Experience the best of Southern Italy on a once-in-a lifetime adventure! The tour starts in Sorrento, where you can take an unforgettable stroll admiring views of Naples’ Bay. Enjoy fresh seafood by the Adriatic coast or sample Italian focaccia from visiting St Nicholas’ Church when staying overnight in Bari to explore its baroque squares and lacy stone buildings.
When visiting Alberobello discover traditional Trullo houses with their picturesque whitewashed walls and unique conical roofs before arriving at last to Lecce – known as Florence’s twin city for it Duomo and Basilica Santa Croce!
Soak up the beauty and history of Southern Italy with an off-season getaway! Your journey continues by taking a drive to Matera, where Casa Grotto provides insight into some of the earliest civilizations in Italy. Then it’s on to Naples – home to Neapolitan pizza and an Archaeological Museum boasting ancient finds from all corners of Rome. Journey deep into these remote locales for memories that will last you a lifetime!
Check out all the tours Globus offers; don’t forget my tip on traveling on Globus Escapes Tours because they are without the crowds and high-season prices.
The cost of our tour including airfare from Atlanta was $3,496 for two people. We also purchased 4 excursions for both of us; they cost $455 for all four.
We left Atlanta 24 Feb 23. Our flights were long, but uneventful. I did have an amazing Apple strudel in the Munich Airport and saw the beautiful snow capped mountains while in the air.
All of our bags arrived, so we considered ourselves lucky. A lot of our tour members didn’t get their luggage at the airport and had to purchase clothes and essentials until they got their bags. 10 out of 43 travellers’ luggage didn’t make it to Naples.
25 Feb – 5 Mar 23
Southern Italy – Day 1 – Sorrento
We flew in at 12:00 pm to Naples, Italy. The Globus Coach picked us up and we headed towards Sorrento. We arrived to the hotel in Sorrento around 2:30 pm and headed to our room to get cleaned up. We showered and then headed to the hotel bar for appertivos and wine.
Welcome to Sorrento! At 5:45 pm, we met our Tour Director, Silvio and Driver, Gerardo and traveling companions for a welcome meeting followed by dinner at a local restaurant, Ristorante Parruchiano Favorita, 1868. Dinner was included and was pretty good too! The restaurant was in a indoor garden and lemon grove; it was truly a magical setting!
While in Sorrento we stayed at the
Johanna Park Sorrento. We had a room with a balcony and beautiful views!
Southern Italy – Day 2 – Sorrento
We woke up and had our included breakfast at 7:00 am.
We boarded the bus at 8:15 am for a short drive to the town of Sorrento where went on an orientation walk of the old town and had free time to explore on our own.
We headed on two smaller vans at 11:45 am to the excursion to charming Positano. The Globus Coach was too large to take down the Amalfi Coast and in to Positano. We stopped at a viewpoint, visited the cathedral, beach and had some buffalo mozzarella pizza!
The Charming Positano Excursion was $62 US
The most thrilling drive in Europe awaits as you travel along the famed Amalfi Coast for breathtaking panoramas and a visit to charming Positano. Marvel at the brightly painted buildings and flowering gardens clinging to the cliff side in this pretty village seen in “Under the Tuscan Sun”.
From the Piazza dei Mulini, explore the city center as you like―walk along the enchanting beach; stroll along the steep and narrow lanes lined with boutiques, galleries, and decadent pastry shops; or maybe take a peek inside the magnificent Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its green and yellow majolica tile dome and legend-shrouded Black Madonna.
Once we returned from Positano, we quickly gathered together again at 4:30 and headed out for the excursion to La Cantina del Fattore for a tour of the farm, mozzarella making demonstration and a delicious farm to table dining experience.
The Italian Family Farm Dinner was $66 US
Head up into a peaceful Sorrento hillside setting for an unforgettable dinner at a real Italian farm. Almost everything you will eat is grown, raised, or made right on site, so it definitely doesn’t get any fresher—or tastier—than this! Enjoy a starter, two hearty courses, a scrumptious dessert, unlimited wine and a refreshing limoncello! Delizioso!
Southern Italy – Day 3 – Sorrento – Trani – Bari
We were up for our included breakfast at 7:00 am, suitcases out at 7:00 am and then on the coach at 8:00 am to start our day.
First stop of the day was at a Limoncello Factory to see how limoncello is made and bottled, followed by a tasting of both the signature Limoncello and the creamy limoncello. We had some time to explore the shop and the views from their patio.
The next place we stopped was APA 1848 Toro del Grecco for a cameo making demonstration and time to shop.
Since there were so many that didn’t get their luggage, we made a pit stop at the Naples Airport to pick up luggage because the airlines refused to deliver the suitcases to the hotel. Then back on the bus to head towards Trani. We stopped at a highway rest-stop for lunch and then on to Trani.
We had a stop in the seaside resort of Trani in route to Bari. While in Trani, we visited the St Nicola Cathedral, a sea front Romanesque cathedral built in 1134 on the Adriatic Sea. From the cathedral you could see the Castle of Trani. After we visited there, we headed back to the fishing harbor to watch the fisherman bring in their catch of the day. We also stopped at Peschef for some fresh seafood! We wandered around the narrow streets and alleyways, until it was time to head back to meet the group.
We travelled a total of 193 mi / 310 km from Sorrento to Bari. We arrived to Bari, got our keys and headed up to our room to get ready for dinner. Silvio recommended a few restaurants and we chose La Cecchina; we made reservations and headed to dinner about 7:30 pm. Dinner, wine and service was absolutely amazing (the best meal of the trip).
While in Bari we stayed at
Grande Albergo Delle Nazioni
Located in one of the most elegant areas of Bari seafront, the Grande Albergo Delle Nazioni blends tradition and modernity. This stylish resort is an established luxury landmark in the Levantine city and combines history and spirituality building a bridge between East and West.
It offers a spectacular rooftop swimming pool with hydro-massage tub and a panoramic view over the sea, and two restaurants which stand out for their refined cuisine that combines the traditional Mediterranean diet with the most innovative trends of contemporary international cuisine. Overlooking the Adriatic sea, this property has its own access to a private beach and it is the ideal place to enjoy an unforgettable stay in Bari.
Southern Italy – Day 4 – Bari with Excursion to Alberobello
We woke up and had our included breakfast at 7:00 am and on the coach at 8:30 am to drive of Bari for a short driving tour along the water and then a guided walking tour that included the Old Town, San Nicola’s Church, and local focaccia tasting at Panificio Fiore (this was the best focaccia of the trip!). We also got to watch the nonnas make the oricchiette (little ear) pasta.
After our tour in Bari, we headed to Alberobello for a guided walking tour that included a visit inside a Trullo, one of the conical houses famous for their unique cone design. We toured the oldest section of the Trullis and then we did an Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) tasting. Silvio, of course, taught us the proper way to taste olive oil to tell if its a good EVOO.
After that we had free time and we explored the shops in the Trulli, the cathedral, the smallest Trullo, had some gelato and then some wine. We headed back to meet the group and get back to where the coach was parked. We had to be shuttled from parking to Alberobello because the coach was too large and wasn’t allowed there. We headed back to Bari for an included dinner at the hotel.
We travelled a total of 81 mi / 130 km from Bari to Alberobello.
Southern Italy – Day 5 – Bari – Lecce
We woke up and had included breakfast at 7:00 am suitcases out by 7:30 am, and on the coach at 8:30 am to head to Lecce. We found out that Tom Cruise had stayed in the same hotel as us; he was there scouting out movie locations for the Mission Impossible 8.
When we arrived at Lecce, we had guided walking tour that included Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica, the theater, the roman theater and the amphitheater.
After the tour, we had free time and we tasted pasticciotto at Natale and had a Rustico at caffe Alvino le dolci fantasie. These were both very tasty and some of my favorite nibbles on the trip.
We travelled a total of 93 mi / 150 km. from Bari to Lecce.
While in Lecce we stayed at
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.
We met up for dinner around 6:30 to head to Masseria Stali, an Apulian Farm. There we had dinner and another version of pasticciotto while enjoying a show of singing and dancing. We learned about the production of olive oil and were told of the rooms at Masseria Stali in which you can stay in on your visit to the area.
The Apulian Delights: Farm-Fresh Dinner & Pizzica Show was $77 US
Travel into the stunning Apulia countryside in the famed “boot heel” of Italy for a delightful experience at a traditional masseria (farmhouse). Begin at the onsite oil mill to learn all about the extra-virgin olive oil that is harvested, processed, stored, bottled, and marketed here. Next, head to the farm’s former stable, which today is an eclectically charming dining room. As you savor an incredible dinner featuring the freshest farm-grown ingredients, talented performers will dazzle you with Pizzica, the music of Apulia. A real treat!
Southern Italy – Day 6 Lecce – Matera
We woke up and had an included breakfast at 8:00 am, luggage out at 8:00 am and on the coach at 9:00 am. We travelled 112 mi / 180km from Lecce to Matera. When we arrived in Matera, we had a guided walking tour includes visit to inside Casa Grotta. Matera is the 3rd oldest city in the world. The movie Passion of the Christ was partially filmed there, as well as part of the newest James Bond movie. We also found out Tom Cruise was spotted in Matera when we were there; scoping out locations for Mission Impossible 8.
Once we arrived to the hotel, we settled in and had dinner in the hotel restaurant.
While in Matera we stayed at
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 specialties in the historic dining room together with an extensive choice of traditional wines from Basilicata.
Day 7 Matera – Naples
We woke up and had an included breakfast at 7:00 am, bags out at 7:00 am and on the coach at 8:00 am. We then had a scenic drive in route to Naples. Before we arrived into the heart of Naples, we stopped to visit Herculaneum. Herculaneum was swallowed by pyroclastic density current flow (ash, rock and mud) from when Mt Vesuvius erpted in 79 AD. It was discovered in 1758 by mistake when they were digging to build an aqua duct.
We travelled a total of 162 mi / 260 km from Matera to Naples.
The Discover Herculaneum with Tasting Dinner was $73 US
Situated on the Bay of Naples are the UNESCO World Heritage excavations of Herculaneum, a city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This mesmerizing half-day excursion takes you back 2,000 years, introducing you to a treasure trove of history frozen in time by the avalanche of mud, ash, and lava that covered the town that fateful day.
Led by an expert guide, discover remains of the Forum, temple, villas, shops, restaurants and bakeries, thermal baths and the gymnasium, and wonderful frescoes and mosaics that are better preserved than Pompeii! Afterward, travel to a volcano-area vineyard, Cantina Del Vesuvio, Russo Family, for a tasting late lunch paired with unique Lacryma Christi wine, and fantastic views of Mount Vesuvius.
Silvio once again taught us the correct wine tasting protocols! He was very passionate about everything, but olive oil and wine, were near and dear to his heart because not only is he a tour guide, he also has a small vineyard and olive trees in which he makes his own wine and olive oil for his family and friends. We arrived at the hotel and got cleaned up for dinner.
We had free time and then dinner at Attanasio Pizzeria which was very close to our hotel. We tried the Marguerita Pizza, Octopus and a caprese salad.
While in Naples we stayed at
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. Our room had a balcony with views of the city.
Southern Italy – Day 8 – Naples
We had our included breakfast at 7:00 am and were on the the coach at 8:30. First we visited the Archaeological Museum in Naples. The we had a guided walking sightseeing tour that included the Galleria Umberto and Piazza Plebiscito.
We had free time in the afternoon and headed to Castel St’Elmo where we saw beautiful 360 degree views of the entire city of Naples! It was breathaking. We tried some Focaccio near the finicular that took us to the top of the hill and it was just ok to say the least; nothing to write home about with this focaccio!
We headed back to the hotel for a little rest and then we had our farewell meeting at 6:45 pm and then an included farewell dinner at 7:00 pm at the hotel.
Southern Italy – Day 9 – Naples
We had to be down at 4 am to take the coach to the airport. The hotel packed us a small packed breakfast for the road. We arrived to the airport, got checked in and our busy travel day began. We finally made it back home at 11:30 pm, after almost 26 hours of travel.
We were glad to finally be home from this amazing trip! Silvio, Gerardo and Globus outdid themselves as usual. We have always had great experiences traveling with Globus and this trip to Southern Italy didn’t disappoint!
Be sure to check out our other Globus experiences Alluring Southern Ireland – 10 Reasons to Tour with Globus & The Empty Nesters’ on a Brilliant 9-day tour with Globus Escapes to Spain
-S&E
