discover the irresistible beauty of southern Italy.
Ahead of us are colourful coastal towns, enchanting islands, ancient cities, wonderful food and wine and, of course, the gorgeous landscapes and whitewashed villages of Puglia.
We’ll settle aboard our international flight and make our way towards Naples, ready for a fabulous few weeks of Italian discovery and wonderful Sisterhood company.
Day 2 - Sunday 3 October 2027
Welcome to Naples (D)
Benvenute in Italia! We arrive into Naples today, where our private coach will be waiting to transfer us to our hotel.
After dropping our luggage, there’ll be time to settle in and perhaps enjoy our first glimpse of this wonderfully vibrant southern Italian city.
This evening we’ll come together for our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant – the perfect opportunity to raise a glass to the adventure ahead, meet our fellow Sisters and enjoy our first taste of Italy.
Overnight - Grand Hotel Santa Lucia, Naples (or similar)
Day 3 - Monday 4 October 2027
Naples and the Islandn of Ischia (B, L)
After breakfast, we’ll head out on foot to discover Naples, a city bursting with character, history and unmistakable Italian energy. Our orientation walk introduces us to its glorious past, medieval castles, grand squares and atmospheric streets.
And because we’re in Naples, there really is only one appropriate choice for lunch – pizza! We’ll enjoy the city’s most famous culinary creation at a local pizzeria before making our way to the port.
This afternoon we board our ferry bound for the beautiful island of Ischia, where our private transfer will take us to our hotel. The evening is ours to relax and enjoy at leisure.
Dinner at leisure - Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Continental Terme, Ischia (or similar)
Day 4 - Tuesday 5 October 2027
Gardens, Wine and the Flavours of Ischia (B, L)
Today we discover another side of beautiful Ischia, beginning with the enchanting La Mortella Botanical Garden.
Created by Lady Susana Walton in the 1950s, this lush sanctuary is filled with exotic plants, fountains, ponds and secluded corners, all set against the beautiful island landscape. We’ll also learn about the garden’s fascinating connection to renowned British composer Sir William Walton.
From gardens to grapes, we continue to a local winery where generations of tradition and passion come together. Here we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch accompanied by a selection of Ischia’s wines while soaking up the surrounding countryside.
We return to our hotel with the remainder of the afternoon free to relax.
Dinner at leisure - Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Continental, Ischia (or similar)
Day 5 - Wednesday 6 October 2027
Ischia at Leisure and Sunset on the Water (B)
Today is completely ours to enjoy Ischia your way.
Perhaps indulge in the island’s famous thermal waters, spend time by the beach, wander through a local village or simply find a beautiful spot for a long Italian lunch.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll regroup for a special sunset boat tour. With the coastline around us and the sky turning shades of pink and gold, we’ll toast our island escape with a glass of Prosecco.
Dinner at leisure - Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
(Boat tour is subject to suitable sea and weather conditions.)
Overnight - Hotel Continental, Ischia (or similar)
Day 6 - Thursday 7 October 2027
Ischia – Pompeii – Vietri sul Mare (B, L)
We farewell Ischia this morning and take the ferry back to Naples before continuing towards one of Italy’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures.
First, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, whose dramatic presence dominates the landscape.
Then we step back almost 2,000 years as our local guide takes us through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Archaeological Area of Pompeii. Buried by the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii offers an astonishing window into everyday Roman life, with streets, homes and public spaces preserved beneath layers of volcanic ash.
Later this afternoon we continue to beautiful Vietri sul Mare, our home on the Amalfi Coast.
Checking into our hotel with dinner at leisure - Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Raito, Vietri sul Mare (or similar)
Day 7 - Friday 8 October 2027
Amalfi, Lemons & Ravello (B)
Today is filled with some of the quintessential flavours and landscapes of the Amalfi Coast.
We’ll travel by ferry to Amalfi, once one of Italy’s great maritime republics. There’ll be time to explore independently, browse the little shops and soak up the atmosphere before we walk to a family-run lemon terrace.
Here we’ll discover the importance of lemons to life on the Amalfi Coast, meet a local producer and learn the traditional secrets behind that wonderfully Italian digestif – limoncello. Naturally, there’ll be a tasting, followed by a delicious lunch.
Our day continues in the enchanting hilltop village of Ravello, where we visit magnificent Villa Rufolo. Dating back to the 13th century, its beautiful architecture and cascading gardens provide one of the Amalfi Coast’s most memorable settings.
We return to Vietri sul Mare later this afternoon, with dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Raito, Vietri sul Mare (or similar)
Day 8 - Saturday 9 October 2027
Vietri sul Mare & Ceramic Workshop (B)
Enjoy a wonderfully relaxed morning today with time to explore independently, perhaps wander through Vietri’s colourful streets, browse its famous ceramics or simply enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Later this afternoon we’ll meet a local artisan for a hands-on ceramic workshop.
Vietri sul Mare has been celebrated for its ceramics for centuries, and this afternoon we’ll have the opportunity to become part of that tradition as we create our own piece – and perhaps discover a hidden artistic talent along the way!
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Raito, Vietri sul Mare (or similar)
Day 9 - Sunday 10 October 2027
Vietri sul Mare – Buffalo Mozzarella – Matera (B, L)
We leave the Amalfi Coast behind today and begin our journey towards the extraordinary city of Matera.
Along the way we’ll stop at a buffalo mozzarella farm, where we’ll discover how one of southern Italy’s most famous foods is produced. We’ll taste wonderfully fresh mozzarella and enjoy a relaxed lunch surrounded by the countryside.
Later we arrive in Matera, one of the most remarkable cities in Italy. After checking into our hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to begin exploring or simply relax and take in our unique surroundings.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Sassi, Matera (or similar)
Day 10 - Monday 11 October 2027
The Sassi of Matera & Bread Making (B)
This morning we set out with our private guide to explore the remarkable Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
Rather than simply being historic buildings, the Sassi tell the story of a way of life that developed here over thousands of years. Their dramatic cave dwellings, stone lanes and extraordinary landscape have also provided the backdrop for numerous films, including No Time to Die.
After time for lunch at leisure, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a wonderfully local experience – a traditional bread-making workshop.
We’ll knead, shape and bake using techniques handed down through generations while discovering why bread has long represented family, community and hospitality in Matera.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Sassi, Matera (or similar)
Day 11 - Tuesday 12 October 2027
Free Day to Explore Matera (B)
Today is completely free to enjoy magnificent Matera at your own pace.
Return to somewhere that caught your eye yesterday, explore the winding lanes and artisan shops, find a lovely café or restaurant, or simply enjoy the rare luxury of having nowhere you need to be.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Sassi, Matera (or similar)
Day 12 - Wednesday 13 October 2027
Matera – Wine Country – Lecce (B, L)
We farewell Matera this morning and make our way through the countryside towards Taranto, stopping at a local winery.
Surrounded by the landscapes of southern Italy, we’ll learn a little about local wine production before settling in for a wine tasting lunch – a lovely introduction to the flavours of the region.
Later we continue to elegant Lecce, where we’ll check into our hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are free to begin discovering our new surroundings.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Le Club, Lecce (or similar)
Day 13 - Thursday 14 October 2027
Beautiful Baroque Lecce & a Pizzica Celebration (B, D)
Today we discover why Lecce is so often called the “Florence of the South.”
Our walking tour reveals a city filled with ornate Baroque architecture, honey-coloured stone and beautiful piazzas. We’ll visit magnificent Piazza del Duomo and admire the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta before discovering another treasured local tradition.
At a papier-mâché workshop, we’ll meet artisans and learn about this centuries-old Lecce craft.
After some free time, tonight promises something very special. We’ll head to a local masseria for a festive dinner accompanied by live pizzica music and dancing – a joyful celebration of the traditions, music and spirit of Puglia.
Overnight - Le Club, Lecce (or similar)
Day 14 - Friday 15 October 2027
Lecce at Leisure & Palazzo Aperitivo (B)
The day is yours to enjoy Lecce at leisure. Wander, shop, linger over lunch or perhaps revisit some of yesterday’s discoveries.
Later this afternoon we have a very special invitation – an exclusive private visit to Palazzo Tamborino Cezzi.
This historic Baroque residence offers an intimate glimpse into Salento’s past as we explore its elegant rooms, original frescoes and period details. Hosted by the owning family, we’ll finish our visit with a delightful aperitivo in these beautiful surroundings.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Le Club, Lecce (or similar)
Day 15 - Saturday 16 October 2027
Lecce – Ostuni – Monopoli (B, D)
Today we continue deeper into Puglia, stopping in gorgeous Ostuni, famously known as the White City.
And we’re going to explore it in true Italian style – aboard an Ape Calessino, Italy’s wonderfully quirky little three-wheeled tuk-tuk!
We’ll weave through Ostuni’s whitewashed lanes and atmospheric alleys before enjoying some free time for shopping and independent exploration.
Later we continue to the coastal town of Monopoli, where we’ll settle into our hotel before coming together for dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight - Palazzo Indelli, Monopoli (or similar)
Day 16 - Sunday 17 October 2027
Polignano a Mare & Cooking with a Local Mamma (B, D)
We take to the Adriatic this morning for a beautiful catamaran cruise along the coast of Polignano a Mare.
From the water we’ll admire dramatic cliffs plunging into turquoise seas and discover hidden coastal caves while enjoying a light lunch onboard.
There’ll be time to explore beautiful Polignano a Mare independently before returning to our hotel for a little relaxation.
Tonight we’re invited into the home of a local mamma. We’ll begin with an aperitivo before getting hands-on in the kitchen and learning to make Puglia’s famous orecchiette pasta. Afterwards, we’ll sit down together and enjoy the fruits of our labour over a convivial dinner.
(Catamaran tour is subject to suitable sea and weather conditions).
Overnight - Palazzo Indelli, Monopoli (or similar)
Day 17 - Monday 18 October 2027
Olive Oil & Aperitivo Among the Vines (B)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Monopoli before we head into the countryside this afternoon.
Our first stop is a traditional olive mill, surrounded by magnificent centuries-old olive trees. We’ll learn how Puglia’s liquid gold is produced and, of course, taste some of the beautiful local oils.
As afternoon turns towards evening, we continue to Locorotondo, where we’ll enjoy a relaxed aperitivo amongst the vines of an urban vineyard.
With a glass of sparkling wine in hand and the soft late-afternoon light over Puglia, it’s one of those wonderfully simple Italian moments we’ll want to remember.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Palazzo Indelli, Monopoli (or similar)
Day 18 - Tuesday 19 October 2027
Alberobello & the Trulli (B, D)
No Puglian adventure would be complete without visiting Alberobello, home of the region’s famous trulli.
We’ll wander through its extraordinary whitewashed streets and discover the stories behind the distinctive conical-roofed houses that have made Alberobello one of Puglia’s most recognisable towns.
There’ll be time for lunch and independent exploration before returning to Monopoli.
Tonight we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying delicious Apulian flavours and another lovely evening of Sisterhood company.
Overnight - Palazzo Indelli, Monopoli (or similar)
Day 19 - Wednesday 20 October 2027
Monopoli – Bari – Rome (B)
After breakfast we farewell beautiful Puglia and transfer to Bari Airport for our flight to Rome.
On arrival in the Eternal City, we’ll transfer to our hotel and settle in. The remainder of the day is at leisure – perhaps enjoy a wander through the neighbourhood, find a favourite Roman trattoria or simply relax after our journey.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Hotel Michelangelo, Rome (or similar)
Day 20 - Thursday 21 October 2027
Rome at Leisure (B)
Today is completely free to enjoy Rome your way.
Whether you’d like to revisit a favourite landmark, browse the boutiques, wander through a beautiful piazza, throw another coin into the Trevi Fountain or simply settle into a café and watch Roman life pass by, the day is yours. Your Sisterhood hostess is on hand to assist with any additional sightseeing.
It’s also our final full day in Italy, so make the most of every last gelato, espresso and little bit of la dolce vita!
Tonight, we'll celebrate our fabulous Puglia experience with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Time to reflect on the special adventure we've all shared.
Overnight - Hotel Michelangelo, Rome (or similar)
Day 21 - Friday 22 October 2027
Arriverderci Roma!
After breakfast, it’s time to say arrivederci to Italy.
We’ll transfer to Rome Airport and check in for our international flight home, taking with us wonderful memories of Naples, Ischia, the Amalfi Coast, Matera and beautiful Puglia – along with plenty of laughs, shared experiences and new Sisterhood friendships.
Day 22 - Saturday 23 October 2027
Welcome Home
We arrive back in Melbourne today, bringing our wonderful southern Italian adventure to an end.
From island sunsets and Amalfi lemons to ancient Matera, Puglian vineyards, trulli, pasta making and those beautiful whitewashed towns, we return home with memories of a very special Italian journey shared.
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.