top of page

Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
June 15 - 23, 2026

9 days from Naples to Alberobello Area

 

June 15 - 23, 2026

 

Italy is full of wonders, but some of its best-kept treasures lie in the Apulia region near the "heel." Known for its scenic coastline, fresh produce, and whitewashed towns, this slower-paced area offers a true taste of la dolce vita. Explore Southern Italy from Naples to the ancient caves of Castellana, and enjoy vineyard visits, groves, and castles. At the Manduria wine museum, you'll toast to Apulia’s highlights—rich history, stunning views, and endless sunshine.

Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com 

italy globus map.jpg

DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary

 

Day 1: Welcome to Naples

 

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Dinner included today.

Accommodations:

Starhotel Terminus

 

The Terminus hotel offers a 4 star retreat from everyday life in the midst of lively Naples. It is located in a strategic location just steps from the metro L1 stop Garibaldi, which offers easy transport to reach the main attractions of the city.

NAPLES-PIZZA.jpg
starhotel.jpg

Day 2: Naples

A Slice of Life in Napoli

NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes Palazzo Reale.

Enjoy free time this afternoon. 

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.

Breakfast included today.

Optional Excursion:

Discover Herculaneum with Tasting Dinner

This exceptional guided excursion introduces you to the excavations of Herculaneum, the city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Afterward, enjoy lunch on the volcano.
Duration: 4h 30m

NAPLES-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Day 3: Naples to Matera

Hidden Gem

MATERA Guided walking tour.

HISTORIC SPOT 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 Local Guide to reveal the secrets of this unique city that also served as the setting for many famous films, including Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of Christ” and the James Bond 007 film, “No Time to Die.”

Breakfast and Dinner included today.

Accommodations:

Hotel Del Campo

Set in a former 18th century aristocratic residence with beautiful ancient gardens, this charming property is located just outside the centre of Matera within easy reach of the Sassi UNESCO site. It offers large rooms, all of which are located in a new wing and feature parquet floors, air conditioning, and Free Wi-Fi. The hotel Restaurant serves delicious local specialities in the historic dining room together with an extensive choice of traditional wines from Basilicata.

MATERA-VIEW.jpg
hotel de campo.jpg

Day 4: Matera - Manduria - Lecce


Cultivating Culture


MANDURIA Globus Local Favorite Visit the Primitivo wine museum followed by a tasting. 105 mi / 168km

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 holds its name as this type of grape matures early.

Breakfast included today.

Accommodations:

Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

Located in a quiet area of the Salentine Peninsula near Lecce’s historic center, this modern hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center, Beauty & Spa, and a seasonal rooftop pool with city views. The 143 rooms feature Garden Sleep System® beds, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy Italian cuisine at the full-service restaurant, grab snacks at the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry, or relax with drinks and light bites at the stylish bar.

MANDURIA-PRIMATIVO.jpg
hilton garden inn.jpg

Day 5: Lecce


Sweet Strolls in Apulia


LECCE Guided walking tour includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Free time.

CULTURAL GEM Stroll through Apulia, the “Florence of the South,” 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.

Breakfast included today.

Accommodations:

Hilton Garden Inn Lecce

LECCE.jpg

Day 6: Lecce - Ostuni - Alberobello Area

Stone Houses


OSTUNI Guided visit. Olive oil tasting and light lunch en route to Alberobello


ALBEROBELLO A guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut). 67 mi / 108km

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.

Breakfast and Lunch included today.

Accommodations:

Grand Hotel D'Aragona

Located in a very peaceful position close to some of Apulia's most important attractions like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, this hotel is a great choice for those who want to explore the region. All its air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen/satellite TV and minibar. Most of the rooms also have balconies. Other amenities include an elegant restaurant serving local dishes and two swimming pools. Free Wi-Fi access is available in public areas.

ALBEROBELLO-TRULLO.jpg
grand hotel.jpg

Day 7: Alberobello Area

Grottos and Grapes


CASTELLANA GROTTE Globus Local Favorite Take a guided visit to the underground caves. 81 mi / 130 km

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.

Breakfast is included today.

Accomodations:

Grand Hotel D'Aragona

CASTELLANA-GROTTE.jpg

Day 8: Alberobello Area

Old Town and Old Saint Nicholas


BARI A guided walking tour includes the Old Town and San Nicola’s Church. Enjoy a cooking demonstration of local specialties, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 31 mi / 50km

Breakfast, Dinner included today.

Accommodations:

Grand Hotel D'Aragona

BARI.jpg

Day 9: Depart Alberobello

 

Safe travels until we meet again!


Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Nearest airport is Bari)

Breakfast included today.

ALBEROBELLO-VIEW.jpg

Pricing

Double occupancy rates per person - $3,629

Single occupancy rate per person - $4,019

Triple occupancy rate person - $3,589

Travel protection per person - $359

A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a

first-come, first-serve basis. Final payment is April 16, 2026.

 

Travel protection starting at $359 per person.

Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in Naples.

Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.

Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.

302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.

Your Host

About Your Group Trip Coordinator 

Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier work in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase.  She has planned and escorted numerous trips, both domestically and internationally, for local organizations, including University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Food Bank of Delaware, Kennett Area Community Service, and Traditions at Longwood community.   

 

McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium.  

helicopter 4.jpg
bottom of page