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
1
Bari, one of Southern Italy's premier cities and a pivotal port, boasts a captivating and picturesque historical center awaiting exploration.
2
This morning, we venture into the heart of Southern Puglia, to the enchanting Itria Valley. Here, we'll explore the picturesque towns of Monopoli and Alberobello, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the entire valley.
The day will be highlighted by an exquisite wine tasting experience near Martina Franca. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before we return to Coversano for an overnight stay.
3
Following breakfast, we set out from Bari towards the remarkable city of Matera, approximately an hour's drive away. Matera, celebrated for its profound antiquity and appearance in renowned films like "The Passion of Christ" and various James Bond movies, awaits us for a morning walking tour.
Following our tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your leisure before we proceed to the picturesque mountain towns nestled within the Southern Dolomites, where our stay will be in Castelmezzano.
Upon hotel check-in this evening, a concise orientation tour of the town is planned, followed by a delightful dinner at the hotel's excellent restaurant.
The night will be spent in Castelmezzano at the Villa Monserrat!
Villa Monserrat:
https://villamonserrat.it
4
5
Today, following breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to explore the captivating region around Melfi, renowned for its interconnected castles via underground passages, and the picturesque town of Venosa, where the splendid Aragonese castle and the town's charm make it a delight to visit.
Subsequently, enjoy lunch by the serene Lake Monticchio, taking in the tranquility of nature. Post-lunch, we'll guide you to an extraordinary abbey, offering a panoramic view of the Monticchio lakes from its vantage point.
After a day filled with discovery, you'll return to the hotel for another restful overnight stay.
6
Following breakfast today, you'll embark on a tour of Lagonegro, featuring a delightful wine tasting and an included lunch.
Afterwards, you'll ascend to visit the majestic statue of the Cristo Redentore, perched high in the mountains. The journey continues to the charming town of Maratea, nestled on the border between the Basilicata and Calabria regions.
You'll then check into the Hotel San Diego, where dinner awaits you. Enjoy your overnight stay here, complemented by the breathtaking coastal views.
Hotel San Diego:
http://www.hotelsandiego.it/en/
7
Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the "Madonna della Grotta," a remarkable church hewn into the rocky mountainside, and wander through the quaint streets of San Nicola Arcella's downtown.
Following this immersive experience, you'll return to your hotel for another restful overnight stay.
8
Start your day with a buffet breakfast before setting off to experience the southern charms of Calabria. After checking out of the hotel, make a stop in Diamante, renowned for its spicy Peperoncino chili pepper and vibrant murals.
Following this visit, you'll head to Tropea, where you will spend two nights at the Hotel Terrazzo Sul Mare, boasting stunning ocean views.
Hotel Terrazzo Sul Mare:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Hotel-terrazzo-sul-mare-100063596919537/
9
Enjoy a buffet breakfast before embarking on a day trip to the Ionian Sea, where you'll explore the historic and picturesque towns of Gerace and Stilo, each boasting rich Greek and Byzantine heritage.
Following these visits, you'll have the opportunity to witness the stunning seaside views at Rocella Ionica, famous for its beautiful promenade and castle.
Conclude your day with a return to Tropea for another comfortable overnight stay.
10
Start your day with a buffet breakfast, followed by a leisurely walk through Tropea to explore its iconic castle set upon white sands and the charming downtown area, where you can enjoy lunch at your leisure.
In the afternoon, embark on a journey to Reggio Calabria, just a 90-minute drive away, to admire the renowned Bronze of Riace statues at the local museum.
Afterward, return to Tropea for another night's stay.
11
Enjoy a buffet breakfast followed by a private transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Map
Inclusions/Exclusions
Tour Highlights and 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
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