Spectacular Southern Italy Tour – Puglia, Abruzzo & Matera

Detailed itinerary

Meals Included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1 Rome/Santo Stefano in Sessanio/Calascio/Pescara (L)

Today your tour leaders will meet you in Rome, at 9:00am at a designated pick-up point for the start of the tour. Introductions and a small talk on the tour will take place before the group make their way out of Rome, travelling in air-conditioned mini vans towards Pescara, in Abruzzo. On the way we travel to one of the most celebrated areas of the Abruzzo Region, Grand Sasso National Park, the highest area of the central Apennines. There will be a stop at the tiny medieval village of Santo Stefano in Sessanio, famous for once being part of the powerful Medici family dynasty for over 200 years. Its characteristic original charm of small, cobbled stone streets and houses make it a fascinating trip back in time. We then travel on to the neighbouring town of Calascio to admire the imposing 13th century fortress with spectacular panoramic views of the Apennines and Campo Imperatore. Lunch is in Calascio in a traditional mountain rifugio. We should reach Pescara by late afternoon where the group will check-into the hotel centrally located in the heart of the historical centre of the city. Free evening in Pescara.

Day 2 Pescara/Termoli (BL)

It will be a leisurely morning start today before we say goodbye to Pescara and travel south along the Adriatic coast to the historical seaside fishing town of Termoli. On the way we will make a stop for lunch a special location. The old town of Termoli is a fortified citadel, positioned on a natural rocky promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The view is breathtaking across all seasons. Over the years, the buildings of the centro storico, including the homes, have been re-furbished and painted in a range of bright pastel colours, making this town a quaint and very pretty destination to stay. Free evening in Termoli.

Day 3 Termoli/Vasto (BD)

Today we travel to the ancient Roman town of Vasto, on a beautiful stretch of coastline along the Adriatic. Our local guide will lead the group through the historical centre and enjoy a walk along the promenade overlooking the fascinating crescent-shaped coastline. The walking tour will also include the town’s medieval Castle, its many charming lanes and the Cathedral in Piazza Rossetti. We should return to Termoli by late afternoon where there will be free time to explore the boulevards and laneways of the historical centre of the city or perhaps a walk along lungomare (beach promenade). Dinner in a traditional restaurant in Termoli.

Day 4 Termoli/Trani (BD)

This morning we say goodbye to Abruzzo and make our way south along the Adriatic Coast to the beautiful seaside town of Trani in Puglia. After check-in at the hotel there is some free time to explore the centre of Trani before an afternoon walking tour with an expert local guide visiting the stunning Romanesque Cathedral and other iconic buildings in this beautiful town. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 5 Trani/Castel Del Monte (BL)

For our first morning in Puglia, it will be a short drive through the Pugliese countryside full of olive groves and traditional farmhouses to reach the famous 13th century castle built by Frederick II of Swabia. The castle is an octagonal shape and built on a hill offering 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. This important landmark and UNESCO recognised castle, will give an insight into the history and the legacy left by Frederick II and his descendants in this part of Italy, but also show their influence throughout medieval Europe. We return to Trani for lunch in the historical port area. Free evening in Trani.

Day 6 Trani/Polignano A Mare (BD)

Today we make our way to another spectacular town situated along the Adriatic, Polignano al Mare. Your hotel has beautiful rooms with spectacular views of the coastline and the old town perched on a cliff face. On the way the group will have a special tasting in a historic Frantoio specialising in local production of extra virgin olive oil. Before dinner, there will be a leisurely walk through the historical centre of Polignano. Dinner will be held in a restaurant which serves local delicacies.

Day 7 Polignano A Mare/Alberobello (BL)

Our second day in this part of Puglia will give the group an insight into the remarkable diversity this region has to offer when compared to the rest of Italy. We will visit beautiful Alberobello, one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Puglia, famous for the iconic ‘Trulli’; traditional round-shaped and whitewashed stone houses with conical stone roofs. We will have lunch in Alberobello in a restaurant set in a traditional Trullo and enjoy the distinct local cuisine and wine. Then it is back to Polignano for a free afternoon and evening.

Day 8 Polignano A Mare (B)

Today is a free day to explore the beautiful historical centre of Polignano with its stunning cobblestone streets full of restaurants, boutique shops and bars overlooking the sea. You may also choose to visit the nearby towns of Monopoli, Conversano or Ostuni, all easily accessible via public transport or local taxi.

Day 9 Polignano A Mare/Lecce (BD)

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Polignano A Mare for a day dedicated to discovering the splendid city of Lecce, famous for its Baroque buildings built in soft local honey coloured stone. A local guide will take the group on a stroll through the elegant city centre with the Piazza del Duomo. After a break for lunch, we will proceed to the hotel for check-in. Afternoon is free. The group will reconvene late afternoon for an aperitivo before dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Day 10 Lecce/Otranto (BL)

It is an early morning start as we journey to the seaside city of Otranto, known as the “Gateway to the Orient” due to its position on the most easterly tip of the Italian peninsula. After a walking tour of the historical centre followed by a traditional lunch there will be some free time to explore the small streets or perhaps enjoy a drink at one of the many bars overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and relaxation for the group to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or you may wish to continue exploring the beautiful baroque city of Lecce.

Day 11 Lecce/Matera (BD)

We say goodbye to Lecce and Puglia as we travel across the border into the region of Basilicata to what will surely be a highlight of the tour, the amazing town of Matera. Matera is famous for its underground dwellings dug into the rock where the local people lived until the 1950’s. Now many of these caves have become tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and wellness centres. Once we have checked-into our hotel located in the heart of Matera we will have an afternoon walk to explore the characteristic ‘Sassi’ area of this UNESCO heritage listed city, an unforgettable experience. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 12 Matera (BD)

It is a wonderful time to be visiting the city as Matera as recently in 2019 it was awarded the title of European Capital City of Culture. Here the group will be guided by a local expert who will narrate the history and development of this unique city and visit the famous ‘Sassi’ situated among the labyrinth of the many narrow alleyways of the famous caves. The afternoon will be free for travellers to further explore the city which will be alive with exhibitions and performances as the cultural centre of Europe. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 13 Matera/Bari (B)

After breakfast the group will travel to Bari where the tour will end at Bari International Airport. Onward travel can be organised by Pronto Travel/Vita Italian Tours for those travelling onto other destinations.