2026 Itinerary
This 14-day journey takes place from October 6-19, 2026 and unfolds through the landscapes and traditions of Lazio and Campania, regions that shaped both Italian rural life and the Italian-American experience.
Traveling in a small group, guests explore historic towns, meet local producers, and experience the foodways and cultural traditions that define everyday life in southern Italy.
From Rome’s layered history to the medieval streets of Itri, the temples of Paestum, and the mountain landscapes of Roccamonfina, each day reveals a different dimension of Italy’s living heritage.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
Days 1-2: Rome
Historic neighborhoods, Jewish heritage, and Roman cuisine
Day 3: Montecassino
Montecassino Abbey and the wartime landscape of San Pietro Infine
Days 4-5: Itri and Rural Lazio
Olive traditions and countryside life
Day 6: Eboli
Eboli, WWII history, and Vietri sul Mare ceramics
Days 7-8: Naples
Catacombs, historic streets, and pizza-making
Day 9: Amalfi Coast
Ferry journey and lemon grove experience
Day 10: Capaccio-Paestum
Mozzarella production and ancient Greek temples
Day 11-13: Roccamonfina
Chestnut forests, volcanic wines, and mountain traditions
The tour price includes accommodations, transportation within Italy, and a carefully curated series of cultural and culinary experiences designed to introduce travelers to the landscapes and traditions of southern Italy.
This journey will be led by Carla Simonini and Chandra Harris, longtime colleagues and scholars who share a deep interest in Italian history, migration, and regional culture. Throughout the trip, Carla and Chandra will travel with the group as hosts and fellow travelers, guiding conversations and helping connect each place we visit to the broader cultural and historical themes that define the region.
Included in the tour:
- 13 nights accommodation in small hotels and agriturismi
- Ground transportation throughout the journey
- Train and ferry travel included in the itinerary
- Guided cultural visits and local expert guides
- Entrance fees to scheduled museums and historic sites
- Culinary experiences including tastings and cooking classes
- Wine tastings and regional food experiences
- Most meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Leadership throughout the journey by the tour hosts
*International airfare, airport transfers and travel insurance are not included.
In order to maintain an intimate and immersive travel experience, the group will be limited to no more than 12 participants.
Small group size allows greater flexibility, deeper engagement with local communities, and a more relaxed pace throughout the journey.
Estimated land cost for the October 2026 journey is $3,700–$3,900 per person (double occupancy).
The price includes accommodations, transportation within Italy, guided cultural visits, scheduled experiences, and most meals as outlined in the itinerary. International airfare is not included.
Because this is the inaugural Passaggi d’Italia journey, pricing reflects a pilot experience designed to introduce the concept and refine future tours. Final pricing and booking details will be confirmed when reservations open.
Reservations for the October 2026 journey will open soon. Because group size is intentionally limited, prospective travelers are encouraged to join the interest list to receive early booking information and updates.
Once reservations open, guests will secure their place on the tour with a deposit. Additional details about payment schedules, booking procedures, and travel preparation will be provided to registered participants.
If you would like to receive early notification when booking opens, please contact us here or email us at hello@passaggiditalia.com.
Ready to Go?
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Rome and Walk Through Trastevere (Oct. 6)
Your journey begins in Rome, a city shaped by more than two thousand years of history. After arrival and hotel check-in, a private panoramic drive introduces the Eternal City, offering views of its grand avenues, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The afternoon concludes at Gianicolo Hill, where sweeping views reveal Rome’s domes and rooftops stretching across the skyline. From here we descend into Trastevere for an evening stroll through its cobblestone streets before gathering for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Roman cuisine.
Highlights
- Panoramic introduction to Rome
- Gianicolo Hill overlook
- Walking exploration of Trastevere
- Welcome dinner with Roman specialties
Day 2: Memory, Reflection & Roman-Jewish Heritage (Oct. 7)
Today explores the deeper historical layers of Rome. The morning begins at the Fosse Ardeatine memorial, commemorating victims of the Nazi occupation during World War II.
Later, a guided walk through the historic Jewish Ghetto introduces one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities. The day concludes with dinner featuring Roman-Jewish cuisine, a culinary tradition that continues to shape the city’s food culture.
Highlights
- Fosse Ardeatine WWII memorial
- Optional early Christian catacombs
- Guided walk through Rome’s Jewish Ghetto
- Dinner featuring Roman-Jewish dishes
Day 3: Montecassino & San Pietro Infine (Oct. 8)
Leaving Rome, the journey continues south into the hills of Lazio. At Montecassino Abbey, founded by Saint Benedict in the sixth century, guests explore the rebuilt monastery that stands as a symbol of resilience after the devastating battles of World War II.
In the afternoon we visit San Pietro Infine, a hilltop village preserved in ruins since the war. The day concludes with arrival at our countryside agriturismo, where the pace slows and rural life comes into focus.
Highlights
- Guided visit to Montecassino Abbey
- WWII history of the Montecassino battles
- Walking tour of San Pietro Infine ruins
- Arrival at countryside agriturismo
Day 4: Itri (Oct. 9)
Today we visit the medieval town of Itri, a community closely connected to Italian-American migration. Narrow stone streets, ancient gates, and a hilltop castle reveal the landscape many emigrants once called home.
A visit to a traditional olive mill introduces the prized Itrana olive and the region’s olive oil traditions. The day concludes with the Museo del Brigantaggio, where the dramatic history of the mountain brigands comes to life.
Highlights
- Guided walk through historic Itri
- Hilltop castle and medieval streets
- Olive mill visit and olive oil tasting
- Museo del Brigantaggio
Day 5: Olive Harvest & Rural Traditions (Oct. 10)
Today offers a hands-on experience of the agricultural traditions that define rural Lazio. At a local olive grove, guests observe—or participate in—the seasonal olive harvest.
A rustic countryside picnic highlights local ingredients before the afternoon returns to the agriturismo for relaxation.
Highlights
- Olive harvest experience
- Visit to a working olive grove
- Rustic countryside picnic
- Leisure time at agriturismo
Day 6: Eboli & Vietri sul Mare (Oct. 11)
Traveling into Campania, we stop in Eboli to explore the Museum of Operation Avalanche, dedicated to the Allied landings of World War II.
Later we visit Vietri sul Mare, famous for its colorful ceramic traditions, before arriving in Salerno.
Highlights
- Museum of Operation Avalanche
- WWII history of the Allied landings
- Vietri sul Mare ceramic workshop
- Arrival in Salerno
Day 7: Naples Catacombs & Historic Streets (Oct. 12)
A train journey brings us to Naples, where we begin at the Catacombs of San Gennaro, one of southern Italy’s most important early Christian sites.
The afternoon explores Naples’ historic center, including Spaccanapoli and artisan workshops along Via San Gregorio Armeno.
Highlights
- Catacombs of San Gennaro
- Historic center walking tour
- Spaccanapoli and local landmarks
- Artisan presepe workshops
Day 8: Naples from Above & Pizza-Making (Oct. 13)
From Castel Sant’Elmo, panoramic views reveal the dramatic landscape of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Later, guests participate in a hands-on pizza-making class led by local pizzaioli.
Highlights
- Castel Sant’Elmo panoramic views
- Exploration of Naples’ hilltop district
- Pizza-making class
- Dinner featuring Neapolitan pizza
Day 9: Amalfi (Oct. 14)
A ferry journey along the Amalfi Coast reveals steep cliffs, terraced hillsides, and colorful villages. In Amalfi, a guided lemon grove experience introduces the cultivation of the famed sfusato Amalfitano.
Highlights
- Scenic ferry along the Amalfi Coast
- Amalfi lemon grove experience
- Lunch among the lemon terraces
- Free time in Amalfi
Day 10: Capaccio-Paestum & Roccamonfina (Oct .15)
At Tenuta Vannulo near Capaccio-Paestum, guests observe the production of fresh mozzarella di bufala before visiting the ancient Greek temples of Paestum.
The afternoon brings us into the volcanic hills of Roccamonfina.
Highlights
- Tenuta Vannulo buffalo farm
- Fresh mozzarella di bufala production
- Greek temples of Paestum
- Arrival in Roccamonfina
Day 11: Chestnut Forests & Autumn Festival (Oct. 16)
Today explores the chestnut forests surrounding Roccamonfina, followed by the lively Sagra della Castagna e del Fungo Porcino.
Highlights
- Chestnut forest experience
- Picnic lunch in the woods
- Sagra della Castagna festival
- Local food and music
Day 12: Volcanic Wines of Roccamonfina (Oct. 17)
Local vineyards reveal the distinctive wines produced from the volcanic soils of the region.
Highlights
- Volcanic vineyard visit
- Winery tour and tasting
- Lunch with regional wines
- Leisure time in town
Day 13: Mountain Sanctuary & Farewell Dinner (Oct. 18)
The day includes an optional hike through the surrounding landscapes and a visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Lattani.
The journey concludes with a pasta-making class and farewell dinner.
Highlights
- Optional mountain hike
- Sanctuary of Madonna dei Lattani
- Pasta-making class
- Farewell Dinner
Day 14: Departure (Oct. 19)
Group departs for Naples and Rome airports following breakfast.
Highlights
- Breakfast in Roccamonfina
- Airport transfers
- Departure
