South Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

Set off to explore the historic ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii. Walk around the remnants of a civilization destroyed fully by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. See the awe-inspiring site of an ancient city frozen in time after it was buried under 13 to 20 feet (4 to 6 m) of volcanic ash and pumice. Accompany your guide cum archeologist around the western part of town as you listen to details about how life in this splendid city was before the tragedy. Wander among the ruins of important buildings such as the thermal baths, the Basilica, the bakery, the forum, and houses before you resume your onward journey. (En route Activity; Duration: 2 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy. Private English Speaking Guide & Entrance Fees included.)

Savor a hearty breakfast at the hotel before you set off with your driver and guide to discover the attractions of the Amalfi Coast. Drive past charming villages where houses sit huddled over one another on the slopes of the breathtaking cliffs. Savor splendid views of lemon and olive orchards, picturesque beaches, and Saracen watchtowers as you travel along the narrow roads into the town of Amalfi. Explore the medieval cathedral dedicated to Saint Andrew that sits at the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site and soak in the old world charm of the town that was part of a powerful maritime republic from the ninth to the 11th-century. Savor a delicious lunch in an authentic local restaurant before heading over to Villa Rufolo. Enjoy spectacular views of the entire Amalfi Coast from the scenic gardens of this villa, set in the historical center of the quaint village of Ravello. Wander around the alleys of Ravello dotted with luxurious villas. Stroll around sprawling Piazza Vescovado bordered by Palazzo Rufolo and the imposing cathedral with its soaring bell tower before returning to your hotel In the late afternoon. (Full Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Lunch Included; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes. Pick up is available if the hotel is reachable by car.)

Discover the island of Capri on this full day group boat tour. Make your way to the port in Amalfi or Positano to board your vessel. Travel in comfort along the scenic coast towards Capri. Your captain will steer the boat around the island, giving you a view of rock formations such as the Natural Arch and the Faraglioni (three spurs that jut out from the sea). See the sea caves known as Grotta del Corallo, Gotta Verde and Grotta Bianca. You can also visit the famous Blue Grotto for an additional fee. Other landmarks that you can see from the boat include the statue of the Scugnizzo, Villa Malaparte, and the lighthouse at Punta Carena. After circling the island, you will have time to go ashore and explore the town at your own pace. See Piazza Umberto I, the town’s main square. Ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro for the best views of the island and the Bay of Naples. Then return to the boat and cruise back to the mainland. (Duration: full day; Time: 1000 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Meal included: snacks, Please let us know about any food allergies in advance; Max pax: 12; Min age 4; Tour can be canceled free of charge or rescheduled in case of bad weather)  

Explore the fascinating city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, accompanied by your private guide. Each area has numerous sassi (caves) which the city is famous for, alongside houses and cave churches. As you make your way around the city, your guide will tell you about its turbulent history during the early years when people lived in poverty, until they evacuated in 1950, abandoning the sassi for the next 30 years. Visit an ancient cave church and see a preserved fresco of Saint Lucio dating back to the 1500s. Afterward, head to several panoramic viewpoints before stepping into the Romanesque-style Matera Cathedral to admire its beautiful interiors, decorated with gold and marble. You will also see an original medieval fresco of Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy.’ Continue to the main square to see the Palombaro Lungo, a unique underground cistern, and end your tour with a stop at the historic Church of St. John. (Duration: half-day; Private activity & no transfers; Meals not included; Entrance fees included; Fitness level: moderate.)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the following places in Fasano. Begin with a drive to Grotte di Castellana, a mesmerizing cave system. It comprises Italy’s longest natural subterranean network of passages. The caves are home to an extraordinary range of underground landscapes, geological formations and crystallized caverns. Walk down the caves and you’ll experience natural light streaming through the ceiling and creating surreal visual effects. Alternatively, families may visit Zoosafari Fasanolandia, which is Europe’s second largest wildlife park with more than 200 animal species. Stop for lunch at the FronteMare Restaurant, which is perched on a hill overlooking the sea. It is renowned for its raw and cooked seafood dishes and traditional Italian fare. To relax, head to the sandy Lido Ottagono Beach, sprawling with umbrellas and deck chairs. Explore Parco Commerciale di Casamassima, a premium shopping mall that has a host of boutiques, footwear stores, salons, spas and restaurants. As the day wanes, take a stroll along the idyllic harbor. (En route; Self-explore activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Discover the UNESCO-listed town of Alberobello on this private tour. Get picked up from your hotel and drive to the charming town famed for its unique trulli houses. These huts, made of dry limestone, without the use of cement, sport conical roofs and date back to the 15th-century. Start exploring in Rione Aia Piccola, the old part of town. As you traverse the slopes to a museum dedicated to the trulli buildings, learn about the region’s history from your knowledgeable guide. From the main viewpoint that overlooks Rione Monti, take in panoramic views of the whitewashed dwellings. Walk down the narrow alleyways for a closer look at the trulli houses, and check out the cafes, and wine bars on either side. Step into a small church located within a trulli, for a truly memorable experience. Before you wrap up your tour, you could buy yourself a glass of wine in one of the cozy trulli bars. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Comfortable walking shoes recommended; Not available on Sundays)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the following places in Lecce. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, an architectural masterpiece and one of the town’s most important churches. The interiors contain 17 richly decorated altars that display mythological figures and angels in celebration, as well as cherubs, flowers and animals. Next, head to Piazza Sant’Oronzo, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Here, you’ll find a tall column with the statue of Sant’Oronzo and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. Stop at Caffe Alvino for a pasticciotto, which is a pastry filled with ricotta cheese or egg custard. Rest awhile in Villa Comunale and people-watch. At the Papier Mache Museum, learn about the craft’s history and how it is manufactured. Amble through five rooms filled with painted religious and peasant figurines, ornamental flowers and jewelry, and tiny plates of food for dolls’ houses. End with a stroll along Via Salvatore Trinchese that is occupied by music venues and fashionable boutiques selling leather bags and jackets. (En route; Self-explore activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Bike your way around Lecce, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Pedal through the piazzas peppered with Baroque buildings and immerse yourself in Lecce’s history and culture. Ride on the narrow streets in the historic center and see elegantly restored homes. At stops along the way, appreciate the friezes, decorated walls and wrought iron balconies. Make your way to the Basilica of Santa Croce, with its ornate façade that features a large rose window. You’ll also see six columns, which support a superstructure of moldings and bands that display grotesque figures, animals and vegetables. Head to Porta Napoli, a triumphal arch that is flanked by two Corinthian pillars with the Habsburg imperial coat of arms. At Piazza Sant’Oronzo, see the remnants of a Roman amphitheater. After, proceed to a food store to taste Apulian wines and extra virgin olive oil paired with cold cuts and cheese. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private activity; No transfers; Starting point: 32 Via Giuseppe Palmiere, Lecce; Meals included: olive oil, wine & food tasting; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate, please note that the city is relatively car free, but there will be some cars as well as pedestrians and other cyclists on the roads; Equipment provided: bike; Please wear comfortable shoes; The city itself is relatively car free, but there will be some cars as well as pedestrians and other cyclists on the roads; Not available on Sundays)