I don't currently have any international trips booked, which means it is time to start scouting for the next destination.

I was just wondering if anyone has some good information/ suggestions on Southern Italy. The initial idea is Naples - Lecce taking in the majority of the 8 WHS in Campania, Basilicata and Puglia, as well as a few t-list sites (though probably not bothering with the bits of the Longobard's inscription)

We were thinking of doing it by car (except Naples), I saw from the reviews that Amalfi can be a slightly hair-raising trip with a car, but would it cause any particular problems elsewhere.

Also does anyone have any suggestions for nice places to centre ourselves in Puglia, I would hope to have a slightly more relaxed pace there to try and enjoy the food and drink a little more.

Any suggestions or tips welcome.

Hi meltwaterfalls. I have got two tips about places to visit:
1) In Naples do not miss the Capodimonte Museum. It isn't only a great museum. It is also a beautiful palace with a marvellous view.
2) I would strongly recommend to visit not only Pompeii but also Herculaneum. When in Herculaneum go to Villa Campolieto and the Golden Mile of the Vesuvian villas. I have already written about that in my review. It is very worthwhile.
As to the car, you are right about not needing it in Naples. Herculaneum and Pompeii are also very easily reached by train.
Don't forget to try the Sfogliatelle.

Thanks for that, exactly the sort of thing I was after. I'm going through reading the reviews, but haven't got to Pompeii yet, will make sure to note your review.

Thanks.

I meant my review regarding the Vesuvian villas (FT).

ah right, I hadn't clocked the Vesuvian Villas proposal.

We visited the eight WHS in Southern Italy in September 2008. We stayed one week in Sorrento. We went to Naples and to Pompeii/Herculaneum by train and did all other WHS by rental car. Sorrento is perfect if you want to have one central base for the sites in Campania.
The small local train 'Circumvesuviana' connects Sorrento, Pompeii, Torre Annunziata, Herculaneum and Sorrento. It's only about one hour from Sorrento to Naples. More information and timetable on the website:
http://www.eavsrl.it/web/en

There is much traffic along the coast between Naples and Sorrento and they all love the sound of their car horn. But in general, driving in Southern Italy was not as bad as I expected. The route along the Amalfi Coast can be challenging, because of the narrow and winding road, the traffic and the oncoming buses. And there is not much space to park, so we were very happy with our small Seat Ibiza.
Our highlights of the Amalfi Coast were Positano (a really spectacular setting), Amalfi and Ravello. Amalfi has a relatively large car park. Ravello (best by public bus from Amalfi) offers wonderful views to the coast from the garden of the Villa Cimbrone or the Villa Rufolo. The Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium also looks interesting (it was not finished on our visit):
https://www.google.at/search?q=oscar+niemeyer+auditorium+ravello&biw=1680&bih=786&tbm =isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CCEQsARqFQoTCL3JlpuJiMYCFYO8FAodxQsAgQ

Cilento/Vallo di Diano was a detour on our route from Sorrento to Puglia. Paestum was impressive, the museum is also interesting.

Puglia/Basilicata was quite and relaxing, compared to the Gulf of Naples it was almost deserted. The most lively place was Alberobello, we stayed there for four days. It's rather busy and touristy but we liked it. Actually we wanted a more central base, but the lady at the tourist office recommended to rent a Trullo, really a lovely accommodation.
From Alberobello it was about one hour to Matera and 1.5 hours to Castel del Monte.

Thanks for that Hubert, detailed and useful as ever. I had no idea about the Niemeyer auditorium.