Apulia and Sassi di Matera Escorted Mini Tour 3 days

Located in the heel of Italy's boot, the southern region of Apulia offers a remarkable array of scenic and breathtaking destinations that feature picturesque coastal views, tranquil countryside and historic architecture. This brief 3-day escorted tour features the highlights of the Apulia region as well as the stunning Sassi di Matera located in the adjacent region.

Starting at $794.00

Package Description:

Starting from Sorrento, you will head to the Apulia region and visit the Castellana Caves, which are filled with beautiful crystal rock formations. Over the course of the tour, you will also visit Alberobello, famous for its unique Trulli stone huts, as well as Lecce, nicknamed "The Florence of the South", and Ostuni with its charming city center composed of whitewashed buildings. The last stop of the tour will be enchanting Matera where you will have a chance to visit the city center's ancient cave dwellings and admire some of Italy's most unique panoramas. Afterwards, return to Sorrento with plenty of new memories of your time in Apulia and Matera.

Starting at just

$794.00

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What's included in this package

Itinerary:

From Sorrento to Rome (or Sorrento)

2 Nights Stay

in 4 Star Hotel Accommodation

Escorted Group Tour

Multilingual Escort

Plus:

Transportation by Deluxe motor coach as per itinerary
Accommodation in 4 Star Category Hotels in double/twin rooms with private facilities
Daily Buffet Breakfast
2 Dinners as per itinerary
Multilingual Tour-Escort
Panoramic Visits as per itinerary
Return to Rome via Tour bus (optional)
Vat Taxes and service Charges

Your trip itinerary

Day 1 – Wednesday: SORRENTO – CASTELLANA CAVES – LOCOROTONDO – ALBEROBELLO – NOCI

The journey to Apulia begins early, with a 7:30 a.m. pickup at a designated meeting point in Sorrento or directly at your hotel, depending on its location. This escorted tour provides beauty as well as history. The first stop is at the Castellana Caves and grottos. These have been some of the most exceptional attractions since their discovery in 1938. Their natural beauty has made them a must-see area of interest for Puglia. This complex and concretion filled cave system can reach a depth of more than 60 meters at points. Learn the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite, as fossils, formations of stone, canyons, and other natural wonders are viewed during this 3 km tour.

Day 2 – Thursday: NOCI – LECCE – GALLIPOLI – OSTUNI – NOCI

After the hotel’s savory breakfast buffet, it’s time to head to historic Lecce. The architecture and ornate art that was honed here during the 1600s has earned the city the title “Florence of the South”. The tour showcases some of the most ornate and beautiful buildings, including the Celestini Palace, with its fantastic Baroque façade. The statue of St. Oronzo will also be seen, along with the 2nd century Roman amphitheater, and the Basilica of Santa Croce, with its beautiful Corinthian columns on either side of the main entrance.

Day 3 – Friday: NOCI – MATERA – SORRENTO or ROME

After another satisfying buffet breakfast at the hotel, it is time to visit a town that is potentially one of the first Italian settlements. As is characteristic of the Basilicata and Apulia regions, the unique and closely nestled houses are carved directly into the rock. The stones (known as Sassi) of this early settlement in Matera have granted this area of Italy international fame. Even visitors who have never been to Italy before may find the view somewhat familiar as the Sassi are picturesque enough to become imagery in both recent and older movies, like “The Passion of the Christ” (Gibson, 2004), “Nativity story” (Hardwicke 2006), and “The Gospel according to St. Matthew” (Pasolini 1964). While visiting this part of the UNESCO World Heritage List there is time set aside for a snack before returning by route of Pompeii. A return to either Sorrento or Rome via bus marks the end of the tour.

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Not included:

U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines
Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. To be paid locally to the hotel
Beverages
Porterage service
Other Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras

General conditions:

Multi language escorted group tour.
All departure are Guaranteed.
Due to logistic reasons, the itinerary can be reversed.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).