Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
Italy
Nine days through the Italy most tours skip: Naples, the cave-houses of Matera, Primitivo wine country, Baroque Lecce, white-hilltop Ostuni, the trulli of Alberobello, the Castellana caves and Bari's old town. Three UNESCO sites, walking tours with Local Guides in every town, a wine tasting, an olive-oil tasting and a cooking demonstration, and 8 breakfasts, a lunch and 3 dinners. The tour ends in the Alberobello area; the nearest airport is Bari.
From $2,599 pp
Per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included · 9 days
- Next departure
- Apr 20, 2027 · $3,089
- Departures open
- 18
- Meals
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners
- Operator
- Globus / Cosmos
Or call / text 954-698-4438
Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Globus / Cosmos's own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.
Our take
If you have done Rome, Florence and Venice, this is the second Italy trip. The south is slower, cheaper to eat in and much less crowded, and Matera and Alberobello are the kind of places that are awkward to reach on your own. The pace is gentler than the classic Italy circuit — several one-town days — and the coach distances are short. The catch is the open-jaw routing: you arrive in Naples and leave from Bari, so flights need a little more care.
Highlights
- 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites on the route: Historic Centre of Naples, The Sassi of Matera, The Trulli of Alberobello
- Globus Choice excursions in Naples − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walk through the vibrant Spanish Quarter plus a complementary sfogliatella pastry, or a guided walk to see highlights of Naples including a visit to the Santa Chiara Monastery
- Guided walking tour in Alberobello includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut)
- 8 nights in listed hotels, 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, Tour Director throughout
- 18 departures currently open across 2027, from $2,599 per person, land only — flights from home not included
Who this trip suits
- Repeat Italy visitors who want the south without a rental car
- Food-and-wine travelers — Primitivo tasting, olive oil in Ostuni, a cooking demonstration in Bari
- Travelers who prefer a calmer pace with one or two nights in each place
- Anyone drawn to Matera's Sassi and the trulli of Alberobello, both UNESCO-listed
Who should look elsewhere
- First-timers who want Rome, Florence or Venice — none are on this route
- Travelers who need a round-trip from one airport; this starts in Naples and ends near Bari
- People who dislike walking towns on cobbles and hills — Matera and Ostuni are steep
- Anyone wanting beach time; the coast is seen, not sat on
Day by day
Globus / Cosmos's published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026
1Welcome to Naples!Arrive in Naples, ItalyDinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
2Spend your day your way in NaplesNaplesBreakfast
Your Southern Italian adventure begins with an orientation drive of Naples, a vibrant city oozing in character and culture. Explore more of the city with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening.
Meals: Breakfast
3Hidden GemNaples–MateraBreakfastDinner
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.
Highlight · 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.”
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 174 mi / 280 km
4Cultivating CultureMatera–Manduria–LecceBreakfast
A scenic drive into Apulia, the charismatic region with the longest coastline, that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot”. Enjoy an interesting visit to the Primitivo wine museum to learn about the local production, followed by a tasting. Continue to Lecce for free time.
Local favorite · 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, and it is known for producing robust and full-bodied red wines with rich fruit flavors. Its name derives from the tendency of the grape to mature early.
Meals: Breakfast · 106 mi / 170 km
5Sweet Strolls in ApuliaLecceBreakfast
This morning, discover why Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” when you follow your Local Guide for a walking tour of Lecce’s beautiful historic center, rich in Baroque architecture. Visit the Duomo with its distinctive bell tower and the Basilica of Santa Croce that took over 200 years to complete Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening, time to browse at leisure and sample some of the region’s delicious specialties.
Highlight · Stroll around Lecce to take in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Wander the narrow streets of golden sandstone looking for hidden Piazzas, or, relax in a wine bar and indulge in a glass of local rosé and views of the carved baroque churches the city has to offer around each corner.
Meals: Breakfast
6Stone HousesLecce–Ostuni–Alberobello AreaBreakfastLunch
Visit Ostuni, a stunning white hilltop town. Explore the charming streets and admire the views before savoring an olive oil tasting and light lunch of local specialties. Once in Alberobello, join your Local Guide for 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.
Highlight · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch · 75 mi / 120 km
7Stalactites & StalagmitesAlberobello Area: excursion to Castellana GrotteBreakfast
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.
Highlight · 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.
Meals: Breakfast · 31 mi / 50 km
8Old Town and Old Saint NicholasAlberobello Area: excursion to BariBreakfastDinner
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. Later, enjoy a cooking demonstration of local specialties, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Highlight · Bari combines historical charm with modern amenities, culinary tradition, and 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 who was the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 81 mi / 130 km
9Safe travels until we meet again!Alberobello AreaBreakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Nearest airport is Bari)
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & prices
Read from Globus / Cosmos's departures feed · per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included
| Departs | Returns | Group | Price pp | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 20, 2027small group | Apr 28 | Small group | $3,089$3,689 | Available |
| Apr 27, 2027 | May 5 | Standard | $3,099 | Available |
| May 4, 2027small group | May 12 | Small group | $3,859 | Available |
| May 11, 2027 | May 19 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
| May 18, 2027 | May 26 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
| May 25, 2027 | Jun 2 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
| Jun 1, 2027 | Jun 9 | Standard | $3,319 | Available |
| Jun 8, 2027 | Jun 16 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
| Jun 15, 2027small group | Jun 23 | Small group | $3,749$3,899 | Available |
| Aug 24, 2027 | Sep 1 | Standard | $2,599 | Available |
| Aug 31, 2027 | Sep 8 | Standard | $3,199 | Available |
| Sep 7, 2027 | Sep 15 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
| Sep 14, 2027 | Sep 22 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
| Sep 21, 2027 | Sep 29 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
4 more departures scheduled — ask us for the full calendar. Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.
Where you stay
Hotels as listed by Globus / Cosmos, “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.
Naples
Starhotel TerminusFirst-Class
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…
Matera
Hotel Del CampoSuperior First-Class
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…
Lecce
Hilton Garden Inn LecceSuperior First-Class
Set in a quiet residential area in the heart of the Salentine Peninsula, just a short distance away from the stunning attractions of Lecce's historic city center also known as 'The Florence of the…
Alberobello Area
D'Aragona Hotel & SpaSuperior First-Class
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…
or Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri (First-Class)
What's included
- Tour Director for the whole trip, plus Local Guides at the major sites
- 8 nights in the hotels listed below ("as shown or similar")
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners — see the day-by-day for which days
- Coach travel between cities as shown, with luggage handled hotel to hotel
- Guided city drive in Naples
- Globus Choice excursions in Naples − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walk through the vibrant Spanish Quarter plus a complementary sfogliatella pastry, or a guided walk to see highlights of Naples including a visit to the Santa Chiara Monastery
- Guided walking tour of Matera features a visit to a Casa Grotta (cave house)
- Primitivo wine museum visit plus tasting
- Guided walking tour in Lecce includes Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica
- Guided walking tour in Bari features the Old Town and San Nicola’s Church
- Guided walking tour in Alberobello includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional stone conical-roof hut)
- Guided visit to the Castellana Grotte underground cave system
- Local olive oil tasting
What's not included
- International airfare — every price on this page is land-only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
- Airport transfers at the start and end unless stated in the itinerary (Globus adds them when air is booked through them)
- Meals not listed: about 8 lunches and 5 dinners, plus drinks with meals
- Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver and Local Guides (Globus offers a prepaid option for the first two)
- Optional excursions, bookable from 90 days before departure
- Travel protection — recommended, and we will price it alongside the tour
- Single supplement for solo travelers — quoted on request
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights from South Florida | Not included. We price them with your dates; arriving a day early is worth it when the tour starts with an evening meet-up. |
| Airport transfers | Not included on the standard tour. Globus adds them when air is booked through them; otherwise a taxi or pre-booked car. |
| Meals not covered | 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners are in. Budget for the rest, plus drinks. |
| Gratuities | Tour Director, driver and Local Guide tips are extra. Globus offers a prepaid option for the Tour Director and driver. |
| Optional excursions | Offered from 90 days before departure and on tour. Not required to enjoy the itinerary. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it for a trip at this price point and quote it with the tour. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies. We quote it per departure. |
Good to know
- Coach days
- 2 of the 9 days include 100+ miles of driving (Day 3: 174 mi, Day 4: 106 mi), broken up by stops.
- Group size
- Standard departures travel by full-size coach. Departures marked Small Group on the dates table are Globus Small Group Discoveries, capped at a smaller group and priced higher.
- Price basis
- Per person, based on two sharing a room, land only — flights from home not included. Hotels are as listed or similar.
- Start and finish
- 9 days from Naples to Alberobello Area. Open-jaw flights (different arrival and departure cities) — we price them together.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ guests | Group pricing starts here — Globus quotes group rates from 8 travelers. Ask us for a group quote. |
| 20+ guests | Custom itinerary available — Globus can build a tailor-made version of this tour. |
Gallery
Questions we get about this trip
Is airfare included?
No. Every price on this page is land-only. We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Globus can add airport transfers when the air is on their booking.
Where do we fly in and out?
In through Naples, out through Bari — the tour ends in the Alberobello area and Globus names Bari as the nearest airport. We price the open-jaw ticket with your dates.
What are the Globus Choice excursions?
On Day 2 in Naples you choose between a guided walk through the Spanish Quarter with a sfogliatella pastry, or a highlights walk that visits the Santa Chiara Monastery. Both are included; you pick one.
How much walking is there?
Expect guided walking tours most days, often on cobbles, steps and uneven ground. If that is a concern, tell us before you commit and we will talk it through rather than hope for the best.
Which dates are cheapest?
Prices vary by departure — the dates table on this page is read from Globus's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season departures are usually the lower-priced ones; any Small Group departures cost more.
What if we need to cancel?
Globus's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Globus' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by product and departure date, and differ again for air booked through Globus; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: globusjourneys.com/terms
