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Why visit Southern Italy?
Historic Sites
Palermo
This capital of Sicily is a cultural mecca where centuries-old cathedrals stand alongside charming markets and stunning piazzas. Due to the city’s cultural influences, you’ll see an array of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque and Neo Classical architecture. This storied city is not to be missed.
Trulli
Step into another time and wander through the city’s Trulli – a fairytale lane of gnome-like houses with conical rooftops. Constructed from whitewashed limestone, this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains more than 1,600 domed dwellings. These Bronze-Age homes are traditionally made of limestone and sometimes feature various symbols on the rooftops – either with religious or superstitious connotations.
Siracusa
Once the most important Greek city-state in the world, Siracusa was a city filled with great monuments and temples. Today, the best-preserved Greek site is the theatre, which is carved out of the local stone. Nearby are the ancient quarries and a cave called the Orecchio di Dionisi, or "Ear of Dionysius" – the limestone cave named by the painter Caravaggio. Additional remnants of the ancient Greek city can be seen on the island of Ortygia, where guests can see parts of the Temple of Apollo and the beautiful Church of Santa Lucia, which was constructed using ancient Temple columns.
Amalfi Coast
This idyllic coastal region in Southern Italy is undeniably one of the most picturesque. Stretching across the Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast boasts colorful hilltop towns, cerulean waters, and chic shops. Whether you take a dip in the region’s pristine waters or hike through the hillside trails, the Amalfi Coast never ceases to amaze.
Attractions
Visit the Paestum Complex
Approximately 55 miles south of Naples, Italy lies the ancient city of Paestum. Legends tell of the city's founding by Jason and the Argonauts, but archaeologists attribute Paestum's birth to 7th-century Greek colonists. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Paestum fell into decline and was deserted for many centuries. Rediscovered only in 1752 by an Italian road-building crew working in the area, Paestum is the finest preserved Greek temple complex in the Mediterranean world.
Walk the Grounds of Pompeii
In the summer of A.D. 79, the thriving city of Pompeii, Italy, was forever changed. On the fateful day of August 24, the once dormant Mt. Vesuvius volcano erupted, leaving the town completely buried in ash and mud. Pompeii was forgotten until 1594 when workmen discovered the buried city that was literally frozen in time. Peer into the daily life of an ancient Roman city with a fascinating tour of Pompeii.
Explore Capri
Take a boat trip from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the lovely Mediterranean island of Capri. There, a local expert will bring you on a tour of a dreamy place that can only be described as paradise on earth.
Cuisine
Pasta
In Italy, pasta dishes often come with their own fabled origin story. For instance, Pasta alla Norma, a celebrated pasta dish from Sicily, was named to honor Vincenzo Bellini’s 19th century opera, “Norma.” Find and savor this authentic dish while traveling through Southern Italy.
Cannoli
Cannoli cap the list as one of Italy’s most famous treats. Comprised of a crispy, golden shell, cannoli in Italian means “little tube.” The signature filling is made with ricotta cheese, and sometimes marscapone cheese. Grab one (or a few) at a neighborhood pasticceria (bakery) while you travel through Southern Italy.
Caprese Salad
This fresh dish is the perfect light repast to keep you satiated during your Italian getaway. Hailing from the island of Capri, the caprese salad consists of buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and green basil. Each ingredient is said to correspond with the colors of the Italian flag.
Minestra Maritata
Better known in the U.S. as Italian wedding soup, minestra maritata is a popular starter course you’ll find in the restaurants of Southern Italy. Contrary to popular belief, the dish is not served at weddings. This Neapolitan soup is called minestra maritata, or “married soup” as it refers to the marriage of meats and vegetables. Consisting of a chicken broth base, the soup features generous portions of ground beef or sausage, vegetables and parmesan.
