Destinations / Europe / Italy / Tailor-Made Italy: Puglia & the Amalfi CoastBESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEYItaly: Southern SplendourCoastal poetry, curatedStep into a world where sun-drenched landscapes paint the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated sojourn through Italy’s most captivating southern regions. From the mystical trulli of Puglia to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, this carefully curated ten-day journey weaves together a tapestry of experiences that celebrates both the region’s timeless allure and its contemporary charm. Here, in a land where acceptance flows as naturally as the local wine, your adventure unfolds through a collection of moments that marry raw authenticity with refined Italian elegance.Southern Italy at a GlanceIn Italy‘s mesmerising south, hospitality isn’t just a service—it’s an art form passed down through generations, as essential as the olive trees that dot the landscape and the endless azure waters that kiss the shore. The cobblestone streets of Puglia’s white-washed towns tell stories of acceptance and community, where same-sex couples can be found running everything from family-owned masserias to sophisticated seaside restaurants. This is a realm where local pride extends far beyond the summer festivities, woven into the very fabric of daily life, from the morning espresso at a centuries-old café to sunset aperitivi overlooking the Mediterranean.Here, nature crafts love letters in grand gestures: limestone cliffs plunge into crystal-clear waters, ancient olive groves whisper tales of generations past, and the golden light of sunset bathes historic facades in an ethereal glow. During summer, vibrant celebrations bring rainbow-coloured life to the streets around Baroque palaces, while the long, balmy evenings invite intimate gatherings in rooftop bars overlooking the sea. As you venture from Puglia’s trulli-dotted landscapes to the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, each destination welcomes visitors with the same warmth that has characterised these shores for millennia—a testament to Italy’s enduring spirit of embrace and acceptance. CurrencyEuro (EUR) LanguageItalian VisasNot needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe Best Time To VisitMay – September TimezoneCentral European Standard Time (GMT+1) Homosexual ActivityLegal 10-day Travel ItineraryJourney through a land where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sophistication in perfect harmony. This meticulously crafted ten-day exploration traverses Italy's most compelling southern landscapes, from Puglia's sun-drenched coasts to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Begin in Bari, where centuries-old traditions thrive in a modern context, before venturing through the trulli-dotted landscapes of Valle d'Itria and the Baroque splendour of Lecce. Here, experience the profound connection between Italian communities and their ancestral lands, while discovering how southern Italian culture elegantly balances sophistication with authenticity—from innovative gastronomy to timeless craft traditions.DAY 1 Bari | First Whispers of Southern CharmYour Italian journey begins in Bari, where medieval churches rise from sun-bleached piazzas and the scent of fresh pasta drying in the sea breeze guides you through ancient streets. As you settle into your design hotel—perhaps the Palazzo Bozzi Corso, where contemporary luxury meets historic grandeur—the afternoon unfolds at your pace. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Bari Vecchia, where nonnas still make orecchiette by hand in doorways draped with fragrant herbs. As evening approaches, Puglia's innovative culinary scene beckons with a Michelin-starred welcome dinner where each course tells tales of the region's gastronomic evolution. DAY 2 Puglia | Trulli Tales and Coastal DreamsDawn breaks over Puglia's limestone landscapes as you embark on a journey through the Valle d'Itria's most enchanting towns. Begin in Locorotondo, where circular streets wrap around the hilltop like a perfectly coiled shell, before discovering Cisternino's whitewashed elegance. In UNESCO-listed Alberobello, meet one of the last trulli builders, whose family has preserved this architectural art form for generations. As afternoon mellows into evening, find yourself in sophisticated Polignano a Mare, where cliff-edge aperitivo spots offer front-row seats to a spectacular Mediterranean sunset. Toast to your first full day in Puglia with local wines and seafood delicacies in a restaurant carved into ancient limestone cliffs. DAY 3 Lecce | Liquid Gold and White CitiesToday's journey weaves through Puglia's olive-grove heartland en route to the Baroque jewel of Lecce. Begin at a historic masseria, where ancient olive trees have witnessed centuries of history. Here, discover the artisanal process behind Italy's 'liquid gold' with a private tasting of premium olive oils. Continue to Ostuni, the 'White City', where sunlight plays across limestone facades and bougainvillea cascades down ancient walls. Pause at the city's oldest bakery, a family institution since the 1920s, to sample traditional Pugliese pastries. Arrive in Lecce as golden hour bathes the city's Baroque facades in warm light, settling into your boutique hotel housed within a historic palazzo. DAY 4 Lecce | Baroque Splendour and Artisan TraditionsLet Lecce's theatrical Baroque architecture set the stage for a day of artistic discovery. Your private guide unveils the stories behind the city's most spectacular facades, from the intricate Basilica of Santa Croce to the theatrical Piazza del Duomo. Enter the world of traditional craftsmanship with two exclusive workshops: first, master the art of pasticciotto-making alongside a local pastry chef, creating these beloved custard-filled pastries in a historic bakery. Later, join a papier-mâché artisan to learn this uniquely Lecce art form, creating your own piece to take home. As evening falls, enjoy a private dinner in a secret palazzo garden, where contemporary Italian cuisine meets historic surroundings. DAY 5 Otranto | Mediterranean CrossroadsJourney to Italy's easternmost point, where European and Oriental influences merge in the enchanting port of Otranto. Walk the historic ramparts where tales of ancient traders and maritime adventures echo in the sea breeze. Your coastal odyssey continues along the stunning Litoranea Salentina, stopping at the hidden gems of Castro and Tricase Porto, where crystalline waters invite afternoon swims. Visit the mythical Grotta della Poesia, one of Europe's most beautiful natural pools, before concluding your day at an artisanal Puglian dairy farm. Here, learn the secrets of burrata-making before a sunset dinner featuring the morning's fresh cheese. DAY 6 Matera | Dreams in Ancient StoneLeave Puglia behind for the extraordinary city of Matera, where human ingenuity has carved a civilization from solid rock. Your expert guide reveals how this UNESCO World Heritage site has transformed from Italy's "national shame" to a symbol of cultural renaissance. Explore the sassi districts, where ancient cave dwellings have been transformed into boutique hotels and artistic spaces. Visit a local baker whose family has crafted the city's unique bread—now protected by geographical indication—for generations. As darkness falls, experience Matera's mystical atmosphere during a private dinner in a candlelit cave restaurant, where traditional Lucanian cuisine meets contemporary gastronomy. DAY 7 Amalfi Coast | Volcanic LegacyToday's journey carries you toward the dramatic Amalfi Coast, with a meaningful pause at Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy lunch at an organic winery on the volcano's slopes, where mineral-rich soils produce extraordinary wines. In Pompeii, an archaeologist guide brings the ancient city to life, revealing intimate details of daily life frozen in time by the famous eruption. Arrive in Sorrento as the sun sets over the Bay of Naples, settling into your luxury hotel where traditional Sorrentine style meets contemporary comfort. DAY 8 Capri | Island of DreamsBoard a private speedboat to the isle of Capri, where dramatic natural beauty meets effortless Italian glamour. Begin at the enchanting Villa San Michele, where Axel Munthe created his paradise of art and antiquities. For the adventurous, the Monte Solaro chairlift offers breathtaking views across the bay. Experience the mystical Blue Grotto in perfect privacy with special early access, watching as sunlight transforms the cave into a cathedral of blue light. Return to Sorrento for a private limoncello tasting in a historic citrus grove, learning the secrets of this beloved local elixir. DAY 9 Amalfi Coast | Symphony in AzureYour private driver reveals the Amalfi Coast's most spectacular vistas today, beginning in elegant Ravello. Explore the romantic gardens of Villa Rufolo, where Wagner found inspiration for Parsifal, before discovering Amalfi's medieval maritime glory at its Arabs-meets-Gothic Duomo. Lunch arrives with panoramic views at a Michelin-starred restaurant carved into the cliffs. In Positano, visit a ceramics atelier where traditional techniques meet contemporary design, before free time to explore the vertical town's fashion boutiques and art galleries. Return to Sorrento for a farewell dinner on a private terrace, toasting to your Italian adventure as the lights of Naples twinkle across the bay. DAY 10 Naples | Arrivederci to Southern SplendourYour final morning in Italy unfolds at your pace. Perhaps take a last passeggiata through Naples' historic centre, or savour a final espresso at a centuries-old café where the art of coffee-making reaches new heights. As you prepare for departure, carry with you memories of a southern Italy both timeless and contemporary, where natural beauty and human sophistication dance in perfect harmony. Additional Recommended ExperiencesExtend your Italian sojourn with carefully curated experiences that reveal the region's diverse character. Arrange private cooking classes in historic palazzos, where Michelin-starred chefs share centuries-old recipes with modern twists. Explore the hidden coves of the Amalfi Coast by private yacht, discovering secluded beaches accessible only by sea. For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, arrange exclusive after-hours access to Pompeii's most evocative corners, or join local artisans in their studios to learn traditional crafts. Oenophiles might choose to explore Puglia's emerging wine scene with private tastings in historic masserias, while adventure seekers can discover hidden caves along the coast by private boat tour. Throughout the year, southern Italy offers exclusive experiences that match its natural grandeur with sophisticated service, ensuring your journey creates memories as dramatic as the landscapes themselves. Transform Your Italy Dreams into RealityAllow us to craft your bespoke Italy journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences. Personally crafted journey design Distinguished accommodations, thoughtfully selected Exclusive experiences and privileged access Expert local guides and cultural interpreters Private transfers with dedicated arrival service