8-Nights Southern Italy Escape - Escapes from $1,519

Globus

OFFER ID 1671526

Imagine spending time in Italy’s most beloved locations without the higher costs and bigger crowds associated with busy travel season. Join us on a cultural and culinary adventure of Southern Italy’s wonderful gems. Start with a city tour of Naples, birthplace of Neapolitan pizza. A scenic drive brings you to the rocky outcrop of Matera-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn all about the Sassi houses, thought to be among the first human settlements in Italy. Next overnight in the town of Lecce. Admire its lacy stone buildings and baroque squares and visit the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica to understand why it is called the "Florence of the South." In Alberobello, take a tour of the traditional Trullo houses-whitewashed, circular homes, with classic conical roofs. Marvel at the stunning 90-million-year-old caves of Castellana. Visit the Apulian capital of Bari on the heel of Italy’s "boot." Join us in the off season and escape to Southern Italy’s off-the-beaten-path locales.

8 nights from $1,519 per person

Itinerary

Southern Italy Escape

Day 1ARRIVE IN NAPLES, ITALY Welcome to Naples! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2NAPLESA Slice of Life in Napoli Your Southern Italian adventure begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Naples, a vibrant city oozing in character and culture. Your Local Guide will show you the main highlights, featuring an orientation drive and stop in the iconic Piazza Plebiscito. Enjoy some free time to discover more and perhaps try one of Naples’ most famous specialties – Neapolitan pizza! (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 3NAPLES–MATERAHidden Gem Drive into the hilly region of Basilicata to reach Matera, one of the oldest towns in the world. Join a Local Guide on a fascinating walk to see the historic center with its complex of “Sassi” houses built into the local caves and visit one of the Casa Grotta (house caves). Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and evening. (B,D)
155 mi / 250km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & 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 the James Bond film, “No Time to Die.”

Day 4MATERA–MANDURIA–LECCE Cultivating Culture A scenic drive into Apulia, the charismatic region with the longest coastline, that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot.” [LF] Enjoy an interesting visit to the Primitivo wine museum to learn about the local production, followed by a tasting. Continue to Lecce and join your Local Guide on a walking tour to discover Lecce’s beautiful historic center. Visit the Duomo with its distinctive bell tower and the Basilica of Santa Croce that took over 200 years to complete. (B)
105 mi / 168km

LOCAL 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 5LECCE Sweet Strolls in Apulia Spend a full day at leisure in Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South”. Explore more sights, browse the stores, sit in a café savoring local specialties and watching the world go by, or join an optional excursion to discover further afield. (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 6LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA Stone Houses Enjoy a scenic drive to Alberobello, once there, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through the Trulli-lined streets, including an interior visit of a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house) to discover how people live there. Enjoy some free time, and an evening at leisure. (B)
78 mi / 126km

TOUR 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 7ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO CASTELLANA GROTTE Stalactites & Stalagmites A short drive this morning to Castellana Grotte. Descend underground for a fascinating guided visit and walk through some of the most suggestive caves. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC 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 8ALBEROBELLO AREA: EXCURSION TO BARISanta Claus Connections Drive to the vibrant port city of Bari and meet your Local Guide for a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, including a visit to the Basilica of San Nicola. Enjoy some free time to explore more before joining your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
68 mi / 110km

TOUR 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 9ALBEROBELLO AREASafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Nearest airport is Bari.) (B)

Featured Destinations

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Lecce

Naples

From Naples visitors can explore the rugged Amalfi coast, Italy's most romantic stretch of coastline. Near Amalfi is the resort of Positano, where visitors enjoy strolling through streets and shopping in small boutiques. Take an excursion to legendary Pompeii, an ancient Roman city covered and preserved by the debris from the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The monuments of this city are considered to be among the finest of any ancient city in Europe, and visitors can spend a day here learning about life in a Roman town during the first century A.D. The Cathedral of San Gennaro, a fine medieval building, has one chapel containing the tomb of Charles of Anjou, while another houses the cathedral's gold and silver treasure. Among the Christian underground burial vaults discovered in an area of suburban heights, the Catacombs of San Gennaro can be visited. Capodimonte Park - a well-kept tropical park - has a royal palace built by Charles III in 1738 that now houses Naples' picture gallery, the National Museum of Capodimonte.

Excursions

Naples and Pompeii - 8 hours

Naples: Food Tour of Naples - 4 hours

Naples: The City of Naples - 8 hours

Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe, covering 4,200 acres and enclosing 27 centuries of history. One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world with Bronze Age Greek settlements dating back to the second millennium BC, the area was re-founded as Neápolis (‘new city’) in the sixth century BC, becoming a lynchpin of Magna Graecia and playing a key role in the merging of Greek culture into Roman society.

Explore Naples today with your expert guide. Highlights include the Spaccanapoli district, the magnificent Duomo cathedral, the Cappella Sansevero with its virtuosic sculptural masterpiece the Cristo Velato, as well as lesser-known gems such as the San Giovanni a Carbonara. Today’s tour encompasses artistic-historic treasures and plenty of local colour. Along the way, enjoy a bite of Naples’ famous street food ‘frittura’, a sinfully delicious mix of deep fried aubergines (eggplant), zucchini, mozzarella, arancini (rice croquettes), cauliflower, or potato croquettes.
Continue your sightseeing tour in the historic centre of Naples. Visit the Castel Nuovo, the imposing medieval structure built by the Angevins to defend the city. You may also wish to visit the adjoining Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace Museum and Royal apartments), built in the 17th century. The magnificently decorated halls and rooms contain the original Bourbon furnishings, paintings, statues and porcelain. Enjoy a panoramic drive to reach the magnificent Carthusian Monastery, the Certosa di San Martino situated on Vomero Hill, where you may visit the luxuriously decorated Baroque Style church.

Highlights:

Try Naples' famous street food as your guide shows you the historic sights of Italy
Visit the medieval Castel Nuovo, whose magnificently decorated rooms contain original Bourbon furnishings, paintings and statues

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
•   Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
•   An expert local guide (8 hours)
•   Entrance fees
•   All taxes

Exclusions:
•   All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
•   Gratuities

Naples: Historic Pompeii & Vesuvius - 9 hours

Alberobello

Matera

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

01/30/2027 - 02/07/2027

from $1,519 per person

02/06/2027 - 02/14/2027

from $1,639 per person

02/12/2027 - 02/20/2027

from $1,919 per person

02/13/2027 - 02/21/2027

from $1,639 per person

02/20/2027 - 02/28/2027

from $1,639 per person

02/26/2027 - 03/06/2027

from $1,999 per person

02/27/2027 - 03/07/2027

from $1,679 per person

03/06/2027 - 03/14/2027

from $1,759 per person

03/12/2027 - 03/20/2027

from $2,047 per person

03/13/2027 - 03/21/2027

from $1,759 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $1,519 per person

Length

8 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices listed are land-only, per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to change and availability. Itinerary and map subject to change. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1671526

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Sunrise Travel Center

2150 Route 35 Suite 250
Sea Girt, NJ 08750
USA

(732) 449-2200