Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
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:
Tour code:
LA-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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 / 250kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC 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 / 168kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL 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 AlberobelloALBEROBELLO A guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut). (B,L) 67 mi / 108kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & 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 kmLOCAL 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 / 50kmTOUR 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
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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.
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Meals
Meals included are breakfast daily, one light lunch, and three dinners.
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Guided Tours
Guided sightseeing tours in Naples, Matera, Lecce, Ostuni, Castellana Grotte, and Bari.
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Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
Wine tasting at the Primitivo wine museum in Manduria and olive oil tasting in Ostuni.
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Cooking Demonstration
Cooking demonstration of local specialties in Bari.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to all included activities and sites.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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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
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, one light lunch, and three dinners.
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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.
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Will there be any cooking demonstrations during the tour?
Yes, there will be a cooking demonstration of local specialties in Bari.
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Are entrance fees to the sites included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees to all included activities and sites are covered.
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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.
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What is the nearest airport to the end of the tour?
The nearest airport to the end of the tour is Bari.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?
No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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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.
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Are visa fees included in the tour package?
No, visa fees and any related expenses are not included.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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