This 11 day 10 night itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Italy. From the scenic landscapes, to the history, food, and wine. Designed with a little extra time to relax or explore on your own. As always, this itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and interests.
Day 1: Arrival in Naples
Private transfers to Positano upon arrival. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight Positano.
Day 2: Mediterranean Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Positano
Free morning & afternoon.
Your cooking class takes place in a family-owned property and is one of the very first houses to be built in Positano. Here, you’ll enjoy a sampling of antipasti and a wine tasting. Shortly after, you’ll begin your class on the property’s amazing terrace. Try not to let the garden, with its incredible view of the coast distract you too much!
The hands-on class will introduce you to the traditional family recipes of the region. Of course, all ingredients are fresh and strictly locally sourced. After the 3hr. class you can enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine and dive into the dishes you’ve prepared.
Day 3: Private Full-Day Boat Tour to Capri
Private boat to the island of Capri, where you’ll have free time to explore, sail, and even stop for a swim. Capri is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. With its natural beauty, rich history, mild climate, and breathtaking vistas, it’s not hard to see why. Its name literally means “goats,” and you just might see some of them!
For centuries, Capri was a retreat of sorts. Pirates would hide their loot here, and it’s where Emperor Tiberius’s Villa Jovis resides. Visitors can see the Salto di Tiberio, where he would fling those who no longer pleased him to their deaths.
These days, Capri is a retreat for young-ish, jet-set types and Hollywood celebrities. Don’t expect lush tropical scenery, but do expect old-world charm. There are gorgeous grottoes and cliffs that plunge into the clear blue waters.
Also expect superb restaurants, good shopping, water sports, gardens, Roman ruins, churches, wonderful streets, and prepare yourself for some of the highest prices in Italy.
Entrance to the Blue Grotto is not guaranteed, and if available, paid for locally. Towels and soft drinks included on board.
Day 4: Flavors of Amalfi
Full-day food & wine tour.
This full-day foodie excursion will begin in Ravello with a mouth-watering mozzarella making class which includes a tasting of fresh cheese. Following the session, you’ll continue with a walking tour of the town.
Unlike Amalfi and Positano, which are both at sea level, Ravello sits high in the mountains, providing a unique and quieter atmosphere. There are stellar views overlooking the coastline and the Bay of Salerno.
Lunch will be held at a local trattoria, where you’ll be served the freshest dishes paired with organic wine. On the way back, you’ll stop in the lesser-known town of Minori. Enjoy a limoncello tasting with a light walk through the town’s center.
Day 5: Positano – Matera
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel. Private transfer to Matera hotel for check-in.
Enjoy this afternoon & evening at your leisure.
Day 6: Matera – 2019 Capital of Culture
This full-day experience begins with a walking tour of Miglionico or Montescaglioso. Proceed towards Matera, with a visit to the Crypt of the Original Sin. One of the most ancient examples of Rupestrian art in Southern Italy, its frescoes date back to the 9th century!
Stop for a lunch break with local fare, and conclude the full-day program with a walking tour of the Sassi of Matera. Along the paths, alleys, and stairs, learn the history of its development. Along the way there will be stops to visit churches, cave houses, and water collection systems.
Day 7: Matera – Torre Canne di Fasano
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Matera and transfer to your hotel in Torre Canne di Fasano for check-in.
Enjoy this afternoon & evening at your leisure.
Day 8: Bari Slow, with Fish Market & Focaccia Tasting
Bari is one of Italy’s best kept secrets. This city on the Adriatic sea is a gem in disguise. Step into Puglia’s culture with a walking tour of Bari with a stop in nearby Bitonto. Visit the fish market, and enjoy a tasting of the best Focaccia, as well as taralli and bocconotto pastry.
Feast on a lunch comprised of a fish-based menu paired with local wines. This foodie experience ends in the streets of Bari’s old town, where women make orecchiette on the street.
Day 9: Itria Valley, Burrata, Organic Wines and Ostuni
Your full day program begins with a visit to see how the local cheeses burrata, mozzarella, and scamorza are made. You’ll also get to taste them afterwards. Proceed towards Martina Franca, known as the Baroque capital of Puglia. After a short visit to the town center, you’ll have lunch at a traditional restaurant located in the area of Manduria with a wine tasting.
Walk off your meal with a leisurely stroll down the streets of whitewashed houses in Ostuni. If time permits, you may also stop in the town of Grottaglie, known for its ceramics.
Day 10: Alberobello & Polignano, EVOO & Gelato
Welcome to the fairy-tale villages of Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. Unique towns of charming, narrow streets where the residents live in “trulli,” small conical roofed houses of white washed stones.
Because you’ll be in the area during the olive harvest, naturally, your day will begin with an olive oil tour and tasting. You’ll stop in Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, for a short walking tour. The tranquil town is also famous for its Locorotondo DOC white wines.
Proceed towards Alberobello and Polignano for a guided visit of both towns. Undoubtedly the most famous town in Itria Valley, Alberobello is renowned for its trulli-lined streets. While these distinct homes are scattered all over this valley, this is the largest concentration of them.
Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is extremely popular with tourists. Nonetheless, a walk through this picturesque quarter is an enchanting experience. There will be a break for lunch (independent) before moving on to Polignano al Mare.
Situated in the Bari area, Polignano is surrounded by the sea, full of magic and romance in every corner. Here, you can also admire the statue of Domenico Modugno, also known as “Mr. Volare,” a big bronze statue dedicated to a wonderful interpreter. Finally, you will enjoy a coffee or a gelato tasting before being transferred back to your hotel.
Day 11: Departure Day
Check-out of the hotel. Private transfers to Bari Airport for departure flight.
Please note this is a sample itinerary and can be modified it to your preferences. Services related with ferries must be checked and scheduled according to the ferries timetable on the specific day of travel. All shared tour options must be checked for availability.