Discover Southern Italy’s wonders from Sorrento to Rome, exploring caves, charming villages, baroque cities, coastal gems, and ancient stone dwellings on an unforgettable, expertly guided journey.
Starting from $.
Apulia and Sassi of Matera Mini Escorted Tour
3 Days/2 Nights
Starting from
$
per person*
Unforgettable Italian Journeys, Designed for You
Curated by passionate Italy experts, this sample itinerary is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. Every journey we design is unique, crafted around your interests, pace, and dreams so you can experience Italy’s beauty and culture like a true insider. Let us transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind travel experience, filled with authentic moments and lasting memories
Day 1
SORRENTO – CASTELLANA CAVES – LOCOROTONDO – ALBEROBELLO – NOCI
From Coast Start To Cave Depths and Trulli Nights
- 7:30 a.m. pickup in Sorrento (designated meeting point or hotel, depending on location)
- Travel by coach to Apulia
- Guided visit of the Castellana Caves (approx. 3 km route, down to ~60 m depth)
- See stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, canyons, and stone formations
- Short lunch break at leisure
- Stop in Locorotondo, a hilltop town with circular center and “cummerse” houses
- Wine tasting in a local cellar in Locorotondo
- Continue to Alberobello to visit the UNESCO‑listed trulli (conical stone houses)
- Evening arrival in Noci
- Check-in at local hotel, dinner included
- Overnight stay in Noci
Day 2
NOCI – LECCE – GALLIPOLI – OSTUNI – NOCI
Old Town Walls, Then White Town Hills
- Breakfast buffet at the hotel in Noci
- Depart for Lecce, the “Florence of the South”
- Guided tour of Lecce’s baroque center: Celestini Palace, statue of St. Oronzo, Roman amphitheater, Basilica of Santa Croce
- Continue to Gallipoli, a seaside town with fishing traditions and ancient history
- Free time for a leisurely lunch (suggested by the sea, tasting local cuisine)
- Afternoon visit to Ostuni, the “white town”
- Free time to stroll, admire whitewashed architecture, and enjoy a coffee
- Return to Noci in the evening
- Dinner included at the hotel and overnight stay
Day 3
NOCI – MATERA – SORRENTO or ROME
Where The Finale Feels Ancient
- Breakfast buffet at the hotel in Noci
- Depart for Matera, in the Basilicata region
- Guided visit of the Sassi di Matera (rock‑hewn dwellings carved into the stone)
- Learn about one of Italy’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements
- See the UNESCO‑listed cave districts used as film locations (e.g., “The Passion of the Christ,” “The Nativity Story,” “The Gospel According to St. Matthew”)
- Free time for a snack during the visit
- Return journey via the Pompeii area
- Drop‑off in either Sorrento or Rome by bus
- End of tour and services
MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS
Turn this sample itinerary into your dream Italy vacation – tailored to your pace, passions, and budget.
Day 1
SORRENTO – CASTELLANA CAVES – LOCOROTONDO – ALBEROBELLO – NOCI
From Coast Start To Cave Depths and Trulli Nights
Your journey from Campania to Apulia begins with a 7:30 a.m. pickup in Sorrento. Travel by coach to the Castellana Caves, one of Puglia’s most remarkable natural attractions since their discovery in 1938. On a 3 km guided route, you’ll descend up to 60 meters underground to admire stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, stone canyons, and extraordinary rock formations. After a short lunch break at leisure, continue to Locorotondo, a charming hilltop village with a circular old town and distinctive “cummerse” houses, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting in a local cellar. The day continues in Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO‑listed trulli—unique conical stone dwellings found only in this region. In the evening, travel on to Noci, check in at your hotel, and enjoy an included dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
NOCI – LECCE – GALLIPOLI – OSTUNI – NOCI
Old Town Walls, Then White Town Hills
After a savory breakfast buffet, head to Lecce, whose rich baroque architecture has earned it the nickname “Florence of the South.” On a guided tour, you’ll admire the ornate façade of Celestini Palace, the statue of St. Oronzo, the 2nd‑century Roman amphitheater, and the Basilica of Santa Croce with its elaborate Corinthian columns. Continue to Gallipoli, a lovely seaside town with a lively fishing harbor and deep historical roots. Enjoy free time for a relaxed lunch, perhaps overlooking the Mediterranean and sampling Puglian specialties. In the afternoon, travel to Ostuni, known as the “white town” for its whitewashed houses and pale stone buildings. Wander its narrow streets, soak up the atmosphere, and pause for a coffee while watching everyday life unfold. After a day filled with beautiful sights, return to your hotel in Noci for dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.
Day 3
NOCI – MATERA – SORRENTO or ROME
Where The Finale Feels Ancient
After breakfast, depart for Matera, a city that may be one of the earliest human settlements in Italy. Here, the Sassi—ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the rock—create a unique landscape that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status and international fame. As you explore the Sassi districts, you’ll recognize views used as backdrops in films such as “The Passion of the Christ,” “The Nativity Story,” and “The Gospel According to St. Matthew.” There will be time for a snack during the visit before you begin the return journey via the Pompeii area. The tour concludes with drop‑off by bus in either Sorrento or Rome, marking the end of your Apulia and Basilicata adventure.
