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
Price Details US
All Escapes by Globus tours and departures are excluded from the following Globus discounts: Book Early & Save Second Tour discount.
Transportation
Notes
Travelers Notes
Inclusions
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 in spacious comfort by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi is included on board your coach and in most hotel lobbies and common areas.
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
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN NAPLES, ITALY Welcome to Naples! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)NAPLES-CITY-VIEW.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-PIZZA.jpg
Day 3
NAPLES–MATERA Hidden Gem MATERA Guided walking tour. (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 James Bond “No Time to Die”MATERA.jpg
Day 4
MATERA–MANDURIA–LECCE MANDURIA [LF] Visit the Primitivo wine musem followed by tasting. (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. MANDURIA-PRIMATIVO.jpg
Day 5
LECCE Sweet Strolls in Apulia LECCE Guided walking tour includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Free time. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Stroll through Apulia, the “Florence of the South,” 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. LECCE.jpg
Day 6
LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening. (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.ALBEROBELLO-TRULLO.jpg
Day 7
ALBEROBELLO AREA CASTELLANA GROTTE Take a guided visit to the underground caves. (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.CASTELLANA-GROTTE.jpg
Day 8
ALBEROBELLO AREA–BARI–ALBEROBELLO AREA BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town, San Nicola’s Church. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 31 mi / 50kmTOUR 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.BARI.jpg
Day 9
ALBEROBELLO AREA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) (Nearest airport is Bari)ALBEROBELLO-VIEW.jpg
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2024-10-24 | 2024-10-25 | 2024-11-02 | $2169 | $250 | $1919 | KISX41025K | Available |
| 2 | 2024-10-25 | 2024-10-26 | 2024-11-03 | $1849 | $250 | $1599 | KISX41026 | Available |
| 3 | 2024-11-01 | 2024-11-02 | 2024-11-10 | $1849 | $0 | $1849 | KISX41102 | Not Available |
| 4 | 2024-11-07 | 2024-11-08 | 2024-11-16 | $2169 | $0 | $2169 | KISX41108K | Not Available |
| 5 | 2024-11-08 | 2024-11-09 | 2024-11-17 | $1849 | $0 | $1849 | KISX41109 | Not Available |
| 6 | 2024-11-15 | 2024-11-16 | 2024-11-24 | $1849 | $0 | $1849 | KISX41116 | Not Available |
| 7 | 2024-11-21 | 2024-11-22 | 2024-11-30 | $2169 | $0 | $2169 | KISX41122K | Not Available |
| 8 | 2024-11-22 | 2024-11-23 | 2024-12-01 | $1849 | $0 | $1849 | KISX41123 | Not Available |
| 9 | 2024-11-29 | 2024-11-30 | 2024-12-08 | $1799 | $0 | $1799 | KISX41130 | Not Available |
| 10 | 2025-01-31 | 2025-02-01 | 2025-02-09 | $1699 | $0 | $1699 | KISX50201 | Available |
| 11 | 2025-02-07 | 2025-02-08 | 2025-02-16 | $1799 | $0 | $1799 | KISX50208 | Available |
| 12 | 2025-02-13 | 2025-02-14 | 2025-02-22 | $2099 | $0 | $2099 | KISX50214K | Not Available |
| 13 | 2025-02-14 | 2025-02-15 | 2025-02-23 | $1799 | $0 | $1799 | KISX50215 | Available |
| 14 | 2025-02-21 | 2025-02-22 | 2025-03-02 | $1799 | $0 | $1799 | KISX50222 | Available |
| 15 | 2025-02-27 | 2025-02-28 | 2025-03-08 | $2169 | $0 | $2169 | KISX50228K | Not Available |
| 16 | 2025-02-28 | 2025-03-01 | 2025-03-09 | $1899 | $0 | $1899 | KISX50301 | Available |
| 17 | 2025-03-07 | 2025-03-08 | 2025-03-16 | $1899 | $0 | $1899 | KISX50308 | Available |
| 18 | 2025-03-13 | 2025-03-14 | 2025-03-22 | $2299 | $0 | $2299 | KISX50314K | Available |
| 19 | 2025-03-14 | 2025-03-15 | 2025-03-23 | $1899 | $0 | $1899 | KISX50315 | 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 | 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 |
| 3 | Delle Palme | Located a 10-minute walk from Lecce Historic Centre, the hotel offer 96 spacious, air-conditioned rooms, all fully furnished with an LCD TV, Free Wi-Fi access, a desk, a minibar, coffee maker and a private bathroom, equipped with hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. A sweet and savoury buffet breakfast is served daily and the spacious restaurant serves typical dishes from the renowned Salento area as well as classic Italian and international cuisine. | Lecce | Via Leuca 90 | |
| 4 | Grand Hotel D'Aragona | 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 |
