7 Nights | Small Group Tour | Italy
The Hidden South:
Rome to the Cilento COast
Rome • Pompeii • Hill Towns • Cilento Coast
Hill towns, vineyard tastings, and the quieter rhythm of southern Italy… without the crowds, without the rush.
Group Size
Maximum
10 Travelers
Duration
7 Nights /
8 Days
Season
Spring 2027
Activity
Moderate
Start / End
Starts and
Ends in Rome
Hidden South travels from Rome through the hills of Lazio and into Campania, combining places you know with some you probably don’t — and leaving enough time to actually enjoy them.
Why This Tour?
Small by Design
Maximum 10 travelers
A smaller group changes where we can go, where we can eat, and how we experience the places along the way.
Time Well Spent
Enough plans. Enough freedom.
We plan the experiences that matter, but leave room to wander, linger over lunch, or simply enjoy where we are.
Places Worth Knowing
Famous and not-so-famous
Some places you’ll recognize. Others you probably won’t. We choose them because they’re worth your time, not because they’re on a checklist.
Why This Tour Exists
Most trips to Italy follow the same path… Rome, Florence, Venice… moving quickly from one landmark to the next. It looks perfect on paper. But it often feels rushed while you’re there.
And the moments people remember most? They’re rarely the ones on the itinerary. Taher it is unplanned… The view during a long lunch overlooking vineyards… Just wandering during la passeggiata when the day slows, and you’re no longer rushing through it. Or, conversation over wine that lingers…
Hidden South is designed for that. But it’s also designed very intentionally.
We visit Herculaneum instead of Pompeii… because it’s more intact, more immersive… and you’re not navigating crowds to feel it. We spend time in Castellabate… not because it’s famous, but because it isn’t— and that’s exactly why it feels like Italy. We build in time along the Cilento coast… so you can reach the quieter beaches. The places most travelers never see. And even in Rome… We search the corners many never find… or never have the the time to.
Because the difference isn’t more places. Rather different ones. Chosen carefully… and experienced fully.
Most trips to Italy follow the same path… Rome, Florence, Venice… moving quickly from one landmark to the next. It looks perfect on paper. But it often feels rushed while you’re there.
And the moments people remember most?
They’re rarely the ones on the itinerary. Rather often, it is unplanned: The view during a long lunch overlooking vineyards… Just wandering during la passeggiata when the day slows, and you’re no longer rushing through it. … Or, conversation over wine that linger.
Hidden South is designed for that.
But it’s also designed very intentionally.
We visit Herculaneum because it’s more intact, more immersive than Pompeii (… and the crowds are thinner to feel it). We spend time in Castellabate. Not because it’s famous, but because it isn’t. We build in time along the Cilento coast, so you can reach the quieter beaches. The places most travelers never see. Even in Rome, we search the corners many never find… or never have the the time to.
Because the difference isn’t more places. Rather different ones. Chosen carefully… and experienced fully.
Small by Design
6–10 travelers. It changes everything… where we go, how we move, what we experience.
Beyond the Checklist
We don’t try to “cover” Italy. We focus on the places—and moments—you’ll actually remember.
Time Well Spent
No rushed mornings. No packed schedules. Time to wander… and time to stay when something feels special.
Personal Experiences
Winery tastings. Family-run agriturismos. Places you wouldn’t find—or book—on your own.
Total Support
From planning to your journey’s end… everything is handled. You just show up and experience it.
THE ITINERARY
PHASE 1 — ROME UNCOVERED
Explore Rome
We begin in Rome, with time to settle in before gathering for our first dinner together. Over two full days, we’ll explore the city with a local guide, looking beyond some of the familiar landmarks to the neighborhoods, streets, and stories that are easy to miss.
But we aren’t going to schedule every minute. You’ll have plenty of time to experience Rome your own way: visit a museum or ancient site, return to a favorite place, sit in a piazza, go shopping, or simply wander.
We’ll mix guided experiences and time together with enough freedom to make part of Rome your own before leaving the city and heading south.
PHASE 2 — THE INTERMEZZO
Ciociaria and the Hills of Lazio
Between Rome and Campania is a part of Italy most travelers simply pass through. We’re going to stop.
We’ll spend time in Ciociaria, a region of hill towns, countryside, old villages, and local traditions south of Rome. Depending on our final plans, that might mean an agriturismo lunch, a small winery, wine-tasting dinner with old friends, a walk through an ancient town, a lake in the mountains, or an afternoon aperitivo beside the waterfall at Isola del Liri.
There are important historic places here too, including Montecassino and centuries of history that rarely make it onto a first-time Italy itinerary.
This is intentionally the least rigid part of Hidden South: a day to explore some places you probably didn’t know to look for.
PHASE 3 — THE HIDDEN SOUTH
From Lazio we continue south into Campania, where we’ll spend the rest of the tour between ancient sites, working towns, countryside, and the sea.
Pompeii is a definite, explored with a local guide rather than rushed through as a quick stop. We’ll also spend time in Salerno, with its historic center, waterfront, restaurants, and everyday city life.
Beyond those anchors, there’s room for the experiences that make this part of Italy special: Greek and Roman ruins, an agriturismo or farm lunch, local food and wine, small coastal and hill towns, and time along the Cilento Coast. Weather permitting, we’ll also get out on the water for a small seaside boat cruise along the less-visited Cilento Coast.
There will be guided experiences, meals together, and plenty to discover—but also time when the best plan is simply to see what we find.
The journey will INCLUDE:
- Rome
- Herculaneum
- Cilento Coast
- Paestum
- Hill towns
- Return to Rome
- Rome
- Herculaneum
- Cilento Coast
- Paestum
- Hill towns
- Return to Rome
- Hidden corners of Rome + guided local insight
- Ancient ruins… without the crowds (Herculaneum)
- Coastal boat time, swimming, and sea views
- Hill towns, wineries, and local food experiences
- Thoughtfully paced days with built-in free time
- Hidden corners of Rome + guided local insight
- Ancient ruins… without the crowds (Herculaneum)
- Coastal boat time, swimming, and sea views
- Hill towns, wineries, and local food experiences
- Thoughtfully paced days with built-in free time
The Day-by-Day Experience
Part of traveling curiously is embracing the unexpected. While the overall journey remains the same, specific experiences may be refined before departure.
PHASE 1 — ROME UNCOVERED
PHASE 2 — THE INTERMEZZO
This is the heart of the Curio experience: places rarely found in guidebooks, slower moments, and the Italy that exists between the famous destinations.
PHASE 3 — THE CURIO EXPERIENCE
From the hills of Lazio we continue south toward Campania, where ancient history, coastal landscapes, and unforgettable experiences await.
DAY 1
Arrival in Rome
Arrive in Rome and settle in. Later, we gather for a welcome dinner and toastto our journey ahead!
- Special Hotel in Rome
- Stroll in Trastevere
- Walking stroll in Rome (optional)
- Welcome Dinner
DAY 5
Ruins and Wine
Experience what Mt Vesuvious gives us. First a guided tour of Herculaneum. Finishing day with vineyard lunch and wine vist before enjoying a seaside sunset.
- Boutique hotel in Paestum
- Guided hostory experience
- Wine experience
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 2
Hidden Rome
Explore the city’s quieter corners: stories, local tradtions, and places most visitors never see. Then, leisure time to explore, shop, and relax.
- Special Hotel in Rome
- Stroll in Trastevere
- Walking stroll in Rome (optional)
- Welcome Dinner
DAY 6
Curio Day
Your final full day blends history, landscape, and a memorable closing experience. This slow travel day includes ancient Greek ruins, exploration, and dining experiences.
- Boutique hotel in Paestum
- Farm-to-Table lunch
- Special Curio dinner
- Breakfast
DAY 3
Rome Underground
Explore the city’s underground, escape the crowds, and descend 1,000’s of years. One last day to explore and add a landmark if you want.
- Special Hotel in Rome
- Guided morning experience
- Walking stroll in Rome (optional)
- Breakfast
DAY 7
Return to Rome
We begin the journey back to Rome with meaningful stops along the way. Including a historical abbey and one last lunch together.
- Historical abbey experience
- Arrivederci Lunch
- Breakfast
DAY 4
Cruise the Sea
The journey continues south to the Cilento Coast. After a quick lunch, we will meet our captain for a sea-side cruise along the Amalfi coast.
- Boutique hotel in Paestum
- Boat cruise on the sea
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 1
Arrival in Rome
Arrive in Rome and settle in. Later, we gather for a welcome dinner and toastto our journey ahead!
- Special Hotel in Rome
- Stroll in Trastevere
- Walking stroll in Rome (optional)
- Welcome Dinner
DAY 2
Hidden Rome
Explore the city’s quieter corners: stories, local tradtions, and places most visitors never see. Then, leisure time to explore, shop, and relax.
- Special Hotel in Rome
- Guided morning walking tour
- Walking stroll in Rome (optional)
- Free day to explore the sights and monuments,
DAY 3
Rome Underground and Depart for Hilltops
Explore the city’s underground, escape the crowds, and descend 1,000’s of years. One last day to explore and add a landmark if you want. Then we head to more quiet hilltops of Italy.
- Guided afternoon walking tour
- Private transportation south
- Family-run hotel in the hills of Lazio
- Specially-curated dinner
- Breakfast
DAY 4
Cruise the Sea
The journey continues south to the Cilento Coast. After a quick lunch, we will meet our captain for a sea-side cruise along the Amalfi coast.
- Boutique hotel in Paestum
- Boat cruise on the sea
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 5
Ruins and Wine
Experience what Mt Vesuvious gives us. First a guided tour of Herculaneum. Finishing day with vineyard lunch and wine vist before enjoying a seaside sunset.
- Boutique hotel in Paestum
- Guided hostory experience
- Wine experience
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 6
Curio Day
Your final full day blends history, landscape, and a memorable closing experience. This slow travel day includes ancient Greek ruins, exploration, and dining experiences.
- Boutique hotel in Paestum
- Farm-to-Table lunch
- Special Curio dinner
- Breakfast
DAY 7
Return to Rome
We begin the journey back to Rome with meaningful stops along the way. Including a historical abbey and one last lunch together.
- Historical abbey experience
- Arrivederci Lunch
- Breakfast
- 7 nights accommodations
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome dinner
- Farewell dinner
- Wine-Focused Lunch
- Farm-to-Table Lunch
- Two additional lunches
- Two additional dinners
- Transportation during tour
- Ticket to Pompeii
- Ticket to Paestum
- Ticket to Montecassino
- Guided experiences
- Winery visits
- Boat excursion if included
- All guide and driver tips
- Curio planning and support
- Flights to/from Italy
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners not shown above
- Personal shopping and optional activities
- Single supplement (if applicable)
THE DETAILS
Spring 2027
Hill towns, vineyards, and the slower rhythm of southern Italy.
Hidden South
Rome • Pompeii • Hill Towns • Cilento Coast
8 Days • April-May
Starting at $3,875 per person
(limited singles rooms +$375)
Limited to 10 Travelers
- Almost everything!
- 7 nights accommodations
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Group meals as noted in the final itinerary (including wine!)
- Private shuttle transportation during the tour
- Local guides and guided experiences
- Admission to included sites and activities
- Food, wine, and other experiences included in the itinerary
- All guide and driver gratuities
- Curio tour hosting and support throughout the trip
Your final itinerary will provide the complete list of included meals and activities.
- Airfare to and from Italy
- Travel insurance
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Personal purchases and optional activities
- Transportation outside the scheduled tour
- Single supplement (if applicable)
We intentionally leave some meals and free time open so you can explore on your own.
- Like small groups and getting to know the people you're traveling with
- Want a mix of planned experiences and time on your own
- Enjoy history, food, wine, small towns, and everyday Italian life
- Would rather spend more time in fewer places than race from site to site
- Don't mind when an interesting stop or conversation changes the plan a little
- Want to see as many famous Italian landmarks as possible
- Prefer every hour of every day to be scheduled
- Expect luxury accommodations or white-glove service
- Have difficulty with stairs, hills, uneven streets, or a lot of walking
- Prefer a large-group tour where you can remain fairly anonymous
AIRFARE: Airfare is not included, so you'll make your own flight arrangements to and from Italy. Many fly in and out of Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) arrive in Rome a day before the tour begins. It gives you time to get over the jet lag and be ready when we get started.
HOTELS: During the tour, we stay in carefully selected hotels and smaller accommodations. Rooms have private bathrooms, but can be different from what you may be used to at home: smaller room and shower size, weak air conditioing and some street noise if in the center of town.
The tour price is based on two people sharing a room. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional $375.
We'll provide specific hotel information and arrival details well before departure.
Activity Level: Moderate
Italy involves walking. Expect uneven streets, cobblestones, stairs, hills, and periods of several hours when we're exploring on foot.
You should be comfortable walking for extended periods, climbing stairs, getting in and out of vehicles, and handling your own luggage when necessary.
We aren't trying to rush anyone, and there will be opportunities to rest and skip some activities. But not every part of the tour can be adapted for limited mobility.
The itinerary can change. Small-group travel gives us some flexibility. Specific restaurants, activities, guides, transportation, and the order of events may change before or during the tour.
This is a small group. Hidden South is limited to 10 travelers.
Some free time really is free time. We won't schedule an activity simply because there's an empty spot on the calendar.
Weather matters. Coastal and outdoor activities may change if conditions don't cooperate.
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15-day full refund window after booking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. That said, knowing a few words is always appreciated, and we'll give you some useful Italian before the trip.
Absolutely. Solo travelers are welcome on Curio tours. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional single supplement.
Expect a moderate amount of walking. Italy means cobblestones, stairs, hills and uneven streets, and some days may include several hours on foot. Check the Walking & Activity Level section above for details specific to this tour.
We don't book airfare, but we'll provide guidance on airports, timing and getting to the tour. We're also happy to make suggestions if you're planning to spend additional time in Italy before or afterward.
Cancellation and refund terms will be clearly provided before you book. We also strongly recommend travel insurance. See Reservations & Cancellations above for the terms specific to this tour.
Have another question?
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