Naples and Apulia
Explore Tour
Explore the beauty of the Sorrento peninsula, the “heel” of Italy’s boot, which looks onto two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian. An extraordinary journey through two of southern Italy’s regions; sometimes green and lush with large vineyards and olive groves, sometimes rocky and rough with ravines, caves and gorges where ancient civilisations settled.
Include/exclude
Included
- Accommodation in well appointed Room
- Daily Breakfast at Hotel
- Local Sightseeing
- Guide
- Pick up and drop from the airport/ railway station
- Fuel charges and driver’s daily allowance
- All applicable hotel taxes and service charges
Excluded
- Air Fare / Train fare throughout the tour.
- Entrance Fees, video camera permits during sightseeing.
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicles, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client directly).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, porter-age etc.
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicles, other than mentioned in the Package.
- Any other feature which is not mentioned in the Package.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival at Rome
Arrival at Rome airport. After clearing customs, you will meet your tour manager for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Naples. Check-in and time to rest. Naples is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy; a walking tour through Spaccanapoli (a long straight street that splits Naples in two) and its colourful streets will be the perfect opportunity to discover Naples’ most magical and genuine locations. You will then proceed to the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino, the Capuano Castle and the lungomare, and take a walk along the beach from where you will enjoy stunning views. Dinner and overnight stay in Naples. (Meals: B. D.)
Day 2: Vesuvio And Pompei
After breakfast, you will take a tour of the “sleeping giant”, Mount Vesuvius (weather permitting). After the tour, we stop at a famous farm that produces amazing olive oil and a delicious wine called Lacrima Christi. Along with a wine expert, you will visit the winery, walk through the vineyard and taste some fine wine. In the afternoon we drive to Pompeii, “the metropolis of ancient times,” for a private guided tour of this incredible archaeological site. We then return to the hotel for a succulent dinner and a traditional show. Dinner and overnight stay in Naples. (Meals: B. D.)
Day 3: Amalfi Coast -Capri
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, we drive to the town of Sorrento. Here you will be transferred by ferry to the island of Capri for a full day private excursion. Along with a panoramic tour of the island, which includes the villages of Capri and Anacapri, your expert guide will give you an introduction to Axel Munthe the man, and his famous memoirs, written in 1929. This unique experience will offer an insight into this unique Swedish character who lived here in Capri for over 50 years. You will also visit a very special place in Capri; Villa San Michele, Munthe’s home and its beautiful garden. At the end of the day we return to Sorrento and check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (Meals: B. D.)
Day 4: Amalfi Coast
After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. We will make a short stop in Positano to take in the stunning views, ideal for taking pictures that will be the envy of your friends. Then we proceed to the town of Amalfi that was one of Italy’s four Marine Republics along with Venice, Pisa and Genoa. In the afternoon we visit the charming little village of Ravello, a mix of history and legend. During the day there will be a Limoncello tasting, after which, we drive back to the hotel in Sorrento. After dinner, we take an evening walking tour in Sorrento and maybe some well deserved gelato. Dinner and overnight stay in Sorrento.
Day 5: Matera
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, board your private coach that will take you to Matera, where you will spend the night. Matera is famous, in the main, for an area of the town called “I Sassi” (ancient buildings carved into the rock). Visiting this area transports you through time along the human journey from the Palaeolithic age to the present day. You will also admire the rock churches built by religious communities, who were always looking for the soul’s purification, and the elegant streets of the Piano, rich in seventeenth century monasteries and palaces. Matera is also known for its bread and baked goods and that is why your next stop will be a local bakery for a tasty treat of Matera’s bread, Focaccia bread and traditional biscuits. Dinner and overnight stay in Matera. (Meals: B. D.)
Day 6: Taranto -Lecce
This morning we leave Matera for the town of Taranto, called the city of two seas because of its location on a strip of land that sits between two seas. The artificial channel that connects them is surmounted by the famous Swing Bridge, beyond which lies the heart of old Taranto. You will visit this ancient Medieval town with its Cathedral of San Cataldo and Aragonese Castle, also known as Castel Sant’Angelo. After lunch we move on to Grottaglie. The surrounding area is very rich in clay and it is therefore perfect for the production of pottery crafts. The origin of pottery crafts in this town dates back to the Middle Ages. You will visit a ceramics workshop to experience this ancient art. At the end of the day we depart to one of the most beautiful towns in Apulia: Lecce. You will check in, relax and have some great food at the hotel. (Meals: B. D.)
Day 7: Lecce
Lecce is the capital of a stunning region in Apulia called Salento. Lecce is also called the Florence of the South, thanks to its fabulous architecture. Your visit to Lecce will begin in the main square (Piazza Duomo), considered the most elegant part of the town. Not far from the square, you will find the evidence of Roman colonisation with the ruins of a traditional Roman amphitheatre. You will also visit the renaissance palace, Palazzo del Seggio, also known as the “Seat,” the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Castle of Charles V. Not to be missed is the Basilica of Santa Croce with its monumental façade and beautiful interiors, a harmonious balance between the sobriety of classical style and the splendour of Lecce’s Baroque. In the afternoon you will take part in an authentic cooking course, a special “hands on” experience, where you will learn not only regional recipes but of the culture of this part of Apulia. Dinner and overnight stay in Lecce. (Meals: B. L. D.)
Day 8: Alberobello -Bari
This morning we drive to Alberobello where we spend a relaxing day at leisure. Alberobello has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996 and is world famous for its characteristic cone shaped buildings known as “trulli”. The trulli are built entirely without the use of mortar and are whitewashed inside and out. The trullo originated in the late 1500s when the Count of Conversano authorised the peasants to build dwellings without using mortar so that they could be easily dismantled in the case of inspection, in order to avoid paying building taxes. In the historic centre you will see Aia Piccola and Rione Monti, both national monuments. Here we walk through the incredible alleyways and pay a visit to the Siamese Trulli and the Master Trullo, built around 1700, which is the only dwelling with more than one floor. You are free to explore Alberobello on your own, with time for shopping and lunch before we continue with our itinerary and head for Bari. We arrive in Bari in the afternoon. Bari is a sparkling resort town with a lovely historic centre. We will stop for well deserved refreshing lemonade or iced coffee at one of the many sidewalk cafes. (Meals: B. D.)
Day 9: Bari, Grotte Di Castellena, Polignano A Mare
This morning is dedicated to a visit to the “città vecchia” the old town. Together with our guide you will see the Basilica of St. Nicholas one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in Apulia, the Swabian castle, Piazza del Ferrarese, Piazza Mercantile and the old port. Experience Arco Alto and Arco Basso where women make and sell “orecchiette” the typical Apulia homemade pasta. In the afternoon, we tour the Castellana Caves and spend time in Polignano a Mare. “Grotte di Castellana” is a wonderful experience; within its 70-metre deep caves witness an amazing scenario made up of stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, and cavities. In Polignano a Mare we will enjoy the lively and picturesque city centre, the terraces offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic sea and the jagged coastline. This is also the birthplace of Domenico Modugno the author of “Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare oh oh!). Return to Bari. We say farewell tonight with a typical dinner, giving you the opportunity to savour traditional Apulian cuisine, simple ingredients and rustic flavours together with a large variety of seafood from the Adriatic Sea. (Meals: B. D.)
Day 10: Transfer to Vatican City
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then you will be transferred to Vatican City
Day 11: Vatican City
Today is dedicated to a visit to Vatican City. In the morning we will depart for St. Peter’s Square, where each Wednesday it is possible to attend the Papal Audience, when Pope Francis blesses the attending crowd. In the afternoon we will visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. In the Vatican Museums you will be shown a fine collection of antiques. The visit includes: the Sculpture Museum, the fascinating Tapestry Gallery, the Gallery of Maps and the world famous Sistine Chapel decorated by Michelangelo. The tour will then proceed to St. Peter’s Basilica where you will view the artistic treasures of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, which includes Michelangelo’s Pietà. Our final stop is the Grand Piazza Navone, one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome, where you may wish to remain, explore and have a meal in one of the many restaurants in the area. Overnight stay Rome. (B.)
Day 12: Rome
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be taken by private motor coach to the Coliseum. Here you will meet your private English speaking guide for a stroll back in time, visiting the Coliseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. In the Coliseum you will be surrounded by impressive monuments and the ruins of the Arch of Constantine the Great. The tour will then proceed to the Roman Forum, the old centre of the Imperial City where t.
Senate House, the Basilicas and the Temples of the major gods are located. You will walk the Via Sacra and pass by the Arch of Titus. Then, your English speaking guide will take you to Palatine Hill, the location where brothers Remus and Romulus battled over who would found the first empire, and where Romulus founded the city that would become Rome. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at the beautiful Trastevere, the place where Romans go to eat, people watch and enjoy ice cream. Overnight stay in Rome (B.D.)
Day 13: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then depending on the flight departure time, visit the city on your own for shopping or sightseeing. Transfer from the hotel to the airport and return to your original departure city.
- After confirmation of any Package request: 50% of tour package cost required immediately to book all the respective services.
- 30 Days prior to arrival date: 75% of tour package cost required.
- 15 Days prior to arrival date: 100% of tour package cost required.
- All payments must be notified by an e-mail format only with attached transaction details.
- Payment terms are subject to change at the time of booking as per Hotel Policy and High Season.
- We will not entertain any credit facility.
- All cancellations must be made in e-mail format only.
- Any cancellation at 45 Days prior to arrival date – 25% of tour fare charge.
- Any cancellation between 45 Days – 30 Days prior to arrival date: 50% of tour fare charge.
- Any cancellation between 30 Days – 15 Days prior to arrival date: 75% of tour fare charge.
- Any cancellation less than 15 Days: 100% of tour fare charge.
- Once the package is booked & confirmed package is Non Cancelable or Non Refundable.
