Southern Italy itinerary - Best places to visit - Travel Passionate 10-day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. 2. The problem is the rain. From here, visit Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. We have been ziplining numerous times around the world and this is a good one! Italy's capital may seem like an obvious autumn choice, but since the COVID-19 outbreak hit, cities have suddenly become unfashionable. Midday: Lunch. Matera has a unique history and it is visually stunning. Some of the must-visit places in Rome are the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican City. You can still swim in Sicily in October, so let your kids build sandcastles and play in the water in Sicilian family-friendly beach destinations like Cefal and Sampieri. This trio of towns makes a great day trip from Alberobello. Ciao! Doing This Itinerary in the Opposite Direction, Day 1: Getting to Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast, How to Travel from Rome to Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Rome with kids magical in October, when the city usually gets crisp sky and mild temperatures. In the morning, visit Pompeii. Tuscany in October. If you love truffles, youre in luck October is the beginning of Albas International White Truffle Festival! PUGLIA: Read about 15 beautiful places to visit in Puglia and the best things to do in Alberobello. I rent from DiscoverCars.com. There are many different ways to plan your time in Matera, but here is a sample itinerary that covers many of the best places to visit. Visit Puglias charming whitewashed villages: You may or may not have sunny beach time, but youll have plenty to see in the area (the villages above) and the food (fresh produce, seafood, and mozzarella) in Puglia is incredible. The mild October weather makes exploring the town and hiking in the natural parks a pleasant experience much more so than in the heat of summer. Check here before booking an award fare. LUXURY CAVE HOTEL: Quarry Resort. When I worked as a hiking guide in the area, I loved bringing guests in October it felt less overwhelming than the busier summer months. The main things to think about when dressing for October: October is an excellent month to travel by car or go on a road trip in Italy! If you head over earlier, seeing these famed mountains swathed in autumn colors is just as breathtaking as seeing them covered in snow. The one at the provided link has a good cancellation policy, for peace of mind. On the drive back to Alberobello, make a stop at Cisternino to stroll through the streets here. Early morning Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ticket by GetYourGuide, What is the nearest airport to Lake Garda? Good To Know: October 31st is also La Vigilia di Ognissanti, or All Saints Eve. A trip to Capri will take a full day. Good tread is important for staying upright on slippery cobblestones and streets after a rain shower. Spend your first few days on the Amalfi Coast, visiting Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and several Amalfi Coast towns. It may not always be the fastest way and it may need to be combined with other transport (like taking a taxi to the train station), buttaking a trainis a beautiful way to travel around Italy in October. Here are a few tours of Pompeii, some of which include your transportation from Sorrento. From our experiences in Naples and the towns in southern Italy, we think your time is better spent in the smaller towns than visiting Naples. Here is a sample itinerary. It is a great place to have lunch and do a little shopping. However, you still run the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams on Amalfi Drive, particularly the months of July and August. I like to use a search consolidator like DiscoverCars.com or AutoEurope.com. You can also drive into town to have lunch. Spend your time visiting the two sections of Alberobello, Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, do a little shopping, visit several rooftop terraces for views of the town, and have a bite to eat. Italy in October - What To Do? Where To Go? How's the Weather? Best Places to Travel in October and visit the towns of Barolo, Grinzane Cavour, Bra, Alba, Barbaresco, La Morra, and Monforte dAlba. This zipline, also called Volo dellAngelo (the Angels Flight), is one of southern Italys most thrilling experiences. Good To Know: October in Italy is full of truffle festivals. Just be aware that they charge a 5 booking fee to use their website. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. 8. Check out our post on Driving in Italy to learn about Italian driving rules and norms! Day 1: Getting to Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast Day 2: Pompeii and Sorrento Day 3: Amalfi Coast day trip Day 4: Capri Day 5: Paestum & Castelmezzano Day 6: Castelmezzano & Matera Day 7: Matera Day 8: Alberobello Day 9: Puglia day trip from Alberobello Day 10: Fly home, Southern Italy Itinerary map (map adapted from Google). Some visits have been rainy and weve explored more in towns (like Bolzano). Winter is from November to February. While not traditionally an Italian holiday, Halloween has well and truly arrived as a festivity, especially for kids. Some hotels also start to close its their break before the busy winter season begins. Joining a tour takes out the hassle of arranging transportation and deciding where to go. Good To Know: Some beach clubs are already closed in October, and others are open but without facilities like restaurants. If you have any questions about how to do this, let me know in the comment section below. candice[at]mominitaly[dot]com. For lunch we recommend Il Rusticone (fantastic pizza and sandwiches) or Uacciardidd (amazing local food at low prices in a non-touristy setting). Today, spend your time exploring Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa and in the afternoon drive to Matera. Places not to miss in Umbria in October are: Puglia, the heel of Italy, is often blessed with amazing weather in October. Take a class with Row Venice to experience an ancient art and get up close and personal wit Venice canals, A visit to the beautiful glass workshops in Murano, where you can learn how glass is made and buy gorgeous glass jewelry or home decor for yourself or a loved one (they make fantastic, Castel del Monte UNESCO castle with a unique structure and history. Please send me information and pricing on your 10 day southern Italy road trip. While these Italian lakes are popular summer vacation destinations, autumn sees less action, even though you can still enjoy boat rides, lakeside strolls and the general ambience of peace and tranquillity well into autumn or even early winter. There are numerous ways to plan your day trip to the Amalfi Coast towns. You can join a tour, hire a driver to take you to a few towns, cruise along the Amalfi Coast by ferry or private boat, or use the bus to hop from town to town. But the Veneto region offers a lot more than just Venice. For budget travelers, the bus is the most economical option. In terms of clothing, October is a time for long pants, long sleeve shirts and light jackets although in the central hours of the day, especially in the South, you may get temperatures so mild to allow for short sleeves. Crowds are smaller (but not non-existent) and food and wine festivals are plentiful. However, in most cases, in October Italy will treat you to fall atmospheres made of mild temperatures, beautiful foliage and earthy foods from harvest festivals. Other visits have been amazing with gorgeous weather, colorful larch trees, and no crowds in popular areas like the Alpe di Siusi. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. best things to do on the Gargano Peninsula. Cinque Terre Cinque Terre is a wondwrful part of Italy however, it is not always at its best in October, especially towards the end of the month. Then follow our instructions above about traveling from Naples to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, or read our guide about How to Get to the Amalfi Coast. Its a nice time to be outdoors hiking, cycling, or exploring cities. Take a boat tour to see the cliffs and sea caves, stroll through the town, spend some time on the beach, and dine in a cave. 6. Start in Locorotondo, which is just a 15-minute drive from Alberobello. From the Quarry Lounge Restaurant Terrace, you can have a cocktail and snacks as you look out over the ravine and the Rock Church (non-hotel guests can do this too). You can still visit markets, have a seafood meal, and enjoy the towns. Both of them are beautiful to visit and fun to explore. The extreme heat has gone with the summer, which is fabulous news if your hotel doesnt have air-conditioning. If you want to start in Puglia and end in Naples/Rome, heres how to do it. On day 10, rather than going to the Bari airport, drive to Lecce. There are There are a ton of food and wine festivals in October in Italy, along with other events like marathons, celebrations of patron saints, and Halloween. If you can face the possibility of rain and floods, Venice sees a significant drop in tourism during the autumn months, making it a much more relaxing place to explore the canal city. MID-RANGE CAVE HOTEL: B&B Al Convento. Hotels and rental cars will also be more expensive during this time and you will face delays when traveling along the Amalfi Coast. Evenings can be cool, especially in the latter half of the month, and in some places its not unusual to get a brief summer rainstorm or two. Its a very unique experience, sleeping in one of these cozy stone buildings, and there are quite a few to choose from. Southern Italy Itinerary: Amalfi Coast, Matera, Alberobello & Puglia November 1st is a national holiday. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. AMALFI COAST: Pick out which towns you want to visit in our article about the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast. But, the stifling hot summer weather is gone and you probably wont be walking elbow-to-elbow with other visitors, especially later in the month. What It Celebrates:On October 4th, St. Francis of Assisi is honored in Italy (and around the world). Sleep in Alberobello. Check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Bolzano! Alternatively, you can visit the Gargano Peninsula, which is in northern Puglia. Or, start in Venice, then visit the Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome (doing that itinerary in the opposite direction) and continue with the southern Italy itinerary. The main things to see are the Temple of Neptune, the Temple of Hera, and the Roman Forum. You can take a day from the Amalfi Coast to turn this into a 9 day itinerary. The weather is hit and miss and you will have less daylight hours than if you came in the spring. Visiting Italy in October: all you need to know (2022 update) Sample cicchetti for aperitivo (or make a meal out of them!) This page contains affiliate links. Bring close-toed shoes with good tread. Sample chocolate in Modica, wander the streets of Ortigia, live the luxe life in Taormina, and explore fascinating Palermo. It takes 2 to 4 hours to tour Pompeii, depending on your interests. A view of the zipline between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, Tim on the zipline with Castelmezzano in the background, Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa in the distance. Its a wonderful time to be at the beach in Puglia because the summer crowds have disappeared and you may have an entire beach club to yourselves. You may not use the car much while on the Amalfi Coast, so you will be paying for the car to sit in a parking lot while you use the trains, ferries, buses, or private drivers. However, you will have additional travel time to get to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Its expensive and gets mixed reviews, but we loved having lunch here. Palermo is southern Italys hottest destination right now. The best way to get around the Amalfi Coast depends on the time of year you will be doing this trip. This is a good time for cultural tourism in Sicily rather than and sea and sun vacation since high temperatures, especially towards the end of the month, are not always guaranteed. Temperatures tend to hover around 21C (70F). This itinerary can be done all year, but we think the best time to do it is in May, June, September, and October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds arent at peak levels. The best time of year to visit Lago di Braies is early in the summer (June) or in the fall (late September October). This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. From 399 a night, sleeps five, coolstays.com Villa with Many villages have local sagras (festivals celebrating whatever local food or drink has been harvested or cultivated) and it's generally a gorgeous time for long hikes, long drives or long leisurely meals. Driving the Amalfi Coast: Is it a Good Idea? At the end of the itinerary, we list two ways to extend your time in Puglia. Average temperatureshoveraround the 13C mark (55F). In October, Italy typically sees mild temperatures and sunshine. Hiring a driver for the day is another popular way to visit the Amalfi Coast. If you are into food, this will be your personal corner of paradise. For more information on all of these modes of transportation, take a look at our article How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast. With three additional days, you can add on southern Puglia. It is beautiful inside, with stone walls and skylights in the ceiling. Kids dress up in the evening (but not at school).Triora, in Liguria, is known as the city of witches (and the Ligurian Salem) because of the 1800s interrogation of over 300 women that were accused of witchcraft. While this might sound like a lot, they do sell out. The Alps. October in Tuscany evokes long walks in hilltop towns followed by dinners in local restaurants indulging in local wine and a platter of cheese. Soak it up with the Romans by sitting outside at a caf or restaurant or picnicking in one of Romes green spaces like Appian Way Regional Park, Trastevere Botanical Garden, Villa Borghese, or Villa Doria Pamphili.There are still crowds (its still high season), but an October visit is worth it. The best places to visit in Tuscany in October are: Find here >>> our complete guide to Tuscany in the fall. This property gets decent reviews but it is a good option for those who dont want to spend a lot of money on a hotel in Matera. Check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the town. Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. Italy In October For more tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip, consider reading this article: 7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe. Piedmont is famous for food and wine, so why not get an early start on that winter bod? Hot in summer and cold in winter, it is perfect in October, when you can sightsee in mild temperatures and make the most of its crisp bright sky. Home to three ancient Greek temples dating back to 450 BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often an overlooked destination in Italy. The region has beautiful medieval towns and stunning forests which, in October, gifs locals and visitors with an amazing harvest of olives, truffles, hazelnuts and more! It is challenging to get around Basilicata and Puglia without a car since public transportation is limited in this part of Italy. Kochia flowers in Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka (Shutterstock) If youre willing to embrace autumn, rather than fight it, then travel to Japans Kanto region to see some spectacularly colourful leaves. You can spend most of the day at Polignano al Mare or combine it with nearby Monopoli or Locorotondo (a short drive from Alberobello). in October While the weather is never guaranteed in October in Italy, this is a reasonably good time to visit with kids. Be prepared for rain. Its larger size, ferry port, and train station makes it a breeze to day trip around the Amalfi Coast. I cant predict the weather, but I can tell you that the weather in Italy in October is generally pleasant and doesnt interfere with exploring the country. The Amalfi Coast | Southern Italy Itinerary. If you pick up the car in Sorrento, you save several days of a rental car fee (which can really add up). October is the best time of year to experience the harvest, and Tuscany is the best place to do it. After this short hike, visit the Rock Church (Saint Mary of Idris). Especially if going towards the end of the month, double-check the schedule for ferries if you are counting on going to the islands and be prepared for the occasional rainy day. And, with Europes many discount airlines competing for your s, you may find excellent deals. Late October may not be warm enough for swimming, and tourist services start closing up shop for the off-season. Overall, October in Italy is not a time for swimming in the sea although, in the South, it is not unheard of to have nice beach days at the beginning of this month! We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. This is the time to enjoy the stunning foliage of the Tuscan forests and to taste the warming food of this amazing terroir. Be prepared for temperature changes. Day 10: Drive to Lecce (1.5 hours) and spend the remainder of the day in Lecce Day 11: Visit Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca as a day trip from Lecce Day 12: Visit Otranto, Torre SantAndrea, and the Cave of Poetry as a day trip from Lecce Day 13: Drive to Bari and fly home. WebCentral Italy: 65-80F (18-27C) Southern Italy: 70-80F (21-27C) As mentioned, September days can be summer-like. If you have a morning or midday flight, consider driving to the airport on the evening of day 9 or adding an extra day to this itinerary for travel time. If you want to take advantage of the trail system, youll have to do without some of the lifts many of them close in mid-September. If you are a truffle addict, you should really be thankful This term historically indicated the day trips wealthy Roman families would take in October, making the most of the last bright days of the season to enjoy a day on the lake or in the country and nowadays simply indicated the stunning weather the city usually experiences at this time. However, it is an awesome experience. Many popular destinations (like the Blue Grotto of Capri) see a dramatic reduction in tourists in October. The best way to travel around Sicily is with a rental car (although adventures on Sicilian trains will probably give you a lifetime of memories). This travel time adds on about a half day to this itinerary. The best way to get around southern Italy, with the exception of the Amalfi Coast, is by car. Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites If you are active and adventurous, one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is hike the Path of the Gods. In addition to the festivals in Alba and San Miniato, youll find more tartufo celebrations in Tignale, Gubbio, and Rimini. Plus, when you are ready to pick up your rental car at the end of this section of the itinerary, you can do so in Sorrento. Tickets cannot be purchased upon arrival and the cell service on Vesuvius isnt reliable enough to purchase tickets online upon arrival. Naples International Airport is more convenient. We dont run tours. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. No its still crowded because the city sees mostly foreign tourists year-round. Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five colorful, seaside towns Manarola, Monterosso, if you can rent a car, October is a fantastic time for a mini road trip in Sicily, away from the scorching temperatures of summer! Heres a sampling of whats on in October: Good To Know: When deciding on a festival or sagra, check in with someone at your accommodation for the scoop on local events. In October, we typically experience mild temperatures and sunshine, although the days are obviously shorter than in the middle of the summer. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Miscellaneous: Factor in approximately $50 USD per day per person for miscellaneous fees, such as a short taxi, souvenirs, etc. Touring Pompeii is one of the most popular things to do on a visit to Italy. The last week of October is usually one of the busiest due to the proximity of the National Holiday on 1st of November, All Saints, a traditional long weekend for Italians. However, the city at this time tends to see fewer crowds and overall has a more pleasant feel than during humid and busy summer times. Vatican Museums (Vatican City, Rome) The Vatican Museums are vast and wonderful and this can result into the experience of your visit being overwhelming. In the summer (mid-June through late-September), the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast is by ferry. It starts in Rome/Naples and ends in Bari. Here are a few recommended hotels. Italy has more than 1,500 lakes, and any of them would make for the perfect September, The photos you see on this page from Puglia are taken at the end of October! Unless you know already what parts of the museums interest you, I highly recommend you get a guide and join a tour (either small group tour or private). Paestum is one of the best places in Italy to see Greek ruins. Hotel Costs for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Prices will be much more affordable, too. Attractions that need advance booking are: Last Supper (Milan) The Last Supper tends to book out quickly. Most people don't have to be convinced to visit Tuscany at any time of year, but autumn can be an especially idyllic time to enjoy the region. October is a popular time to visit Italy for families with kids as it coincided with the midterms break of many schools. Here in Tuscany, the vines turn from green to gold, orange, and red, and theres excitement for the olive harvest. For hours and pricing, visit the official website. October is one of the best months to visit Sicily. This means that you can head up into these hills to see the changing leaves and enjoy some beautiful autumn hikes. ), then you can combine this southern Italy itinerary with the 10-day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If youre traveling long distances, look into flying. Small centers with a strong Franciscan vocation are likely to have special festivals or markets to mark the occasion. We rented a private boat for the day during our stay in Positano and it is one of our favorite experiences in Italy. Best Places to visit in Italy in October - Travel Passionate You can simply wander around on your own, but you wont get much out of it, unless you have a guide of some sort (either a book or a person). You may recognize some of these lakes: Como, Garda or Lugano, but there are so many more: Maggiore, Iseo, Orta, Varese and beyond. Expect more rain and cooler temperatures in the evening. Your goal for today is to get to your hotel in Sorrento or on the Amalfi Coast. At this time, the temperatures are usually much milder than in summer and, by the end of the month, tourism services tend to wind down; however, you will still be well able to enjoy all this wonderful area has to offer: food, coastal views and history being only the beginning! She's been based in Madrid, Spain almost 15 years and is an expert in travel throughout destinations such as Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. Day 10: Drive from Alberobello to Vieste, visiting Trani and Monte SantAngelo on the drive (250 km, 4 hours of driving time) Day 11: Vieste and a boat tour from Vieste Day 12: Day trip to the Tremiti Islands, spend some time on the Gargano Peninsula beaches, and/or visit Peschici Day 13: Drive to Bari and fly home. Each one adds 3 days to this itinerary. My name is Marta Correale, I am the travel-loving Italian Mama behind this Mama Loves Italy Blog. The view of Matera from Murgia Materana Park. If youre looking for something specific, check out the Table of Contents below so you can jump ahead to what youre looking for. Hike across the ravine and explore the caves and cave churches. You will stay in Matera for two nights. If you cannot find convenient flights home from Bari, then you can return to Naples or Rome and fly home from here. Yes, youll find a few places closed because the summer rush is over, but its a really nice time to visit. In the morning, drive to Alberobello (70 km, just over one hour of driving). Finally, taking a tour is another popular way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast. Finally, taking a tour is another popular way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast. Matera at sunset | Southern Italy Itinerary. Amalfi Coast the Amalfi Coast is wonderful any time of the year and October is a lovely time to visit. Italy In October 2023 - Weather, Events, Places to Visit, Tips And Racecar fans wont want to miss a stop at one of Italys car museums, including those of Ferrari and Lamborghini. Once you get here, the best place to park is Parcheggio Via Indipendenza. Good To Know: If youre set on visiting teh Dolomites in October, or its the only time that works for you, dont stress! Where To Go: Best Places To Visit in Italy in October. To visit Mount Vesuvius, purchase your ticket online in advance (and if you will have a car, purchase your parking pass online in advance). Guests can go hiking in the park, drive 10 minutes to the beach or visit the nearby medieval town of Cefal. If you choose to stay in Positano, rent your car at your arrival airport (you will not be able to rent a car in Positano). To do this, either start with the southern itinerary, drive to Rome, and then do the Rome, Florence, Venice itinerary. Lines are shorter, restaurants are less crowded, and museum visits are a little less overwhelming. BEST OF ITALY: In our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 25 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy. Many tourists and visitors have skipped over this destination in lieu of smaller villages, nature getaways or beachy, more outdoorsy vacations. ), dine on local salame, visit the Perugina chocolate factory (home of Italys bacio candy), walk the streets of Perugia, cycle the path of Lago di Trasimeno, and visit St. Francis hometown of Assisi for his festival on October 4th.