For a vacation far from large crowds of tourists, look no further than the Molise region of Southern Italy. As the country’s second smallest region, and arguably the least-visited among international travelers, Molise offers all of Italy’s authentic charm without the bustle of its larger cities. A perfect destination for nature lovers, Molise’s landscape is mountainous and hilly with plenty of natural parks. Though small, the region’s coastline offers sandy and untouched beaches. The following itinerary features all of Molise’s must-sees, including the regional capital, Campobasso, as well as Isernia, the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise Natural Park, and Termoli. Come uncover the fascinating secrets of the Molise region during your next Italian vacation.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Campobasso, Isernia, Molise National Park, Termoli
Day 01: OUT-BOUND FLIGHT
Once you have boarded your flight, your unforgettable vacation to Italy will begin!
Day 02: CAMPOBASSO
Upon arrival at Naples Airport, meet with your private driver and travel through the verdant countryside of the Campania and Molise regions. After arriving in Campobasso, the capital of Molise, check into your hotel.
The rest of day will be open for you to begin exploring Molise’s largest city. While Campobasso might not be as well-known as other Italian cities, it can be considered a true hidden gem. In Campobasso, centuries-old traditions remain intact and it can feel as if time stands still. Truly, the Molise region offers a unique opportunity to experience Italy’s authentic, old-world charm.
After stretching your legs in Campobasso’s historic city center, sit down to dinner at a local, family-owned restaurant. Then, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 03: CAMPOBASSO
Once you have finished breakfast, meet with your private guide and begin your walking tour of Campobasso’s city center. Though Molise was technically “born” in 1970 and can be considered Italy’s youngest region, there is still plenty of history and culture to discover in Campobasso and throughout the region.
During the tour, travelers will learn about the origins of Campobasso and discover the city’s most important sites, including Castello Monforte, which is considered to be Campobasso’s most important landmark. This fifteenth-century hilltop castle features defensive towers and underground passages in addition to offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Other highlights of Campobasso include the Mazzarotta Palace, Villa De Capoa, and the underground tunnels of the ancient city.
After the tour, take a break for lunch then consider visiting the New Samnitic Provincial Museum, an archeological museum that chronicles the prehistory and history of the area. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 04: ISERNIA
When you finish breakfast, meet with your private driver and travel northwest to the nearby town of Isernia. This city is Molise’s other provincial capital and an important hub for the surrounding area.
The historic center of Isernia features the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, which was constructed over the site of a pagan temple. Do not miss the Fontana Fraterna, which was moved to the heart of the city following World War II bombing. The city also hosts the National Paleolithic Museum with an archeological area. A variety of archeological finds from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age are on display that chronicle the Molise region’s prehistory.
In the evening, return to Campobasso with a day’s worth of new memories. Savor Molise’s traditional dishes, such as cavatelli pasta, before spending the night at your hotel.
Day 05: ABRUZZO, LAZIO and MOLISE NATIONAL PARK
Prepare for an active day by enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Then, head into the mountains with your private driver to immerse in the beauty of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. The park is the oldest of its kind in the Apennine Mountains and the second oldest overall within the country of Italy.
Covering an area of nearly 200 square miles, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including wolves, chamois, bears, deer, and wild boar. As for flora, the park is mostly covered by a vast beech forest, though other trees, such as mountain pines, are present as well. Depending on one’s personal preferences, travelers can engage in a variety of activities at the park, including hiking, trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Several charming small villages are part of the park as well, including Scapoli, Filignano, Pizzone, Castel San Vincenzo, and Rocchetta a Volturno.
When your adventures have concluded, meet with your driver to return to Campobasso. Enjoy a leisurely dinner accompanied by locally-produced wine then settle in for the night at your hotel.
Day 06: TERMOLI
Up to this day, most of the itinerary has focused on Molise’s inland areas, which comprise the majority of the region. However, it would be a disservice to travel to Molise and not spend some time enjoying the small, yet charming coastline. Covering an area of approximately 22 miles, the coast is home to a handful of small villages with Termoli — located in the center of the coastline — as the main focal point.
Home to just over 30,000 residents, Termoli is a seaside resort town beloved by the locals as well as travelers from Naples and the Apulia region. The historic center features the Romanesque Cathedral of Termoli as well as a Norman castle. Nowadays, Termoli continues to serve as a port and fishing town. During a visit to Termoli, visitors will find the characteristic trabocchi structures used to catch fish positioned along the coast. Due to the small population and lack of large numbers of international visitors, Termoli boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the country.
Soak up the sun and admire the historic sites in Termoli, then return to Campobasso with your private driver. Toast to your unforgettable vacation during your final dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 07: RETURN FLIGHT
After checking out of your hotel, travel back to Naples Airport and board your return flight.
Tommaso,Thank you and your team for everything. We had a wonderful trip. I can't tell you have terrific everyone was - Damiano, Simone, Raph
The room we got with your help ,was all we could ask for There is no way we were going to get the room we did if we had tried to book it our
We cant thank you enough for the great job you did scheduling every thing with No issues Arrival after a great Italia flight was good and dr
PACKAGE START AT $ 4,944 Per person INCLUDES (*):
- Round trip flights in economy class with in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment (**)
- Transportation by Private Car with Driver as per itinerary;
- 5 Nights accommodation in 4* Category Hotels or Similar in double/twin rooms with private facilities;
- Daily Buffet Breakfast;
- 3 Dinners as per itinerary;
- 3 Half day English Speaking Local and expert Tour Guide (Campobasso, Isernia, Termoli);
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
- Porterage service.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
(**) Rate based on NYC departure gates. Alternative U.S. departure cities available upon request at 1-866-GO ITALY or Email Trips2italy .
