Overview
This Undiscovered tour of Southern Italy invites you to kick back and live la dolce vita as you travel from heel to ankle, vineyard to grove, and clifftop to cave. From colorful Naples to the read more stunning 90-million-year-old caves of Castellana, you will experience Southern Italy’s hottest sights—and coolest. At a special wine tasting at the Manduria wine museum, you’ll raise your glass to the many highlights of “the heel,” including its castles and conical houses, ancient ruins and fresh ricotta, and its eternal sunshine and sunny disposition.
PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Naples so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Naples!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Spend your day your way in Naples
Your Southern Italian adventure begins with an orientation drive of Naples, a vibrant city oozing in character and culture.
Explore more of the city with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
- Naples Hidden Gems - Discover more of Naples on a walking tour featuring the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo with its Baroque masterpiece namesake church, the historical street Spaccanapoli, dividing the old town in two, and the Santa Chiara Monastery complex including a visit to the stunning cloisters decorated with hand-painted majolica tiles.
- Spanish Quarters Sights & Bites - Explore an authentic showcase of Neapolitan culture in the Spanish Quarter. Your Local Guide shares stories on a walk along the maze of narrow streets lined with traditional ground-floor dwellings. Look for the collection of iconic murals on Vico Totó and be treated to Naples' beloved sfogliatella ¿ delicate layers of pastry wrapping a decadent ricotta filling.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
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) 174 mi / 280km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: 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 Local Guide to reveal the secrets of this unique city that also served as the setting for many famous films, including Mel Gibson's “The Passion of Christ” and the James Bond 007 film, “No Time to Die.”
Cultivating Culture
A scenic drive into Apulia, the charismatic region with the longest coastline, that forms the heel of Italy's “boot”. Enjoy an interesting visit to the Primitivo wine museum to learn about the local production, followed by a tasting. Continue to Lecce for free time. (B) 106 mi / 170km.
LOCAL 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, and it is known for producing robust and full-bodied red wines with rich fruit flavors. Its name derives from the tendency of the grape to mature early.
Sweet Strolls in Apulia
This morning, discover why Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” when you follow your Local Guide for a walking tour of Lecce's beautiful historic center, rich in Baroque architecture. Visit the Duomo with its distinctive bell tower and the Basilica of Santa Croce that took over 200 years to complete Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening, time to browse at leisure and sample some of the region's delicious specialties. (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, relax in a wine bar and indulge in a glass of local rosé and views of the carved baroque churches the city has to offer around each corner.
Stone Houses
Visit Ostuni, a stunning white hilltop town. Explore the charming streets and admire the views before savoring an olive oil tasting and light lunch of local specialties. Once in Alberobello, join your Local Guide for 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. (B/L) 75 mi / 120km.
TOUR 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.
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) 31 mi / 50 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC 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.
Old Town and Old Saint Nicholas
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. Later, enjoy a cooking demonstration of local specialties, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 81 mi / 130km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Bari combines historical charm with modern amenities, culinary tradition, and 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 who was the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Nearest airport is Bari) (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Guided city drive in Naples
- Globus Choice Excursions in Naples − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walk through the vibrant Spanish Quarter plus a complementary sfogliatella pastry, or a guided walk to see highlights of Naples including a visit to the Santa Chiara Monastery
- Guided walking tour of Matera features a visit to a Casa Grotta (cave house)
- [LF] Primitivo wine museum visit plus tasting
- Guided walking tour in Lecce includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica
- Visit Ostuni
- Guided walking tour in Alberobello includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut)
- [LF] Guided visit to the Castellana Grotte underground cave system
- Guided walking tour in Bari features the Old Town and San Nicola's Church
- [LF] Local specialty cooking demonstration
- Local olive oil tasting
- 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
- Naples: Starhotel Terminus (First-Class):
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. - Matera: Hotel Del Campo (Superior First-Class):
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. - Lecce: Hilton Garden Inn Lecce (Superior First-Class):
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. - Alberobello Area: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri (First-Class):
Set in a Mediterranean park, Grand Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri offers a wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools, as well as an elegant restaurant. All rooms are equipped with TV and minibar. Breakfast is continental, while the restaurant serves local specialties and classic Italian cuisine. Cocktails can be enjoyed on the pool terrace. - Alberobello Area: D'Aragona Hotel & Spa (Superior First-Class):
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.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice Excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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