Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
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Experience Overview
Set off on an unforgettable journey through Italy’s sun-drenched, slower-paced Puglia region. Embrace the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, sip sweet Moscato di Trani where it’s made (in Trani, of course) and tour Lecce’s Roman ruins, Baroque churches and whitewashed alleyways. Wander among trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient hillside sassi dwellings in Matera. Then, finish in Bari, where the lanes of the Old Town lead to the Basilica di San Nicola and medieval squares, filled with spots for the best seafood and limoncello by the Adriatic. With a local leader at your side, and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, why not head down and say ciao to Italy’s southern slice of the Adriatic.
Highlights
- Join the sophisticates of Puglia at a harbour-side bar in Trani and sip a glass of Moscato di Trani where it’s made, with the Adriatic’s sparkling waters before you.
- Explore the otherworldly sassi of Matera – ancient stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge. Then, spend the night overlooking them, picturing what life was like long ago.
- Discover the distinctive Baroque architecture of Lecce, taking plenty of photos of the ornate churches, grand palazzi and lively piazzas that give this city such a special flavour.
- Spend a free day your way on the Amalfi Coast – maybe wander to Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea and Chiostro del Paradiso, hike the Valley of Mills or visit Ravello’s villas.
- Toast to your adventure, sipping local limoncello and snacking on focaccia barese in the tangled streets of Bari’s Old Town.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3253
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSQ
Starts: Minori, Italy
Finishes: Bari, Italy
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9),Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3995 ($400 /day)
Itinerary
Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast, in the small town of Minori. The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coasts, cliff-top vistas, bright seas, tiered lemon groves, whitewashed villages, steep cliffs and blue skies. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Minori Town early, why not take a self-guided stroll in search of some gorgeous panoramic views of the coast. Or you could just plant yourself at a sunny piazza cafe and enjoy a macchiato or a gelato.
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Minori (Amalfi Coast) (Number of Nights: 1)
You have a free day to explore Minori and Amalfi Town (just a quick bus ride away) today. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, maybe stroll from one side of the town to the other and visit the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you’re after something more active, maybe head out on a walk through the Valley of Mills. Or you could hop on a bus to the Valley of Dragons to reach pretty Ravello – for centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate have beckoned writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas, the 11th-century Villa Rufolo – once the home of Wagner – and Villa Cimbrone – a 19th-century mansion with sprawling gardens and great views over the Gulf of Salerno. You could also take a half-day walk along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods) through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards.
Optional Activities:
- Amalfi - Chiostro del Paradiso (3 EUR)
- Capri - Hydrofoil Amalfi to Capri (44 EUR)
- Ravello - Villa Cimbrone (10 EUR)
- Ravello - Villa Rufolo (8 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Minori (Amalfi Coast) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, set off by train to Italy's east coast, where you’ll spend the next two nights in Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia.’ Once an ancient trading hub for merchants travelling to the Near East, this bustling port town is a favourite summer yachting destination. When you arrive, hit the limestone streets on a walking tour to explore the historic centre and its medieval churches, the most notable being the white cathedral that rises from the seawall by the ocean. Later, maybe head out with your fellow travellers and kick back on the waterfront to watch the sophisticates of Puglia clink glasses of Moscato di Trani in cosy bars.
Included Activities:
- Trani - City Walking Tour leader led
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore all that Trani has to offer. You might like to visit the dramatic Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino, which begun in 1099 and has taken over two centuries to finish – the soft, white-pink limestone Norman cathedral is dedicated to the famously foolish St Nicholas the Pilgrim, whose bones lie in the crypt below the church. Inside, it’s bright, airy and simply furnished, with the remains of a 12th-century mosaic near the main altar. You might also head to the castle built by Frederick II – the king of Sicily, Italy, Germany, Jerusalem and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century. Or maybe explore the medieval Jewish quarter, built in all-white stone, and its two largest synagogues, the Scola Nova and the Scola Grande. Fishermen sell the day’s catch in the marina, so maybe head there for dinner and grab a glass of wine harbourside.
Optional Activities:
- Trani - Cathedral - Free
- Trani - Castello di Trani (8 EUR)
- Trani - Cathedral Bell Tower (5 EUR)
- Trani - Synagogue of Scolanova - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head south today to Lecce – the Baroque architecture here is so distinctive it has its own name, barocco leccese! Elaborate palazzi (mansions) complement a defensive main square, while Roman ruins and magnificent allegories dance across ornate facades. The university gives the town a lively feel, and there are little boutiques, antique shops and delicious delis to explore, here. Take a tour of the town with a local guide, then have your afternoon and evening free to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Lecce - Guided City Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Polignano - Stopover enroute to Lecce (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Embrace a free day to explore Lecce. If open, maybe step beneath the city and see the restored Roman amphitheatre excavated in the 1930s. Built in the 2nd century AD, the remarkably intact theatre seated 15,000 people. Overlooking the arena is the Colonna di Sant'Oronzo – a statue of Lecce's patron saint mounted on a Roman column. Maybe check out the Basilica di Santa Croce’s facade of sheep, dodos, cherubs and monsters, or head to the Piazza del Duomo. Used in the past as a defence against invaders, the square's openness is bordered by a 12th-century cathedral, a 68 m (223 ft) bell tower, a 15th-century Episcopal palace and an 18th-century seminario. In the afternoon, meet up with your group for an aperitivo with local specialties like friselle, taralli, puccia, bombette and burrate.
Included Activities:
- Lecce - Aperitivo with Local Specialties
Optional Activities:
- Lecce - Roman Amphitheatre (10 EUR)
- Lecce - Castello di Carlo V (8 EUR)
- Lecce - Basilica di Santa Croce - Free
- Lecce - History Museum (5 EUR)
- Lecce - Museo Faggiano (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to a local masseria to meet an olive oil producer. Learn how the techniques have changed over the millennia, then try a taste for yourself. Some olive trees here are thought to be close to 3000 years old and the farm has been active since Roman times. Continue to Ostuni and have some time to explore its narrow streets before moving on to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town’s beehive-shaped trulli – small, dry-stone houses built from local limestone in the 14th century – are the big drawcard here. The origins of the buildings are unclear, although it's possible the mortar-less dwellings were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Wander the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, where thousands of trulli and souvenir shops rise over the hill, or head over to Rione Aia Piccola and see trulli family dwellings.
Included Activities:
- Alberobello - Olive Oil Mill Visit and Tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, you’ll leave the fairytale town behind and move on to Matera – home to another ancient and unique style of home. One of the oldest cities in existence, Matera's otherworldly sassi – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a gorge – are a haunting and bittersweet insight into ancient life here. The Old Town’s resemblance to Jerusalem has attracted film directors of biblical epics, but its dark interiors were the scene of poverty in the mid-20th century. Duck down into the sassi through the knot of staircases and alleyways that snake through the limestone ravines and take a guided tour to appreciate both its ancient and modern history. Tonight, you’ll stay in accommodation with balconies that overlook the sassi.
Included Activities:
- Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern
- Matera - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Matera - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea (7 EUR)
- Matera - Cathedral - Free
- Matera - Casa Noha Multimedia Exhibit (7 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore the narrow alleyways and caves of Matera before boarding a local train to Bari around lunchtime. Sitting on a small peninsula in the Adriatic Sea overlooking Greece, Bari is the prosperous capital of Puglia. The tangled streets of its Old Town – Bari Vecchia – conceal Romanesque churches, a market, medieval piazzas and a Swabian castle. The Basilica di San Nicola was built to hold the relics of St Nicholas, which were stolen from Turkey by local Bari fishermen and have made the city a place of pilgrimage since 1087. Maybe take a walk along the stone walls, with the sea lapping on one side and the medieval town on the other. Maybe see out your last night with a group meal by the harbour, sampling local limoncello and some of the city’s famous seafood.
Optional Activities:
- Bari - Pinacoteca Provinciale (5 EUR)
- Bari - Basilica di San Nicola - Free
- Bari - Cattedrale di San Sabino - Free
- Bari - Castello Svevo (10 EUR)
- Bari - Pane e Pomodoro Beach - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your journey will come to an end after breakfast today and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Bronwyn - Traveled, September 2023
Puglia was wonderful- Trani, Matera and Lecce were amazing - loved it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Rachel - Traveled, November 2023
Puglia is amazing and the food fantastic! To get the most out of this trip you need to be proactive about finding out about each place independently. Beware as we didn't get to stay in a trulli and weren't told until the last minute. A lot of the hotels don't have aircon that operates overnight so bear in mind when you book for the time of the year. Definitely make sure you see sunrise and sunset in Alberobello and Matera, it will be the highlight of your trip. It's a great introduction to this area of Italy, you'll definitely want to come back. Try and include a day trip to Monopoli if you can and request as much time in Ostuni as possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
Chris - Traveled, July 2023
I strongly encourage travellers to book this tour of southern Italy. The locations were picturesque and the landscape was unforgettable. Our guide was passionate, informative and knowledgeable. The hotels were well situated near attractions and our guides were informative and eager to share the local customs and culture. It was easy to get around walking and with transfers. July was the best time of year, gorgeous weather, not a cloud in the sky and plenty of Aperol spritz to cool you down. A must do for travellers wanting an easy was to experience southern Italy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Vicki Marcus - Traveled, June 2023
Wow what a wonderful insight in to southern Italy, we had at least 2 nights in each place which is made our trip more enjoyable as we had time to explore the towns and historic places. Including lots of free time. Loved Puglia area and hope to do another trip and go further South and Inland. Our leader Luca was exceptional ????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Sarah - Traveled, September 2023
What a fabulous trip! I loved the variety, each of the places we visited had its own unique character, I was pleasantly surprised each day. The food and drink was delicious, particularly the aperitivo in Lecce and wine tasting in Trani. And Serena was the most amazing tour leader!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2023
Sandy - Traveled, September 2022
Absolutely excellent small group touring experience. Experience off the beaten track locales with an expert guide. Get a glimpse of local life and relax knowing the details are handled.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2022
Natalie - Traveled, September 2022
I found this Southern Italy trip to be underwhelming. I think the itinerary needs to be seriously looked at and reviewed for where to stay and how long for. The best places you spent the least time and other places way too much free time with nothing to do. Think there are better Italy tour itineraries than this one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2022
Geoff - Traveled, September 2022
This tour of Southern Italy was very enjoyable, especially sampling the food, culture and history of this less visited region. Sarah was a fantastic tour leader - friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. . The balance of group activities and free time allowed everyone to pursue their own individual interests.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2022
David - Traveled, August 2022
The tour includes many beautiful destinations and travellers enjoy the great food and wine of southern Italy. However, there is too much free time and not enough included activities for the price. The tour and itinerary could do with an update.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2022
Narelle - Traveled, September 2023
Southern Italy is a refreshing change compared to the more cosmopolitan north. The area reminds the traveler that Italy is definitely on the Mediterranean with Olive trees, vineyards, beaches and gorgeous hill towns with fascinating stories. The food is pretty fabulous as well!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Jamie - Traveled, September 2023
Southern Italy is amazing and has so many wonderful things. History, architecture, friendly locals, fantastic food, the sea, shopping, and sight-seeing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
David - Traveled, September 2023
Please use my review, if you wish……I think this trip was certainly amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Margaret - Traveled, May 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour of Southern Italy. It was a great way to enjoy the food, culture and history of this beautiful region with a small group and a fantastic tour leader. The guides in each destination really enhanced the experience. There is a good balance of group actvities and free time to explore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2022
Lynette - Traveled, June 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Amalfi coast especially being such a small group which made it more personalized
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2024
Karina - Traveled, May 2024
I really enjoyed the southern Italy tour to places that are more off the beaten track but ever so interesting. We had a lovely trip with an excellent guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2024
William - Traveled, May 2024
Tour made ease of travel so much easier than arranging all by yourself
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2024
Laura - Traveled, May 2024
Southern Italy was a delight from local wine and cuisine showing off fresh seafood, olives, meat, and of course fresh pasta. The history is so rich with the churches crowded with history, the domed trullis, seaside villages and the ancient city of Matera. Great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
