Puglia & Southern Italy Escorted Tour – 9 Days from Bari to Naples

Experience the Authentic Heart of Southern Italy: Baroque Towns, UNESCO Sites & Mediterranean Flavors

Explore the sun-drenched landscapes of Puglia and Campania on this 9-day escorted tour. Wander the cobblestone streets of Bari and Lecce, marvel at ancient stone dwellings in Matera, savor authentic regional cuisine, and step back in time at Pompeii beneath the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Perfect for cultural travelers, food lovers, and couples seeking a seamless Italian escape.

✈️ Day 1 – Depart for Italy

Board your international flight to Southern Italy and get ready for a journey filled with history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.

🇮🇹 Day 2 – Welcome to Bari

Arrival & Orientation Dinner

Arrive in the bustling port city of Bari, gateway to Puglia’s stunning Adriatic coastline. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy leisure time before meeting your Tour Manager at 6 PM for an orientation and a welcome dinner featuring local specialties.

Overnight: Bari
Meals: Dinner

🏰 Day 3 – Bari Old City & Optional Alberobello Tour

Begin your day exploring Bari Vecchia, the city’s vibrant Old Town. Highlights include:

• Bari Cathedral – A Romanesque masterpiece

• Basilica of San Nicola – Housing the relics of St. Nicholas

• Castello Normanno-Svevo – A 12th-century Norman-Swabian fortress

Optional Experience: Alberobello & Its Trulli

Visit the enchanting town of Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage), famous for its traditional cone-shaped Trulli houses, a must-see for architecture and photography enthusiasts.

Dinner is on your own to explore Bari’s lively piazzas and taste Pugliese cuisine.

Overnight: Bari
Meals: Breakfast

🍴 Day 4 – Masseria Lunch & Lecce

Travel through Puglia’s scenic countryside to a traditional Masseria (farmhouse) for a regional lunch with local wines. Continue to Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” to discover:

• Piazza del Duomo

• 2nd-century Roman Amphitheater

• Basilica of Santa Croce – Southern Baroque gem

Enjoy free time to stroll Lecce’s cobbled streets or dine in a quaint trattoria.

Overnight: Lecce
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

🌊 Day 5 – Full Day in Lecce & Optional Salento Peninsula Tour

Spend the day at leisure exploring Lecce, or take the optional full-day tour of the Salento Peninsula. Drive along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts to Otranto, a historic town with ancient walls and panoramic seaside views. Taste local specialties and soak in the coastal charm before returning to Lecce.

Overnight: Lecce
Meals: Breakfast

🏛 Day 6 – Matera & Olive Oil Experience

Travel to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its Sassi di Matera – ancient cave dwellings carved into rock, dating back to the Paleolithic Age. Learn about the region’s “green gold” – extra virgin olive oil – with a tasting experience. Dinner is served at your hotel.

Overnight: Matera
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

🌋 Day 7 – Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii en route to Naples

Journey to the archaeological site of Pompeii, frozen in time under volcanic ash nearly 2,000 years ago. Walk the streets of this ancient city, view the Forum, Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and preserved human casts. Continue to Naples for free time to explore or relax.

Overnight: Naples
Meals: Breakfast

🏙 Day 8 – Naples Historic Center & Farewell Dinner

Discover Naples with a panoramic city tour, including its picturesque bay and views of Mount Vesuvius. Explore the historic center at your own pace or visit:

• Naples National Archaeological Museum

• Underground city

• Seaside promenade

Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner featuring authentic Neapolitan cuisine.

Overnight: Naples
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

👋 Day 9 – Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, taking memories of Southern Italy’s rich culture, history, and cuisine with you.

Meals: Breakfast

✅ Escorted Package Includes

• ✈️ Round-trip international flights (New York – Bari – Naples – New York)

• 🏨 7 Nights First-Class Accommodations:

  • 2 Nights Bari

  • 2 Nights Lecce

  • 1 Night Matera

  • 2 Nights Naples

• 🍽 11 Meals (7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners)

• 🚍 Modern Air-Conditioned Motor Coach

• 🎧 Wireless Audio Headsets for Touring

• 👨‍💼 English-Speaking Tour Manager

• 🏛 Local Guides & Entrance Fees per Itinerary

• 🧳 Porterage & Hotel Taxes

• 💼 Tips for Included Services