Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1514482
Tailor Made Italy: Puglia & the Amalfi Coast
Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Savor the rich flavors, architecture and culture of southern Italy, skirting the breathtaking coastline where the pristine Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. See Puglia’s iconic, cone-shaped trulli; stroll through Sassi di Matera; sample local olive oil, cheeses, baked goods and pizza; and visit the sparkling Amalfi Coast as well as the ruins of Pompeii.
9 nights from $18,595 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Italy: Puglia & the Amalfi Coast
Day 1 Bari, Puglia
Arrive in historic, lively Bari, where you are transferred to your luxurious hotel.
Today, explore central Puglia, beginning in crown-shaped Locorotondo, among the most beautiful villages in Italy. Perched majestically atop a hill overlooking the countryside, the town is stippled with whitewashed, flower-adorned houses with stone staircases and balconies. Continue to Cisternino, where you intersect alleys, climb staircases and walk beneath arches marked with decorative figureheads that are believed to ward off evil spirits. Next, meet a local butcher, who has been providing superior cuts to locals since 1948, and savor a chef-prepared meal in these quaint environs. Proceed to the town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with distinct, cone-shaped trulli dwellings. Constructed as immigrant domiciles in the 15th century, they were built without binding materials so they could quickly be demolished to avoid property taxes.
After breakfast, head south to Lecce, stopping en route to visit an olive oil producer at an ancientmasseria (farming estate). Watch how olives are pressed and sample a variety of local olive oils. Learn how olives have been central to the region’s evolution since Roman times, including its hey-day, when its oil was considered “liquid gold,” a commodity once used to fuel all the streetlights in London. Next stop in the “White City” of Ostuni, a monumental olive-tree-swathed plateau of the lower Murgia. Take a guided walk along its sun-drenched streets and quaint, cobbled alleyways, taking in panoramas of the surrounding landscape and Adriatic Sea. See the Rione Terra district at the heart of the medieval walled village and the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Also behold the city’s iconic olive trees, with their massive gnarled trunks, some of which may date back 3,000 years. Continue to the oldest bakery in Ostuni, set in a 14th-century building, to discover how this family-run business has turned out renowned bread, focaccia and cookies from an olivewood-fired oven since the 1920s. Then, proceed to Lecce, where you check in to your hotel.
Spend today exploring Lecce, a Baroque “Florence of the South.” Take a scenic walking tour through town, seeing the Piazza del Duomo, the masterful Basilica of Santa Croce and the Roman amphitheater. Taste a pasticciotto while learning the secrets behind preparing this beloved, custard-filled confection. Next, master the intricate art of papier-maché, which has played a significant role in Lecce’s culture and religious heritage since the 17th century. After creating your own masterpiece, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Travel to Otranto, Italy’s easternmost city, a “bridge” linking the country to the Mediterranean. Upon arriving in the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the coast, seeing the Castro, Tricase Porto and Grotta della Poesia. Enclosed by Aragonese walls, Otranto’s Old Town overlooks the crystalline waters. Punctuated by white houses and alleys paved in stone, it was founded by the Greeks in the Byzantine period as a commercial, political and religious hub and a major port of trade with the Orient. The medieval town center — once a vast stronghold — reminds visitors of the threats posed by the Turks, the culmination of which involved a tragic invasion in 1480. Otranto’s cathedral houses a spectacular mosaic floor from the 12th century that blends pagan, Old Testament and New Testament imagery to capture the culture of the time. Visit a local dairy farm located along the gorgeous coastal road known as the Litoranea Salentina. On the farm’s pasturelands, more than a thousand head of sheep graze on the precious Mediterranean flora. Enjoy a tasting in this beautiful corner of paradise whose silence is broken only by the sounds of nature. Before heading back to Lecce, set out on a scenic drive along the coastline, stopping to take pictures or visit the town of Galatina famous for its connection with the ritual local dancing called “tarantismi” (spider music), from which the tarantella folk dance evolved. Return to your hotel and enjoy your evening in Lecce at leisure.Return to your hotel in Lecce for an evening at leisure.
Transfer to Matera, among the most ancient cities on earth. Continually inhabited for 10,000 years, this magical open-air museum — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is an inimitable tangle of cave-dwellings, magnificent Baroque palaces and beautiful stone churches, some of which still have their original fresco decorations. Make your way through the sassi (districts of the city) to see the dark caves of the Murgia; the rock-hewn churches of religious communities; and the elegant streets of the Piano, replete with 17th-century monasteries and palaces. Visit a bakery where your guide introduces you to a local bread so distinctive of the region it is honored with IGP (Indication of Geographic Protection) status. Depending on time and availability, you may also stop at a house furnished as it was centuries earlier, when as many as ten people with their animals lived in just one or two rooms. Descend into deep cisterns and canals once used for water collection to complete your explorations, and at dusk, note how the city’s biblical landscape resembles an enormous crèche (nativity scene).
Depart for the beautiful Amalfi Coast, stopping en route on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for a wonderful panoramic lunch with paired sparkling, red and white wines. Your delicious lunch is made entirely from local ingredients, such as tomatoes grown directly on the volcano’s slopes that are considered among the most flavorful in all of Italy. Continue to Pompeii, where you join a guide for a revealing walk through this once opulent town. The extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire, a sobering glimpse into ancient antiquity. Destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 B.C., this unearthed treasure includes temples, forums, amphitheaters, a brothel and the casts of the people killed by the falling ash and pumice stone. Afterward, proceed to your luxury hotel with unrivaled views in Sorrento.
Leave mainland Italy behind as you board a ferry to stunning Capri. Upon arrival, stroll Capri’s charming, boutique-lined streets. Then, weather permitting, board a public boat that whisks you to the spellbinding, iridescent Blue Grotto. Observe the magical light that illuminates the cave’s rocky walls. Continue sightseeing, or choose to explore beautiful Villa San Michele in Anacapri the Church of San Michele or the summit of Monte Solaro, reached by chairlift. Return to your hotel on the mainland for an evening at leisure.
Skirt the fabled Amalfi coast by private vehicle, starting with a visit to the enchanting village of Ravello, with its stunning coastal views. Take in vistas from the lovely Villa Rufolo before continuing to Amalfi. See the Duomo, fronted by a beautifully hued, 13th-century façade. Pause for lunch at leisure in a delightful, sea-view restaurant. Continue north seeing a kaleidoscope of lagoons, sandy coves, vertiginous cliffs and sun-baked villages en route to vibrant Positano. Stop at a local ceramics producer and learn more about the production process, the colors and the different techniques involved in creating these beautiful works of art. Meander along the village’s narrow lanes, descending toward the glistening sea, where elegant restaurants serve the catch of the day. Next, follow the coast to elegant Sorrento, a Belle Époque treasure of graceful streets with stunning views across the Gulf of Naples.
Transfer to the Naples airport and board your departure flight.
Naples: Food Tour of Naples - 4 hours
Along with your expert guide, head into the heart of the historic centre of Naples and explore one of Naples’ best food markets. Your guide will lead you through the market stalls and shops, where you can sample some of the delicious local specialties. Continue along the alleys of the historic city centre to discover the most picturesque corners of Naples. Sites include the Greek ruins of Bellini square, the street of music (San Biagio dei Librai), San Gregorio Armeno street (famous for shops selling nativity scenes), Decumani and old churches decorated in Rococo style.
Stop for a wine tasting in one of the most famous wine shops in the city before the highlight of your tour: lunch in one of the world’s oldest pizzerias! Naples is the birthplace of the pizza. The Naples pizza margherita features a soft yet satisfyingly chewy base, all puffed up and charred at the edges, the merest smear of tomato sauce, the odd dot of mozzarella and a few basil leaves. Not to be missed is the pizza fritta - the original pizza and unique to Naples - a deep fried pizza filled with ricotta cheese. Heaven on a plate!
Highlights:
Naples: The City of Naples - 8 hours
Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe, covering 4,200 acres and enclosing 27 centuries of history. One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world with Bronze Age Greek settlements dating back to the second millennium BC, the area was re-founded as Neápolis (‘new city’) in the sixth century BC, becoming a lynchpin of Magna Graecia and playing a key role in the merging of Greek culture into Roman society.
Explore Naples today with your expert guide. Highlights include the Spaccanapoli district, the magnificent Duomo cathedral, the Cappella Sansevero with its virtuosic sculptural masterpiece the Cristo Velato, as well as lesser-known gems such as the San Giovanni a Carbonara. Today’s tour encompasses artistic-historic treasures and plenty of local colour. Along the way, enjoy a bite of Naples’ famous street food ‘frittura’, a sinfully delicious mix of deep fried aubergines (eggplant), zucchini, mozzarella, arancini (rice croquettes), cauliflower, or potato croquettes.
Continue your sightseeing tour in the historic centre of Naples. Visit the Castel Nuovo, the imposing medieval structure built by the Angevins to defend the city. You may also wish to visit the adjoining Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace Museum and Royal apartments), built in the 17th century. The magnificently decorated halls and rooms contain the original Bourbon furnishings, paintings, statues and porcelain. Enjoy a panoramic drive to reach the magnificent Carthusian Monastery, the Certosa di San Martino situated on Vomero Hill, where you may visit the luxuriously decorated Baroque Style church.
Highlights:
Naples: Historic Pompeii & Vesuvius - 9 hours
Travel outside Naples today for an excursion to Pompeii. Upon arrival at Pompeii, enjoy a walking tour of this once opulent town. The extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire. Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC, this dugout treasure represents an amazing day trip for children and adults alike. On view are temples, forums, amphitheatres, a brothel and the casts of those killed by the falling ash and pumice stone.
Mount Vesuvius – 1281 meters high – was brought into volcanological history after the eruption of 79 BC, when it destroyed the towns and thousands of residents of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum. Climb till the summit of the ‘mount’ this afternoon with your guide and admire the splendid views across the Bay of Naples. Lose yourself admiring its slopes, once covered with vineyards and woods that nowadays provide a spectacular backdrop for the bustling town below.
Highlights:
Spend a full day on the famous Amalfi coast with an English speaking driver visiting the towns of Positano-Amalfi and Ravello. This tour covers all the Amalfi coast with the possibility of stopping in lesser known towns. Enjoy a relaxing day with ample time for lunch and limoncello tasting.
Tour duration: 6 to 8 hours
Not wheelchair accessible
Physical activity: Steep walking in the town of Positano
Included in the price :
Not included: Meals
Bari: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli - 5 hours
Today you will have the chance to visit Polignano a Mare, a shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.
Continue to Monopoli, whose history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castle. Visit the colourful street market, the cathedral and the elegant bell tower that is over 60 metres high, completely dominating the town below.
Walk down the sea front promenade, where you will visit the church of Santa Maria della Zaffira and take a look at Monopoli’s harbour with it’s fishermen mending their nets or unloading the day's catch.
Highlights:
Bari: Locorotondo & Alberobello - 5 hours
You will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.
Afterwards you will visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alberobello represents the heart of the Itria Valley. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia, where the deep roots of Alberobello act as one of the most typical expressions of the area. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and at its summit a cone-shaped roof.
Highlights:
Bari: Ancient Matera - 8 hours
Spend a full day soaking up the unique ambience of Matera. Venture down the steep streets that crisscross Barisano and Caveoso, the two districts of Matera's sassi (literally the "stones"). Visit a house furnished as it would have been when as many as ten people lived with their animals in one or two rooms. Explore the chiese rupestri, or rock churches, some of which still have their original fresco decorations. After lunch on your own, head out on an easy hike along the opposite ridge of the ravine on which Matera is built and discover some of the rock churches that dot the countryside.
Please note: Matera involves steep walking
Highlights:
Bari: Highlights of Puglia & Cheese Tasting - 8 hours
Today you will meet your English-speaking guide for a full day excursion of “Valle d’Itria”. You will visit Alberobello which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and a con-shaped roof.
Afterwards you will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.
Next visit to a local cheese production where you will see the different phases of how different cheeses are made. After the visit you will enjoy an informal cheese tasting with a buffet where you will taste the local products.
Finally, visit Polignano a Mare, shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare truly lives up to its name and literally could not be any more ‘at sea’!
Highlights:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.