Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

Welcome to Naples! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

A Slice of Life in Napoli NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes Palazzo Reale. Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Naples delivers Old World charm in spades as one of Italy’s oldest cities. From its regal Palazzo Reale to the 13th-century Duomo di San Gennaro’s frescoed masterpieces to nearby Mount Vesuvius to the most famous pizza in the world served throughout the city in Neapolitan style. A stroll along the promenade beside the Bay of Naples reveals why locals and visitors choose this spot to soak in the sunset on the Mediterranean Sea.

Hidden Gem MATERA Guided walking tour including a visit to Casa Grotta. (B,D) 155 mi / 250km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Matera is a city like no other, entirely carved out of the rocky slopes of a mountain in the Basilicata region and has been extended over millennia. Explore with a Local Guide to reveal the secrets of this unique city that also served as the setting for many famous films, including Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of Christ” and the James Bond 007 film, “No Time to Die.”

Cultivating Culture MANDURIA [LOCAL FAVORITE] Visit the Primitivo wine museum followed by a tasting. (B) 155 mi / 280km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Wine holds a significant cultural and historical importance in Italy, making it one of the world's leading wine-producing countries. The Italian wine culture is deeply intertwined with the country's regional diversity. The Primitivo grape is the primary grape variety cultivated in the Manduria region. This grape is known for producing robust and full-bodied red wines with rich fruit flavors and holds its name as this type of grape matures early.

Sweet Strolls in Apulia LECCE Guided walking tour includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Free time. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Stroll through Apulia, the “Florence of the South,” to take in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Wander the narrow streets of golden sandstone looking for hidden Piazzas or indulge in a wine bar with a glass of local rose and views of the carved baroque churches the city has to offer around each corner.

Stone Houses OSTUNI Visit the whitewashed town before [LOCAL FAVORITE] savoring an olive oil tasting and light lunch en route to Alberobello ALBEROBELLO A guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut). (B,L) 75 mi / 120km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. These Trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with Trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye.

Grottos and Grapes CASTELLANA GROTTE Take a guided visit to the underground caves. (B) 31 mi / 50 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT The Grotte di Castellana is one of the largest cave systems in Italy, stretching for over two miles. The underground tunnels are a natural marvel with stunning geological formations illuminated in a rainbow of hues as the sun moves through the sky.

Old Town and Old Saint Nicholas BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town and San Nicola’s Church. [LOCAL FAVORITE] Enjoy a cooking demonstration of local specialties, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 68 mi / 110km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Bari combines historical charm with modern amenities, culinary tradition, and cultural attractions. The city's markets, such as the Mercato Coperto, offer a vibrant showcase of fresh local produce and culinary delights. A major point of interest is the Basilica di San Nicola that holds the relics of Saint Nicholas who was the inspiration for the modern Santa Claus.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) (Nearest airport is Bari)