Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia
10 Days
From AUD $4460
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (17 reviews)

Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
4.4
17 Reviews
View Map
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take off on an unforgettable journey down Italy’s rarely visited heel, getting to know another side of this beautiful country.

Highlights

  • Stroll through the flourishing countryside of the Amalfi Coast and pick lemons straight from the tree.
  • Join the sophisticates of Puglia with a glass of Moscato di Trani and drink to Trani’s Adriatic beauty at a harbour-side bar.
  • Explore the otherworldly Sassi of Matera – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge.
  • End this Italian adventure sipping limoncello in the tangled streets of Bari’s Old Town.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi

Guide Language

English

Starts

Minori, Italy

Finishes

Bari, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Minori
Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast, in the small town of Minori. The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coasts, cliff-top vistas, bright seas, tiered lemon groves, whitewashed villages, steep cliffs and blue skies. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Minori Town early, why not take a self-guided stroll in search of some gorgeous panoramic views of the coast. Or you could just plant yourself at a sunny piazza cafe and enjoy a macchiato or a gelato.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel in Minori (Amalfi Coast) (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Minori
You have a free day to explore Minori Town and Amalfi Town (just a 15 minute bus ride away) today. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of Amalfi Town to the other and pay a visit to the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you’re after something more active, maybe head out on a walk through the Valley of Mills. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the Valley of Dragons to reach pretty Ravello – for centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate have made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas, the 11th century Villa Rufolo – once the home of Wagner – and Villa Cimbrone – a 19th century mansion with sprawling gardens and great views over the Gulf of Salerno. You could also take a half-day walk along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods) through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards.

Optional Activities:

  • Amalfi - Chiostro del Paradiso (3 EUR)
  • Capri - Hydrofoil Amalfi to Capri (44 EUR)
  • Ravello - Villa Cimbrone (10 EUR)
  • Ravello - Villa Rufolo (8 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel in Minori (Amalfi Coast) (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Trani
Travel to Italy's east coast to Trani, known as the 'Southern Pearl'. Once an ancient trading hub, Trani is a port town with a white cathedral on the seawall. The crescent-shaped marina is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. With medieval streets and its own sweet wine, Trani feels like stepping into a 1950s movie set. When you arrive, explore the historic centre and its medieval churches on a walking tour. The Old Town points to a time when this was a major port for merchants travelling to the Near East. Later, kick back on the waterfront and watch the sophisticates of Puglia clink glasses of Moscato di Trani in cosy bars.

Included Activities:

  • Trani - City Walking Tour leader led

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Trani
Today is a free day to explore all that Trani has to offer. You might like to visit the dramatic Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino – begun in 1099 and taking over two centuries to finish, the soft white-pink limestone Norman cathedral is dedicated to the famously foolish St Nicholas the Pilgrim, whose bones lie in the crypt below the church. Inside, it’s bright and airy and the remains of a 12-century mosaic near the main altar set off the simply furnished church. You can also head to the castle built by Frederick II – the king of Sicily, Italy, Germany, Jerusalem and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century. Explore the medieval Jewish quarter, built in all-white stone, stopping by two synagogues, the Scola Nova and the Scola Grande. Fishermen sell the day’s catch in the marina, so maybe head there for dinner and grab a glass of wine harbourside.

Optional Activities:

  • Trani - Cathedral - Free
  • Trani - Castello di Trani (8 EUR)
  • Trani - Cathedral Bell Tower (5 EUR)
  • Trani - Synagogue of Scolanova - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Lecce
Head south and delight in the baroque architecture and atmosphere of Lecce. Lecce's elaborate ornamentation is elevated to dizzying heights, presenting the casual viewer with a feast for the senses. Sumptuous palazzi (mansions), a defensive main square, Roman ruins and magnificent allegories dancing across ornate facades make Lecce a swoon-worthy sight for any traveller. The university gives the town a lively feel, and there are little boutiques, antique shops and delicious delis to explore.

Included Activities:

  • Lecce - Guided City Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

  • Polignano - Stopover enroute to Lecce (3 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Lecce
Today is a free day for you to explore Lecce. If open, maybe step beneath the city and see the restored Roman amphitheatre excavated in the 1930s. Built in the 2nd century AD, the remarkably intact theatre seated 15,000 people. Overlooking the arena is the Colonna di Sant'Oronzo – a statue of Lecce's patron saint mounted on a Roman column. Maybe check out the Basilica Di Santa Croce’s facade of sheep, dodos, cherubs and monsters or head to the Piazza del Duomo. Used in the past as a defence against invaders, the square's openness is bordered by a 12th-century cathedral, a 68 m-high bell tower, a 15th-century Episcopal Palace and an 18th-century Seminario. In the afternoon, meet up with the group for an aperitivo with local specialties like friselle, taralli, puccia, bombette and burrate.

Included Activities:

  • Lecce - Aperitivo with Local Specialties

Optional Activities:

  • Lecce - Roman Amphitheatre (10 EUR)
  • Lecce - Castello di Carlo V (8 EUR)
  • Lecce - Basilica di Santa Croce - Free
  • Lecce - History Museum (5 EUR)
  • Lecce - Museo Faggiano (5 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Alberobello
Travel by private transport to a local masseria to meet an olive oil producer, who will show you how the techniques have changed over the millennia before you're treated to a tasting. Some olive trees here are thought to be close to 3000 years old and the farm has been active since Roman times. You’ll then head to Ostuni and explore its narrow streets before continuing to Alberobello. Travellers flock here to see at the beehive-shaped Trulli (singular trullo) – small, dry-stone houses built from local limestone in the 14th century. The origins of the buildings are unclear, although it's possible the mortar-less dwellings were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Wander the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, where thousands of Trulli (and souvenir shops) rise over the hill or head over to Rione Aia Piccola and see Trulli family dwellings.

Included Activities:

  • Alberobello - Olive Oil Mill Visit and Tasting

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Matera
Transfer by private mini bus to Matera. The extraordinary sight of Matera's Old Town gives a haunting, bittersweet insight into ancient life. One of the oldest cities in existence, Matera's otherworldly drawcard is the sassi (singular sasso) – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a gorge. Its resemblance to Jerusalem has attracted film directors of biblical epics, but its dark interiors were the scene of shameful poverty in the mid-20th century. Duck down into the sassi through the knot of staircases and alleyways that snake through the limestone ravines, and take a guided tour to appreciate both its ancient and modern history. Tonight, you’ll stay in accommodation with balconies overlooking the sassi.

Included Activities:

  • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern
  • Matera - City Walking Tour with Local Guide

Optional Activities:

  • Matera - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea (7 EUR)
  • Matera - Cathedral - Free
  • Matera - Casa Noha Multimedia Exhibit (7 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Bari
This morning is free for you to explore the narrow alleyways and caves of Matera before boarding a local train to Bari at around lunchtime. Sitting on a small peninsula in the Adriatic Sea overlooking Greece, Bari is the prosperous capital of Puglia. The tangled streets of its Old Town, Bari Vecchia, conceal Romanesque churches, a market, medieval piazzas and a Swabian castle. The Basilica di San Nicola was built to hold the relics of St Nicholas, which were stolen from Turkey by local Bari fishermen and have made the city a place of pilgrimage since 1087. The relics are also the mainstay of Bari's biggest annual celebration, the Festa di San Nicola. The stone walls are lovely to walk around, with the sea lapping on one side and the medieval town on the other. Bari is also the perfect place to see out your last night and have a group meal by the harbour, sampling local limoncello and some of the seafood the city is famous for.

Optional Activities:

  • Bari - Pinacoteca Provinciale (5 EUR)
  • Bari - Basilica di San Nicola - Free
  • Bari - Cattedrale di San Sabino - Free
  • Bari - Castello Svevo (10 EUR)
  • Bari - Pane e Pomodoro Beach - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Bari
Your journey will come to an end after breakfast today and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,460
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Take off on an unforgettable journey down Italy’s rarely visited heel, getting to know another side of this beautiful country.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Jul 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Bronwyn
Traveled, September 2023

10/02/2023

Puglia was wonderful- Trani, Matera and Lecce were amazing - loved it

4.5
Rachel
Traveled, November 2023

11/22/2023

Puglia is amazing and the food fantastic! To get the most out of this trip you need to be proactive about finding out about each place independently. Beware as we didn't get to stay in a trulli and weren't told until the last minute. A lot of the hotels don't have aircon that operates overnight so bear in mind when you book for the time of the year. Definitely make sure you see sunrise and sunset in Alberobello and Matera, it will be the highlight of your trip. It's a great introduction to this area of Italy, you'll definitely want to come back. Try and include a day trip to Monopoli if you can and request as much time in Ostuni as possible.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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