Overview
Southern Italy Escape
Imagine spending time in Italy’s most beloved locations without the higher costs and bigger crowds associated with busy travel season. Join us on a cultural and culinary adventure of Southern Italy’s wonderful gems. Start with a city tour of Naples, birthplace of Neapolitan pizza. A scenic drive brings you to the rocky outcrop of Matera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn all about the Sassi houses, thought to be among the first human settlements in Italy. Next overnight in the town of Lecce. Admire its lacy stone buildings and baroque squares and visit the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica to understand why it is called the “Florence of the South.” In Alberobello, take a tour of the traditional Trullo houses—whitewashed, circular homes, with classic conical roofs. Marvel at the stunning 90-million-year-old caves of Castellana. Visit the Apulian capital of Bari on the heel of Italy’s “boot.” Join us in the off season and escape to Southern Italy’s off-the-beaten-path locales.
Highlights of Southern Italy Escape
City Highlights
Transportation
Notes
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided city drive in Naples features a visit to the Palazzo Reale• Guided walking tour of Matera features a visit to a Casa Grotta (cave house)• Primitivo wine museum visit plus tasting• Guided walking tour in Lecce includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica• Guided walking tour in Alberobello includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut)• Guided visit to the Castellana Grotte underground cave system• Guided walking tour in Bari features the Old Town and San Nicola’s Church
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select 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 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 tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of Naples|The Sassi of Matera|The Trulli of Alberobello
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $1,989*18 guests in a party: $553*
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN NAPLES, ITALY Welcome to Naples! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2
NAPLES A Slice of Life in Napoli Your Southern Italian adventure begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Naples, a vibrant city oozing in character and culture. Your Local Guide will show you the main highlights, featuring an orientation drive and stop in the iconic Piazza Plebiscito. Enjoy some free time to discover more and perhaps try one of Naples’ most famous specialties – Neapolitan pizza! (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.
Day 3
NAPLES–MATERA Hidden Gem Drive into the hilly region of Basilicata to reach Matera, one of the oldest towns in the world. Join a Local Guide on a fascinating walk to see the historic center with its complex of “Sassi” houses built into the local caves and visit one of the Casa Grotta (house caves). Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and evening. (B,D) 155 mi / 250kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION 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 guide the secrets of this unique city that has been the setting for many famous films from Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of Christ” to the James Bond film, “No Time to Die.”
Day 4
MATERA–MANDURIA–LECCE Cultivating Culture A scenic drive into Apulia, the charismatic region with the longest coastline, that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot.” [LF] Enjoy an interesting visit to the Primitivo wine museum to learn about the local production, followed by a tasting. Continue to Lecce and join your Local Guide on a walking tour to discover Lecce’s beautiful historic center. Visit the Duomo with its distinctive bell tower and the Basilica of Santa Croce that took over 200 years to complete. (B) 105 mi / 168kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL 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 hold its name as this type of grape matures early.
Day 5
LECCE Sweet Strolls in Apulia Spend a full day at leisure in Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South”. Explore more sights, browse the stores, sit in a café savoring local specialties and watching the world go by, or join an optional excursion to discover further afield. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Stroll around Lecce 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.
Day 6
LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA Stone Houses Enjoy a scenic drive to Alberobello, once there, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through the Trulli-lined streets, including an interior visit of a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house) to discover how people live there. Enjoy some free time, and an evening at leisure. (B) 78 mi / 126kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & 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.
Day 7
ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO CASTELLANA GROTTE Stalactites & Stalagmites A short drive this morning to Castellana Grotte. Descend underground for a fascinating guided visit and walk through some of the most suggestive caves. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC 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.
Day 8
ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO BARI Santa Claus Connections Drive to the vibrant port city of Bari and meet your Local Guide for a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, including a visit to the Basilica of San Nicola. Enjoy some free time to explore more before going back to Alberobello to join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 68 mi / 110kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Bari combines historical charm with modern amenities, culinary tradition with 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 the inspiration for the modern Santa Claus.
Day 9
ALBEROBELLO AREA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Nearest airport is Bari.) (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Hotel Palazzo Salgar | This contemporary four-star hotel offers stylish, comfortable rooms with Free Wi-Fi, a panoramic rooftop terrace, a well-equipped fitness center, and a relaxing sauna. Guests can start the day with a generous breakfast buffet and dine on regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With professional service and thoughtfully designed spaces, Palazzo Salgar is the perfect base for discovering the energy and charm of Naples. | Napoli | Via Nuova Marina 120 | First-Class |
| 2 | Exe Majestic | Exe Majestic is ideally located in the elegant Chiaia district of Naples. This stylish four-star hotel offers spacious, tastefully furnished rooms, a panoramic terrace, and a well-equipped fitness area. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet and attentive service, making Exe Majestic a comfortable and sophisticated base for discovering the city. | Naples | Largo Vasto a Chiaia 68 | First-Class |
| 3 | Hotel Del Campo | Set in a former 18th century aristocratic residence with beautiful ancient gardens, this charming property is located just outside the centre of Matera within easy reach of the Sassi UNESCO site. It offers large rooms, all of which are located in a new wing and feature parquet floors, air conditioning, and Free Wi-Fi. The hotel Restaurant serves delicious local specialities in the historic dining room together with an extensive choice of traditional wines from Basilicata. | Matera | Anngolo Via Lucrezio and Via Gravina | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | 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 |
| 5 | Grand Hotel Olimpo | The Grand Hotel Olimpo is surrounded by typical Trulli and offers 40 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with a flat-screen, cable channel TV, safety deposit box, a minibar, desk and hairdryer. The Eden restaurant serves a refined à la carte menu with tasty, delicious combinations which respect the local gastronomic traditions and there is also a great selection of fine wines on offer. | Alberobello - Ba | Via Sette Liberatori Della Selva | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Colle Del Sole | Hotel Colle del Sole is nestled in the charming town of Arberobello, within walking distance of the UNESCO Trulli's quarters. The hotel boasts a picturesque outdoor pool, and refined communal areas including an elegant bar and wine bar, an ample garden, and a restaurant serving local delicacies. The rooms at Hotel Colle del Sole are designed to offer comfort and elegance, and feature modern amenities such as air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. | Alberobello | Via Indipendenza 63 | First-Class |
| 7 | D'Aragona Hotel & Spa | Located in a very peaceful position close to some of Apulia's most important attractions like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, this hotel is a great choice for those who want to explore the region. All its air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen/satellite TV and minibar. Most of the rooms also have balconies. Other amenities include an elegant restaurant serving local dishes and two swimming pools. Free Wi-Fi access is available in public areas. | Conversano | Via San Donato, 5 | Superior First-Class |
