A vacation to southern Italy is not complete without a visit to the region of Apulia and the unique town of Matera; this 3 day escorted tour offers the perfect itinerary to ensure that you do not miss any must-see highlights of these areas. You will start the tour at the enchanting Castellana Caves, an underground cave system with stunning crystal formations. Then, you will visit some of Apulia's most iconic towns including Lecce, known as "The Florence of the South" thanks to its ornate Baroque architecture, Gallipoli and Ostuni. Last, but certainly not least, you will stop in Matera where the dramatic landscape composed of dwellings carved directly into the sides of cliffs is sure to take your breath away. For a brief, yet comprehensive tour of southern Italy, look no further than this 3 day escorted travel package.
From Sorrento to Rome (or Sorrento)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Castellana Caves, Locorotondo, Alberobello (Trulli), Lecce, Gallipoli, Ostuni, Matera
TRAVEL ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Wednesday: SORRENTO – CASTELLANA CAVES – LOCOROTONDO – ALBEROBELLO – NOCI
The journey to Apulia begins early in the morning with pickup at a designated meeting point in Sorrento, or directly at your hotel, depending on its location. This escorted tour provides an enchanting mix of beauty and history as you journey into some of the most breathtaking parts of southern Italy. The first stop is the Castellana Caves, a system of underground caves discovered in 1938 that is famous for its stunning crystal structures. During a walking tour that covers a distance of nearly 2 miles, you will learn the difference between stalagmites and stalactites as well as observe fossils, formations of stone, canyons, and other natural wonders. After a short lunch break at leisure, there will be much more to explore as you continue on to Locorotondo, a lovely hilltop town with a rounded shaped center and one-of-a-kind buildings called cummerse, which feature tall, sloping roofs that were designed to collect rain water. While in Locorotondo you will the opportunity to take part in a wine tasting at a local cellar.
Next, you will continue on to Alberobello where you will visit the famous trulli, conical roofed stone huts that are specific to the region and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will then travel to Noci, a small town that dates back to the period of the Normans. You will enjoy dinner in Noci and spend the night at a local hotel.
Day 2 – Thursday: NOCI – LECCE – GALLIPOLI – OSTUNI – NOCI
After the hotel’s 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”. A Wwalking tour of the city center showcases some of the most 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.
The next stop will be Gallipoli, a lovely seaside town with an ancient history. After taking a break for a leisurely lunch perhaps in front of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea tasting the rich local cuisine, you will depart for your last destination of the day: Ostuni. Known as the “White Town” due to its whitewashed buildings, the village of Ostuni offers more historic Mediterranean architecture to admire. After a day packed with beautiful sights, the evening is spent in familiarity at the hotel back in Noci, where you will have dinner and get a peaceful night’s sleep.
Day 3 – Friday: NOCI – MATERA – SORRENTO or ROME
After another satisfying buffet breakfast at the hotel, it is time to visit a town that could potentially be one of the oldest settlements in Italy. The Sassi of Matera, two districts in the town of Matera, are famous for their cave dwellings that have been carved into the cliffs. It is believed the caves have been inhabited since the Paleolithic Era. Together, these unique structures compose a truly breathtaking landscape, somewhat reminiscent of Biblical times, which has led Matera to become the setting for numerous cinematic productions including “The Passion of the Christ” (Gibson, 2004), “The Nativity Story” (Hardwicke 2006), and “The Gospel According to St. Matthew” (Pasolini 1964). While visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, there will be time for a snack before returning to either Sorrento or Rome by route of Pompeii. Arrival in Sorrento or Rome marks the end of the tour and our services.
"Tommaso e Giulia, it is beautiful here. You should visit the area sometime someone would have to be crazy to leave here and move to somepla
I just want to thank all of you for making such wonderful arrangements. We had a great time in Italy and everything went smoothly. Can't wai
"Derek and I really enjoyed ourselves. I am glad that we didn't pack all of our days full of tours. It gave us time to look around the city
PACKAGE START AT $874.00
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 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.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
-Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. If applicable it has to be paid locally to the hotel.
- Beverages.
- Porterage service.
- Other Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.
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. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
