Duration: 9 Days
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.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
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.
Medieval Marvel
CASTEL DEL MONTE Take a guided visit the medieval castle.
BARI Enjoy free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Built by Holy Roman emperor Frederick II, the 13th-century Castel del Monte remains one of the most revered cultural sites in Puglia. This spectacular octagonal fortress is listed by UNESCO World Heritage as a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture from its rocky hilltop perch where it dominated the Kingdom of Sicily and thrills visitors today.
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. (B) 112 mi / 180 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES The beauty of Italian culinary specialties is that no two regions approach recipes in the same way. Take the traditional Focaccia Barese (from Bari). The dough is made with the local staple of potatoes to create a bread that's not too tall but perfectly soft in the middle. Between the crunchy edges of baked mashed potato are ripe tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, and olives for the perfect palate-pleasing experience.
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. (B,D) 62 mi / 100 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia's bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.
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 farmhouse). (B,D) 81 mi / 130 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
HISTORIC SPOT The Grotte du 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.
GRECIAN TREASURES
PAESTUM Take a guided visit to the archaeological site en route to Sorrento. (B) 224 mi / 360 km
AMORE, SORRENTO
SORRENTO AREA Orientation walk in the old town.
Free time late morning and afternoon.
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
SAFE TRAVELS UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Naples. (B)
