14 nightsStart your holiday on the stylish Amalfi Coast, before heading south to the relatively undiscovered Cilento. From here, your self-drive journey continues to Maratea on the Basilicata coast and finally, inland to the astonishing ‘cave’ town of Matera.
Southern Italy Self-Drive Tour
14 nights
TYPOLOGIES
Fly-Drive Holidays
Settings
Coastal
Activities/Interests
Cultural, Hiking, Room with a view
£ 2750 per person - 14 nights
Holiday at Glance
Try the wonderful Buffalo Mozzarella of the Cilento Park
Swim in secluded coves along the Thyrrenian sea
Sleep in a cave hotel in the multi-millennial city of Matera
Duration
14 nights
From
from £ 2750 per person
Including
Travel planning
Daily breakfast
Fully comprehensive car hire
3 nights sharing a superior with balcony sea view at the Oasi Olimpia
4 nights sharing a deluxe with sea view at the Hotel Marulivo in Pisciotta, Cilento Park
4 nights sharing a deluxe double room at the Hotel Santavenere in Maratea
3 nights sharing a deluxe double room at the Corte San Pietro in Matera
We can help with
Private tours of the archeological sites
Private boat rental
Cooking classes and farm visits
Kayak tours and food trekking
Buffalo dairy farm visits
Rafting and Canyoning along the Lao River
Horse riding and Diving
The views of the the Amalfi Coast
Enjoy the Amalfi Coast the glitz and glamour without the crowds in Sant'Agata sui due Golfi, the town's name translates as ''on the two gulfs'' as it stands above the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno.
Just above Sorrento, reachable with a 40-minute walk, the Relais Oasi Olimpia in Sant'Agata is a great base to explore the coastal towns, Sorrento Positano, Amalfi and everything in between can be reached with one scenic bus journey. Not only sightseeing but also farm visits and beautiful walks with breathtaking vistas.
Continue into the intriguing Cilento National park
As you travel south to the Cilento, you can stop en route at the extraordinary ruins at Paestum, the medieval hilltop town of Castellabate or the fishing town of Acciaroli, best known for its connections with Ernest Hemingway.
Inland, the Cilento National Park offers some exceptional walking and the chance to visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Certosa di Padula monastery.
Simple but extremely stylish, the Hotel Marulivo has been converted from a 14th century monastery to offer a little touch of heaven between the sea and lemon groves of southern Italy.
Swim in secluded coves of the Thyrrenian sea
The coastline around Maratea in the Basilicata is known for its hideaway coves and bays, sea caves and crystal clear water. In Maratea’s harbour, yachts and fishing boats jostle for space, overlooked by restaurants and bars.
By contrast, perched up on the hillside above the coast, the medieval town of Maratea is a mass of narrow lanes linked by hideaway piazzas dotted with churches and some good cafés and trattorias.
Surrounded by private parkland and boasting an impeccable line-up of facilities (private beach, pool, a spa and gym), the Hotel Santavenere is perched on a promontory above the sea just outside the port of Maratea.
Wander around astonishing Matera
From Maratea, it is just under a 3-hour drive across the Pollino National Park, to Matera.
The setting for several Biblical films, Matera’s ‘Sassi’ neighbourhood is an extraordinary sight, comprising narrow lanes and stairways characterised by stone dwellings and churches carved out of the rocks.
Our hotel choice for Matera is the Corte San Pietro, a 5-room boutique hotel housed in restored from decaying, abandoned ancient caves.
Blake D
15:43 21 Sep 21
We loved our week in Villa Lighea booked through Expertoitaly. If you are... looking for a romantic, water-front cottage, this is it. We swam in the sea every day.It’s a bit remote from the major cities of Sicily but we hadn’t planned a lot of sightseeing. We ate at a few great restaurants but mostly cooked at the villa. Great weather and warm water in September.Antonio was easy to work with and flexible when we had to reschedule due to COVID. We would book with him again.read more
Simon Liddle
18:07 25 Oct 20
Antonio arranged a great two weeks in Campania for us this year. It was... excellent to get to places that were quiet, smart and friendly. Everything worked just right, even this crazy year. Previously he has sorted us out a car tour of Sicily, two return visits to that lovely island, and breaks in the bay of Naples. We had done quite a lot of Italy under our own steam, but ExpertoItaly really are experts with a fantastic set of choices , and you get a great personal service. We will be back again next year.read more
William Jackson
15:37 13 Aug 20
Outstanding service, advice and organisation of our holiday combined with an... intimate understanding and knowledge of places to stay and see.go no further.read more
andrew Smith
16:49 02 Aug 20
Expertoitaly (and Antonio) first came to our attention in 2014 when we were... planning a celebratory trip to Italy for 2015. Although we approached a number of household names about our plans and itinerary by e-mail Antonio immediately stood out. He phoned back almost straight away to get to know something about us and what we liked to do.On the back of that discussion he quickly put together a trip and budget. Given his obvious knowledge of the country and his quick grasp of what we were looking for together with the attention to detail it was a 'no brainer' to put our trust in this company. As a consequence we duly enjoyed a 3 week multi-stop trip in July 2015 tailored to suit us perfectly!On return we almost immediately booked to return in October for a short break to 2 of the locations in Tuscany we particularly enjoyed - Lucca and Montepulciano both of which are delightful.We fell in love with Italy and have returned several times since then all courtesy of Antonio:2016 - A short break to attend the Opera in Verona.2017 - 2 weeks in Sicily2018 - the same - we love Sicily and would urge anyone to go. (where we finally got to meet Antonio in Ragusa which was great)We were due to return to Italy this year for a 3 week road trip - albeit with private transfers rather than actual driving - from Verona to just south of Naples - all immaculately put together by Antonio of course. Alas Covid-19 had different ideas.We can only say that Expertoitaly have dealt with this professionally and as speedily as circumstances allowed and have refunded all the monies. We have no reservations about using them again in the future. In fact Antonio is already on standby to reprise the 'lost' trip as soon as this madness ends and unhindered travel becomes possible again - just extended an improved.Andrew & Susan SmithTadworthSurreyread more
Jane Domb
17:12 28 Aug 19
If you are looking to go to Italy for a holiday, Antonio at Experto Italy is... amazing. We have just come back from our fourth holiday he has arranged for us. He sent us to places that days of googling would never have found.He also has a knack of keeping to budget even with my numerous demands!Fabulous fabulous!!read more
Debbie Law
11:10 27 Aug 19
Just returned from a fab trip to Italy - all organised by Antonio. His time... and effort to get what was just right for us was amazing.. he had a lot to put up with! We have used Expertoitaly before and will do again.We visited Ischia and Naples. Both very different and wonderful. Ischia is perfect for a good rest (visits to the Giardini La Mortella and the Ravino Gardens are a must). The Gardens & Villas Resort is a beautiful setting, very private, calm with amazing staff. Also the little town of Lacco Ameno has some really nice restaurants. Naples was very HOT! but we still managed to spend 7 hours walking about just soaking up the atmosphere and visiting some of the fantastic historic sights. Visit to the underground roman town is well worth it - it is mind boggling to think it was built thousands of years ago.read more
julie frenchman
09:16 09 Jul 19
This is the third occasion that Antonio has organised an Italian holiday for... me. As it was a Birthday celebration involving a party of 10, the arrangements were complex, involving a villa, guides and attendance at the Palio on July 2nd. Without exception everything went exactly as planned. The recommended villa on the Montestigliano Estate, south west of Siena, was wonderful. Our guide made sure we had a full understanding of the history and culture of the Palio which meant that, with a spectacular view over the Campo from the apartment booked by Antonio, we were able to appreciate the event that much more.We shall certainly be going back to Italy with Expertoitaly.read more
Kay James
12:08 03 May 19
We had an amazing trip organised by Antonio, we visited Naples for a few days... then stayed in Sant’ Agata. Both hotels had fabulous amenities and restaurants. The trip was effortless and everything was meticulously arranged. Antonio was also on had for anything we needed during the trip.I would definitely recommend Expert to Italy and we will definitely use this company again in the futureread more
Grant Stupart
18:31 16 Aug 18
Antonio with his meticulous planning and caring service has been solely... responsible for the best Italian holidays we have had. His ability to offer excellent hotel accommodation which provides for every need and requirement is second to none . Hotels that are not main stream , that provide high quality of service in excellent locations are one of Antonio’s strength. It’s great to have a provider that know and understands his market. Grant B Stupartread more
Jonathan May
18:06 01 Aug 18
July 2018_________________________________Have just completed another 10 day... holiday arranged by Antonio at Expert to Italy. We went with Antonio's suggestion and spent 2 days at Matera and then the remainder in Pisciotta in the Cilento. Matera was amazing and felt completely different to anywhere else we have been in Italy. We loved Pisciotta and the hotel was wonderful with lovely owners who were great at suggesting things to do. We visited a buffalo farm, a vinyard and tooks boats to isolated coves with lovely clear water. All arrangements were absolutely faultless. We would never have found such lovely places without Antonio!2016_________________________________We have just returned from a fantastic holiday suggested no arranged by ExpertTo Italy. Once again the organisation by Antonio was flawless and everything worked perfectly. We spent 5 nights by lake Maggiore and 3 in Cogne in the Italian Alps. Both hotels and locations were fantastic - particularly the Bellvue in Cogne. Please see trip advisor if interested in the hotels as I will give a more specific review there - I'm not a fanatic reviewer but both really deserve it. We have used this company for the past 5 years and Antonio seems to have a real gift for finding fantastic hotels and matching locations to his clients. I would not usually put the level of trust in anyone to arrange holidays for me that I have with Antonio but he has delivered every time and I can unreservedly recommend his services. Italy is a beautiful country with huge variety - if you describe what you like to Antonio and let him make suggestions then you will not be disappointed. Very definitely 5 stars from me. So - Antonio and team, please keep it up!Jonread more
Amanda Chapman
22:28 25 Aug 17
Antonio delivered more than expected! Our family of four stayed at two... beautiful villa's on the Amalfi Coast. Both of the locations were top class. Antonio provided excellent service and was always available if we had questions about the details of our trip. He was easy to work with and we would recommend his services to others traveling to Italy.read more
Susan Davidson
09:04 19 Jun 17
This was our second holiday with ExpertoItaly, and it was just as good as the... first! Antonio provided us with fast, efficient and personal attention. His choice of hotels was first class. Real attention to detail means that you get a holiday that really suits your personal requirements. Brilliant!read more
Andrew Rogers
09:36 09 Jul 16
We have just made an amazing journey by train, taxi, boat and bus through... France, a night in Paris, then a night on a mountain in Switzerland, train across the alps on the Bernina Express, 5 days on Lake Como and 6 days on Lake Maggiore. We stayed in the most glorious quality hotels. We made visits to local towns and attractions using buses and boats. Every connection on the journey was planned and executed wonderfully.This is 5 star planning, 5 star service, 5 star experience all personally organised by Antonio at ExpertoItaly. We must never forget the James Bond moment of being whisked across Como by Luca in his luxury Taxiboat from Varenna to the Hotel Filario in Lezzeno with Pavarotti as our musical accompaniment then met on the jetty by a lovely suited receptionist. A dream. Thanks Antonio.See views from our rooms Como then Maggiore.read more
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DETAILSWhat they say about us
Blake D
15:43 21 Sep 21
We loved our week in Villa Lighea booked through Expertoitaly. If you are... looking for a romantic, water-front cottage, this is it. We swam in the sea every day.It’s a bit remote from the major cities of Sicily but we hadn’t planned a lot of sightseeing. We ate at a few great restaurants but mostly cooked at the villa. Great weather and warm water in September.Antonio was easy to work with and flexible when we had to reschedule due to COVID. We would book with him again.read more
Simon Liddle
18:07 25 Oct 20
Antonio arranged a great two weeks in Campania for us this year. It was... excellent to get to places that were quiet, smart and friendly. Everything worked just right, even this crazy year. Previously he has sorted us out a car tour of Sicily, two return visits to that lovely island, and breaks in the bay of Naples. We had done quite a lot of Italy under our own steam, but ExpertoItaly really are experts with a fantastic set of choices , and you get a great personal service. We will be back again next year.read more
William Jackson
15:37 13 Aug 20
Outstanding service, advice and organisation of our holiday combined with an... intimate understanding and knowledge of places to stay and see.go no further.read more
andrew Smith
16:49 02 Aug 20
Expertoitaly (and Antonio) first came to our attention in 2014 when we were... planning a celebratory trip to Italy for 2015. Although we approached a number of household names about our plans and itinerary by e-mail Antonio immediately stood out. He phoned back almost straight away to get to know something about us and what we liked to do.On the back of that discussion he quickly put together a trip and budget. Given his obvious knowledge of the country and his quick grasp of what we were looking for together with the attention to detail it was a 'no brainer' to put our trust in this company. As a consequence we duly enjoyed a 3 week multi-stop trip in July 2015 tailored to suit us perfectly!On return we almost immediately booked to return in October for a short break to 2 of the locations in Tuscany we particularly enjoyed - Lucca and Montepulciano both of which are delightful.We fell in love with Italy and have returned several times since then all courtesy of Antonio:2016 - A short break to attend the Opera in Verona.2017 - 2 weeks in Sicily2018 - the same - we love Sicily and would urge anyone to go. (where we finally got to meet Antonio in Ragusa which was great)We were due to return to Italy this year for a 3 week road trip - albeit with private transfers rather than actual driving - from Verona to just south of Naples - all immaculately put together by Antonio of course. Alas Covid-19 had different ideas.We can only say that Expertoitaly have dealt with this professionally and as speedily as circumstances allowed and have refunded all the monies. We have no reservations about using them again in the future. In fact Antonio is already on standby to reprise the 'lost' trip as soon as this madness ends and unhindered travel becomes possible again - just extended an improved.Andrew & Susan SmithTadworthSurreyread more
Jane Domb
17:12 28 Aug 19
If you are looking to go to Italy for a holiday, Antonio at Experto Italy is... amazing. We have just come back from our fourth holiday he has arranged for us. He sent us to places that days of googling would never have found.He also has a knack of keeping to budget even with my numerous demands!Fabulous fabulous!!read more
Debbie Law
11:10 27 Aug 19
Just returned from a fab trip to Italy - all organised by Antonio. His time... and effort to get what was just right for us was amazing.. he had a lot to put up with! We have used Expertoitaly before and will do again.We visited Ischia and Naples. Both very different and wonderful. Ischia is perfect for a good rest (visits to the Giardini La Mortella and the Ravino Gardens are a must). The Gardens & Villas Resort is a beautiful setting, very private, calm with amazing staff. Also the little town of Lacco Ameno has some really nice restaurants. Naples was very HOT! but we still managed to spend 7 hours walking about just soaking up the atmosphere and visiting some of the fantastic historic sights. Visit to the underground roman town is well worth it - it is mind boggling to think it was built thousands of years ago.read more
julie frenchman
09:16 09 Jul 19
This is the third occasion that Antonio has organised an Italian holiday for... me. As it was a Birthday celebration involving a party of 10, the arrangements were complex, involving a villa, guides and attendance at the Palio on July 2nd. Without exception everything went exactly as planned. The recommended villa on the Montestigliano Estate, south west of Siena, was wonderful. Our guide made sure we had a full understanding of the history and culture of the Palio which meant that, with a spectacular view over the Campo from the apartment booked by Antonio, we were able to appreciate the event that much more.We shall certainly be going back to Italy with Expertoitaly.read more
Kay James
12:08 03 May 19
We had an amazing trip organised by Antonio, we visited Naples for a few days... then stayed in Sant’ Agata. Both hotels had fabulous amenities and restaurants. The trip was effortless and everything was meticulously arranged. Antonio was also on had for anything we needed during the trip.I would definitely recommend Expert to Italy and we will definitely use this company again in the futureread more
Grant Stupart
18:31 16 Aug 18
Antonio with his meticulous planning and caring service has been solely... responsible for the best Italian holidays we have had. His ability to offer excellent hotel accommodation which provides for every need and requirement is second to none . Hotels that are not main stream , that provide high quality of service in excellent locations are one of Antonio’s strength. It’s great to have a provider that know and understands his market. Grant B Stupartread more
Jonathan May
18:06 01 Aug 18
July 2018_________________________________Have just completed another 10 day... holiday arranged by Antonio at Expert to Italy. We went with Antonio's suggestion and spent 2 days at Matera and then the remainder in Pisciotta in the Cilento. Matera was amazing and felt completely different to anywhere else we have been in Italy. We loved Pisciotta and the hotel was wonderful with lovely owners who were great at suggesting things to do. We visited a buffalo farm, a vinyard and tooks boats to isolated coves with lovely clear water. All arrangements were absolutely faultless. We would never have found such lovely places without Antonio!2016_________________________________We have just returned from a fantastic holiday suggested no arranged by ExpertTo Italy. Once again the organisation by Antonio was flawless and everything worked perfectly. We spent 5 nights by lake Maggiore and 3 in Cogne in the Italian Alps. Both hotels and locations were fantastic - particularly the Bellvue in Cogne. Please see trip advisor if interested in the hotels as I will give a more specific review there - I'm not a fanatic reviewer but both really deserve it. We have used this company for the past 5 years and Antonio seems to have a real gift for finding fantastic hotels and matching locations to his clients. I would not usually put the level of trust in anyone to arrange holidays for me that I have with Antonio but he has delivered every time and I can unreservedly recommend his services. Italy is a beautiful country with huge variety - if you describe what you like to Antonio and let him make suggestions then you will not be disappointed. Very definitely 5 stars from me. So - Antonio and team, please keep it up!Jonread more
Amanda Chapman
22:28 25 Aug 17
Antonio delivered more than expected! Our family of four stayed at two... beautiful villa's on the Amalfi Coast. Both of the locations were top class. Antonio provided excellent service and was always available if we had questions about the details of our trip. He was easy to work with and we would recommend his services to others traveling to Italy.read more
Susan Davidson
09:04 19 Jun 17
This was our second holiday with ExpertoItaly, and it was just as good as the... first! Antonio provided us with fast, efficient and personal attention. His choice of hotels was first class. Real attention to detail means that you get a holiday that really suits your personal requirements. Brilliant!read more
Andrew Rogers
09:36 09 Jul 16
We have just made an amazing journey by train, taxi, boat and bus through... France, a night in Paris, then a night on a mountain in Switzerland, train across the alps on the Bernina Express, 5 days on Lake Como and 6 days on Lake Maggiore. We stayed in the most glorious quality hotels. We made visits to local towns and attractions using buses and boats. Every connection on the journey was planned and executed wonderfully.This is 5 star planning, 5 star service, 5 star experience all personally organised by Antonio at ExpertoItaly. We must never forget the James Bond moment of being whisked across Como by Luca in his luxury Taxiboat from Varenna to the Hotel Filario in Lezzeno with Pavarotti as our musical accompaniment then met on the jetty by a lovely suited receptionist. A dream. Thanks Antonio.See views from our rooms Como then Maggiore.read more
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