There are journeys that are not measured in kilometers, but in emotions. What we offer you in this article is an authentic tour of Southern Italy, among vineyards overlooking the sea, villages carved in stone, and flavors that speak of memory and innovation. A slow, sensory journey, made of carefully chosen stops to let you savor the true essence of three extraordinary regions: Sicily, Puglia, and Campania.
In this ten-day itinerary, you will cross breathtaking landscapes and meet people who with passion and dedication preserve the tradition of wine and transform it into experience.
If you are looking for a journey beyond classic tourism, capable of weaving together taste, history, and beauty, then you are in the right place. Get ready to live Southern Italy as you have never seen it before: with a glass in hand and eyes full of wonder.
Table of Contents:
- Etna, Baroque and Sea – Eastern Sicily
- Among Trulli, Sea and History – The Wine Region of Puglia
- History, Flavors and Volcanic Views – Authentic Campania
Etna, Baroque and Sea – Eastern Sicily
The Southern Italy tour begins with the first 3 days in Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna. The perfect base to explore Eastern Sicily, here you can stroll through the city’s historic markets, discover the baroque elegance of Noto and Ortigia, relax on the waterfront of Marzamemi, or climb among the volcanic vineyards of Etna.
The volcano dominates not only the landscape but also the identity of Sicilian wine: strong, mineral, unique. During these first days, you will savor the scents of the Mediterranean, discover extraordinary wineries, and be surprised by experiences that combine nature, tradition, and innovation.
Some winery experiences you can find near Catania:
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Create Your Own “Cunzatu” Bread at Russo Winery – Solicchiata (CT): tour through the vineyards and tasting of three Etna wines paired with “cunzatu” bread, a local typical dish you can customize with local ingredients. Includes tasting of two extra virgin olive oils.
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Sicily on the Table and in the Glass at Cantine Nicosia – Trecastagni (CT): guided visit to the winery and underground cellar, tasting of 4 wines and lunch with a typical 4-course menu in the internal tavern.
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Wine & Oil Experience at Serafica – Nicolosi (CT): walk among olive groves and vineyards at 900 meters above sea level, visit to the olive mill and tasting of 2 wines, 3 EVO oils and 5 flavored oils, accompanied by bread and olives.
Among Trulli, Sea and History – The Wine Region of Puglia
Leaving Sicily behind, a short flight brings you to Puglia to spend the next 3 days, a land of contrasts and authenticity. Brindisi is the ideal base to explore Salento and the Itria Valley: among vineyards overlooking the sea, centuries-old olive trees, and white stone villages.
Here, wine has a warm and generous identity, often paired with a cuisine that enhances the flavors of the territory. Besides winery tours, you can live unique winery experiences, a concentration of beauty and craftsmanship.
Some winery experiences you can find between Brindisi and Bari:
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Light Lunch at Tenute Rubino – Brindisi (BR): winery visit and tasting at the wine bar “Numero Primo” on the port of Brindisi, with 4 wines paired with local products.
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Mormora Sea Experience at Cantine Paololeo – San Donaci (BR): aboard a yacht in the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, experience the recovery from the seabed of a bottle of Mormora sparkling wine after underwater aging, followed by a guided tasting with the winemaker.
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Label Experience at Enologo per Amore – Putignano (BA): visit to the historic winery carved into the stone and hand-printing of the personalized label of the Chakra wine, followed by a tasting of 5 wines and a typical aperitif.
History, Flavors and Volcanic Views – Authentic Campania
For the last four days of this Southern Italy tour awaits Campania, a land of sea and fire, of ancient civilizations and overwhelming hospitality. From Naples you can easily reach Sorrento and Cilento, alternating days between culture, wellness, and nature.
Local grape varieties such as Falanghina, Piedirosso, Aglianico, and Lacryma Christi grow on volcanic soils, producing intense and deep wines. The experiences awaiting you in these areas are not simple tastings but real sensory journeys: between thermal baths, sea-view vineyards, and vintage car tours.
Winery experiences in Campania:
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Thermal Experience and Wine Tasting at Cantine Astroni – Naples (NA): winery visit with tasting of 3 wines paired with a platter and a first/main dish, followed by an afternoon at the Agnano Thermal Baths with access to thermal pools and relaxation areas.
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Vineyard Visit and Tasting at Cantine De Angelis – Sorrento (NA): naturalistic tour of the 22 hectares of Relais Regina Giovanna, among gardens, lemon groves and vineyards overlooking the Gulf, with a final tasting of 6 wines and a typical buffet.
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Trentinara Vintage Car Tour at Tredaniele – Trentinara (SA): tour in Cilento aboard vintage cars, vineyard visit, traditional lunch in a villa, and tasting of 5 wines. The day concludes with a visit to the historic center of Trentinara.
Conclusion
This itinerary is designed for those who want to experience Southern Italy authentically, letting themselves be guided by the slow rhythm of wine and the beauty of its territories. Whether you want to leave immediately or simply dream of your next escape, here you’ll find a starting point with inspiration, taste and memorable encounters.
And if you want to explore other regions, discover new wineries or simply be inspired by unique experiences among nature, culture, and good wine… on divinea.com you’ll find many proposals tailored for every taste traveler.
