Classic Puglia and Amalfi

Arrive into Bari and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, you might wish to take a private walking tour of the city with your local guide. The Basilica di San Nicola is allegedly where Saint Nicholas was laid to rest; decide for yourself when you visit it before your tour of the town’s medieval castle. You will then have time to relax into Italian living with an authentic meal in one of the wonderful trattorias.

After sampling local wines en route, visit Alberobello’s famous trulli – the traditional dwellings with distinctive conical roofs, some dating back to the 15th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the largest concentration of trulli anywhere in the world. Then head to the regal town of Martina Franca, where you’ll find baroque architecture, elaborate ironwork and winding alleys. Don’t lose your way because next you are heading to Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Visit a cheesemaker and enjoy some of its delicious fare.

Explore Gallipoli today and understand how this once Greek city became part of Italy. Meander the narrow lanes of the historic centre and discover the baronial palaces and dazzling white terraced houses of this island surrounded by high walls. Head to the fisherman’s market with your local guide and taste the traditional dish of fish crudités, with a glass of crisp white wine. From here, it’s time to sample more of the local wines and understand the history of vine cultivation in the area.

Transfer to the beautiful and ancient town of Matera. This European city of culture has been continually inhabited for over 10,000 years and is a combination of open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are cave dwellings, baroque palaces and stone churches, as well as wonderful cuisine and culture in which to indulge. Choose either to take a walking tour of the town or enjoy some time at leisure. 

Your trip today takes you to Castel del Monte – an evocative and indecipherable monument set above the commune of Andria. Built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, this castle is both profoundly spiritual and mysterious. Many historians believe it holds the secret to understanding various esoteric, alchemic and astrological signs as well as clues to the character of its creator. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you inspired.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a few more hours exploring the gems of Matera. Set off from your hotel and enjoy a lunch en route to the beautiful Amalfi coast. Upon arrival at Ravello, check in at your hotel and then spend some time wandering around the town and indulging in an Italian coffee or ice-cream.

Twist, turn and loop the coastal roads of the Amalfi Coast as you travel between the glamourous resorts of Ravello, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. After wandering around Ravello, head to Pompeii for a walking tour. This opulent town now lies in extensive ruins which reveal many facets of Roman Empire life. Discover the temples, forums, amphitheatres, a brothel and the casts of the people killed by the falling ash and pumice stone. Head back to your hotel via Amalfi and a visit to the Duomo with its coloured 13th-century façade to enjoy some more dolce vita.

Today take a private yacht out to explore the stunning coastline of the Campania region. Your captain will talk you through the area’s history including the legendary stories of the Li Galli islands, where three mythical sirens lured sailors to their shores. View the wonderful Amalfi coast towns from the boat and sail over to Capri Island, through the iconic Faraglioni Rocks and the Italian mega-yacht home of Marina Piccola. Dive into the crystal waters around Capri and see its famous grottoes before lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

After a wonderful stay in Italy’s beautiful landscapes, it’s time to move on. Transfer to Naples for your onward flight back to the UK. Or you might like to extend your stay in Amalfi or even transfer on to Rome to experience more of Italy’s wonders.