Southern Italy Escape
9 Days Starting in Naples, Italy and ending in Alberobello, Italy
Visiting: Naples, Matera, Manduria, Lecce, Alberobello, Castellana Grotte, Bari
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KIS-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Southern Italy with the "Southern Italy Escape" tour. Begin your adventure in the historic city of Naples, where you'll explore the regal Palazzo Reale and savor the local Neapolitan cuisine. Discover the ancient city of Matera, carved into the rocky slopes, and delve into its cinematic history. In Manduria, indulge in a wine tasting at the Primitivo wine museum. Experience the baroque beauty of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," and wander through the iconic Trulli houses in Alberobello. Marvel at the stunning geological formations in the Castellana Grotte caves and explore the vibrant city of Bari, home to the Basilica di San Nicola. With first-class accommodations and expert guides, this tour offers an intimate exploration of Italy's rich culture and traditions. Enjoy 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners, ensuring a delightful culinary journey alongside your cultural exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Naples,Italy
Location: Naples
Accommodation Name: Starhotel Terminus
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Naples! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Day 2: Naples
Location: Naples
Accommodation Name: Starhotel Terminus
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.
Day 3: Naples,Matera
Location: Naples, Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Del Campo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
NAPLES–MATERA Hidden Gem MATERA Guided walking tour. (B,D) 155 mi / 250kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Matera is a city like no other, entirely carved out of the rocky slopes of a mountain in the Basilicata region and has been extended over millennia. Explore with a guide the secrets of this unique city that has been the setting for many famous films from Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of Christ” to James Bond “No Time to Die”
Day 4: Matera,Manduria,Lecce
Location: Matera, Manduria, Lecce
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
MATERA–MANDURIA–LECCE Cultivating Culture MANDURIA [LF] Visit the Primitivo wine museum followed by tasting. LECCE Guided walking tour includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. (B) 105 mi / 168kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Wine holds a significant cultural and historical importance in Italy, making it one of the world's leading wine-producing countries. The Italian wine culture is deeply intertwined with the country's regional diversity. The Primitivo grape is the primary grape variety cultivated in the Manduria region. This grape is known for producing robust and full-bodied red wines with rich fruit flavors and hold its name as this type of grape matures early.
Day 5: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
LECCE Sweet Strolls in Apulia LECCE Enjoy a day at leisure in the city known as the “Florence of the South”. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Stroll around Lecce to take in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Wander the narrow streets of golden sandstone looking for hidden Piazzas or indulge in a wine bar with a glass of local rose and views of the carved baroque churches the city has to offer around each corner.
Day 6: Lecce,Alberobello Area
Location: Lecce, Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Meals Included: Breakfast
LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 78 mi / 126kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. These Trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with Trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye.
Day 7: Alberobello Area: Excursion To Castellana Grotte
Location: Alberobello, Castellana Grotte
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Meals Included: Breakfast
ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO CASTELLANA GROTTE Stalactites & Stalagmites Take a guided visit to the underground caves. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT The Grotte di 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.
Day 8: Alberobello Area: Excursion To Bari
Location: Bari
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO BARI Santa Claus Connections BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town, San Nicola’s Church. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 68 mi / 110kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Bari combines historical charm with modern amenities, culinary tradition with cultural attractions. The city's markets, such as the Mercato Coperto, offer a vibrant showcase of fresh local produce and culinary delights. A major point of interest is the Basilica di San Nicola that holds the relics of Saint Nicholas the inspiration for the modern Santa Claus.
Day 9: Alberobello Area
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Nearest airport is Bari)
What's Included
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Guided Sightseeing in Naples
Enjoy guided sightseeing in Naples, including a visit to Palazzo Reale.
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Guided Walking Tour in Matera
Experience a guided walking tour in Matera, exploring the city's unique rocky architecture.
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Visit to Primitivo Wine Museum
Visit the Primitivo wine museum in Manduria, followed by a wine tasting.
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Guided Walking Tour in Lecce
Take a guided walking tour in Lecce, including visits to the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica.
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Visit to a Trullo in Alberobello
Enjoy a guided walking tour in Alberobello, including a visit to a traditional Trullo house.
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Guided Visit to Castellana Grotte
Take a guided visit to the underground caves of Castellana Grotte.
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Guided Walking Tour in Bari
Participate in a guided walking tour in Bari, including the Old Town and San Nicola’s Church.
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Small-Group Discoveries
Experience Small-Group Discoveries with an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Historic Centre of Naples, The Sassi of Matera, and The Trulli of Alberobello.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the destination are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes guided transportation between destinations such as Naples, Matera, Lecce, and the Alberobello Area, ensuring a seamless travel experience as you explore the stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks of Southern Italy.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and elegance at Starhotel Terminus in Naples, Hotel Del Campo in Matera, Hilton Garden Inn Lecce, and Grand Hotel D'Aragona in the Alberobello Area, each offering a unique blend of local charm and modern amenities.
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select 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 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 tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of Naples|The Sassi of Matera|The Trulli of Alberobello
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Southern Italy Escape tour?
During the Southern Italy Escape tour, you will stay at the Starhotel Terminus in Naples, Hotel Del Campo in Matera, Hilton Garden Inn Lecce in Lecce, and Grand Hotel D'Aragona in the Alberobello Area.
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What is included in the meals during the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
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What unique experiences are offered in Matera during the tour?
In Matera, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, which is entirely carved out of the rocky slopes of a mountain. Matera is known for its unique architecture and has been the setting for many famous films.
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What can I expect to see during the excursion to Castellana Grotte?
During the excursion to Castellana Grotte, you will take a guided visit to the underground caves, which are one of the largest cave systems in Italy, featuring stunning geological formations.
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What is special about the visit to Bari on the tour?
In Bari, you will have a guided walking tour of the Old Town and visit San Nicola’s Church, which holds the relics of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for the modern Santa Claus.
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What is the significance of the Trulli houses in Alberobello?
The Trulli houses in Alberobello are iconic round houses with conical roofs, dating back hundreds of years. They were constructed without cement and were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes. Today, they are a unique architectural feature of the region.
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What is the focus of the guided tour in Lecce?
In Lecce, the guided walking tour includes visits to the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica, and you will have free time to explore the city known as the 'Florence of the South.'
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.