Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

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9 Days From

$2371

$2113

Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

9 Days Starting in Naples, Italy and ending in Alberobello, Italy

Visiting: Naples, Matera, Lecce, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Alberobello

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

LA-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2371 $2113 Barrhead discount: -$258 -11%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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 colorful Naples 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 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.

Highlights

  • Welcome to Naples with a guided sightseeing tour including Palazzo Reale.

  • Explore Matera with a guided walking tour of the city carved out of rocky slopes.

  • Visit the Primitivo wine museum in Manduria followed by a wine tasting.

  • Stroll through Lecce, the "Florence of the South," and visit the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica.

  • Guided visit to Ostuni with an olive oil tasting and light lunch en route to Alberobello.

  • Take a guided visit to the underground caves of Castellana Grotte.

  • Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bari's Old Town and San Nicola’s Church, followed by a cooking demonstration and farewell dinner.

Places You'll See

Starhotel Terminus

Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

Hotel Del Campo

Grand Hotel D'aragona

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Naples,Italy

Location: Naples

Accommodation Name: Starhotel Terminus

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
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)

NAPLES-PIZZA.jpg

Day 2: Naples

Location: Naples

Accommodation Name: Starhotel Terminus

Meals Included: Breakfast


NAPLES 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.


NAPLES-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Day 3: Naples,Matera

Location: Matera

Accommodation Name: Hotel Del Campo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


NAPLES–MATERA Hidden Gem MATERA Guided walking tour. (B,D)
155 mi / 250km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Matera is a city like no other, entirely carved out of the rocky slopes of a mountain in the Basilicata region and has been extended 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 Christ” and the James Bond 007 film, “No Time to Die.”


MATERA-VIEW.jpg

Day 4: Matera,Manduria,Lecce

Location: Matera

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

Meals Included: Breakfast


MATERA–MANDURIA–LECCE Cultivating Culture MANDURIA [LF] Visit the Primitivo wine museum followed by a tasting. (B) 105 mi / 168km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES 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. This grape is known for producing robust and full-bodied red wines with rich fruit flavors and holds its name as this type of grape matures early.


MANDURIA-PRIMATIVO.jpg

Day 5: Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

Meals Included: Breakfast


LECCE Sweet Strolls in Apulia LECCE Guided walking tour includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Free time. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Stroll through Apulia, the “Florence of the South,” to take in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Wander the narrow streets of golden sandstone looking for hidden Piazzas or indulge in a wine bar with a glass of local rose and views of the carved baroque churches the city has to offer around each corner.


LECCE.jpg

Day 6: Lecce,Ostuni,Alberobello Area

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


LECCE–OSTUNI–ALBEROBELLO AREA Stone Houses OSTUNI Guided visit. Olive oil tasting and light lunch en route to Alberobello
ALBEROBELLO A guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut). (B,L) 67 mi / 108km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE 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.


ALBEROBELLO-TRULLO.jpg

Day 7: Alberobello Area: Excursion To Castellana Grotte

Location: Castellana Grotte

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona

Meals Included: Breakfast


ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO CASTELLANA GROTTE Grottos and Grapes CASTELLANA GROTTE [LF] Take a guided visit to the underground caves. Enjoy a wine-and-olive-oil tasting followed by dinner at a local masseria (local farmhouse). (B)
81 mi / 130 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOT 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.


CASTELLANA-GROTTE.jpg

Day 8: Alberobello Area: Excursion To Bari

Location: Bari

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO BARI Old Town and Old Saint Nicholas BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town and San Nicola’s Church. Enjoy a cooking demonstration of local specialties, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 31 mi / 50km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Bari combines historical charm with modern amenities, culinary tradition, and cultural attractions. The city's markets, such as the Mercato Coperto, offer a vibrant showcase of fresh local produce and culinary delights. A major point of interest is the Basilica di San Nicola that holds the relics of Saint Nicholas who was the inspiration for the modern Santa Claus.


BARI.jpg

Day 9: Alberobello Area

Location: Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Nearest airport is Bari)
ALBEROBELLO AREA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

(Nearest airport is Bari)

ALBEROBELLO-VIEW.jpg

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Naples at Starhotel Terminus, in Matera at Hotel Del Campo, in Lecce at Hilton Garden Inn Lecce, and in the Alberobello Area at Grand Hotel D'Aragona.

  • Meals

    Meals included are breakfast daily, one light lunch, and three dinners.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided sightseeing tours in Naples, Matera, Lecce, Ostuni, Castellana Grotte, and Bari.

  • Wine and Olive Oil Tastings

    Wine tasting at the Primitivo wine museum in Manduria and olive oil tasting in Ostuni.

  • Cooking Demonstration

    Cooking demonstration of local specialties in Bari.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to all included activities and sites.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related expenses are not included.

UNESCO Sites

Historic Centre of Naples|The Sassi of Matera (See only)|The Trulli of Alberobello

Accommodation

Stay in Naples at Starhotel Terminus, in Matera at Hotel Del Campo, in Lecce at Hilton Garden Inn Lecce, and in the Alberobello Area at Grand Hotel D'Aragona.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes guided tours in Naples, Matera, Lecce, Ostuni, Castellana Grotte, and Bari, with a mix of walking tours and local transfers.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily, one light lunch, and three dinners.

  • Are there any wine or olive oil tastings included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a wine tasting at the Primitivo wine museum in Manduria and an olive oil tasting in Ostuni.

  • Will there be any cooking demonstrations during the tour?

    Yes, there will be a cooking demonstration of local specialties in Bari.

  • Are entrance fees to the sites included in the tour package?

    Yes, entrance fees to all included activities and sites are covered.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Accommodation will be provided in Naples at Starhotel Terminus, in Matera at Hotel Del Campo, in Lecce at Hilton Garden Inn Lecce, and in the Alberobello Area at Grand Hotel D'Aragona.

  • What is the nearest airport to the end of the tour?

    The nearest airport to the end of the tour is Bari.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    No, international and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?

    No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour package.

  • Are visa fees included in the tour package?

    No, visa fees and any related expenses are not included.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Barrhead discount: -$193

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Barrhead discount: -$258

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Barrhead discount: -$258

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$2913 $2655

Barrhead discount: -$258

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Barrhead discount: -$258

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$2848 $2590

Barrhead discount: -$258

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$2642 $2384

Barrhead discount: -$258

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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