Country Roads of Southern Italy

Country Roads of Southern Italy

22 Views
9 Days From

$3425

$3011

Country Roads of Southern Italy

9 Days Starting and ending in Rome

Visiting: Rome, Vatican, Alberobello, Lecce, Gallipoli, Matera, Grottole, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

E821AZM20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3425 $3011 Operator discount: -$415 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Indulge in Italy’s finest food and views during this 9-day guided tour. In Rome, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain during a walking tour with a Local Expert and visit the Vatican Museums. In Sorrento, settle into a luxurious resort and take in the views of Mount Vesuvius, which buried Pompeii in a sea of lava in 79 A.D. Indulge your curiosity from an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in the village of Grottole to viewing the Trulli of Alberobello UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights

  • content:

    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.
    • Capri: Enjoy a tasting of limoncello and learn the history behind this traditional lemon liqueur.

  • content:

    Top Rated Highlights

    • Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
    • Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
    • Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
    • Matera: With your Local Expert, visit the famous Sassi or cave dwellings, which were home to approximately 20,000 people until 1950s and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter

    Grottole: Participate in the fascinating Wonder Grottole Project. This regeneration initiative works to rehabilitate the abandoned historic centre and preserve village life. Your visit advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

  • content:

    Authentic Dining

    Alberobello: Learn about local life while savouring a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal featuring recipes and flavours typical of the region.

  • content:

    Insight Choice

    Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.

    Capri: Enjoy a tasting of limoncello and learn the history behind this traditional lemon liqueur.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome

Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner with wine.

Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local

Location: Rome, Vatican

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome

Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth experience bringing millennia of history to life. Journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.

Day 3: Alberobello

Location: Rome, Alberobello

Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The brilliant blue of the sky set against the white of the buildings of the southern Italian towns and villages will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. A photographer's paradise around every corner from Field Marigolds in early spring to date palm trees, figs and pomegranates with groves of olive trees for a picture perfect setting. Exploring the southern part of Italy is a chance to enter a world away from the throng of tourists and discover how Italians live and enjoy life. Rub shoulders with UNESCO World Heritage sites and friendly locals who will enchant you with their hospitality.

Day 4: The Trulli Of Alberobello

Location: Alberobello

Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The Trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. Get up close learning the insights behind these unique structures. Relax this afternoon with your time at leisure or take the opportunity to join an optional experience to explore more of the Puglian countryside and heritage. Later, deepen your discoveries joining an optional experience for a Masseria dinner.

Day 5: Discovering Lecce

Location: Alberobello, Lecce, Gallipoli, Alberobello

Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Italy will enchant the most curious of travellers. Enjoy a visit with your Local Expert to one of the most beautiful cities of southern Italy, Lecce. The town is often referred to as the Florence of the South due to its dazzling architectural, beautiful Baroque buildings and monuments dating back to Roman times. Amble along its spider's web of streets offering a kaleidoscope mix of long-range vistas and alluring glimpses. Next is the pretty seaside town of Gallipoli where you’ll view the Greek Fountain and medieval castle before making your way to a viewpoint looking out over the Ionian Sea.

Day 6: Journey South To Matera

Location: Matera, Grottole, Matera

Accommodation: MH Matera Hotel

Accommodation Name: MH Matera Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Visit Matera with a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi — a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases and arches, hewn out of the solid rock. You may recognise Matera as the biblical backdrop for the film ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Continue to the small village of Grottole. Once a thriving community, it has lost most of its activity and population. Meet Andrea, a local striving to reignite the traditional way of living of the area. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience explore the historic old town to learn about the fascinating history of the village. Later, enjoy an aperitif with local snacks helping to preserve the culture.

Day 7: Pompeii And Sorrento

Location: Matera, Pompeii, Sorrento

Accommodation: Isabella, Sorrento

Accommodation Name: Isabella, Sorrento

Meals Included: Breakfast

Buried in A.D. 79 by the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, discover the archaeological site of Pompeii in the region of Campania. Walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets to see a city frozen in time. Venture on to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking over to Mount Vesuvius.

Day 8: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams

Location: Sorrento, Capri, Sorrento

Accommodation: Isabella, Sorrento

Accommodation Name: Isabella, Sorrento

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The impossibly blue sea welcomes you to the sun-drenched island of Capri as you cruise by jetfoil. On arrival, meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk through the narrow alleyways. Explore Capri with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the immaculate Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire the views over the Faraglioni Rocks. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri’s famous lemon liqueur.

Day 9: Depart Sorrento

Location: Sorrento, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, wave goodbye to your fellow travellers as you depart Sorrento on a coach transfer to Rome airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners.

  • Local Expert Guides

    Enjoy guided tours with local experts in various locations including Capri, Alberobello, Matera, and Pompeii.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Tips at hotels and restaurants are included, so you don't have to worry about tipping.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags will be carried for you and delivered to your hotel door.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and at hotels where available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your flights align with the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Travel in comfort on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board the coach for use throughout the day.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as exploring more of the Puglian countryside and heritage or a Masseria dinner are not included.

  • Transfers Outside Scheduled Times

    Transfers are not included if your flights are outside the scheduled times or if you have booked additional nights accommodation.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury aboard Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring comfort and safety with physical distancing measures and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Accommodation

Experience comfort and style with stays at Room 007 Select in Rome, Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri in Alberobello, MH Matera Hotel, and Isabella in Sorrento, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Grottole: Meet Andrea for an aperitif and a tour of the village.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour of Southern Italy?

    The tour includes unique experiences such as exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Trulli of Alberobello, visiting the Sassi cave dwellings in Matera, and participating in the Wonder Grottole Project. You will also have the opportunity to taste limoncello in Capri and enjoy a Farm-to-Table meal in Alberobello.

  • How does the tour handle luggage and transportation?

    The tour provides luggage handling services, ensuring your bags are carried for you and delivered to your hotel door. Transportation is provided by Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, which offers double the standard legroom and onboard washroom facilities.

  • What are some of the highlights of the visit to Capri?

    In Capri, you will cruise by jetfoil to the island and have the option to visit the Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert to admire views of the Faraglioni rocks or enjoy a tasting of the famous lemon liqueur, limoncello.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners. One of the highlights is a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal in Alberobello, featuring local recipes and flavors.

  • Are there any special projects or initiatives included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes participation in the Wonder Grottole Project, a regeneration initiative aimed at rehabilitating the abandoned historic center of Grottole and preserving village life.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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Operator discount: -$420

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Operator discount: -$422

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Operator discount: -$422

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Operator discount: -$420

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Operator discount: -$420

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Operator discount: -$415

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Operator discount: -$417

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Operator discount: -$425

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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