LUXURY TAILOR MADE TRAVEL

Tailor-Made Italy: Puglia & the Amalfi Coast

10 days, 5-star from $14,995

Embark on a memorable journey to southern Italy to enjoy its outstanding flavours, sights, and experiences – from the ancient towns of Puglia to the gleaming Amalfi! Visit the iconic cone-shaped buildings in Puglia and meet one of the last builders still practising the craft, and make a stop at Pompeii to see how the devastating eruption changed the city forever. Explore the olive grove-surrounded Ostuni, admire Lecce’s Baroque architecture, inspect the unique cave dwellings in Sassi di Matera, and visit the easternmost city of Otranto, overlooking the crystalline sea. Finish your trip on the fabulous Amalfi Coast and make a quick trip to the paradisian Capri island.

Italy at a Glance

For the most part, Italy is welcoming towards the LGBT community. You can enjoy a hassle-free vacation and express yourself rather freely yet respectfully if you visit the most popular destinations. While generally safe, you’ll want to stay alert around the most popular tourist destinations, as pickpocketing is still quite common in Italy. The southern parts of Italy enjoy a Mediterranean climate, meaning the summers are dry and hot while the winters are relatively mild. The best time to visit is between April and October, but note that July is the hottest month of the year and the daily average temperature is around +30°C.

Photo: Alessio Bachetti

Photo: Eleonora Altomare

10-day travel itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Bari, Puglia

Arrive in coastal Bari, the capital of the Puglia region and transfer to your stylish hotel.

DAY 2

Puglia | Trulli Dwellings

Begin your trip by exploring some of the loveliest villages and towns in Puglia – Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Alberobello. Finish the day in Polignano a Mare for an evening of seaside aperitivi and local wine with unmatched sea views.

DAY 3

Lecce | Liquid Gold

Today’s journey will take you from Bari to Lecce, where you will check into your next hotel. Stop at a traditional masseria (farm estate) to see the olive oil-making process and sample some of the best local varieties. Journey on to the pearly white olive grove-surrounded Ostuni to walk its quaint cobbled streets and alleyways as you take in the sunny Adriatic vistas. Stop at the oldest bakery in the city, dating back to the 1920s, and try some of the exceptional baked goods. Finish the day in Lecce!

DAY 4

Lecce | Jewel of Salento

Today discover Lecce, a city adorned with exemplary baroque architecture making it one of the most significant travel destinations in Puglia. As you explore the city, stop at the Piazza del Duomo, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Learn to make the traditional custard-filled pastry pasticciotto in a culinary masterclass, and then attend a Puglian papier-mâché class where you will make a piece of your own. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 5

Otranto | Bridge to the Mediterranean

Drive to the very “heel” of the country and visit Italy’s easternmost city, Otranto. Overlooking the azure waters towards Albania, the city has historical significance – it once was a political, religious, and commercial melting pot where the Orient meets Europe. In the afternoon, drive to coastal towns Castro, Tricase Porto, and Grotta della Poesia, each as beautiful as the next. Continue on the coastal Litoranea Salentina road and visit a Puglian dairy farm before heading back to Lecce.

DAY 6

Matera | Singular Cave Dwellings

In the morning, leave for Matera, an ancient city, renowned for being continually inhabited for thousands of years. From the city’s unique cave dwellings to Baroque architecture, this one-of-a-kind place is steeped in fascinating history and unique sights. After exploring the streets, caves, and buildings, stop at a local bakery that’s known for bread so unique that it was awarded protected geographical indication.

DAY 7

Amalfi Coast | Ruins of Pompeii

Today, as you journey to the famous Amalfi Coast, you’ll stop for lunch with panoramic views on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Then continue to Pompeii, the famous city with a devastating past. An expert guide will take you to the most notable locations that will give a peek into the history of this once-opulent city destroyed by a volcanic eruption. Finish the day in Sorrento.

DAY 8

Capri | Breathtaking Blue Grotto

Today’s destination is the captivating island of Capri! Utterly mesmerising, the island’s dramatic landscape is defined by rugged cliffs, colourful buildings, and azure waters as far as the eye can see. From streets lined with lovely boutiques to landmarks like Axel Munthe's Villa San Michele, there’s much to discover on this paradisian island. If heights aren’t a problem, take a chairlift up to the summit of Monte Solaro and admire the commanding views. Then visit the Blue Grotto cave – the way light travels through water creates the most irresistible illumination. Once you return to the mainland, enjoy some local limoncello that Amalfi is famous for.

DAY 9

Amalfi Coast | Gorgeous Coastal Villages

Explore the vibrant villages of the Amalfi Coast by going on a drive with a private vehicle. Begin at Ravello and admire the town’s famous cliffside gardens and Villa Rufalo. Continue to Amalfi and see the intricate Duomo and its 13th-century facade. Stop for lunch at a restaurant with unmatched sea views before continuing to Positano – along the way, enjoy the coastal scenery full of sun-kissed villages, dizzying cliffs, glittering lagoons, and sandy coves. Visit the studio of a local ceramics maker and learn about the fascinating process of making beautiful pottery. At Positano, breathe in the stunning surroundings as you wander the narrow yet lively streets. Finish the day back at Sorrento and take in the spectacular Gulf of Naples views on your final evening in Italy.

DAY 10

Depart Naples

Head to the Naples airport for your departure flight.

Additional recommended experiences

Experience the culinary and cultural delights of Puglia, Italy with these additional options. Take a food-themed walking tour in the bustling capital city of Bari, savour cruditè di pesce at the fisherman's market in Gallipoli, attend a wine tasting at the 16th-century Castello Monaci, and cruise along the stunning Amalfi Coast on a private motorboat. These options are available for an additional cost and are sure to enhance your journey, offering a chance to taste local delicacies and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and traditions.

Let Us Book Your Luxury Italy Vacation

Get in touch if you would like us to arrange your Italy trip. Did you have a different Italy itinerary in mind? No problem. We tailor every trip to your individual travel style and budget so just let us know what you’re looking for.