Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

670 Views
9 Days From

$2241

$2043

Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

9 Days

Visiting: Arrive In Naples, Italy, Naples, Castel Del Monte, Bari, Ostuni, Lecce, Lecce. Excursion To Otranto, Alberobello, Castellana Grotte, Paestum, Sorrento Area

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

LN-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2241 $2043 Operator discount: -$198

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Although Italy is full of wondrous gems across “the boot,” some of its greatest treasures are hidden closer to its heel. In the Apulia region, known for its centuries-old farmland, whitewashed towns, and miles of scenic coastline, the water is bluer, the produce is fresher, and the pace is delightfully slower. This Undiscovered tour of Southern Italy invites you to kick back and live la dolce vita as you travel from heel to ankle, vineyard to grove, and clifftop to cave. From the scenic bluffs of lemon-scented Sorrento to the stunning 90-million-year-old caves of Castellana, you will experience Southern Italy’s hottest sights—and coolest. At a special wine tasting at a local masseria, you’ll raise your glass to the many highlights of “the heel,” including its castles and conical houses, ancient ruins and fresh ricotta, and its eternal sunshine and sunny disposition.

Places You'll See

Starhotel Terminus

Excelsior

Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

Grand Hotel Vesuvio

Semiramide Palace

Starhotel Terminus

Excelsior

Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

Semiramide Palace

Grand Hotel Vesuvio

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Naples,Italy

Location: Arrive In Naples, Italy

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN NAPLES, ITALY Welcome to Naples! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

NAPLES-PIZZA.jpg

Day 2: Naples

Location: Naples

Meals Included: Breakfast


NAPLES A Slice of Life in Napoli NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes Palazzo Reale. Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Naples delivers Old World charm in spades as one of Italy’s oldest cities. From its regal Palazzo Reale to the 13th-century Duomo di San Gennaro’s frescoed masterpieces to nearby Mount Vesuvius to the most famous pizza in the world served throughout the city in Neapolitan style. A stroll along the promenade beside the Bay of Naples reveals why locals and visitors choose this spot to soak in the sunset on the Mediterranean Sea.


NAPLES-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Day 3: Naples,Castel Del Monte,Bari

Location: Naples, Castel Del Monte, Bari

Meals Included: Breakfast


NAPLES–CASTEL DEL MONTE–BARI Medieval Marvel CASTEL DEL MONTE Take a guided visit the medieval castle.
BARI Enjoy free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
174 mi / 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Built by Holy Roman emperor Frederick II, the 13th-century Castel del Monte remains one of the most revered cultural sites in Puglia. This spectacular octagonal fortress is listed by UNESCO World Heritage as a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture from its rocky hilltop perch where it dominated the Kingdom of Sicily and thrills visitors today.


CASTEL-DEL-MONTE.jpg

Day 4: Bari,Ostuni,Lecce

Location: Bari, Ostuni, Lecce

Meals Included: Breakfast


BARI–OSTUNI–LECCE Breaking Bread BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town, San Nicola’s Church, and [LF] local focaccia tasting.
OSTUNI Free time to browse and for lunch.
LECCE Free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
112 mi / 180 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The beauty of Italian culinary specialties is that no two regions approach recipes in the same way. Take the traditional Focaccia Barese (from Bari). The dough is made with the local staple of potatoes to create a bread that’s not too tall but perfectly soft in the middle. Between the crunchy edges of baked mashed potato are ripe tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, and olives for the perfect palate-pleasing experience.


LECCE.jpg

Day 5: Lecce. Excursion To Otranto

Location: Lecce. Excursion To Otranto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


LECCE. EXCURSION TO OTRANTO Sweet Strolls in Apulia LECCE A Guided walking tour includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Taste a [LF] local pasticciotto (filled pastry) and almond coffee.
OTRANTO Orientation and free time to browse before returning to Lecce. (B,D)
62 mi / 100 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia’s bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.


OTRANTO.jpg

Day 6: Lecce,Alberobello,Castellana Grotte

Location: Lecce, Alberobello, Castellana Grotte

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


LECCE–ALBEROBELLO–CASTELLANA GROTTE Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO A guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut).
CASTELLANA GROTTE [LF] Take a guided visit to the underground caves. Enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting followed by dinner at local masseria (local farmhouse). (B,D)
81 mi / 130 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOT The Grotte du Castellana is one of the largest cave systems in Italy stretching for over two miles. The underground tunnels are a natural marvel with stunning geological formations illuminated in a rainbow of hues as the sun moves through the sky.


ALBEROBELLO-TRULLO.jpg

Day 7: Castellana Grotte,Paestum,Sorrento Area

Location: Castellana Grotte, Paestum, Sorrento Area

Meals Included: Breakfast


CASTELLANA GROTTE–PAESTUM–SORRENTO AREA Grecian Treasures PAESTUM Take a guided visit to the archaeological site en route to Sorrento. (B)
224 mi / 360 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Go off the beaten path to the stunning archaeological site of Greek and Roman architecture. Just an hour south of Salerno, Paestum is home to three Greek temples and fascinating burial paintings from the 5th-century BC. Marvel at this UNESCO of World Heritage Site considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Italy.


PAESTUM-TEMPLE.jpg

Day 8: Sorrento Area

Location: Sorrento Area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


SORRENTO AREA Amore, Sorrento SORRENTO AREA Orientation walk in the old town.
Free time late morning and afternoon.
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Just as the sirens of Greek mythology lured sailors to the rocky shores of Sorrento, we are drawn to its alluring panoramas, sun-washed beaches, bistros, and boutiques. Take a seat in a sidewalk cafe to peruse the picturesque panoramas on the Bay of Naples.


SORRENTO-MARINA.jpg

Day 9: Sorrento Area

Location: Sorrento Area

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Naples.
SORRENTO AREA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Naples. (B)

SORRENTO-CAFE.jpg

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Castel del Monte|Costiera Amalfitana|Historic Centre of Naples|The Trulli of Alberobello

Meals

Full buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners

Accommodation

Naples:Starhotel Terminus
Bari:Excelsior
Lecce:Hilton Garden Inn Lecce
Castellana Grotte:Semiramide Palace
Sorrento Area:Grand Hotel Vesuvio

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Tuesday

Sep 23, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
$2649 $2550

Operator discount: -$99

Monday - Tuesday

Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024
$2649 $2550

Operator discount: -$99

Monday - Tuesday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$3269 $3071

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$2768 $2570

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

May 05, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$3388 $3190

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

May 12, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

May 19, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

May 26, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$3388 $3190

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
$2241 $2043

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$2834 $2636

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$2768 $2570

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
$2531 $2333

Operator discount: -$198

Monday - Tuesday

Apr 20, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026
$3454 $3190

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

Apr 27, 2026 - May 05, 2026
$2913 $2649

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

May 04, 2026 - May 12, 2026
$3559 $3296

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

May 11, 2026 - May 19, 2026
$2979 $2715

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

May 18, 2026 - May 26, 2026
$2979 $2715

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

May 25, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026
$2979 $2715

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

Jun 01, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026
$2979 $2715

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

Jun 08, 2026 - Jun 16, 2026
$2979 $2715

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Tuesday

Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026
$3559 $3296

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026
$2966 $2702

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
$2966 $2702

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
$2966 $2702

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
$2966 $2702

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026
$2979 $2715

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
$2979 $2715

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026
$2913 $2649

Operator discount: -$264

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026
$2702 $2438

Operator discount: -$264

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.