Compare Explore Southern Italy by Intrepid Travel vs Winter in Puglia: Italy's Southern Gem by Road Scholar

Day 1 Amalfi Coast

Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast, in the small town of Minori. The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coasts, cliff-top vistas, azure seas, tiered lemon groves, whitewashed villages clinging to steep cliffs, and bright blue skies. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Minori Town early, why not take a self-guided stroll in search of some gorgeous panoramic views of the coast? Or, you could just plant yourself at a sunny piazza cafe and enjoy a macchiato or a gelato.

Day 2 Amalfi Coast

You have a free day to explore Minori Town and Amalfi Town (just a 15 minute bus ride away) today. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of Amalfi Town to the other and pay a visit to the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you’re after something more active, maybe head out on a walk through the Valley of Mills. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the Valley of Dragons to reach pretty Ravello – for centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate have made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11th Century Villa Rufolo, once the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th Century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. You could also take a half-day walk along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods) through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards.

Day 3 Trani

Travel to Italy's east coast to Trani, known as the 'Southern Pearl', a scenic town with a sophisticated feel. Once an ancient trading hub, Trani is a delightfully eccentric port with a white cathedral on the seawall. The crescent-shaped marina is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. With medieval streets bathed in a rarefied light and its own sweet wine, Trani truly feels like stepping back into a 1950s movie set. When you arrive, explore the historic centre and its medieval churches on a walking tour with a local guide. The Old Town points to a time when this was a major port for merchants travelling to the Near East. Later, simply kick back on the waterfront and watch the sophisticates of Puglia clink glasses of Moscato di Trani in cosy bars.

Day 4 Trani

Today is a free day to explore all that Trani has to offer. You might like to visit the dramatic Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino, one of the most beautiful buildings in southern Italy. Begun in 1099 and taking over two centuries to finish, the soft white-pink limestone Norman cathedral is dedicated to the famously foolish St Nicholas the Pilgrim, whose bones lie in the crypt below the church. Inside, it is astonishingly bright and airy, and the remains of a 12-century mosaic near the main altar set off the simply furnished church. You can also head to the castle built by Frederick II, the king of Sicily, Italy, Germany, Jerusalem and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century. Explore the medieval Jewish quarter, built in all-white stone, stopping by two fine synagogues: the Scola Nova and the Scola Grande. Fishermen sell the day’s catch in the marina, so maybe taste the freshness by heading for dinner and a glass of wine harbourside.

Day 5 Lecce

Head south and delight in the baroque architecture and atmosphere of Lecce. Lecce's elaborate ornamentation is elevated to dizzying heights, presenting the casual viewer with a feast for the senses. Sumptuous palazzi (mansions), a defensive main square, Roman ruins and magnificent allegories dancing across ornate facades make Lecce a swoon-worthy sight for any traveller. The university gives the town a lively feel, and there are little boutiques, antique shops and delicious delis to explore.

Day 6 Lecce

Today is a free day for you to explore Lecce. If open, maybe step beneath the city and see the restored Roman amphitheatre excavated in the 1930s. Built in the 2nd century AD, the remarkably intact horseshoe-shaped theatre seated 15,000 people. Overlooking the arena is the Colonna di Sant'Oronzo, a statue of Lecce's patron saint mounted upon a Roman column. Presented to Lecce from Brindisi, this column once stood at the terminus of the Via Appia that ran from Rome to Brindisi. The fascinating Basilica Di Santa Croce inspires varied reactions – its heavily decorated façade of sheep, dodos, cherubs and monsters is a cacophony to some, while others are drawn to the lavish brilliance. For another baroque experience, head to the Piazza del Duomo. Used in the past as a defence against invaders, the square's pleasant openness is bordered by a 12th-century cathedral, a 68 m-high bell tower, a 15th-century Episcopal Palace and an 18th-century Seminario. In the afternoon, meet up with the group again for an aperitivo with local specialties, such as friselle, taralli, puccia, bombette and burrate.

Day 7 Ostuni / Alberobello

Travel by private transport to a local masseria to meet an olive oil producer, who will show you how the techniques have changed over the millennia before you're treated to a tasting. Some olive trees here are thought to be close to 3000 years old, and the farm has been active since Roman times. Then head to Ostuni and explore its narrow streets and white houses, before continuing to Alberobello, set in a landscape of olive trees and low walls dotted with unique dwellings. People flock to Alberobello to marvel at the beehive-shaped Trulli (singular trullo), which are small, dry-stone houses built from local limestone in the 14th century. The origins of the buildings are unclear, although it's possible the mortar-less dwellings were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Wander the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, where thousands of Trulli (and souvenir shops) rise over the hill or head over to Rione Aia Piccola and see Trulli family dwellings. See religious and mystical symbols on the roofs, the differently shaped spires, and head to the Church de Sant’Antonio, built in the style of a huge trullo.

Day 8 Matera

Transfer by private mini bus to Matera. The extraordinary sight of Matera's Old Town gives a haunting, bittersweet insight into ancient life. One of the oldest cities in existence, Matera's otherworldly drawcard is the sassi (singular sasso) – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge. Its resemblance to Jerusalem has attracted film directors of biblical epics, but its dark interiors were the scene of shameful poverty in the mid-20th century. Duck down into the sassi through the knot of staircases and alleyways that snake through the limestone ravines, and take a guided tour to appreciate both its ancient and modern history. With over 3000 habitable caves, some dating as far back as the 8th century BC, the sassi are filled with stunning frescoed rock church complexes, exhibits recreating inhabited caves, and even a contemporary sculpture museum. The sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, and it’s now the one place in the world where you can eat at a restaurant inside a 9000-year-old dwelling! Tonight, you’ll stay in accommodation with balconies overlooking the sassi.

Day 9 Matera / Bari

This morning is free for you to further explore the narrow alleyways and caves of Matera before boarding a local train to Bari at around lunchtime. Sitting on a small peninsula in the Adriatic Sea overlooking Greece, Bari is the prosperous capital of Puglia. The tangled streets of its Old Town, Bari Vecchia, conceal Romanesque churches, a riotous market, elegant medieval piazzas and a Swabian castle. The Basilica di San Nicola was built to hold the relics of St Nicholas, which were stolen from Turkey by local Bari fishermen and have made the city a place of pilgrimage since 1087. The relics are also the mainstay of Bari's biggest annual celebration, the Festa di San Nicola. The stone walls are lovely to walk around, with the sea lapping on one side and the medieval town on the other. Bari is also the perfect place to see out your last night on this trip and have a group meal by the harbour, sampling local limoncello and some of the seafood that the city is famous for.

Day 10 Bari

Your journey will come to an end after breakfast today and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival Brindisi, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Lecce D Patria Palace Hotel Lecce
Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 12:00 Noon. Driving to the hotel approximately 28 miles (45 km); about 1 hour.

Afternoon: After checking in at the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before a light snack and our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless specified otherwise, the majority of transportation will be provided via motorcoach thereby necessitating ascending and descending a few steps. All meals include wine and water. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then enjoy a welcome cocktail together at the hotel before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated and served meal with wine, coffee and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow road scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

Day 3
Baroque in Lecce, Cooking Lesson
Lecce B,D Patria Palace Hotel Lecce
Activity note: Walking about 3 miles; approximately 2 hours; flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet’s choices include an egg dish, a variety of sliced cold cuts and cheeses, breakfast breads, jams, hot and cold cereals, and fresh fruit with coffee, tea, milk and water.

Morning: We’ll begin with a lecture at the hotel with a local expert focused on discovering the Baroque in Lecce. Afterwards, we will embark on an expert-led walking field trip of Lecce with emphasis on finding examples of the Baroque that were discussed earlier. During the walk, we will explore the Old City and its iconic Baroque monuments, churches, and even some ancient Roman ruins including the Basilica of Santa Croce. The remainder of the morning will be free for independent exploration of Lecce.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: We will walk to an ancient Palazzo located in the historical center of Lecce for a hands-on cooking lesson.

Dinner: At the cooking school, we’ll enjoy the dishes we’ve made during our lesson. Wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Otranto, Lecture
Lecce B,L,D Patria Palace Hotel Lecce
Activity note: Walking about 1 mile total throughout the day; flat terrain. Drive to Otranto is approx. 25 miles, about 1 hour.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll board our motorcoach and transfer to Otranto, a town of Messapian (pre-Roman origin) which, in the wars of Pyrrhus and of Hannibal, sided against Rome. Now, Otranto is a town and commune in a fertile region in the province of Lecce (Apulia, Italy), once famous for its breed of horses. It’s situated on the east coast of the Salento peninsula and the Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea. While in Otranto, we will go on an expert-led walking field trip through its Old Town to see its signature monuments including the Cathedral di Santa Maria Annunziata and its incredible mosaic floor depicting, among other things, The Tree of Life.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Otranto, we’ll have plated meals with wine, water and coffee included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will then board our motorcoach to return to Lecce back at the hotel where we will be joined by a local expert for a lecture on the Trulli Architecture of Puglia.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 5
Masseria Brancati, Locorotondo, Alberobello
Alberobello (BA) B,L,D Grand Hotel Olimpo
Activity note: Driving about 78 miles total throughout the day; about 2 hours total with stops for activities. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; approximately 2 hours; cobblestone paths; some benches on which to rest.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board our private motorcoach and begin our transfer to Alberobello where we will check into our hotel. During our ride we will stop at Masseria Brancati and walk among olive trees dating back thousands of years. The visit will start with an introduction given by an olive oil expert on how olive oil has been produced through the ages. We’ll then continue our transfer to Locorotondo and go on an expert-led field trip in the charming circular whitewashed village, which has a beautiful view over the trulli-peppered Val D'Itria. Locorotondo is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is a prime example of an Italian “White City.”

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Locorotondo, we’ll have plated meals with wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will then complete our transfer to Alberobello and we will begin our expert-led field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Alberobello, which is situated on the second step of Le Murge, south of the Canale di Pirro. As we explore, soak in the sights of the iconic white limestone trulli with their conically pointed roofs. In the late afternoon, we will check into our next hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal featuring regional cuisine plus a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Bari, Polignano al Mare, Italian Language Lesson
Alberobello (BA) B,L,D Grand Hotel Olimpo
Activity note: Walking about 3.5 miles total on mostly flat terrain; approximately 3 hours total. Drive is approximately 75 miles total; about 2.5 hours total, with stops for field trips at various locations.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and head to Bari for a full morning walking field trip throughout this picturesque port city and its historical center on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. On our way around Bari led by a local expert, we will see the Basilica of San Nicola, the cathedral, the outside of the castle, and the main square of the Old City.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Mola di Bari, we’ll have a plated and served meal with wine, coffee and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After transferring to the small village of Polignano a Mare, we’ll explore the old part of the village on foot with our Group Leader and have a stroll along the waterfront before returning to the hotel for an Italian language lesson.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Matera, Sassi, Free Time
Alberobello (BA) B,D Grand Hotel Olimpo
Activity note: Walking about 2.5 miles total for the day; approximately 2 hours; Sassi is very rocky; several steps and slopes; be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Drive to Matera is approximately 43 miles; about 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Via motorcoach, we will transfer to Matera where we will embark on a walking field trip to the Sassi di Matera, the oldest part of the city, led by a local expert. This area was declared a UNESCO world heritage site because it is considered to be the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region that is perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem. The first settlements can be dated back to the Neolithic period, approximately 7 thousand years ago, while later settlements illustrate a number of significant stages in human history.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon will be Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated and served farewell meal with wine and water; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with your fellow Road Scholars.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 8
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet depending on departure time. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!