Southern Italy packing list

We love talking packing, lol. There’s even a whole packing section to peruse, but I am curious what you mean by “more elevated.”
Here’s how I approach it: I write down what I am going to be doing each day and what I’ll want to wear, like “tour a town” or “hike,” and a change of clothes for dinner, then I look at what point I’ll be able to do laundry. It’s going to be hot hot hot, so I’d be packing dresses and tunics. Two good pair of shoes because who wants to weather the same sweaty pair of shoes all day and night?
I’d find one of the lists online that looks most reasonable to you, then adapt it for yourself. That is the key thing, tailoring it to your needs.

I did this tour in mid-September 2024 and it was quite warm.
Enough so that I sink-washed the lightest-weight shirt I had packed a few times, and I normally don't sink wash.

I usually take 2 pairs of wrinkle free comfortable slacks in a neutral tone. 2 nicer cottonbled pull over non clinging tops; no collars so a jacket and/or longsleeved shirts can fit flat over them. One reversable skirt with 2 v-neck tops. Take little or no real jewelry. Bring a couple of scarves to jazz things up or hold hair in place. One Sun Hat. Comfortable walking shoes. One pair sneakers with arch support. One pair strap sandels with non slip soles. One swimsuit. One beach cover up that doubles as casual dress or top over shorts. Pick under garments that you will be comfortable in hot weather. Bon Voyage!

Best of Southern Italy is an excellent tour and mid September will likely be hot and steamy in most areas. Choose only breathable fabrics like linen and cotton and aim for a capsule wardrobe with items being the lightest weight version you can find. No need to shop 'travel' clothing or expensive lines, shop your own closet first and keep away from synthetic fabrics. There are so many retailers providing plenty of 100% cotton options for tops, bottom, skirts and dresses right now. Bring scarves that change up your look and supportive yet lightweight footwear, well broken in of course. I'm a packing lister to the nth degree, meaning I'm counting Q-tips and cotton rounds in my toiletries bag and use packing cubes. Particularly because you will be moving around so much on this tour, it's super helpful to keep your bag(s) well organized and items easily accessible. This makes getting dressed each morning easier and faster. I'd aim for 4-5 short sleeve tops, 3-4 bottoms, 2 layering pieces like cotton cardigans or linen jackets, walking sandals and 2 pair lightweight shoes. Remember, you can actually feel cooler not having skin exposed in hot weather. Have a luggage scale and do your level best to keep carry on bag less than 20 pounds and personal bag less than 10 pounds, when your all packed up. Head protection, sunglasses, water bottle, sunscreen and intentional gelato discoveries should be the order of the day. Have a great trip.

It was September when I did this tour and it was hot. It is also one of the more active tours. I feel more comfortable wearing a skirt when it is hot but there are a couple of days when you will spend a lot of time sitting on the bus. I took a couple of pairs of pants, some oversized blouses (cooler than an t-shirt) and a skirt all made of crinkle cotton. No worries about having creased clothing and was able to wash and hang to dry in the hotel bathroom. I also took a swimsuit as there were a couple of places with pools. I always take a pashmina to carry on the bus as the aircon can be fierce and it’s useful in the evenings should it get cooler. Don’t forget a hat! Comfortable footware is a must…along with sneakers I took two pairs of Keen sandals which worked well and don’t take up a lot of room in my luggage. . I did take one dressy top, very lightweight and wore it once..the rest of the time the blouses I took worked perfectly with a couple of inexpensive necklaces to dress them up in the evening.

I haven’t taken this tour but have traveled carry on only in hot weather.
I also bring more than many people.

I agree with shopping your closet but also have bought clothes just because I think they will work traveling. This is what I would bring from my own closet.

Light weight ankle pants
Guacho style pants (wide cropped)
Capri pants (I have some from Columbia that are sleek and lightweight)
A below knee stretchy skirt-this what I have that would bring
Wrap around skirt that doubles as beach coverup
Light weight dress-mine is sleeveless but cardigan below matches
Five short sleeved tops
I tank
I very light weight 3/4 sleeve cardigan that matches tank
Maybe a lightweight denim jacket (or blazer type)
A bathing suit
Hat-I finally have one that doesn’t look like I am hiking!
Walking sandals with support and traction
Sneakers-I have white ones that work with skirts

I never bring scarfs as I don’t like them in hot weather. I have a drawerful from when before I lived in Florida! I would bring a couple necklaces.

For southern Italy, I like bright colors to contrast nicely with the white & light-toned buildings. I bring a blouse & a scarf in those beautiful sea turquoise patterns. And I’ve brought my navy Royal Robbins “Women’s Spotless Traveler Tank Dress” (some of the colors are on sale now) each time because that dress washes so easily in the sink & dries quickly….and a local B&B host complimented me on my outfit. : )

I am a backpack bag traveler, but this is what I bring as a starting point for ideas:
1. 2-3 dresses
2. Black pair of pants
3. 2 pretty tops
4. Two bright scarves (or buy one on your trip)
5. A black 32 Degree micro-thin long sleeve scoop neck top. (In case it’s cooler at night, this can be my top with a scarf & black pants.).
6. Inexpensive statement necklace.