Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

9 days
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Small Group Tour
Although Italy is full of wondrous gems across “the boot,” some of its greatest treasures are hidden closer to its heel. In the Apulia region, known for its centuries-old farmland, whitewashed towns, and miles of scenic coastline, the water is bluer, the produce is fresher, and the pace is delightfully slower. This Undiscovered tour of Southern Italy invites ...
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$2,969
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Naples: Welcome dinner, guided sightseeing, visit the Palazzo Reale
    • Castel del monte: Guided visit
    • Bari: Guided sightseeing, walk through the Old Town, visit San Nicola's Church; taste local focaccia
    • Ostuni: Visit the “White Town”
    • Lecce: Guided walking tour, visit Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica; taste local pasticciotto and almond coffee
    • Otranto: Orientation
    • Alberobello: Guided sightseeing, visit a trulloCASTELLANA GROTTE
    • Paestum: Visit the archaeological site
    • Sorrento: Orientation; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
    • This “off the beaten path” guided tour of Italy takes you on a journey to discover world-renowned treasures in art, architecture, and history

What's this trip about?

    Although Italy is full of wondrous gems across “the boot,” some of its greatest treasures are hidden closer to its heel. In the Apulia region, known for its centuries-old farmland, whitewashed towns, and miles of scenic coastline, the water is bluer, the produce is fresher, and the pace is delightfully slower. This Undiscovered tour of Southern Italy invites you to kick back and live la dolce vita as you travel from heel to ankle, vineyard to grove, and clifftop to cave. From the scenic bluffs of lemon-scented Sorrento to the stunning 90-million-year-old caves of Castellana, you will experience Southern Italy’s hottest sights—and coolest. At a special wine tasting at a local masseria, you’ll raise your glass to the many highlights of “the heel,” including its castles and conical houses, ancient ruins and fresh ricotta, and its eternal sunshine and sunny disposition.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City NAPLES, ITALY
End CitySORRENTO AREA

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Amalfi Coast
  • Bari
  • Lecce
  • Naples
  • Ostuni
  • Sorrento

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN NAPLES, ITALY

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

NAPLES-PIZZA.jpg

Day 2: NAPLES

A Slice of Life in Napoli NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes Palazzo Reale. Enjoy free time this afternoon. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Naples delivers Old World charm in spades as one of Italy’s oldest cities. From its regal Palazzo Rea...

Day 3: NAPLES–CASTEL DEL MONTE–BARI

Medieval Marvel CASTEL DEL MONTE Take a guided visit the medieval castle. BARI Enjoy free time late afternoon and evening. (Breakfast) 174 mi / 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Built by Holy Roman emperor Frederick II, the 13th-century Castel del Monte rema...

Day 4: BARI–OSTUNI–LECCE

Breaking Bread BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town, San Nicola’s Church, and [LF] local focaccia tasting. OSTUNI Free time to browse and for lunch. LECCE Free time late afternoon and evening. (Breakfast) 112 mi / 180 km

LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES...

Day 5: LECCE. EXCURSION TO OTRANTO

Sweet Strolls in Apulia LECCE A Guided walking tour includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Taste a [LF] local pasticciotto (filled pastry) and almond coffee. OTRANTO Orientation and free time to browse before returning to Lecce. (Breakfast,Dinner) 62 mi / 100 ...

Day 6: LECCE–ALBEROBELLO–CASTELLANA GROTTE

Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO A guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut). CASTELLANA GROTTE [LF] Take a guided visit to the underground caves. Enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting followed by dinner at local masseria (local farmh...

Day 7: CASTELLANA GROTTE–PAESTUM–SORRENTO AREA

Grecian Treasures PAESTUM Take a guided visit to the archaeological site en route to Sorrento. (Breakfast) 224 mi / 360 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Go off the beaten path to the stunning archaeological site of Greek and Roman architecture. ...

Day 8: SORRENTO AREA

Amore, Sorrento SORRENTO AREA Orientation walk in the old town. Free time late morning and afternoon. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Just as the sirens of Greek mythology lured sailors to the rocky shores...

Day 9: SORRENTO AREA

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Naples. (Breakfast)

SORRENTO-CAFE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,499
Price per day$278
Last Updated: 10/2/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Starhotel Terminus

The Terminus hotel offers a 4 star retreat from everyday life in the midst of lively Naples. It is located in a strategic location just steps from the metro L1 stop Garibaldi, which offers easy transport to reach the main attractions of the city.

Napoli

Italy

Piazza Garibaldi 91

Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior is just 100 meters from Bari's shopping area and a 3-minute walk from the rear entrance of the train station. All rooms are equipped with elegant furniture, parquet floors, comfortable beds, and free Wi-Fi. The Excelsior's rooms are spread throughout eight floors, all offering windows overlooking the courtyard and a private road. Each guestroom features a marble bathroom with bath or shower and hairdryer.

Bari

Italy

Via Giulio Petroni, 15

Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

Set in a quiet residential area in the heart of the Salentine Peninsula, just a short distance away from the stunning attractions of Lecce's historic city center also known as 'The Florence of the South'. This contemporary hotel boasts a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, Beauty & Spa facility and a seasonal rooftop outdoor swimming pool with views of the city skyline. All 143 rooms are designed for extra comfort with self-adjusting Garden Sleep System® beds, air-conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi access. A full-service restaurant offers inspired Italian cuisine in a contemporary and refined atmosphere, a variety of snacks and refreshments can be found at the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry and the trendy looking bar offers drinks and light bites in stylish surroundings.

Lecce

Italy

Via Cosimo De Giorgi 62

Semiramide Palace

Immersed in a a lushious green garden a few steps away from charming and out-of-the-beaten-tracks town of Castellana Grotte, hotel Semiramide Palace offers a unique rooftop terrace where you will enjoy scenic views of the Puglia countryside. Relax outdoors in the swimming pool or on the surrounding sun deck, fully equipped with sun loungers. Indoors you can take advantage of a modern spa with emotional showers, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a massage area. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access thoughout the hotel is available.

Castellana Grotte

Italy

Via Conversano 157

Grand Hotel Vesuvio

This elegant 250-room hotel is nestled among lemon and olive groves just outside Sorrento and overlooks the enchanting Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It features a large seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a snack bar and a lovely garden with a wisteria covered pergola. There is a Mediterranean restaurant and bar with terrace seating offering panoramic views and the town centre of Sorrento is easily accessible via the hotel¿s convenient shuttle. The air-conditioned guestrooms are decorated in soft colours with traditional majolica glazed tile floors, minibars, flat screen satellite Tvs and Free Wi-Fi internet access.

Sorrento

Italy

Via Nastro Verde,7

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
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