Overview
Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
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 the scenic bluffs of lemon-scented Sorrento 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 a local masseria, 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 of Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,191*18 guests in a party: $556*
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
UNESCO Sites
Castel del Monte|Costiera Amalfitana|Historic Centre of Naples|The Trulli of Alberobello
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
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 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–CASTEL DEL MONTE–BARI Medieval Marvel CASTEL DEL MONTE Take a guided visit the medieval castle.BARI Enjoy free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Built by Holy Roman emperor Frederick II, the 13th-century Castel del Monte remains one of the most revered cultural sites in Puglia. This spectacular octagonal fortress is listed by UNESCO World Heritage as a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture from its rocky hilltop perch where it dominated the Kingdom of Sicily and thrills visitors today. CASTEL-DEL-MONTE.jpg
Day 4
BARI–OSTUNI–LECCE Breaking Bread BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town, San Nicola’s Church, and [LF] local focaccia tasting.OSTUNI Free time to browse and for lunch.LECCE Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 112 mi / 180 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES The beauty of Italian culinary specialties is that no two regions approach recipes in the same way. Take the traditional Focaccia Barese (from Bari). The dough is made with the local staple of potatoes to create a bread that’s not too tall but perfectly soft in the middle. Between the crunchy edges of baked mashed potato are ripe tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, and olives for the perfect palate-pleasing experience. LECCE.jpg
Day 5
LECCE. EXCURSION TO OTRANTO Sweet Strolls in Apulia LECCE A Guided walking tour includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Taste a [LF] local pasticciotto (filled pastry) and almond coffee.OTRANTO Orientation and free time to browse before returning to Lecce. (B,D) 62 mi / 100 kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia’s bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.OTRANTO.jpg
Day 6
LECCE–ALBEROBELLO–CASTELLANA GROTTE Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO A guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut).CASTELLANA GROTTE [LF] Take a guided visit to the underground caves. Enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting followed by dinner at local masseria (local farmhouse). (B,D)81 mi / 130 kmLOCAL FAVORITE HISTORIC SPOT The Grotte du 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.ALBEROBELLO-TRULLO.jpg
Day 7
CASTELLANA GROTTE–PAESTUM–SORRENTO AREA Grecian Treasures PAESTUM Take a guided visit to the archaeological site en route to Sorrento. (B) 224 mi / 360 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Go off the beaten path to the stunning archaeological site of Greek and Roman architecture. Just an hour south of Salerno, Paestum is home to three Greek temples and fascinating burial paintings from the 5th-century BC. Marvel at this UNESCO of World Heritage Site considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Italy. PAESTUM-TEMPLE.jpg
Day 8
SORRENTO AREA Amore, Sorrento SORRENTO AREA Orientation walk in the old town. Free time late morning and afternoon. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Just as the sirens of Greek mythology lured sailors to the rocky shores of Sorrento, we are drawn to its alluring panoramas, sun-washed beaches, bistros, and boutiques. Take a seat in a sidewalk cafe to peruse the picturesque panoramas on the Bay of Naples.SORRENTO-MARINA.jpg
Day 9
SORRENTO AREA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Naples. (B)SORRENTO-CAFE.jpg
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2024-10-20 | 2024-10-21 | 2024-10-29 | $2499 | $0 | $2499 | LN41021 | Not Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Starhotel Terminus | The Terminus hotel offers a 4 star retreat from everyday life in the midst of lively Naples. It is located in a strategic location just steps from the metro L1 stop Garibaldi, which offers easy transport to reach the main attractions of the city. | Napoli | Piazza Garibaldi 91 | First-Class |
| 2 | Excelsior | Hotel Excelsior is just 100 meters from Bari's shopping area and a 3-minute walk from the rear entrance of the train station. All rooms are equipped with elegant furniture, parquet floors, comfortable beds, and free Wi-Fi. The Excelsior's rooms are spread throughout eight floors, all offering windows overlooking the courtyard and a private road. Each guestroom features a marble bathroom with bath or shower and hairdryer. | Bari | Via Giulio Petroni, 15 | First-Class |
| 3 | Hilton Garden Inn Lecce | Set in a quiet residential area in the heart of the Salentine Peninsula, just a short distance away from the stunning attractions of Lecce's historic city center also known as 'The Florence of the South'. This contemporary hotel boasts a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, Beauty & Spa facility and a seasonal rooftop outdoor swimming pool with views of the city skyline. All 143 rooms are designed for extra comfort with self-adjusting Garden Sleep System® beds, air-conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi access. A full-service restaurant offers inspired Italian cuisine in a contemporary and refined atmosphere, a variety of snacks and refreshments can be found at the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry and the trendy looking bar offers drinks and light bites in stylish surroundings. | Lecce | Via Cosimo De Giorgi 62 | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Semiramide Palace | Immersed in a a lushious green garden a few steps away from charming and out-of-the-beaten-tracks town of Castellana Grotte, hotel Semiramide Palace offers a unique rooftop terrace where you will enjoy scenic views of the Puglia countryside. Relax outdoors in the swimming pool or on the surrounding sun deck, fully equipped with sun loungers. Indoors you can take advantage of a modern spa with emotional showers, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a massage area. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access thoughout the hotel is available. | Castellana Grotte | Via Conversano 157 | First-Class |
| 5 | Grand Hotel Vesuvio | This elegant 250-room hotel is nestled among lemon and olive groves just outside Sorrento and overlooks the enchanting Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It features a large seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a snack bar and a lovely garden with a wisteria covered pergola. There is a Mediterranean restaurant and bar with terrace seating offering panoramic views and the town centre of Sorrento is easily accessible via the hotel¿s convenient shuttle. The air-conditioned guestrooms are decorated in soft colours with traditional majolica glazed tile floors, minibars, flat screen satellite Tvs and Free Wi-Fi internet access. | Sorrento | Via Nastro Verde,7 | First-Class |
