Sannio and Irpinia, two hidden gems of Campania

Day 1 – Benevento

Arrival at Naples Airport or Benevento train station. Car rental pick-up (alternative pick-up locations available on request).
The journey begins with a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria de Episcopio, almost entirely destroyed during Allied bombings in 1943. What remains today includes the bell tower, the façade, the crypt with its frescoes, and the 12th-century bronze door known as the Janua Major, composed of 72 panels with bas-reliefs. Its artistic value is such that art historian Adolfo Venturi called it “the greatest sacred poem of the Romanesque era in Southern Italy.”
Optional lunch reservation at a local restaurant offering regional specialties.

Behind the Cathedral lies Triggio, the oldest part of Benevento, home to ancient Roman baths and the Arch of the Sacrament, one of the city’s eight Roman-era gates. The walk through the district ends at Port’Arsa, another gate incorporated into the old Lombard walls.
Evening: Hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Benevento

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a visit to the Rocca dei Rettori, also known as the Castle of Benevento or Castle of Manfredi. Built on the site of a previous Lombard fortified palace founded by Duke Arechi II in 871, the structure later hosted several popes, including Pope Gregory X in 1272.
Next is the ARCOS Museum, located beneath the Government Palace. The museum features a contemporary art section and an exceptional collection of Egyptian artifacts, all found locally and linked to the worship of the goddess Isis. A Roman temple once stood here in her honor. Benevento is now considered the most significant center of Egyptian archaeological finds outside Egypt.

A walk along Corso Garibaldi, the pedestrian main street, leads to the stunning Monumental Complex of Santa Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 25, 2011, as part of the serial site “The Longobards in Italy. Places of Power (568–774 A.D.)”. The complex includes the church, bell tower, former monastery with its charming cloister, and central fountain.

Optional lunch at a restaurant with local cuisine.

The walk continues to the majestic Arch of Trajan, built between 114 and 117 A.D. to commemorate Emperor Trajan and the inauguration of the Via Traiana, a shorter route than the Via Appia between Benevento and Brindisi. Trajan, known as the “Optimus Princeps,” was so revered that Dante placed him in Paradise as a symbol of undisputed greatness.
The day concludes with a tasting of Strega Alberti’s famous confectionery products.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 – Abbey of Goleto, Rocca San Felice & Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the Abbey of Goleto, one of Southern Italy’s most important monumental complexes. Founded in the 12th century by Saint William of Vercelli, the abbey is enclosed by defensive walls and features the massive Febronia Tower. In the 18th century, it was entrusted to the Montevergine monks, who commissioned architect Domenico Vaccaro to build the grand church. Today, the complex houses the Little Brothers of the Jesus Caritas Community of Charles de Foucauld.

Just 10 minutes away is Rocca San Felice, located between the provinces of Avellino and Salerno. The village, dominated by a Lombard-era castle, features a historic square where a linden tree was planted in 1799 during the Neapolitan Republic and a fountain built in 1749.

Nearby is the Mefite of Rocca San Felice, a small sulfuric lake in the Ansanto Valley, famous since antiquity. Virgil referenced it as a mysterious place whose powerful gases could lull visitors into eternal sleep. The area, with its barren landscape, strong odor, and bubbling waters, is hauntingly beautiful.

Next, a short transfer to Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi (about 10 minutes).
Optional lunch at a local restaurant.
The visit continues with a walk through the medieval town, heavily damaged during the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. The most notable sites include the Lombard Castle, dating back to the 10th century and standing on the highest hill, and the 11th-century Cathedral, rebuilt in the 16th century with a Latin cross layout, Romanesque crypt, and a 17th-century tomb.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Sant’Agata de’ Goti

After breakfast, departure for Sant’Agata de’ Goti, nestled at the foot of Mount Taburno and perched atop a dramatic tuff spur. Its distinctive architecture earned it the Orange Flag from the Touring Club of Italy and the title of European Wine City in 2019.

Historians believe the town was built on the site of the ancient Samnite city of Saticula, made a Roman colony in 313 B.C.
We will reach the old town by crossing the Martorano Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the historic center.

Walking through the village’s human-scaled streets, visitors will encounter lively squares, majestic palaces, and impressive monuments emerging from narrow alleys. The layout resembles a semicircle of winding streets, opening unexpectedly into squares framed by medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings.

At Piazza Duomo, we’ll visit the Cathedral of the Assumption, built in 970 A.D., featuring a captivating early medieval crypt. Inside, the church has a Latin cross floor plan with three naves, a transept, dome, and presbytery. Eight side chapels include marble altars and Baroque stucco paintings by artists such as Saverio Persico, Giuseppe Tomajoli, and Tommaso Giaquinto. Notable is the Chapel of Saint Anne, housing a marble altarpiece of the Holy Family by Giovanni Battista Antonini, a master of Southern Italian Rococo.

Optional lunch at a local restaurant.
After the visit, return to Naples or Benevento for car rental drop-off.
End of services.

NOTES

• Visits may be rearranged based on museum opening hours or technical requirements, but the itinerary remains unchanged.
• Any participants with food intolerances, allergies, or dietary restrictions for cultural or religious reasons must notify us in advance. Since not all suppliers can accommodate special meals, clients are advised to bring suitable food and inform hotel or restaurant staff upon arrival to avoid issues.
• Supplements may apply for special dietary needs.

PRICE PER PERSON:

• Single use in double room: €580.00
• Double or matrimonial room: €490.00
• Triple room: €460.00

DISCOUNTS:

• Additional bed (children aged 2 to 8): available on request

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Rental car (Category A/B/C), pick-up and drop-off at Naples Airport or Central Train Station
• Accommodation in 3-star or 4-star hotel, half-board treatment
• Meals as per program in selected local restaurants
• Medical and luggage insurance

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Tourist tax
• Drinks during meals
• Entry tickets to attractions*
• Tips, extras, and anything not specifically listed under “Included in the Price”

PAID ENTRY FEES:

Santa Sofia Cloister:

• Full: €2.00
• Reduced: €1.00 (groups of 20+, over 65s, students, Student Card holders, Touring Club/CTS members)
• Free: people with disabilities, teachers accompanying school groups, journalists, licensed tour guides

Janua Museum:

• Full: €5.00
• Reduced: €3.00 (students up to age 25, adults over 65, groups of at least 25 paying visitors)
• Free: children under 6, people with disabilities, tour guides with groups

Roman Theatre:

• Full: €5.00
• Reduced: €2.00 (groups of 20+, over 65s, students, Student Card holders, Touring Club/CTS members)
• Free: people with disabilities, teachers accompanying school groups, journalists, licensed tour guides

ARCOS Museum:

• Full: €2.00
• Reduced: €1.00 (groups of 20+, over 65s, students, Student Card holders, Touring Club/CTS members)
• Free: people with disabilities, teachers accompanying school groups, journalists, licensed tour guides

CANCELLATION

Please refer to the “Terms and Conditions” page for full details.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CAR RENTAL:

• Full damage and theft protection with zero excess (Super Cover policy)
• Third-party liability insurance
• All applicable taxes
• One additional driver
• Unlimited mileage

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAR RENTAL:

• Fuel (car must be returned with a full tank)
• Optional extras available at the rental desk

MAIN EVENTS

Benevento:

• BCT – National Festival of Cinema and Television (June–July)
• Benevento Città Spettacolo (September)
• Feast of Our Lady of Grace – Patron Saint Festival (July 2)

Avellino:

• Avellino Summer Festival (July–September)
• San Modestino Fair (February 14–15)
• Irpinia StrEat Mood – Food & Culture Festival (September)

Rocca San Felice:

• Carmasciano Pecorino Cheese Festival (August)
• Journeys through the Land of Mefite (Summer)

Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi:

• Sentieri Mediterranei Festival (August)
• Live Nativity at the Abbey of Goleto (December)

MEETING POINT

Arrival at Naples Airport or Benevento train station. Car rental pick-up available at either location.
Alternate pick-up points can be arranged upon request.

ACCESSIBILITY

On request, we offer rental cars equipped with all necessary features to ensure safe and comfortable travel for wheelchair users.

PETS

Small dogs or cats may be transported in a carrier when renting a car.
Please note: some attractions may have restrictions regarding pet access.

SUSTAINABILITY

Read more about our commitment in the section: “Our Philosophy”

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

We’re available 24/7 to assist you.