Italy: Amalfi Coast to Puglia
Stray off the beaten path and explore a new side to the Italy you know and love. Sample wines created from the rich volcanic soil just outside of Pompeii. Soak up the sun with a free afternoon in Positano, home to colorful hillside houses and local posh boutiques. Spend 2 nights in a unique cave dwelling in Matera and your last 2 nights in the Puglia region in a personal converted trullo house. Uncover the Baroque excellence of Lecce, an artisan city of limestone. Make your way through southern Italy and experience the Amalfi Coast and the Puglia region.
Stray off the beaten path and explore a new side to the Italy you know and love. Sample wines created from the rich volcanic soil just outside of Pompeii. Soak up the sun with a free afternoon in Positano, home to colorful hillside houses and local posh boutiques. Spend 2 nights in a unique cave dwelling in Matera and your last 2 nights in the Puglia region in a personal converted trullo house. Uncover the Baroque excellence of Lecce, an artisan city of limestone. Make your way through southern Italy and experience the Amalfi Coast and the Puglia region.
Highlights
- Naples is the third largest city in Italy and a cultural and political hub of the Campania region. The city sits at the base of Mount Vesuvius overlooking the Bay of Naples. The city was the home of the last Spanish King who ruled over the Kingdom of Two Sicilys from his massive castle that is located near the port. Today the city center is a mix of post WWII era modernity and a few historic treasures that survived the bombing. The crazy traffic of the city has become a symbol of the modern Naples and its vibrant streets.
- The Roman city of Pompeii is located in the southern region of Campania, near Naples. The city was covered by volcanic material in 79 AD and forgotten for centuries. When the city was excavated, archeologists found the city to be intact as it had been prior to the eruption. Today visitors walk on the original streets, complete with chariot ruts. The city was made up of a variety of different buildings including theaters, homes, shops, thermal baths and temples — all of which can be visited today. In addition, every-day objects and precious artifacts have been preserved along with original mosaic and fresco decorations.
- Gain a new perspective on the volcanic countryside with a visit to a winery near Pompeii. Layers of ash have transformed the timeworn soil into a fertile vineyard. Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting with lunch, where you can relax and take in the landscape.
- A fishing village of terraced lemon groves, Minori exudes the quintessential Amalfitana vibe. Start your morning in a garden and learn about sfusato lemons, used in limoncello. Sample this fragrant liqueur in a pastry shop before hiking along the coast.
- The rocky Sorrento Peninsula stretches into the Tyrrhenian Sea separating the Bay of Naples to the north from the Gulf of Salerno to the south. On the south of the peninsula is the famed Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast features the 32 mile long coastal drive that hugs the cliff at is passes through the picturesque fishing villages of Positano, Amalfi, and Minori (among others). The coast is famed for its breathtaking views, local cuisine, and drinks like limoncello.
- Ferry past tumbling cliffs and pastel-colored houses on your way to Positano, where you’ll enjoy a free afternoon in this resort town. Perhaps you spend time browsing the posh boutiques, or taking a moment to relax and rest along the beach.
- Ravello is a small village perched on top of a mountain overlooking the Amalfi Coast and Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famous for these views from the many Villas and their gardens. One of the most famous is Villa Rufolo. The terraced gardens of the villa overlook the dramatic Amalfi Coast and gave inspiration for the composer Wagner when writing his operas. The village is also home to several small shops and cafes.
- Matera is a community in southern Italy that is home to the unique Sassi of Matera. The Sassi of Matera are a unique urban structure of cave dwellings that are carved out of the local tufa stone ravines. The community of stone dwellings were inhabited by nearly 15,000 people until the 1950s when the Italian government forced everyone to leave for hygienic purposes. Today, the Sassi are being rehabbed into modern homes, hotels and tourist attractions. The site is also home to a number of ancient stone churches.
- You’ll have a free day to lose yourself in Lecce’s charismatic ambience – full of winding lanes, sun-kissed piazzas, and hidden cafes. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to Otranto and a nearby winery, featuring wine from the region’s dark purple grapes.
- Stop in Ostuni, a whitewashed town surrounded by olive trees. A place inhabited since the stone age, Ostuni is famous for olive oil, wine, and the “Old Town,” a section of the city built on a hill, topped with a citadel and surrounded by ancient walls.
- Zoom through the city of Ostuni like a local in the backseat of an open-air Ape Calessino, a traditional 3-wheeled car. You’ll get an incredible overview of the entire city during an unforgettable tour unlike any other as you’re whisked through the streets.
- Alberobello is a small town in the southern Italian region of Puglia. The town is famous for its unique stone homes called trulli. The trulli of Alberobello look like something out of a cartoon. Each trullo is constructed using slabs of local stone with a conical roof made without mortar. The city center of Alberobello is home to nearly 1500 trulli and is designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Visitors can walk through the streets that are lined with trulli that are used as homes, B&Bs, shops and restaurants.
Hotels
- Royal Continental Hotel — Naples
- Hotel Villa Romana, Minori — Amalfi Coast
- Locanda di San Martino Hotel — Matera
- Santa Chiara Suite Hotel, Lecce — Puglia
- Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso, Alberobello — Puglia
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Naples
- End City
- Alberobello
- Duration (Days)
- 14
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 19 meals included
- Naples is the third largest city in Italy and a cultural and political hub of the Campania region. The city sits at the base of Mount Vesuvius overlooking the Bay of Naples. The city was the home of the last Spanish King who ruled over the Kingdom of Two Sicilys from his massive castle that is located near the port. Today the city center is a mix of post WWII era modernity and a few historic treasures that survived the bombing. The crazy traffic of the city has become a symbol of the modern Naples and its vibrant streets.
- The Roman city of Pompeii is located in the southern region of Campania, near Naples. The city was covered by volcanic material in 79 AD and forgotten for centuries. When the city was excavated, archeologists found the city to be intact as it had been prior to the eruption. Today visitors walk on the original streets, complete with chariot ruts. The city was made up of a variety of different buildings including theaters, homes, shops, thermal baths and temples — all of which can be visited today. In addition, every-day objects and precious artifacts have been preserved along with original mosaic and fresco decorations.
- Gain a new perspective on the volcanic countryside with a visit to a winery near Pompeii. Layers of ash have transformed the timeworn soil into a fertile vineyard. Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting with lunch, where you can relax and take in the landscape.
- A fishing village of terraced lemon groves, Minori exudes the quintessential Amalfitana vibe. Start your morning in a garden and learn about sfusato lemons, used in limoncello. Sample this fragrant liqueur in a pastry shop before hiking along the coast.
- The rocky Sorrento Peninsula stretches into the Tyrrhenian Sea separating the Bay of Naples to the north from the Gulf of Salerno to the south. On the south of the peninsula is the famed Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast features the 32 mile long coastal drive that hugs the cliff at is passes through the picturesque fishing villages of Positano, Amalfi, and Minori (among others). The coast is famed for its breathtaking views, local cuisine, and drinks like limoncello.
- Ferry past tumbling cliffs and pastel-colored houses on your way to Positano, where you’ll enjoy a free afternoon in this resort town. Perhaps you spend time browsing the posh boutiques, or taking a moment to relax and rest along the beach.
- Ravello is a small village perched on top of a mountain overlooking the Amalfi Coast and Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famous for these views from the many Villas and their gardens. One of the most famous is Villa Rufolo. The terraced gardens of the villa overlook the dramatic Amalfi Coast and gave inspiration for the composer Wagner when writing his operas. The village is also home to several small shops and cafes.
- Matera is a community in southern Italy that is home to the unique Sassi of Matera. The Sassi of Matera are a unique urban structure of cave dwellings that are carved out of the local tufa stone ravines. The community of stone dwellings were inhabited by nearly 15,000 people until the 1950s when the Italian government forced everyone to leave for hygienic purposes. Today, the Sassi are being rehabbed into modern homes, hotels and tourist attractions. The site is also home to a number of ancient stone churches.
- You’ll have a free day to lose yourself in Lecce’s charismatic ambience – full of winding lanes, sun-kissed piazzas, and hidden cafes. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to Otranto and a nearby winery, featuring wine from the region’s dark purple grapes.
- Stop in Ostuni, a whitewashed town surrounded by olive trees. A place inhabited since the stone age, Ostuni is famous for olive oil, wine, and the “Old Town,” a section of the city built on a hill, topped with a citadel and surrounded by ancient walls.
- Zoom through the city of Ostuni like a local in the backseat of an open-air Ape Calessino, a traditional 3-wheeled car. You’ll get an incredible overview of the entire city during an unforgettable tour unlike any other as you’re whisked through the streets.
- Alberobello is a small town in the southern Italian region of Puglia. The town is famous for its unique stone homes called trulli. The trulli of Alberobello look like something out of a cartoon. Each trullo is constructed using slabs of local stone with a conical roof made without mortar. The city center of Alberobello is home to nearly 1500 trulli and is designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Visitors can walk through the streets that are lined with trulli that are used as homes, B&Bs, shops and restaurants.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 5,899.00 | 2026-05-09 | |
| Single | USD 7,149.00 | 2026-05-09 | |
| Double | USD 5,899.00 | 2026-05-17 | |
| Single | USD 7,149.00 | 2026-05-17 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
In a country of renowned cuisine, iconic coastlines, and ancient roots, stray off the beaten path and explore a new side of the Italy you know and love. Make your way through southern Italy and experience the Amalfi Coast and the Puglia region.
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Day 2: Naples, Italy
Arrive in Naples, a vibrant mecca for locals and travelers alike. Volcanic landscapes give way to medieval architecture and Grecian lanes, creating a unique culture exclusive to Naples. Settle into your new home for the next 2 nights and admire the view of crashing waves and bobbing boats. Toast to the start of your Italian getaway over dinner, looking out over the deep blue Bay of Naples to Mt. Vesuvius looming in the distance.
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Day 3: Naples
Explore Naples’ exuberant historic city center (UNESCO) and underground ancient ruins with a local guide. During your afternoon at leisure, consider visiting the nearby National Archeological Museum and peruse relics from Pompeii. Tonight’s Impact Moment comes in the form of a private concert, performed by the Napulitanata social enterprise, which supports Italian heritage and abates the city’s high unemployment.
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Day 4: Naples - Pompeii - Minori
Feel the ghosts of the past as you wander through Pompeii with a guide. After you’ve explored the public baths and private villas, get a new perspective on the volcanic countryside with a visit to a nearby winery. Layers of ash have transformed the timeworn soil into a fertile vineyard. Enjoy a wine tasting with lunch before continuing to the beloved Amalfi Coast. Watch the sun fade along the horizon in coastal Minori, your new home for the next 4 nights.
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Day 5: Minori - Maiori - Minori
A fishing village of terraced lemon groves, Minori exudes the quintessential Amalfitana vibe. Start your morning in a garden and learn about sfusato lemons, used in limoncello. Sample this fragrant liqueur before hiking* along the coast. You’ll trek the rugged Path of Lemons - an ancient, hilly route that links Minori with the nearby town Maiori. Explore on your own before returning by boat. The remainder of the day is yours.
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Day 6: Minori - Amalfi - Positano - Minori
Journey by boat** to Amalfi, the rocky coast’s namesake town. Formerly a maritime republic, Amalfi puts a historic spin on the seaside hubs, containing cobblestone piazzas and towering mosaicked cathedrals. After a few hours on your own, ferry past tumbling cliffs and pastel-colored houses on your way to Positano. Enjoy a free afternoon in this resort town, perhaps browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach. Return to Minori by ferry.
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Day 7: Minori - Ravello - Minori
Look down upon the Amalfi Coast from Ravello, a picturesque village with the best vantage point of the winding coastline. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the gardens of Villa Rufolo, making your way through a latticework of hedges and flowers to gaze out at the azure waves below -OR- hike the half-mile trail down to the remote gardens of Villa Cimbrone*** before returning to Minori for an afternoon at leisure.
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Day 8: Minori - Matera
This morning, discover one of Italy’s delectable cheese products during a visit to a dairy farm. Taste freshly made mozzarella for lunch before continuing south to Matera (UNESCO), whose inimitable scenery has been featured in blockbuster films. Experience the town’s cave dwellings, your home for the next 2 nights. Each cave is unique, half-excavated and half-carved from the land. In these unparalleled accommodations,**** connect with the Italian landscape like never before.
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Day 9: Matera
Hike into Matera’s 9,000-year-old history on a guided walking tour along its hillside caves, narrow passages and steep alleys known to locals as the Sassi. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Matera’s heritage. Perhaps you’ll visit the remarkable Palombaro Lungo underground water cistern or head out of town for a hike through the surrounding countryside dotted with prehistoric caves and medieval rock churches.
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Day 10: Matera - Lecce
Cross into the Puglia region and continue your journey to Lecce, a Baroque powerhouse of limestone. Get to know the city with a local expert and take in its iconic architecture and papier-mâché craftsmanship and later enjoy a private folk music and dance performance, highlighting the traditional pizzica e taranta. According to legend, spider bites cause the women to dance with feverish energy.
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Day 11: Lecce - Otranto - Lecce
Today enjoy an excursion to the picturesque village of Otranto and enjoy its characteristic winding lanes and hidden cafes. Take your time for a relaxing lunch along the sea and enjoy your time at leisure in one of the pearls of Salento. In the evening, enjoy a typical Apulian dinner in Lecce.
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Day 12: Lecce - Ostuni - Alberobello
Stop in Ostuni, a whitewashed town surrounded by olive trees. Zoom through the town like a local in the backseat of an open-air Ape Calessino, a traditional 3-wheeled car. Enjoy time on your own in Ostuni before continuing to Alberobello, (UNESCO), a whimsical city known for its trulli, stone huts with cone-shaped roofs. Meander with your guide through a labyrinth of these gnomish houses, some adorned with symbols carrying religious or astrological meanings. Make your way to your personal room**** in one of these peculiar houses that will be your home for the next two nights.
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Day 13: Alberobello
Today, take a tour of an olive oil mill and taste a variety of extra virgin olive oils. Back in Alberobello, enjoy free time to further explore the city on your own. As the day draws to a close, gather to wish Italy goodbye at a farewell dinner.
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Day 14: Alberobello - Tour Ends
Depart for home with treasured memories of rocky shores and cobblestone streets.