10 Day Southern Italy, Puglia & Campania

10-Day Southern Italy Escorted Tour | Bari, Lecce, Matera & Naples

DAY 1 – Saturday: Depart for Italy

Begin your unforgettable journey to Southern Italy with a flight to Bari. Prepare for 10 days of ancient cities, stunning coastline, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and authentic Italian cuisine.

DAY 2 – Sunday: Arrive in Bari

Arrive in Bari and transfer to your hotel in the lively capital of Puglia. With its seaside charm, Bari is the gateway to the heel of Italy’s “boot.”

• Orientation & Dinner: Meet your Tour Manager at 6 PM for a welcome briefing, followed by dinner.

• Overnight: Bari

• Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 – Monday: Bari Old Town & Alberobello

Explore the winding streets of Bari Vecchia. Visit the Basilica of San Nicola, housing the relics of St. Nicholas, and the 12th-century Norman-Svevo Castle. In the afternoon, journey to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Trulli — unique dry-stone huts with conical roofs dating back to the 14th century. Return to Bari for leisure time to wander the lively squares and enjoy traditional Pugliese cuisine.

• Overnight: Bari

• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 – Tuesday: Leisure in Bari or Optional Trani Tour

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Bari, a city with stunning coastal vistas. For an unforgettable experience, join the optional full-day tour to Trani, exploring the historic harbor town, its 12th-century Cathedral, and the centuries-old olive groves. Lunch includes local wine and “green gold” olive oil tasting.

• Optional: Full Day Trani with Lunch

• Overnight: Bari

• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 – Wednesday: Masseria Lunch & Lecce

Visit a traditional Masseria (farmhouse) for a regional lunch with local wines. Continue to Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South,” and stroll along cobblestone streets to admire Baroque architecture, the Roman Amphitheater, Piazza del Duomo, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy free time to explore charming trattorias and boutiques in the city center.

• Overnight: Lecce

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 – Thursday: Leisure in Lecce or Optional Salento & Otranto Tour

Spend the day discovering Lecce at your own pace, or embark on an optional Salento Peninsula tour. Travel to Santa Maria di Leuca where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. Visit scenic beaches, fishing villages, and historic watchtowers. Continue to Otranto to explore the fortified historic center, local shops, and enjoy a gelato before returning to Lecce.

• Optional: Full Day Salento & Otranto with Lunch

• Overnight: Lecce

• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 – Friday: Matera

Journey to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its Sassi — ancient stone dwellings carved into rock dating back to the Paleolithic era. Discover the city’s fascinating history as the first human settlements in Italy. Dinner at your hotel in Matera completes the day.

• Overnight: Matera

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8 – Saturday: Naples Arrival & City Tour

Drive to Naples, the gateway to southern Italy’s history and cuisine. Enjoy lunch upon arrival. Embark on a walking tour of Naples including Piazza del Plebiscito, San Francesco di Paola Basilica, San Carlo Opera House, Galleria Umberto, Royal Palace, and Maschio Angioino Castle. Evening at leisure to explore or dine at a local restaurant.

• Overnight: Naples

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9 – Sunday: Leisure in Naples or Optional Capri Excursion

Relax in Naples or take the optional full-day boat excursion to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Explore Anacapri’s chic streets, La Piazzetta, and the Gardens of Augustus for breathtaking views of the Faraglioni rock formations. Return to Naples for a farewell dinner with your Tour Manager.

• Optional: Full Day Capri Tour

• Overnight: Naples

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10 – Monday: Depart Italy

Transfer to Naples Airport for your departure flight, taking home memories of Southern Italy’s stunning coastline, ancient cities, and authentic cuisine.

• Meals: Breakfast

Escorted Italy Tour Package Includes:

• Round-trip flights: New York → Bari / Naples → New York (other cities available)

• 8 nights First Class accommodations: 3 nights Bari, 2 nights Lecce, 1 night Matera, 2 nights Naples

• Hotel taxes, fees, and porterage

• All transfers included with airfare purchase

• 13 meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach

• English-speaking Tour Manager and local guides

• Entrance fees as per itinerary

• Tips for porters, wait staff, and local guides

• Wireless earphones for enhanced touring