Southern Italy Escape

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

A Slice of Life in Napoli Your Southern Italian adventure begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Naples, a vibrant city oozing in character and culture. Your Local Guide will show you the main highlights, featuring an orientation drive and stop in the iconic Piazza Plebiscito. Enjoy some free time to discover more and perhaps try one of Naples’ most famous specialties – Neapolitan pizza! (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 Drive into the hilly region of Basilicata to reach Matera, one of the oldest towns in the world. Join a Local Guide on a fascinating walk to see the historic center with its complex of “Sassi” houses built into the local caves and visit one of the Casa Grotta (house caves). Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and evening. (B,D) 155 mi / 250km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION 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 guide the secrets of this unique city that has been the setting for many famous films from Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of Christ” to the James Bond film, “No Time to Die.”

Cultivating Culture A scenic drive into Apulia, the charismatic region with the longest coastline, that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot.” [LOCAL FAVORITE] Enjoy an interesting visit to the Primitivo wine museum to learn about the local production, followed by a tasting. Continue to Lecce and join your Local Guide on a walking tour to discover Lecce’s beautiful historic center. Visit the Duomo with its distinctive bell tower and the Basilica of Santa Croce that took over 200 years to complete. (B) 105 mi / 168km 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 hold its name as this type of grape matures early.

Sweet Strolls in Apulia Spend a full day at leisure in Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South”. Explore more sights, browse the stores, sit in a café savoring local specialties and watching the world go by, or join an optional excursion to discover further afield. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Stroll around Lecce 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 Enjoy a scenic drive to Alberobello, once there, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through the Trulli-lined streets, including an interior visit of a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house) to discover how people live there. Enjoy some free time, and an evening at leisure. (B) 78 mi / 126km 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.

Stalactites & Stalagmites A short drive this morning to Castellana Grotte. Descend underground for a fascinating guided visit and walk through some of the most suggestive caves. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 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.

Santa Claus Connections Drive to the vibrant port city of Bari and meet your Local Guide for a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, including a visit to the Basilica of San Nicola. Enjoy some free time to explore more before joining your travel companions for 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 with 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 the inspiration for the modern Santa Claus.

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