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Discovering Italy: From Puglia to the Amalfi Coast
Discovering Italy: From Puglia to the Amalfi Coast
Duration: 10 Days
Where to visit in Italy after you've been to Venice, Florence & Rome? I suggest combining a trip to Puglia (Italy's "boot") with a visit to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. You'll experience the natural beauty of the area, along with the history of Old Italy. Here is a summary of my latest visit.
Countries visited:
Italy
Places visited:
Alberobello, Brindisi, Capri, Lecce, Monopoli, Naples, Pompeii, Positano, Puglia
PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH
Katie
Protravel International Scottsdale
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DAY 1:
Brindisi
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Arrival
Arrive in Brindisi or Bari and transfer to your accommodation. Why not stay at a Masseria set in the countryside with a view of an olive grove? A Masseria is a luxurious, renovated former farmhouse and will provide a comfortable base station for your explorations of the area. Once your day's activities are complete, enjoy returning to your Masseria for relaxation amidst the beauty of the countryside.
HIGHLIGHTS:
A hike or bike ride through the olive groves
DAY 2:
Lecce
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A Visit to Lecce: The Baroque City
Enjoy a private tour of Lecce, also known as "The Florence of the South." You'll start at the Porta Napoli, one of the three remaining gates of the old city that marks the entrance to Lecce's historic center. You'll wind around the town and stop at the Basilica di Santa Croce, a magnificent Baroque church whose facade features lions, eagles, griffons, and human figures. Inside, you'll be impressed with its ornate columns and side chapels. Next is a stop at the Roman Amphitheater, which dates to the 2nd century AD and is elliptical and is constructed using the local Lecce stone. In ancient times, the arena hosted a variety of events, including gladiatorial battles. Today, it is used for cultural events and performances. Next, enjoy a cooking class and luncheon featuring the traditional pasta of the area, Orecchiette, and local wines.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cooking Class: Orecchiette Pasta Paired with the Wines of Southern Italy
Guided Walk including the Roman Amphitheater of Lecce and the Church of the Holy Cross
DAY 3:
Alberobello
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Monopoli
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Vintage Car Tour
Discover Puglia's most charming landscapes, towns, and villages while riding in a vintage Italian car. Your ride will take you through the countryside past dry stone walls, Trulli houses, Masserias, and ancient olive groves. This unforgettable drive combines history, the art of Puglia, and the beauty of riding in a classic car. Enjoy your ride around the most attractive locations in the region, such as Ostuni, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli. You'll have some free time in the towns to go shopping or relax with a coffee or gelato.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Vintage Italian Car Tour
DAY 4:
Puglia
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Alberobello
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Exploring the "Trulli" of Puglia
Your visit to Puglia isn't complete until you've visited Alberobello and Lororotondo to see the "Trulli," unique conical buildings made of stone with white cone-shaped roofs. Nobody quite knows the origin of these buildings, but since they are made of dry stone, there is speculation that they could be dismantled very quickly if the tax collector comes around. There are over 1500 Trulli in Alberobello, and you'll have an opportunity to tour the inside of one or two. A short drive will bring you to Lororotondo, with more Trulli and a fascinating medieval town center, where you'll enjoy lunch at a local trattoria and shopping. After lunch, return to your Masseria for some relaxation before dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
UNESCO World Heritage Town of Alberobello and it's Picturesque Trulli Houses
DAY 5:
Naples
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A Drive Across Italy to Naples
Today, you'll waive farewell to Puglia as you traverse across Italy to Naples. Stop at Castel Del Monte for a tour and lunch on the way. Castel del Monte is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known mainly for its fascinating castle dating from the 13th century. Emperor Frederick II inherited the land from his mother, Constance of Sicily, and built the Castle filled with marble and lavish furnishings, which have been removed. You won't see a moat or a drawbridge since the Castle didn't provide insulation from invaders. The Castle is important enough to have appeared on the one-cent Euro coin. Upon arrival in Naples, settle into your accommodations and prepare for a dinner of local specialties.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Castel Del Monte
DAY 6:
Naples
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Discovering Naples
Naples is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant life. Today, you will enjoy visiting the major sites such as: 1) The Historic Center of Naples, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes the lively Spaccanapoli Street and Via San Gregorio Armeno, famous for its artisan workshops. 2) Sansevero Chapel (Cappella Sansevero): Home to the stunning statue of the Veiled Christ, this chapel is a masterpiece of Baroque art. 3) Castel dell 'Ovo, the oldest Castle in Naples. It offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and is steeped in legend and history. 4) Capodimonte Museum: This museum houses an impressive art collection, including works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Tonight, feast on pizza, which originates in Naples and began as a humble food for the poor, sold by street vendors and featuring basic toppings like tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies, and garlic.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Historic Naples
The Birthplace of Pizza
DAY 7:
Pompeii
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Positano
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Pompeii and Coastal Drive to Positano
You'll stop in Pompeii for a guided tour and lunch on the way. Visiting Pompeii is like stepping back in time to the ancient Roman world. As you walk through the streets of Pompeii, you'll see the remnants of shops, homes, and public buildings, all frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The plaster casts of the victims, created by pouring plaster into the voids left by decomposed bodies, are a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell the city. Your visit will be unique and immersive, and your guide will point out many examples of daily life before Mount Vesuvius erupted. You'll tour the Forum, the heart of Pompeii, the House of Faun, one of the largest homes in Pompeii, known for its beautiful mosaics and the amphitheater which could hold up to 20,000 spectators. Enjoy your scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast and arrive in Positano. Check into your beautiful hotel, perched high upon the hillside, and enjoy the unbeatable views of the sea.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pompeii
Amalfi Coast Scenic Drive
DAY 8:
Capri
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Day Excursion with Luxury Private Boat to Capri
.Meet your Captain at the pier and enjoy a pleasant boat ride to the Island of Capri. You'll sail around the island and gaze at the Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni, iconic rock formations. Once you arrive, you'll have private transportation around the island in an island-style convertible and visit the highlights of the island: Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for the panoramic views, explore Anacapri, and visit the Villa San Michele, Capri Town, and the lively Piazzetta. You'll have free time for lunch with a view, shopping, and perhaps a leisurely walk along one of the scenic paths.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Private Boat to Capri
Blue Grotto
Anacapri
DAY 9:
Positano
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Hiking the Path of the Gods
The Path of the Gods is a must-do for anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. You'll walk through lush Mediterranean vegetation, terraced vineyards, and ancient stone walls. On clear days, you can see the island of Capri. If you prefer, spend a relaxing day in Positano or venture to Ravello, another charming town known for its stunning views, beautiful gardens, and rich history.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hike the Path of the Gods
Explore Ravello
DAY 10:
Naples
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Farewell
Today, it's time to say arrivederci to Italy and head back to Naples for your flight to the US. Time permitting, you may want to arise early for the sunrise, either from your balcony or at the beach. If you aren't ready yet to leave Italy, add on an extension to Tuscany.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Sunrise over the Mediterranean
FINAL THOUGHTS
My visit to Puglia gave me a new perspective on Italy's diverse culture. I'd love to design a similar itinerary for you! I specialize in all of the logistics so that your only decision while enjoying Italy is which gelato flavor to choose!