Although Italy is full of wondrous gems across “the boot,” some of its greatest treasures lie 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 colorful Naples to the stunning 90-million-year-old caves of Castellana, you will experience Southern Italy’s hottest sights—and some of its coolest experiences. At a special wine tasting at the Manduria wine museum, 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.
PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Naples so you can plan your day your way.
Hidden Treasures Of Southern ItalyDay 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. (D)
Day 2:
NAPLES Spend Your Day Your Way in Naples Your Southern Italian adventure begins with an orientation drive of Naples, a vibrant city oozing in character and culture. Explore more of the city with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.
Naples Hidden Gems
Discover more of Naples on a walking tour featuring the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo with its Baroque masterpiece namesake church, the historical street Spaccanapoli, dividing the old town in two, and the Santa Chiara Monastery complex including a visit to the stunning cloisters decorated with hand-painted majolica tiles.
Spanish Quarters Sights & Bites
Explore an authentic showcase of Neapolitan culture in the Spanish Quarter. Your Local Guide shares stories on a walk along the maze of narrow streets lined with traditional ground-floor dwellings. Look for the collection of iconic murals on Vico Totó and be treated to Naples' beloved sfogliatella - delicate layers of pastry wrapping a decadent ricotta filling.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
Day 3:
NAPLES–MATERA Hidden Gem Drive into the hilly region of Basilicata to reach Matera, one of the oldest towns in the world. Join a Local Guide on a fascinating walk to see the historic center with its complex of “Sassi” houses built into the local caves and visit one of the casa grotta (cave houses). Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and evening. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Matera is a city like no other, entirely carved out of the rocky slopes of a mountain in the Basilicata region and has evolved over millennia. Explore with a Local Guide to reveal the secrets of this unique city that also served as the setting for many famous films, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond 007 film, No Time to Die.
Day 4:
MATERA–MANDURIA–LECCE Cultivating Culture Enjoy a scenic drive into Apulia, the charismatic region with the longest coastline that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot.” [LF] Enjoy an interesting visit to the Museum of Primitivo Wine to learn about the local production, followed by a tasting and a light lunch. Continue to Lecce for free time. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Wine holds a significant cultural and historical importance in Italy, making it one of the world's leading wine-producing countries. The Italian wine culture is deeply intertwined with the country's regional diversity. The Primitivo grape is the primary grape variety cultivated in the Manduria region, and it is known for producing robust and full-bodied red wines with rich fruit flavors. Its name derives from the tendency of the grape to mature early.Day 5:
LECCE Sweet Strolls in Apulia This morning, discover why Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” when you follow your Local Guide for a walking tour of Lecce’s beautiful historic center, rich in Baroque architecture. Visit the Duomo with its distinctive bell tower and the Basilica of Santa Croce that took over 200 years to complete. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to browse at leisure and sample some of the region’s delicious specialties. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Stroll around Lecce to take in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Wander the narrow streets of golden sandstone looking for hidden piazzas, or relax in a wine bar and indulge in a glass of local rosé and views of the carved Baroque churches found around each corner.
Day 6:
LECCE–BARI–ALBEROBELLO AREA Stone Houses Drive to the vibrant port city of Bari and meet your Local Guide for a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, including a visit to the Basilica of San Nicola. Later, continue to Alberobello, and join your Local Guide for a walking tour through the charming streets to see the world-famous trulli (traditional conical-roof houses) to discover how people live there. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The iconic round houses (trulli) date back hundreds of years. These trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs, include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye.Day 7:
ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO CASTELLANA GROTTE Stalactites & Stalagmites A short drive this morning to Castellana Grotte. Descend underground for a fascinating guided visit and walk through some of the most suggestive caves in the world. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Grotte di 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 and enters the caves from above.Day 8:
ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO LOCOROTONDO, CISTERNINO, & OSTUNI Discover three of Apulia’s most captivating towns. Enjoy orientation walks through Locorotondo and Ostuni, celebrated for their whitewashed streets, charming historic centers, and magnificent panoramic views. In the picturesque town of Cisternino, [LF] savor a tasting of locally produced extra virgin olive oil, one of the region’s finest specialties. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Olive oil lies at the heart of the Ostuni countryside. Ancient olive groves, home to ancient olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, shape the landscape around the town. The local extra-virgin olive oil, made from native varieties such as Ogliarola and Coratina, is celebrated for its fragrant aroma, balanced fruitiness, and subtle peppery finish—an authentic taste of Apulia’s tradition.Day 9:
ALBEROBELLO AREA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Extra nights are available in Bari. (Nearest airport is Bari). (B)