
Local knowledge from expert travellers
29/10/2025 · By Tim Hall
Enhance your holiday with Great Rail Journeys as expert Tour Manager Tim Hall discusses how to get the most out a trip and uncover the places locals love.
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Southern Italy and Sicily are a must-visit destination for anyone planning a holiday in Italy. These regions are known for their beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. Some of the best places to visit in Southern Italy include the Amalfi Coast with its stunning coastline, Naples for its history and pizza, Matera for its unique cave dwellings, and Puglia for its white-washed towns and beaches. These regions are also bursting with hidden treasures that are waiting to be explored.
One of the best ways to discover the secrets of Southern Italy and Sicily is by taking a guided tour. You can explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, marvel at the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, and sample some of Italy's finest wines in one unforgettable trip. Whether you're interested in history, food, or just soaking up the Mediterranean sun, Southern Italy and Sicily have something to offer everyone.
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Food is an important part of life all across Italy, and the southern parts are no different - each boasting regional specialities. Taste Puglian flavours during lunch with our guide in Alberobello, savour the famed street food of Palermo or seek out spicy njuda sausages in Calabria. Those with a sweet tooth will love Sicilian cannoli or Lecce's pasticciotti.
White-sand beaches stretch out beside the magical Sanctuary of St Mary in Calabria's beautiful coastal village of Tropea. Further north, the glamorous Amalfi Coast has charmed and enchanted visitors for centuries with its colourful towns and lemon groves. In Italy's heel, Puglia, uncover history and charm in captivating Monopoli and Gallipoli.
Natural wonders shape southern Italy. Volcanoes on the Aeolian Islands illuminate the night sky, eastern Sicily is dominated by Mount Etna, while Pompeii was frozen in time by Vesuvius in 79AD. Elsewhere, view manmade marvels such as the charming, cone-shaped homes of Alberobello and Matera's sassi cave dwellings, carved into a rugged cliff.
Sicily's position in the Mediterranean has made it a vital and convenient object of conquest for - among others - Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Normans. Impressive remnants, both archaeological and architectural, can be seen in places like the Valley of the Kings, Taormina's Greek Theatre, Monreale Cathedral and Syracuse.





Arriving by plane, enjoy our scenic base in a hotel overlooking the coast of Monopoli. From here, experience the incredible sights and traditions of Puglia, a place untouched by the hands of time. Rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, discover the spectacular trulli homes of Alberobello and the sassi cave dwellings in the cliffside town of...





All the allures of Italy in a place where time stands still, this GRJ All Inclusive holiday steps into a lesser-discovered part of Italy's heel, Salento. Spend each day soaking up southern Puglia from our four-star retreat, set in rural Vernole amid olive groves. Relish coastal history and stunning buildings dating from the 12th century in...





Fly to and from the unspoilt toe of Italy to uncover the hidden beauty of Calabria from an all-inclusive hotel in coastal Tropea - regarded as one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Cruise to the volcanic island of Stromboli, the 'lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian Sea', to witness its colourful eruptions by night. Discover the timeless towns of...





Enjoy stays in two scenic bases, both perfectly located for relaxing and uncovering this unspoilt region of Italy. Travel by First Class rail to admire the iconic sites of ancient Rome before exploring the unique dwellings and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Puglia and Basilicata. Marvel at the otherworldly sassi caves of cliffside Matera and...





Uncover the beauty of one of Europe's most enchanting regions, the captivating Amalfi Coast. The journey begins with two nights in the 'Eternal City' of Rome, where ancient landmarks and vibrant culture set the stage. From here, continue to the charming clifftop town of Sorrento, overlooking the glittering bay of Naples, the gateway to Capri and...





Fly to and from Catania to uncover the charms of Sicily from bases in cosmopolitan Palermo and the laid-back coastal resort of Giardini Naxos. Discover the historic towns of Monreale and Syracuse, whose architecture showcases the history and cultural influences of Sicily. Explore the Valley of the Temples and Taormina's Greek theatre. Visit...





From a base in the laid-back coastal town of Giardini Naxos, explore enchanting eastern Sicily - a perfect combination of scenic coastline, historic cities and unique culture. Enjoy a guided tour of Taormina and its beautiful Greek theatre overlooking the Ionian Sea and uncover the ancient town of Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes.





From the Alpine foothills to the island of Sicily and all that lies between, uncover the best of Italy. Travelling the country's length, we delve into the history and culture of Italy's remarkable destinations, including Venice, Florence and Rome. Bask in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and marvel at the remains of ancient Pompeii before venturing...





Delve into the diverse culture of Southern Italy and glorious Sicily, immersing yourself in its rich history, landscapes, and idyllic coastlines, and indulging in local cuisine. Each stop reveals layers of history, beauty, and local charm - from the unique houses of Matera and Alberobello to Sicily's magnificent Greek temples, the Palatine...