Arrive at Naples Airport, where your private transfer will take you to your accommodation in the city.

Begin your exploration with a visit to the fascinating Galleria Borbonica, an underground network originally developed during the Bourbon monarchy. Discover the tunnels, historic chambers and hidden passages beneath Naples.

Above ground, visit Piazza del Plebiscito, admire the Royal Palace and see the celebrated Teatro di San Carlo, one of Europe’s most historic opera houses.

Continue through Naples’ UNESCO-listed historic centre, where centuries of Greek, Roman and Italian heritage are reflected in the city’s architecture and lively streets.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Neapolitan cuisine and local wine.

Travel to the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its grand interiors, monumental staircase and extensive landscaped gardens.

Continue to Benevento, a historic city with important Roman and Lombard heritage.

Visit the impressive Arch of Trajan and discover the architectural significance of the Church of Santa Sofia.

Before departing, sample Strega, the distinctive herbal liqueur produced in Benevento since the nineteenth century.

The journey continues to Canosa di Puglia, an ancient settlement associated with Roman history and the Norman rulers of southern Italy.

Begin with a visit to Castel del Monte, the extraordinary octagonal fortress commissioned by Emperor Frederick II.

Standing prominently above the surrounding countryside, this UNESCO-listed monument is renowned for its unusual geometric design and fascinating medieval history.

Continue to Venosa, where ancient Roman remains and Norman landmarks reveal another chapter of southern Italy’s past.

Visit the unfinished abbey known as the Incompiuta and learn about the Hauteville family, whose conquests helped establish the Norman Kingdom of Sicily.

Venosa is also celebrated as the birthplace of the Roman poet Horace.

Later, travel into Basilicata and arrive in Matera.

Spend the day exploring Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary historic cities.

Its UNESCO-listed Sassi districts feature ancient dwellings carved directly into the limestone, creating a remarkable landscape of stone houses, stairways and churches.

Walk through the atmospheric streets and visit traditional cave homes and rock-hewn churches decorated with historic frescoes.

A highlight is the Crypt of the Original Sin, an exceptional eighth-century cave church renowned for its beautifully preserved paintings.

Enjoy time to appreciate Matera’s distinctive architecture and sample the regional cuisine of Basilicata, including traditional bread, local specialities and wines.

Travel to Craco, an abandoned medieval settlement dramatically positioned on a rocky hilltop.

During an escorted visit, learn about the town’s history and the events that led to its evacuation.

Continue through the Basilicata countryside, with an opportunity to enjoy traditional regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, explore Metaponto, once an important centre of Magna Graecia, the Greek settlements of southern Italy.

Admire the remains of the ancient Temple of Hera, known as the Tavole Palatine, and discover the area’s association with the philosopher Pythagoras.

Later, cross into Calabria and arrive in Tropea, a beautiful coastal town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying its historic streets, spectacular coastal views and welcoming restaurants.

Travel into the hills above Tropea to explore Zungri, home to a fascinating collection of rock-cut dwellings and historic passageways.

These ancient structures offer an insight into the region’s medieval communities and traditional ways of life.

Continue with a visit to a local winery, where you can learn about Calabria’s winemaking heritage and sample regional wines.

In the afternoon, visit the charming seaside town of Pizzo.

Explore its historic centre and discover Castello Murat, associated with the final days of Joachim Murat, the former King of Naples.

Enjoy an opportunity to taste Pizzo’s famous tartufo, a traditional chocolate and ice cream speciality.

Return to Tropea for an evening at leisure.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling south along Calabria’s beautiful Costa Viola.

Stop in Scilla, a picturesque fishing village overlooking the Strait of Messina.

Admire Castello Ruffo, explore the traditional waterfront district of Chianalea and learn about the area’s ancient maritime history and its connections to Greek mythology.

There will be time for lunch at leisure, with opportunities to sample freshly prepared seafood and local specialities.

Continue to Reggio Calabria, overlooking the narrow strait separating mainland Italy from Sicily.

In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner celebrating the cuisine and wines of Calabria.

Conclude your journey with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.

The museum houses the magnificent Riace Bronzes, two exceptionally preserved ancient Greek warrior statues recovered from the waters off Calabria in 1972.

These remarkable sculptures provide a fitting conclusion to a journey through the ancient civilisations and kingdoms of southern Italy.

Following your visit, a private transfer will take you to Reggio Calabria Airport for your onward flight.