Authentic Apulia Self-Drive from Naples
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,167
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Get off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of Apulia! See the natural beauty and unique characteristics of this region like ancient Sassi caves and the famous 'Trulli' homes. Visit charming cities like Locorotondo, Ostuni, Nardo and Bari. See the beauty of Salento's white sandy beaches and the famous Polignano a Mare.
This 7 day first-class, self-drive tour begins in vibrant Naples and works its way around the “heel” of Italy’s boot. Apulia is one of Italy's least explored regions and there is a lot to discover for the curious traveller
Begin your tour in Naples and head towards Mount Vesuvius. This ancient volcano, responsible for the destruction of Pompeii, offers stunning views and nature walks. Finish your day with arrival in Salerno.
The following day, you will head inland to visit the city of Matera, which is one of the oldest cities in the world and home ancient cave dwellings. Over the next few days as you make your way to the Adriatic, you will visit the trulli houses of Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni, and Santa Maria di Leuca.
When you reach Nardo you will get to enjoy a day of leisure. Experience the city on foot or head into the surrounding countryside for an optional excursion. Back on the road the following day, you will make for Poligano al Mare, enjoying the countryside or maybe stopping into the Wine Museum along the way.
Your final stop is in Bari, the capital of the Apulia region. Explore the beautifully restored old town before heading off for your onward travels.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,167
Itinerary View Trip Map
Naples - Mount Vesuvius - Salerno
In the morning, pick up your car rental at Naples airport or the Napoli Centrale Rail Station then head to Mount Vesuvius for a nature walk through history, geology and nature. Spend some time enjoying the wonderful sweeping views over century-old crops and traditions including a light lunch on the slopes of Vesuvius. Expected arrival late in the afternoon in Salerno area. Overnight in Salerno area.
Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Salerno - Matera
After breakfast, depart for Matera, one of the oldest cities in the World, dating back to the Paleolithic period. Known as the Citta dei Sassi (the City of the Stones), a Unesco World Heritage Site, a complex of cave houses carved into the mountain. The architecture of the Sassi di Matera (the Stones of Matera) tells of man's ability to perfectly adapt himself to the environment. Ride in a traditional Ape Calessino vehicle through the alleys of the city. Optional excursion(s): Street Food tour, Tour of the Hill-side rock Churches
Overnight in Matera.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Matera - Alberobello - Locorotondo
Depart for Alberobello to discover the Trulli, hundreds of white cone-shaped limestone constructions, which point their pinnacles to the sky. The "Casa Pezzolla" Territory Museum displays furnishings and tools that recreate life in the Trulli as it was in the past. Stop for tasting wine and local products. Continue to admire the blinding splendor of Locorotondo, suspended between dream and reality. The white of the limestone envelops everything and acts as a dazzling backdrop to the baroque architecture in local stone. Not to miss the Gnumeredde Suffuchete, lamb meat rolls, cooked for a long time in terracotta pans. Optional experience(s): Alberobello tour with olive oil tasting. Overnight in Locorotondo.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Locorotondo - Ostuni - Santa Maria Di Leuca - Nardo
After breakfast, discover Ostuni, the White City, with its medieval village rich of narrow streets and houses, in a maze as a reminiscent of an Arab kasbah. Walk the old city, with its picturesque views of alleys, steep stairways, courtyards and small squares overlooked by white houses embellished with geraniums, craft shops, typical restaurants and small stores. The fifteenth-century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral stands at the centre of the village. Continue for a boat trip from Santa Maria di Leuca in the blue sea of Puglia. Optional experience(s): Ostuni walking tour with local guide. Overnight in Nardo.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Duration | 2 Nights |
Nardo
Today, enjoy a day at leisure exploring the historic city or relaxing on the beach. The city of Nardo is located in the Salento, on the eastern part of Apulia. Like most of southern Italy, the city has a rich history of Greek, Arab and Spanish influence. The seaside is a wonderful resort town with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, grottos and lagoons. Optional experience(s): Lecce bike tour, Visit to the villages of Specchia and Presicce, Visit to Otranto.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Nardo - Manduria - Polignano a Mare
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Manduria, the Land of the Messapi and the renowned Primitivo of Manduria Doc wine. Not to miss a visit to the Wine Museum, including a wine tasting. Continue to the Itria Valley, characterized by charming villages, historic towns, wooded slopes, vineyards and mile after mile of olive groves and the intriguing ‘trulli’ houses that dot the countryside, which gives the region an almost fairytale atmosphere. Optional experience(s): Visit to the Castellana Caves, Trekking in the Bosco delle Pianelle Nature Reserve, Visit to the Pastini winery, E-bike tour of the Itria Valley. Overnight in Polignano a Mare.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Polignano a Mare - Bari
After breakfast, explore Polignano a Mare, a medieval village perched at the top of a high and jagged coast, the birth town Domenico Modugno, one of the fathers of the Italian pop music, author and performer of songs such as "Volare". Polignano has a fascinating historic city full of Arab, Byzantine, Spanish and Norman traces, such as the remains of the four defense towers that surrounded the ancient part of the town. In the afternoon, continue to Bari, the capital of the Apulia region. Take a walk through the labyrinth maze of side lanes and houses of the old city, now completely restored. Optional experience(s): Walking Tour of Polignano a Mare, Street food Tour of Bari, Bari bike tour.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2021: Sundays Apr 11 to Oct 24*
* Tour does not operate Aug 8, 15
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 7-day Intermediate/Compact car rental, automatic, 4G + Wifi router
- 1 night first class accommodations in Salerno area
- 1 night first class accommoations in Matera
- 1 night first class accommodations in Locorotondo
- 2 nights first class accommodations in Nardo
- 1 night first class accommodation in Polignano a Mare
- Entrance ticket to Vesuvius Mountain National Park
- Ride in an Ape Calessino in Matera
- Boat tour (shared) in Leuca
- 2 wine tastings (Alberobello area, Wine Museum in Manduria)
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 1 lunch in Vesuvius Mountain area, 3 dinners (drinks not included)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- 'Optional experiences' as listed in itinerary
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
10 Oct 2021