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. Sorrento is the most convenient town. UPSCALE CAVE HOTEL: La Dimora Delle 3 Zie. Positano, which is located on the Amalfi Coast, is a gorgeous place to stay. Please send me information and pricing on your 10 day southern Italy road trip. Many popular destinations (like the Blue Grotto of Capri) see a dramatic reduction in tourists in October. Have lunch at Trattoria al Vecchio Scarpone or Peperusko, spend a little more time exploring Castelmezzano, and then drive to Matera. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 10 Most Romantic Italian Coastal Towns for Couples Note: Positano is the most expensive place to stay on this itinerary. 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. This one bedroom home has a kitchen and a balcony with a stunning view of Castelmezzano. Southern Italy itinerary - Best places to visit - Travel Passionate Polignano al Mare is located on the coast, just a 30-minute drive from Alberobello. While you, Youre hoping to hit the ski slopes. But the lake region, which is in the north of the country, is home to some of the largest and most beautiful. The problem is the rain. Sleep in Alberobello. Most Italians take their vacations in August, and schools are back in session in September, so theres not a lot of movement on the part of Italians. Best Places To Visit in October Hotel Costs for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. How to Get to Pompeii: From Sorrento, take the Campania Express train or Circumvesuviana to Pompeii (Pompeii Scavi station), or drive here if you have a rental car. For budget travelers, the bus is the most economical option. From where we live in the USA, it is much easier for us to find direct flights to Rome versus Naples. These can be great fun for kids find here >>> a list of kid-friendly pumpkin patches in Italy. Note: This post contains affiliate links. We recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance or joining a tour of some sort. Locals gather in piazzas for sagre and wine festivals, and were all squeezing in the last few outdoor meals before chillier weather arrives. The most expensive way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast is to hire a private boat. Its not stiflingly hot anymore, but you can still swim. Most tourists are gone, so youll have less crowded trails and towns. 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. AMALFI COAST: Pick out which towns you want to visit in our article about the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast. You may want to read about:Lucca With KidsMontalcino With KidsMontepulciano With KidsForte dei Marmi With KidsAccademia With KidsBrolio Castle With Kids. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. We rented a private boat for the day during our stay in Positano and it is one of our favorite experiences in Italy. The Colosseum the citys parks are perfect for sunny days and the many family-friendly museums in the city offer refuge for the wet days. Ultimate Southern Italy Road Trip Itinerary: 2023 Guide 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). The 229-square-mile national park is mainly woodland, so be ready for some seriously stunning foliage. From Castelmezzano, it takes an hour and fifteen minutes to drive to Matera (85 km). I recommend you use the website trenitalia.it or italo.it: these are the ones that allow buying tickets directly, without additional agency gees. To visit Mount Vesuvius, purchase your ticket online in advance (and if you will have a car, purchase your parking pass online in advance). See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 1. A view of the zipline between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, Tim on the zipline with Castelmezzano in the background, Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa in the distance. If going to Italy in October, you can easily enjoy Rome at its best. Here are a few recommended hotels and B&Bs: La Casa Nel Verde. You can drive (if you pick up your rental car from the airport), hire a driver to get you to your hotel, take the ferry, or take the Campania Express or Circumvesuviana Train to Sorrento. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We followed the guide in Rick Steves Guide Book, which was sufficient, but I think we would have gotten more out of our visit if we took a guided tour. On day 10, rather than going to the Bari airport, drive to Lecce. Sicily in October is a dream. Check here for official info if traveling fromUS,Canada,UK,Ireland,Australia,New Zealand. There are Before making a decision to stay in Positano, check hotel prices and make sure you are OK with the increased travel times to get here and around the Amalfi Coast on the day trips. Afternoon: Visit a cave house, explore the streets of Matera, and visit the Matera Cathedral. 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. Rome with kids magical in October, when the city usually gets crisp sky and mild temperatures. 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. From Alberobello, it takes one hour to drive here. All Saints Day, on November 1st, is the celebration of, you guessed it, all saints. Lets get started. Wonderful things to do in Venice in October include: They come in several forms, with meat/fish/seafood/vegetables and they are a wonderful excuse to sit indoors and have a rest when the sun starts to go down or rain threatens to ruin your plans. Since his birthdate is unknown, his life is celebrated on the anniversary of his death. However, you will have additional travel time to get to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. But autumn is one of the best times to explore this Mediterranean country as you'll encounter fewer tourists while admiring the foliage change and you can enjoy the local wine and food harvest festivals. Check out our Venice posts:16 Best Things to Do in VeniceVenice at NightVenice With Kids. These range from small group boat tours to tours that include both a drive on the Amalfi Coast and a quick boat ride, like this very highly rated tour. This is where we stayed in Matera. To check train schedules and to book your trains online (this may only be necessary if you are taking the train from Rome to Naples), Italiarail.com is the easiest website to use. This southern Italy itinerary is a point-to-point trip. You can also add a day to visit Naples. We have been ziplining numerous times around the world and this is a good one! 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. Getting exceptional reviews, this cave hotel is located in the heart of Sassi di Matera. From 399 a night, sleeps five, coolstays.com Villa with You can find here >>> my travel guide to Matera. I personally think it is best to choose between Sorrento and Positano. Some rooms are cave rooms and some rooms are traditional hotel rooms. A visit to Umbria in October is ideal if you like sightseeing and can offer great opportunities for fun activities such as olive harvest and truffle hunting. If you pick up the car in Sorrento, you save several days of a rental car fee (which can really add up). Many tourists and visitors have skipped over this destination in lieu of smaller villages, nature getaways or beachy, more outdoorsy vacations. Joining a tour takes out the hassle of arranging transportation and deciding where to go. For Explorers Everywhere. After visiting Pompeii, you have the option to add on Mount Vesuvius. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. You can enjoy the changing tones of the leaves in many areas, but the Foreste Casentinesi is one of the best. Octobers an excellent time to go to Italy the weather is mild and pleasant, which is nice for sightseeing and the occasional outdoor meal. Weve visited plenty of times in October. Temperatures in January in southern Italy are all about 7 C to 12C (44F to 53F). At the beginning of this trip, you can add 2 days in Rome. Capri is easily accessible from Sorrento and Positano by ferry. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. This zipline, also called Volo dellAngelo (the Angels Flight), is one of southern Italys most thrilling experiences. Some visits have been rainy and weve explored more in towns (like Bolzano). I rent from DiscoverCars.com. The weather is hit and miss and you will have less daylight hours than if you came in the spring. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. On day 10, rather than going to the Bari Airport, drive to Vieste. Will it rain? Can we swim in the sea in October in Italy? Do I need to bring a coat?. It is famous for its coastal cliffs and beaches. You will stay in Sorrento/Positano for four nights. Alternatively, you can visit the Gargano Peninsula, which is in northern Puglia. Best of all, travelers no longer have to quarantine upon arrival in Italy, as long as they can show proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result. Finally, taking a tour is another popular way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast. It takes about 40 minutes to travel by train from Sorrento to Pompeii. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Ciao! This bed and breakfast gets near perfect reviews on Booking.com. 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. Head indoors to see how prosciutto or parmigiano cheese is made in Parma, or sample balsamic vinegar in Modena. Racecar fans wont want to miss a stop at one of Italys car museums, including those of Ferrari and Lamborghini. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Ciao and welcome to Mom in Italy. Purchase a guidebook that is for sale at ticket booth to get the most out of your visit. End the day with dinner in Alberobello. If you are planning to visit the Amalfi Coast outside of the summer season, then it is much easier to get around by rental car. For dinner, we recommend Enjoy Restaurant (great local food), Fauno Bar, and our favorite spot, Ristorante Lorelei (a Michelin-starred restaurant with gorgeous sunset views of Sorrento). In the morning, drive to Alberobello (70 km, just over one hour of driving). Spend an hour strolling through the streets of this small, white-washed town. There are definitely. Good To Know: Some beach clubs are already closed in October, and others are open but without facilities like restaurants. The reason Cala Gonone qualified as one of our best Italian coastal towns for couples is that it is the adjacent town to some of the most beautiful beaches on Sardinia. Best Places to Travel in October 15 Reasons To Visit Italy In Winter Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Matera at sunset | Southern Italy Itinerary. Here are two day trip options from Alberobello. To give you an idea of temperature, historically the temperatures for October in Italy were: 4 October: San Francesco marked especially in Assisi, where several religious ceremonies in honor of the citys most beloved sun take place on the night of the 3rd and the day of the 4th of October each year. Not only do you get to avoid the traffic on the roads, but you can also relax on the boat, sip on prosecco, enjoy the views, and zip up and down the Amalfi Coast faster than any car, bus, or ferry. If you come to hike the trails (which most visitors do), you risk missing out due to trail closures and rainy muddy trails. Youll spend a little more money, but youll avoid the traffic and get to see the Amalfi Coast from the sea, which is beautiful. Make sure you pack rain gear, as showers are likely in October. However, you can easily add a day to this itinerary and use that time to explore Naples. Should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission. Its still warm but there arent as many crowds and prices are lower. Rental cardemand isnt high in October, so you should be able to get a great rate on your car. Matera is unique in Italy but has fickle weather. For more great itineraries in Europe and around the world, visit our Travel Itineraries page. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. If you are into food, this will be your personal corner of paradise. Southern Italyis the warmest part of the country in October. We have so many cool places to share with you. The most convenient places are at the cafes right outside of the archaeological park. October is also the best month to visit the historical Tuscan villages of Montepulciano, San Gimignano, and Montalcino, renowned for their rich cultural We had a wonderful lunch at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedral. Towns to consider include Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. If you have less than 10 days, it gets very hard to shorten this itinerary. Youll want a car for driving to villages for festivals and for visiting vineyards. Safe travel planning! Northern Italyis definitely cooling down (and has been since September) but can still see gorgeous sunny days. This page contains affiliate links. Ride theHop-On/Hop-Off bus, take afamily tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, eat pizza andgelato, throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain, attendGladiator School, explore Romeschildrens museum, and be entertained in Piazza Navona. Spend the remainder of the day in Sorrento. Touring Pompeii is one of the most popular things to do on a visit to Italy. 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. For dinner, we recommend Al Becco della Civetta (a Michelin-starred restaurant with great views of the town). Villages to check out include: You can day-trip to many of the villages from Florence, or base yourself in the countryside If you visit in late October, you may be able to participate in the olive oil harvest. Also, some of the cities are perfect for a trip, such as Rome, Milan, Turin, or We are in the autumn season, so expect more rain and cooler temperatures in the evening. The photos you see on this page from Puglia are taken at the end of October! Note: We have not included any time in Naples on this itinerary. From Alberobello, it takes 3 hours and fifteen minutes to drive to the Naples airport and five and a half hours to drive to the Rome airport. Prices soar, and these small villages are often packed to capacity and beyond in months like July, August and even into September. is a writer for TPG and TPG UK covering travel, news, points and miles and more. Best Times To Visit Sicily. Here in Tuscany, the vines turn from green to gold, orange, and red, and theres excitement for the olive harvest. I would like to leave June 13. 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. Visiting Italy in October: all you need to know (2022 update) In the afternoon, drive from Paestum to Castelmezzano (135 km, 2 hours). These cliffside villages just south of Naples between Sorrento and Salerno are some of the country's most coveted destinations in summer. With the harvest season in full swing, the countryside of Tuscany is abound with food and drink. The only two places you may want to think twice about visiting in October are the Dolomites and the Cinque Terre, but both are definitely still fine to visit if you want/need to. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. candice[at]mominitaly[dot]com. It last erupted in 1944. Visiting Italy in October: all you need to know to plan a trip! boat tour to visit the Gargano sea caves. That's why visiting in October or November is perfect. The zipline experience takes about 2 hours and we cover it in detail in our Guide to Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. Plus, the area is chockablock with vineyards, castles and organic Alpine farms, all perfect activities to do during an autumn vacation. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. If coming at this time, check the conditions of the paths carefully before venturing up. LUXURY CAVE HOTEL: Quarry Resort. Here is a sample itinerary. If youre looking for something specific, check out the Table of Contents below so you can jump ahead to what youre looking for. I look forward to sharing Italy travel tips with you and giving you a glimpse of life in beautiful Italy! The Northern Tuscan countryside is beautiful in October with the changing colors of the vines and some of the trees in the forests. Temperatures are pleasant and it's harvest season -- think mushrooms, chestnuts, olives and, of course, wine. In 79 AD, the eruption destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae, and Oplontis. If you have more than 10 days, you can add time to places already listed on this itinerary, such as another day in Matera, Sorrento, or Positano. This Italy itinerary is a great starting point for designing your own custom itinerary. If you make it all the way down to Puglia, make a detour or a day trip to Matera, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the city of sassi. Rent a car (or hire a driver!) End your trip by visiting a few more towns in Puglia before heading home. Furthermore, they only sell 50 tickets for each 10-minute time slot. From late fall through early spring (November through mid-April), expect cloudier skies and an increased chance of rain. Be prepared for temperature changes. While October in Italy is mainly famous for its many amazing food festivals, those who are not particularly interested in this and would rather enjoy a sea vacation The towns in Puglia are relatively small so it is possible to visit two or three on a day trip from Alberobello. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way. Travel time from Naples to Positano can be as quick as an hour and fifteen minutes (by private driver or by car) or as long as two to three hours (Campania Express train + bus, ferry, or driver).