13D12N - Charming Ancient Towns - Italy

Bari, Alberobello, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Matera

Every element of this concept serves as an initial inspiration. Your dedicated curator will tailor the pacing, privacy layer and access entirely around you during consultation.

Italy, Italy · 13 days

Key facts

Destination: Italy, Italy
Duration: 13 days

Overview

At a glance

This concept is an initial inspiration. Your curator will hand-tailor every element. This 13-day bespoke tour of Italy combines the best of city and countryside, starting from the southern port city of Bari and exploring the charming ancient towns, World Heritage sites, and breathtaking coastlines of Puglia, Matera, Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre, before concluding in the fashion capital of Milan. Experience the unique Trulli houses of Alberobello, the cave dwellings of Matera, the stunning Blue Grotto of Capri, taste local wines in Montepulciano, and marvel at the architectural masterpieces in Siena and Parma. Enjoy a blend of guided tours and free time to savor the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Italy.

Day by day

A suggested rhythm.

Day 1

Arrival in Bari - Castel del Monte - Alberobello

Arrive in Bari, the port city in Southern Italy, welcomed by a local driver and guide. Head to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before continuing to Alberobello, known as the 'Town of Trulli' for its unique cone-roofed houses. Check into your hotel in Alberobello and prepare to immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of Southern Italy.

Bari
Arrival at Bari, a port city in Southern Italy and an important crossroads on the Adriatic Sea.
Castel del Monte
Visit Castel del Monte, a 13th-century citadel and castle situated on a hill in Andria, Puglia, southeastern Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Alberobello
Explore the famous small town of Alberobello in the Puglia region, also known as 'Paradise Town' and 'Mushroom Town' due to its unique Trulli houses. Check into your hotel in Alberobello.

Day 2

Alberobello - Castellana Caves - Matera

Morning exploration of Alberobello's old town and the white world of Trulli houses. These unique conical stone structures are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, visit the historically and geologically significant Castellana Caves, a three-kilometer-long cave system. In the afternoon, drive to the ancient mountain city of Matera, another World Heritage site.

Alberobello Old Town and Trulli Village
Visit the old town of Alberobello and the Trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These white limestone, cone-shaped stone-roofed houses are unique local dwellings.
Castellana Caves (Grotte di Castellana)
Explore the Castellana Caves, a three-kilometer-long cave system with significant historical and geological importance.
Matera
Drive to the ancient mountain city of Matera, preparing to experience this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Day 3

Matera (Cave City) - Altamura - Return to Bari

Explore Matera, a famous ancient city known for its unique cave dwellings, the 'Sassi.' Visit the cave dwellings and rupestrian churches, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Afterwards, proceed to Altamura, located in the Murge National Park, and visit its magnificent cathedral. Conclude the day by returning to Bari for hotel check-in.

Sassi di Matera and Rupestrian Churches
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage cave dwellings (Sassi di Matera) and rupestrian churches in Matera.
Cathedral of Santa Maria
Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria in Altamura, located in the Murge National Park.

Day 4

Puglia Coastal Town Tour

Embark on a tour of Puglia's coastal towns, starting from Bari. First, visit Polignano a Mare, perched on a rugged cliff, offering spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. Then, proceed to Monopoli, an ancient town that has served as an important port. Finally, explore Locorotondo, a charming Italian white town on a hilltop, known for its beautiful churches and rustic scenery. Return to Bari in the evening.

Polignano a Mare
Visit the charming coastal town of Polignano a Mare, perched on rugged cliffs, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Monopoli
Explore Monopoli, an ancient town with a long history, which has always been an important port.
Locorotondo
Discover Locorotondo, a charming Italian white hilltop town, known for its beautiful churches and picturesque rural landscapes.

Day 5

Bari City Tour and Free Time

Morning city tour of Bari, starting with a visit to Piazza Mercantile in the old town. Then, explore the magnificent Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built in the 11th century with a stunning Byzantine style. Afterwards, visit the Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), rebuilt by Frederick II. The afternoon is dedicated to free time for you to explore the historical city of Bari at your leisure. Return to your hotel in Bari in the evening.

Piazza Mercantile
Visit Piazza Mercantile in the old town of Bari.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
Visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built in the 11th century and known for its magnificent Byzantine style.
Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo)
Visit the Swabian Castle, originally built by Roger II and later rebuilt by Frederick II.
Free time in Bari
Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the historic city of Bari at your leisure.

Day 6

Bari - Sorrento City Tour

Depart from Bari and drive to Sorrento, another famous coastal town in Southern Italy (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and then proceed with a city tour of Sorrento. Situated on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is renowned for its ancient Roman architecture, beautiful scenery, and leisurely Mediterranean lifestyle. This charming town exudes a sophisticated resort atmosphere.

Sorrento
Drive from Bari to Sorrento, a famous coastal town in Southern Italy, for check-in and a city tour. It is known for Roman architecture, scenery, and relaxed pace of life.

Day 7

Sorrento - Capri Island - Blue Grotto

Depart from Sorrento by boat to the beautiful island of Capri in the Bay of Naples. This white island is famous for its charming natural landscapes and luxurious resort atmosphere. Upon arrival, take a small boat tour and enter the dreamlike Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is a sea cave carved into limestone, and due to sunlight refraction, the seawater glows with a magical blue light, making it extremely captivating. After the tour, return to Sorrento to rest.

Capri Island
Take a boat from Sorrento to Capri, a beautiful island in the Bay of Naples, known for its natural beauty and luxurious resorts.
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
Enter the dreamlike Blue Grotto by small boat. This sea cave, carved into limestone, glows with a magical blue light due to sunlight refraction, creating an extremely enchanting sight.

Day 8

Amalfi Coast - Travel to Rome

Depart from Sorrento and head to the Amalfi Coast (approximately 60 minutes), often hailed as "the most beautiful coastline in the world." This 50-kilometer coastline was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Admire the unique scenery, such as the town of Positano with its multi-tiered white houses interspersed with Moorish architecture, clinging to the cliffs. After the tour, drive to Rome, the capital of Italy, concluding your exploration of Southern Italy.

Amalfi Coast
Visit the Amalfi Coast, hailed as "the most beautiful coastline in the world" and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Admire towns like Positano with its cascaded white houses and Moorish architecture on cliffs.
Transfer to Rome
After the Amalfi Coast tour, drive to Rome, the capital of Italy, concluding the exploration of Southern Italy.

Day 9

Rome - Montepulciano (Wine Estate) - Montevarchi

Depart from Rome and travel to Montepulciano, a Renaissance hilltop town in central Tuscany, Italy. This region is a rich agricultural center, known for pork, honey, Italian pasta, and especially wine. Enjoy a wine tasting experience at a local wine estate, where the wines produced are widely considered among Italy's best. Afterwards, drive to Montevarchi.

Montepulciano
Visit Montepulciano, a Renaissance hilltop town in central Tuscany. It is a rich agricultural center known for pork, honey, Italian pasta, and especially wine.
Wine Tasting at a Wine Estate
Experience wine tasting at a wine estate in Montepulciano, where the local wines are considered among Italy's best.
Montevarchi
Drive to Montevarchi after the wine tasting.

Day 10

Montevarchi - Siena (World Heritage) - Return to Montevarchi

Depart from Montevarchi and head to Siena (approximately 1 hour), considered one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. Upon arrival, visit Siena Cathedral (Duomo), a masterpiece of Sienese craftsmanship combining French Gothic, Romanesque, and classical architectural elements. Afterwards, stroll through Piazza del Campo, famous for its beauty and architectural integrity. In the evening, return to your hotel in Montevarchi.

Siena
Travel from Montevarchi to Siena, a city home to one of Europe's greatest medieval squares.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo)
Visit Siena Cathedral (Duomo), a masterpiece of Sienese craftsmanship combining French Gothic, Romanesque, and classical architectural elements.
Piazza del Campo
Stroll through Piazza del Campo, famous for its beauty and architectural integrity.

Day 11

Montepulciano - Cinque Terre (World Heritage)

Depart from Montepulciano and travel to La Spezia (approximately 3 hours), then transfer by train to explore the Cinque Terre (Five Lands), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cinque Terre consists of five charming seaside fishing villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all untouched by modern development and protected by the local government. The itinerary includes visiting Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Cinque Terre
Take a train from La Spezia to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre, including Riomaggiore and Manarola.
Riomaggiore
Explore Riomaggiore, one of the five charming seaside fishing villages of Cinque Terre.
Manarola
Explore Manarola, another charming seaside fishing village of Cinque Terre.

Day 12

La Spezia - Parma - Travel to Milan

Depart from La Spezia and head to the famous European city of Parma (approximately 1.5 hours). Parma is a beautiful city with well-preserved old buildings and a magnificent cathedral. Here, you will visit the renowned Parma ham and Parmesan cheese production facilities. In the afternoon, drive to Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy, preparing for the final stop of your journey.

Parma
Visit Parma, a beautiful European city known for its well-preserved old buildings and magnificent cathedral.
Parma Ham and Parmesan Cheese Tasting
Visit renowned facilities for Parma ham and Parmesan cheese production.
Transfer to Milan
In the afternoon, drive to Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy, preparing for the final stop of the journey.

Day 13

Milan Free Time - International Airport

This is the last day of your journey. Enjoy free time in Milan in the morning. You can use this time for shopping or leisurely strolling in the city center. At the designated time, gather and arrange for a private transfer to Milan International Airport (Milan International Airport), concluding this delightful 13-day Italian ancient town tour.

Free Time in Milan
Enjoy free time in Milan in the morning for shopping or leisurely strolling in the city center.
Milan International Airport Transfer
At the designated time, gather for a private transfer to Milan International Airport (Milan International Airport), concluding the journey.

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