Hidden Gems of Southern Italy
Day 1- 5th October - Transfer from Napoli to Amalfi
Today we meet at the Naples airport and embark on our journey by private transfer to Amalfi.
After settling into our hotel we’ll explore the local area and in the evening we’ll enjoy our welcome dinner in Amalfi.
Discover the amazing views of the Amalfi Coast, which has charming villages and natural attractions.
In Amalfi, visit the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Sicilian-Arabic style and enjoy the sweets from the Pansa Chocolaterie and the "limoncello" from the Valle dei Mulini shop.
Tonight we enjoy our welcome dinner.
Overnight in 2 double rooms Junior Suite - 1 deluxe single use - 2 comfort rooms single use - 1 Superior room at L'Antico Convitto 3* (or similar) Amalfi
Day 2 - 6th October - Amalfi → Positano
Breakfast at hotel
Ferry crossing: Amalfi → Positano
Climb the cobblestone streets of the centre and discover how beautiful is Positano: artisan boutiques, fruit shops displaying lemons and cedars as big as watermelons, exclusive cafes and art galleries.
Sketch and paint in Positano.
Ferry crossing: Positano → Amalfi
Overnight in 2 double rooms Junior Suite - 1 deluxe single use - 2 comfort rooms single use - 1 Superior room at L'Antico Convitto 3* (or similar) Amalfi
Day 3 - 7th October - Amalfi → Capri
Breakfast at hotel
Ferry crossing: Amalfi → Capri
The splendid island of Capri off the coast of Sorrento, besides being visited by illustrious personalities, is particularly famous for its natural beauty, its millenary history, its mild climate and its luminous landscape.
The panorama is magnificent in the wide inlet of Marina Grande, the island's harbour, from where the funicular takes you to the town of Capri in just twelve minutes. Houses of volcanic tuff, terraced roofs, arches with pergolas, winding alleys leading to Piazza Umberto I, the "Piazzetta": a veritable open-air salon.
The Blue Grotto owes its name to the magnificent colour of the seabed reflected in the grotto. You can reach it by speedboat from the harbour, by bus or on foot from the village of Anacapri. Here it is worth taking the chairlift up to Monte Solaro to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Sketch and paint on Capri.
Ferry crossing: Capri → Amalfi
Overnight in 2 double rooms Junior Suite - 1 deluxe single use - 2 comfort rooms single use - 1 Superior room at L'Antico Convitto 3* (or similar) Amalfi
Day 4 - 8th October - Amalfi - Ravello
Breakfast at hotel
Return transfers Amalfi - Ravello
The "Terraza dell'Infinito" in Ravello was called "the most beautiful place in the world", and not without reason: this place is an unmissable stop.
Sketch and paint in Ravello.
Overnight in 2 double rooms Junior Suite - 1 deluxe single use - 2 comfort rooms single use - 1 Superior room at L'Antico Convitto 3* (or similar) Amalfi
Day 5 - 9th October - Amalfi to Matera
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer in private vehicle with driver: Amalfi → Matera
Local guide for 2 hours
Matera, known as the 'City of Stones', rose to fame thanks to Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ. The city is a captivating labyrinth of narrow alleys, houses, balconies, and churches carved into the rock.
Your local agent's special touch: I highly recommend spending the night in Matera to experience its enchanting nocturnal atmosphere. As darkness falls, the city is wrapped in silence, softly illuminated by scattered lights.
Overnight at hotel Palazzo Viceconte 4*in Matera
Day 6 - 10th October - Matera
Breakfast at hotel
Sketch and paint in Matera.
Wander through Matera and uncover its most unexpected treasures
Please note that Matera is a beautiful town with many steps, so exploring it requires time and a reasonable level of mobility. Travellers with mobility issues should take this into consideration when planning their visit. However, a panoramic tuk-tuk tour is available as an alternative way to experience the town.
Overnight at hotel Palazzo Viceconte 4* in Matera
Day 7- 11th October – Matera → Otranto
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer in private vehicle with driver: Matera → Otranto
Local guide for 2 hours
Enjoy a pleasant walk through the historic centre of Otranto where the highlight is the Cathedral, preserving one of the largest floor mosaic whose complex symbolism is a stone book with a rich narrative.
Overnight in Superior room at Hotel Albánia 3* or Miramare 3*
Day 8: 12th October - Otranto to Lecce
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer in private vehicle with driver: Otranto → Lecce
Local guide for 2 hours
The local guide in Lecce unveils for you the richness of the city known as Florence of the South.
Sketch and paint in Lecce.
Transfer in private vehicle with driver: Lecce → Otranto
On the way back to Otranto, you driver will stop along the coast to admire the impressive Faraglioni di Sant'Andrea (Sea Stacks)
Overnight in Superior room at Hotel Albánia 3* or Miramare 3*
Day 9 - 13th October - Gallipoli and Galatina
Breakfast at hotel
Private transportation by minivan to the cheese farm, Gallipoli and Galatina - 8 hours
After visiting the cheese farm, head to Gallipoli, where you cannot miss a stop at the kiosks at the harbour selling fresh fish, cooked or raw, before taking a pleasant stroll in the old town.
Visit to a cheese farm (masseria) with tasting - 1,5h
Visit a cheese farm (masseria) where the production process is marked by ancient rhythms. Thus, the cheeses take on natural, genuine qualities that you will appreciate during the tasting.
Local guide for 1 hour
The splendid frescoes in the Basilica of St Catherine of Alexandria in Galatina are the glorious end to an unforgettable day.
Overnight in Superior room at Hotel Albánia 3*
Day 10 - 14th - October Otrano to Alberobello
Breakfast at hotel
Private transportation to an olive oil farm, to Ostuni and arrival in Alberobello - 7 hours
Reach Ostuni, known as the white city where every alley is a wonderful discovery. Free time to explore the town before heading to Alberobello, your final destination for today
Shared tour of an underground olive mill
Visit an ancient farm with a monumental olive grove, where you will discover the oldest specimens with fascinating sculptural shapes and learn about the history of olive cultivation in Puglia. Next, you will visit the underground oil mill, one of the oldest in the region, as well as the historic facilities of the estate, where you will learn about the history of olive processing and life on the farm. The visit will conclude with a tasting of 3 to 4 types of organic extra virgin olive oil served on friselle (a type of crunchy bread).
Overnight at hotel
Accommodation arrangements:
Suites – Palazzo Scotto (Main Building)
NOBILE – Superior Studio Suite (Double) → First floor, accessible only via stairs
CUMMERSE – Traditional Suite (Twin) → Second floor, accessible via stairs and lift
NOBILE – Deluxe Room (DUS) → First floor, accessible only via stairsWidespread Collection (130m from the Main Building)
LA PICCOLA – Double Economy Annex (DUS) → Barrier-free access
CAMINETTO – Queen Suite Annex (DUS) → Accessible with a few steps
PIETRA – Deluxe Suite Annex (DUS) → Accessible with a few steps
Breakfast is served at the restaurant located in the main building (guests staying 130m away will need to go to the restaurant for breakfast).
Welcome aperitif offered on the day of arrival
Day 11 - 15th October - Locotrotono -Cisternino
Breakfast at hotel
Private transportation to Locorotondo and Cisternino - 4 hours
Explore the heart of Apulia, the magnificent Itria Valley with its characteristic villages. Among them we find Alberobello and its trulli, the characteristic houses with conical roof, where you will spend the morning.
In the afternoon head to Cisternino and Locorotondo, considered one of the most beautiful villages of Apulia with its circular historical centre and its white houses.
Sketch and paint in Alberobello, Locorotondo and/or Cisternino.
Overnight at Hotel Palazzo Scotto
Day 12 -16th October - Alberobello to Giovinazzo
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer in private vehicle with driver: Alberobello → Giovinazzo
Giovinazzo is a charming seaside town, perfect for those seeking history, culture, and relaxation. Its picturesque old town and scenic waterfront create an inviting atmosphere. From here, you can easily travel by train to the coastal towns of Molfetta and Trani, both famous for their stunning "cathedrals of the sea." Their white stone bell towers once served as beacons for sailors, guiding them safely along the Adriatic coast.
Sketch and paint in R.
Sketch and paint in Giovinazzo .
Overnight at Hotel S. Martin 4*
Day 13 - 17 October - Giovinazzo → Polignano a mare→ Monopoli
Breakfast at hotel
Train from Giovinazzo → Polignano a mare
Polignano a Mare is one of the most beautiful places in Puglia. With its terraces on the sea, poems painted on the wall in the historic centre, and impressive views, the town is pure poetry!
Train from Polignano a mare → Monopoli
Monopoli is not as famous as the neighbouring village of Polignano but a stop here is a must to discover the enchanting old town, the hidden coves and the excellent restaurants.
Train from Monopoli → Giovinazzo
Overnight at Hotel S. Martin 4*
Day 14 - 18 October - Giovinazzo → Bari
Breakfast at hotel
Train from Giovinazzo → Bari
Local guide for 2 hours
In the historical centre of Bari, your guide shows you the city highlights among which stand out the Swabian Castle, the Church of San Nicola and the unmissable 'orecchiette' street, a unique sight because only here we find the local housewives preparing the orecchiette before our eyes.
Train from Bari → Giovinazzo
Overnight at Hotel S. Martin 4*
Day 15 - 19th October -Departure
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer in a private vehicle with driver: Giovinazzo → Bari airport for your onward journey.