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Cosmos Apulia, the Heel of Italy (6270)

8 Day Tour from Naples to Naples 
This regional affordable Italy discovery vacation begins and ends in Naples. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Naples provides visitors a wealth of folklore, history, and a rich culture of the ages. After a guided sightseeing tour of the city, you’ll be on your way to the Apulia region—the “heel of the boot” of Italy and one of the renowned holiday destinations of the Italian people thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and enchanting coastline with turquoise waters. Among the highlights of this Italy vacation you can look forward to the visit of the 13th-century Castel Del Monte on your way to the beautiful port of Bari. Unveil other surprising treasures, including the fascinating Castellana Grotte limestone caves, the conical-roofed Trulli houses of Alberobello, and Lecce’s Baroque architecture. You’ll also enjoy an excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca with its art nouveau beach huts, and Gallipoli’s underground olive press and winding streets. Your budget-minded vacation in Italy is never short on great food and drink, including the chance to learn about regional specialities on your visit to a Primitivo wine cellar in Manduria and an olive oil tasting session in the countryside. Before returning to Naples, relax for two nights in Fasano—surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Your affordable Italy tour of the Apulia region of Italy ends where it began—in Naples—where authentic Napoli pizza and espresso coffee await your return!

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1ARRIVE IN NAPLES, ITALY
 Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring Naples, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
Day 2NAPLES–CASTEL DEL MONTE–BARI
 The guided sightseeing tour this morning gives you an introduction to the eventful history of this city and its vibrant traditions. Depart Naples and travel into Apulia, the legendary “heel” of Italy. Stop to visit Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 13th century by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, and renowned for its unique octagonal shape. Continue to the Adriatic coastline for an orientation tour of the beautiful port city of Bari.
Today’s Distance: 177 mi/ 285 km (B)
Day 3BARI–CASTELLANA GROTTE–ALBEROBELLO–LECCE
 Experience the famous limestone caves of Castellana Grotte. This impressive system is a wonderland of captivating stalactites, stalagmites, and crystallized mineral deposits. Next stop is Alberobello, renowned for its distinct conical-roofed “Trulli” houses. Follow the coastline to lovely Lecce, the “Florence of the South.”
Today’s Distance: 107 mi/ 173 km (B)
Day 4LECCE. EXCURSION TO SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA & GALLIPOLI
 On your included excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Apulia, discover art nouveau villas and beach huts from the early 20th century. On to Gallipoli, an ancient Greek city built on an island in the Ionian Sea. Enjoy the Old Town with its quaint ambiance, winding streets, and inviting squares. Discover Frantoio Ipogeo, an underground olive press buried in the tufa rock. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, workers pressed Gallipoli’s olive oil, and used it to light the city’s oil lamps. Return to Lecce. Time to marvel at its opulent Baroque buildings.
Today’s Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km (B)
Day 5LECCE–MANDURIA–OSTUNI–FASANO
 On to Manduria, situated in the rural wine-growing region. Visit a wine cellar and get to taste some of the typical Primitivo wine. Next stop is Ostuni, only 42 miles from Greece, characterized by its flat-roofed, white, Greek-looking town centre. Overnight in Fasano, a peaceful town surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, not far from the Adriatic Sea.
Today’s Distance: 75 mi/ 120 km (B,D)
Day 6FASANO
 Today is free to do as you like. Maybe join the optional excursion to Matera and Altamura. The impressive “rock city” of Matera is home to the prehistoric sassi cave dwellings, while a guided tour of Altamura reveals the amazing stone-clad city, with free time afterwards to stroll through the Old Town on your own. (B,D)
Day 7FASANO–NAPLES
 Puglia is famous for its olive trees and, this morning, you’ll visit a traditional olive mill. Taste some genuine olive oil, enjoy a light lunch, and stroll around the groves. Later, travel back to Naples for a chance to treat yourself to a real espresso coffee shot or the most authentic pizza.
Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B,L)
Day 8NAPLES
 Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Included Cosmos Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 1 lunch; 3 dinners

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Cosmos Tour Dates


Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour Land StartCosmos RetailRequest Quote
Guaranteed Departure 04/28/2024 $1,729.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/25/2024 $1,679.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/08/2024 $1,679.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/22/2024 $1,679.00
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