Explore Southern Italy

10 Days | Uncover the many attractions of Italy’s Puglia region

4.5 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
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USD $2,668
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Take off on an unforgettable journey down Italy’s rarely visited heel, getting to know another side of this entrancing country. Believe the beauty of Amalfi, unwind in style among the sophisticates of Trani and tour the Roman ruins, baroque churches and whitewashed alleyways of Lecce. Wander among the peculiarly shaped houses of Alberobello, wander the hillside dwellings of Matera and discover the Old Town’s life surrounding Bari's Basilica di San Nicola. Head down and say ciao to Italy’s southernmost slice of the Adriatic.

Trip overview

Map of Explore Southern Italy including Italy
Start
Minori, Italy
Finish
Bari, Italy
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Italy
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSQ
This trip generates 18 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Stroll through the flourishing countryside of the Amalfi Coast and pick lemons straight from the tree.
  • Join the sophisticates of Puglia with a glass of Moscato di Trani and drink to Trani’s Adriatic beauty at a harbour-side bar.
  • Stay in a bit of local history and feel like a true Alberobello resident with a night in Alberobello’s unique trulli.
  • Explore the otherworldly Sassi of Matera – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge.
  • End this Italian adventure sipping limoncello in the tangled streets of Bari’s Old Town.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Due to the terrain the means of transportation on this trip is a mix of local trains, private vehicles and public buses. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets, however can often be quite busy.
  • Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the trains, and up and down stairs at train stations and at hotels, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information. You may want to consider taking a backpack rather than a wheelie bag, however this is up to your personal preference and what you feel more comfortable with.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Southern Italian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip and see more of Italy by starting your travels in Rome. Check out our trip 'Rome to Southern Italy' (trip code ZMSSC). Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

Itinerary

Map of Explore Southern Italy including Italy

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Activities
  • Trani - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Lecce - Aperitivo with Local Specialties
  • Alberobello - Olive Oil Mill Visit and Tasting
  • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern
  • Matera - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
Add on activities
  • Amalfi - Chiostro del Paradiso - EUR3
  • Capri - Hydrofoil Amalfi to Capri - EUR44
  • Ravello - Villa Cimbrone - EUR7
  • Ravello - Villa Rufolo - EUR7
  • Trani - Cathedral - Free
  • Trani - Castello di Trani - EUR5
  • Trani - Cathedral Bell Tower - EUR5
  • Trani - Synagogue of Scolanova - Free
  • Polignano - Stopover enroute to Lecce - EUR3
  • Lecce - Roman Amphitheatre - EUR6
  • Lecce - Castello di Carlo V - EUR8
  • Lecce - Basilica di Santa Croce - Free
  • Lecce - History Museum - EUR5
  • Lecce - Museo Faggiano - EUR5
  • Matera - Mozarella Demo at Cheese Factory - EUR5
  • Matera - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea - EUR5
  • Matera - Cathedral - Free
  • Matera - Casa Noha Multimedia Exhibit - EUR4
  • Bari - Pinacoteca Provinciale - EUR3
  • Bari - Basilica di San Nicola - Free
  • Bari - Cattedrale di San Sabino - Free
  • Bari - Castello Svevo - EUR6
  • Bari - Pane e Pomodoro Beach - Free

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Narelle · Traveled September 2023
Southern Italy is a refreshing change compared to the more cosmopolitan north. The area reminds the traveller 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!
Review submitted 05 Nov 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.
Review submitted 30 Sep 2023

Bronwyn · Traveled September 2023
Puglia was wonderful- Trani, Matera and Lecce were amazing - loved it
Review submitted 02 Oct 2023

Rachel · Traveled August 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.
Review submitted 22 Nov 2023

Sophie · Traveled July 2023
An amazing way to see a lesser travelled part of Italy! This itinerary has some amazing destinations and so much to see. If you’re wanting luxury, this isn’t the trip for you but I think this is an amazing way to see Puglia without having to rent your own car.
Review submitted 01 Aug 2023
Explore Southern Italy
From
USD $2,668