Historical site of Matera in Basilicata, known for its Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings

The Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Maratea, offering majestic views over the Tyrrhenian Sea

Castelmezzano in Basilicata, famous for its dramatic positioning within the Dolomites

Maratea in Basilicata, known for its Christ the Redeemer statue and beautiful coastline

Lush greenery and rolling hills of many hilltop towns in Southern Italy

PRIVATE BARI

The Heel and Toe of Italy : Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata

Tour Code TUR-01973

Duration 11 days

Group Type Private

Departs From Bari

Meeting Point Bari Airport

Customize This Journey View Full Itinerary

Overview

This meticulously crafted 11-day journey through Southern Italy offers an immersive experience into the heart of Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria. Starting with your arrival at Bari airport, you are welcomed with a dinner in Polignano a Mare, followed by a restful night in the historic center of Conversano. Your adventure includes exclusive accommodations and buffet breakfasts for 10 nights, along with the luxury of private drivers and guides, ensuring a seamless exploration in a private vehicle, inclusive of all related expenses.

The itinerary encompasses a blend of welcome dinners, select meals, private tours, and transfers, curated to enrich your stay. Despite the comprehensive inclusions, please note exclusions such as hotel city taxes, international airfare, gratuities for drivers and guides, and credit card fees for deposits.

From the onset, you are introduced to the charm of southern Italy, beginning with a visit to the enchanting towns of Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Monopoli in the Itria Valley, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and wine tasting opportunities. The journey then leads you to Matera for a walking tour of this ancient city, nestled in the Southern Dolomites, before exploring the Lucanian Dolomites, including Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano, offering the thrilling "Volo dell'Angelo" zip-line experience.

As you continue, the itinerary unveils the majestic castles and natural beauty of Basilicata, including visits to Melfi and the serene lakes of Monticchio. The exploration extends to the coastal wonders of Maratea in Basilicata, adorned with the Statue of the Cristo Redentore, and ventures further into the heart of Calabria, with stops in Praia a Mare, Tortora, San Nicola Arcella, and the vibrant town of Tropea, celebrated for its breathtaking views over the ocean.

Your journey is punctuated with visits to historical towns facing the Ionian Sea, offering a glimpse into the rich Greek and Byzantine heritage, before concluding with a visit to the Bronze of Riace in Reggio Calabria. On the final day, a private transfer to Vibo Valentia Airport facilitates your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable Southern Italian adventure. Throughout your stay, you are supported with 24-hour assistance and all taxes included, ensuring a worry-free and enriching travel experience.

Itinerary

Where We Visit: Bari Polignano a Mare Conversano | Meeting Location: Bari Airport

Bari, one of Southern Italy's premier cities and a pivotal port, boasts a captivating and picturesque historical center awaiting exploration.

Upon landing at Bari Airport, our welcoming team will greet you and escort you to an exquisite hotel nestled within the enchanting historical heart of Coversano. Here, your driver-guide will begin to introduce you to the local area, setting the stage for your immersive experience.

The evening promises a delightful seaside stroll followed by a welcome dinner in the ancient quarter of Bari Vecchia.

Your day concludes with a restful night at Corte Altavilla, ensuring comfort and serenity in preparation for the adventures ahead.

Corte Altavilla:

https://www.cortealtavilla.it/en/home/#_ga=2.80730450.437257070.1707246338-1181297863.1707246338

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

Accommodation for 10 nights, including buffet breakfast.
Private transportation in a brand-new vehicle, inclusive of fuel and tolls.
Personalized service with private drivers and guides.
Welcome dinner and additional meals as specified in the itinerary.
Exclusive private tours and transfers throughout your Italian adventure.
Round-the-clock assistance and all applicable taxes.

What's Not Included

City taxes imposed by hotels.
International flight fares.
Tips for drivers and guides.
Fees for deposit payments made by credit card.

Pricing & Availability

Please contact us today by either phone or email for assistance with this booking.

Email: team@italyvacationspecialists.com
Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565

Quick Enquiry

Client Testimonials

I went to high school with the owner of the company who organized my honeymoon for myself and my now wife from Tokyo. We spent three short weeks seeing Piedmont and experiencing wine paradise there, then heading to Nice in France with our private driver and flying to Rome where honestly 4 days is NOT enough. They keep saying to spend more time and we could not agree more! You n… Read More
— Robin and Kumi Bruun, Tokyo Japan
This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel Locorno where they know the owner there,… Read More
— Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA
In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS team took a huge burden off of me! I would like to start of by saying "THANK YOU" both for the amazing job you did on o… Read More
— Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group
Jesse & Giuseppe,Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.… Read More
— Bob & Sandy
I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friends!… Read More
— Lucretia Brower
Jesse, There are no words to describe the fabulous time we had in Italy. Everything went as you promised. Absolutely no problems! The venues were fabulous. The guides were punctual and helpful. It couldn't have worked out better. You and your staff deserve high praise for the quality and efficiency of your work. BTW, Guiseppe was an absolute delight. We enjoyed his informative … Read More
— Jo Ann West
I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and work ethic which I feel is second-to-none in the travel industry. All of the staff, the guides, the coaches and even the… Read More
— Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent
We're home now from the most amazing trip to Italy! I can't thank you enough for your efforts and coordination of what was without question the finest vacations I've been on to date.… Read More
— Carol Carson
As a travel agent, but also a traveler to Italy, thee is no other company I would recommend than the Italy Vacation Specialists. Not only do they really care about what they are doing, they also really know Italy and try to educate many people about ways they can best see the country and not fall into tourist traps. I have been on 4 trips with the IVS team, firstly when the… Read More
— Laura Chomiak, Travel Agent
Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made… Read More
— Ron and Deb Crosby