Southern Italy is a great destination to spend time on the water, and eat delicious food. The port town of Naples is a vibrant city, full of pizza and historic sites, including nearbyPompeii. The coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast each have their own special charm, and they are easy to traverse by boat. A short flight to Sicily opens up a whole other world, and access to ancient towns and unique culinary delights.

This ten day itinerary allows you to take it all in:

Day 1: Arrive in Naples

Spend the day walking around this bustling city, stopping in at one of the hundreds of pizzerias whenever you feel peckish. There are several art galleries to visit, and old forts and castles where you can catch views of the gulf. The funiculare is a great way to get to the higher up sites.

Day 2: Pompeii

Take a short train ride to Pompeii, then meet your guide for a day touring the volcanic ruins. There are plenty of restaurants by the train station, for lunch breaks during your day of exploration. For dinner, head to one of Naples' storied restaurants for a taste of the original Red Sauce Joint.

Day 3: Depart for Amalfi Coast

The Tyrrhenian Sea, along the Amalfi Coast

From Naples, catch a train to the quaint town of Salerno, where you will board a short ferry to the Amalfi Coast town of Minori. Hotel Minori Palace is centrally located, and a short walk from the beach. Take the lemon path, a scenic hike from Minori to Maiori, full of lemon trees. Grab a snack and a drink in Maiori, then return via ferry. For dinner, be sure to try the local delicacy; lemon cream sauce, either on pasta or on freshly caught fish.

Day 4: Agriturismo

After a morning at the beach, head to the town of Amalfi, a short ride away by ferry. From there, begin your ascent up into the hills. After a lovely hike, you will arrive at Agricola Fore Porta, a beautiful farm and restaurant. Take a walk to the nearby waterfall before enjoying lunch amid the lemon trees on their lovely patio. Return to town for aperitivos, then watch the sunset over the beach before dinner.

Day 5: Shopping and Seafood

After a couple of cappuccinos and pastries, head out to the resort town of Positano. Grab coffee in town for prime people watching, before hitting the shops in town. Don't miss the custom sandal experience. Hop back on the ferry for a late lunch in Cetara, an adorable fishing village with excellent seafood restaurants. Return to Minori for drinks and dinner.

Day 6: Travel to Sicily

Return to Naples, and board a short flight to Catania, where you will be transferred to the ancient town of Taormina. Stay right in town for easy access to historic sights, shops and restaurants.

Day 7: Mount Etna Wine Tour

Meet your driver in town, and spend the day in the wine region below the Etna volcano. Taste these unique, earthy wines and enjoy a generous lunch, featuring local ingredients. Return to town for a stroll on the beach, before heading to dinner.

Day 8: Travel to Catania

Take a morning train to this coastal town, home to the Catania Fish Market, a stunning display of local seafood and traditional Sicilian recipes. Take your time exploring and tasting, before heading out to the many museums in town. Catania also has beautiful piazzas, so walk slowly and take it all in. Catch an early evening train to Palermo, the largest city in Sicily. Have dinner al fresco, while enjoying performances by local musicians.

Day 9: Exploring Palermo

Spend the day taking in the many museums and palaces in town, including the incredible Museo Palazzo Branciforte. There are also several markets to peruse and buy local artisan products, as well as culinary goods. Palermo boasts great options for fine dining, so treat yourself to your final dinner in Italy.

Day 10: Return Home

Palermo airport has connections to several international airports, where you can catch a flight home. Have one last cappuccino in the piazza and reflect on a vacation well-spent.

Destination Spotlight - Amalfi Coast and Southern Italy