13 days in Italy Itinerary

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

To find where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read Bari trip planner.

Sydney, Australia to Bari is an approximately 25.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 9 hours traveling from Sydney to Bari. In July, Bari is warmer than Sydney - with highs of 36°C and lows of 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to take a train to Polignano a Mare.

Polignano a Mare is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy, located on the Adriatic Sea. On the 5th (Wed), enjoy the sand and surf at Lido Ottagono, get to know the fascinating history of Piazza della Liberta, then get engrossed in the history at Masseria Brancati, and finally look for gifts at Polignano a mare. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, then stop by La Mia Fioraia, then pause for some serene contemplation at Cattedrale di Conversano, and finally take advantage of the amenities at Coco Beach Club.

To see where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Polignano a Mare travel itinerary creator.

Polignano a Mare is just a short distance from Bari. In July, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Alberobello.

Alberobello is a small town and comune of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy. Kick off your visit on the 7th (Fri): admire the verdant scenery at Valle d'Itria, then see the interesting displays at Palazzo Ducale, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica di San Martino.

To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Alberobello travel planner.

Alberobello is just a short distance from Polignano a Mare. In July, daytime highs in Alberobello are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to drive to Matera.

Famous for its resemblance to the ancient settlements of Jerusalem and Cappadocia, Matera remains one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Parco delle Chiese Rupestri di Matera and Cattedrale will appeal to history buffs. Get outdoors at Lido Zanzibar and La Grancia. Explore Matera's surroundings by going to Gravina Sotterranea (in Gravina in Puglia) and Metaponto (Tavole Palatine & Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Metaponto). There's lots more to do: examine the collection at Museo Laboratorio Della Civiltà Contadina, delve into the distant past at Craco, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Chiesa del Purgatorio.

For reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Matera trip generator.

Getting from Alberobello to Matera by taxi takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In July, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) so you can drive to Positano.

Often referred to as the gem of the Amalfi Coast, Positano remains one of southern Italy's most sought-after vacation locales, thanks to its hillside location and picturesque, pastel buildings.

On the 11th (Tue), add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, then explore the historical opulence of Castello Giusso, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Antico Bagno Stabilimento Balneare.

For more things to do, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Positano vacation trip planner.

Traveling by car from Matera to Positano takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Matera in July since evenings lows in Positano dip to 26°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can go by car to Pompeii.

Pompeii has been a tourist destination for more than 250 years.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Monte Faito e Panorama, take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of Apollo, delve into the distant past at Casa del Fauno, then explore the ancient world of Terme del Foro, then take an in-depth tour of Antiquarium and Excavations, and finally steep yourself in history at Lupanar.

To find photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, use the Pompeii itinerary builder.

You can drive from Positano to Pompeii in an hour. Other options are to do a combination of bus and train; or do a combination of bus and train. In July in Pompeii, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 24°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to travel to Rome.

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

On the 13th (Thu), explore the world behind art at Vatican Museums, then see the interesting displays at St. Peter's Basilica, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza Navona, and finally delve into the distant past at Palatine Hill. On the 14th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of Roman Forum and then kick back and relax at MOAI Beach.

For more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Rome trip builder.

You can take a train from Pompeii to Rome in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus, flight, and train. July in Rome sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 24°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.