18 days in Italy Itinerary

Naples is the capital of the Italian region Campania and the third-largest municipality in Italy after Rome and Milan. Do your shopping at Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela and Chiaia. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Gli Scavi Archeologici di Pompei and Villa Rufolo. Change things up with these side-trips from Naples: Positano (Theodora Moda Positano & Spiaggia del Fornillo) and Ceramiche Cosmolena di Margherita di Palma (in Ravello). There's still lots to do: stop by Io sono La Chianina, delve into the distant past at Ruins of Herculaneum, take a stroll around Forum at Pompeii, and shop like a local with Via Toledo.

To find where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Naples vacation planner.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Naples is an approximately 5-hour combination of train, flight, and shuttle. You can also drive; or take a train. In July, Naples is a bit warmer than Amsterdam - with highs of 35°C and lows of 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to take a train to Rome.

Aptly nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, one of the world's greatest civilizations ever.

Head to Via Condotti and Porta Portesefor plenty of shopping. Get a sense of the local culture at St. Peter's Basilica and Pantheon. Next up on the itinerary: admire the local landmark of Trevi Fountain, stop by Elena Kihlman Designer, explore the world behind art at Borghese Gallery, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza Navona.

To see where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Rome sightseeing planner.

You can take a train from Naples to Rome in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of shuttle, flight, and train. In July, daily temperatures in Rome can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) so you can travel to Bari.

Puglia's capital city, Bari, is a growing metropolis of industry and one of the country's most important commercial ports.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilica San Nicola, explore the historical opulence of Castello Svevo Bari, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Cattedrale Bitonto.

To find traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Bari tour planner.

Traveling by combination of train, flight, and subway from Rome to Bari takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in July, and nighttime lows around 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) to allow time to take a train to Lecce.

Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce is distinguished for its elaborate Baroque monuments.

You'll get in some beach time at Maldive del Salento and Torre dell'Orso Beach. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria and Basilica di Santa Croce. Explore Lecce's surroundings by going to Baia dei Turchi (in Otranto), Torre Lapillo (in Torre Lapillo) and Spiaggia Porto Selvaggio (in Nardo). There's more to do: don't miss a visit to Porta Napoli.

To find ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Lecce itinerary maker.

Getting from Bari to Lecce by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In July in Lecce, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 24°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Brindisi.

Brindisi is a city in the region of Apulia in southern Italy, the capital of the province of Brindisi, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. On the 25th (Tue), indulge your taste buds at Enoteca Fedele and then look for all kinds of wild species at Area Marina Protetta Torre Guaceto.

For other places to visit, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Brindisi holiday planner.

Getting from Lecce to Brindisi by car takes about an hour. When traveling from Lecce in July, plan for slightly colder days in Brindisi, with highs around 34°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.