9 days Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy ( 2018 )
This 9-day Italy tour takes you on a journey to discover world-renowned treasures in art, architecture, and history. You’ll begin in Naples – home to centuries of some of the most important art and architecture Italy has to offer.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARRIVE IN NAPLES, ITALY | Welcome to Naples! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel Dinner. |
| 2 | NAPLES | Guided sightseeing this morning features the remarkable Triumphal Arch of the New Castle, St. Charles Theater, Galleria Umberto, and the semicircular Piazza Plebiscito. Highlight is a visit to the magnificent PALAZZO REALE, royal residence of the Bourbons from 1734-1860. Since 1925, it also has housed the National Library. Afternoon and evening at leisure; choose from our optional excursions to make the most of your stay. Breakfast. |
| 3 | NAPLES–CASTEL DEL MONTE–BARI | Enter the Apulia region and stop at the imposing 13th-century, octagonal citadel CASTEL DEL MONTE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Frederick II. Enjoy a guided visit to discover its uniqueness. Arrive in Bari, where you may wish to join an optional dinner outing. Breakfast. |
| 4 | BARI–OSTUNI–CELLINO SAN MARCO | During your guided sightseeing, enjoy a walk through the OLD TOWN, and taste local focaccia. Stop in attractive Ostuni, often called the “White Town,” a charming example of Mediterranean architecture. Its Old Town is located on top of a hill and fortified by ancient walls. Stay overnight on the beautiful and peaceful Tenute Al Bano Carrisi estate, situated in the Salento countryside. Savor local produce and wine from the estate’s vineyards, as well as olive oil and homemade pasta. Soak up the local atmosphere as you relax around the pool area. You may even get to greet Al Bano himself—famous for his renowned songs Felicità and Ci Sarà. Breakfast. Dinner. |
| 5 | CELLINO SAN MARCO. EXCURSION TO LECCE & OTRANTO | Arrive in Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” where you discover the lacy stone buildings and baroque squares during your guided walking tour. Taste local pasticciotto and almond coffee. Time to explore this pretty town before continuing to Otranto, at the heel of the Italian boot, surrounded by its imposing defensive walls and dominated by its cathedral. Return to Cellino San Marco. Breakfast. Dinner. |
| 6 | CELLINO SAN MARCO–ALBEROBELLO–CASTELLANA GROTTE | In Alberobello, follow your Local Guide for a visit to a TRULLO, one of the conical houses famous for their beauty and unique characteristics. The structure assures excellent indoor climate control—cool in summer and warm in winter. Continue to Castellana Grotte for your overnight stay. Breakfast. Dinner. |
| 7 | CASTELLANA GROTTE–PAESTUM–SORRENTO | Paestum, or Poseidonia, named in honor of the Greek god of the sea, was founded in the 6th century. During your visit of the ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE with a Local Guide, see the ancient Greek temples dating back to 600-400 BC. Afternoon arrival in the charming, seaside resort of Sorrento. Breakfast. |
| 8 | SORRENTO | After your orientation walk with your Tour Director, there is the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the Amalfi coast. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your vacation. Breakfast. Dinner. |
| 9 | SORRENTO | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning (the nearest airport is Naples). Breakfast. |