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Trip Type: Explorer
Italy | 15 Days | 1 - 12 People
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NZD 14,297.00 /Person

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This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days. From visiting a nobleman at his home in Rome to staying amid the rolling vineyard...

Premium Italy in Depth

This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days. From visiting a nobleman at his home in Rome to staying amid the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to visiting the fascinating site of Pompeii with a local guide, this trip has wound up some of Italy's best experiences. From ancient monuments and lively cities to sprawling vineyards and traditional cuisine with some glistening Italian beaches thrown in for good measure – this adventure will provide unforgettable moments for both the Italian novice and maestro.

Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal city of Bari, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers joining you on your adventure. If you arrive early, why not wander the mazelike Old Town or see the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola – a key pilgrimage site that holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. You could also pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your meeting, get to know your group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.

Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli (dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century). While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, see the Church de Sant’Antonio – a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. You’ll then visit Polignano a Mare to explore another gorgeous coastal town popular for its beaches, rugged cliffside dwellings and bright turquoise waters. Tonight, you’re free back in Bari to find some dinner.

This morning, visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that’s been active since Roman times. You’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. Then, visit the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. From here, travel to the quiet town of Nardo and join an expert local guide for a walking tour through the Old Town, where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos. Tonight, settle into your Feature Stay accommodation – three 13th century Baronial Palaces, once home to aristocracy from the Kingdom of Naples, which have been converted into a hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the palaces and grounds that feature artwork and sculptures by local artists. In Palazzo Mignano, you’ll find an excellent on-site restaurant offering Salento dishes and a panoramic view from the terrace.

Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this morning. You’ll also have some free time to explore this historic city on your own before heading back to Nardo. Later this afternoon, join your group for a cooking class on traditional Puglia regional cuisine.

Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then, it’s time to say goodbye and travel to Matera – an ancient city on a rocky outcrop. Along the way, stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Matera. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.

Today, dive into Matera’s Old Town, made famous by sassi – more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also visit an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets, cisterns and churches.

Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you’ll join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.

Buongiorno! Welcome to Rome. When you arrive, you’ll take a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do to soak in all this incredibly historic city has to offer, maybe grab an espresso and hit the streets. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. When the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy with an included dinner at a local restaurant.

From ancient monuments to romantic restaurants, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today, join a private guide for a trip to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita (an iced Italian espresso), then visit a local aristocrat in his home close to the Campo de Fiori. Much of the apartment is still in its original state, including the painted ceiling. Chat with the owner before sitting down for an included lunch in the dining room. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe follow in the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors with a visit to the iconic Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race and nearby the Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni – a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You’ll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with views of a tree-studded landscape geatures an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner made with local ingredients that pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its Gothic and Romanesque architecture with your leader. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca – one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities – where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

This morning, join a private guided walk of Florence, including a visit to the Galleria dell‘Accademia – an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. You then have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi is highly recommended as it’s one of the oldest galleries in the world. Maybe head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline and sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here.

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. You will make a stop at the Conservatory of Music and take in the view of the city from their rooftop.The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or you can simply meander around the tiny, cobbled streets and discover the local markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality – tiramisu. Later in the evening, join your leader for a Venetian dinner.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation.

Meals
13 Breakfast(s), 4 Lunch(s), 7 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private vehicle

Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (10 nights), Feature Stay (4 night)

Included Activities
  • Bari - Dinner in a Local Restaurant
  • Bari - Alberobello and Polignano a Mare - Half Day Trip
  • Nardo - Lunch in Ostuni
  • Nardo - Ostuni Farm Visit and Olive Oil Tasting
  • Nardo - Walking Tour
  • Nardo - Cooking class
  • Matera - Winery Visit With Lunch
  • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern Visit
  • Naples - Pompeii Visit
  • Naples - Dinner In Naples
  • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
  • Rome – Guided walking tour
  • Rome – Nobleman’s home visit and lunch (Exclusive Experience)
  • Siena - Orientation Walk
  • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
  • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
  • Florence - Orientation Walk
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
  • Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
  • Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
  • Venice -Traghetto boat ride
  • Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Venice - Water Taxi
  • Venice - Conservatory of Music visit
  • Stay in spectacular places including a Feature Stay in an historic property in Nardo – that was once a Baronial Palace – as well as a countryside hotel nestled amid the rolling vineyards of Tuscany.
  • Visit the home of a Roman nobleman during an Exclusive Experience. Your aristocratic host will show you around the opulent interiors and explain the rich history of the residence, before sitting down for lunch in his dining room.
  • Get a taste for Italy’s celebrated cuisine and viticulture during an olive oil tasting on a farm that’s been active since Roman times and a trip to the celebrated wine-growing region of San Gimignano to visit a family-run winery and sample their world-class drops.
  • Take a step back in time and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD.
  • Join a group of like-minded travellers on a tour takes a deep dive into the history, culture and natural beauty of southern Italy with one of our most experienced locally based leaders (legends) guiding the way.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price:
NZD 16,520.00 NZD 14,868.00

Price:
NZD 16,520.00 NZD 14,868.00

Price:
NZD 15,885.00 NZD 14,297.00

Price:
NZD 17,155.00 NZD 15,439.00

Price:
NZD 17,155.00 NZD 15,439.00

Price:
NZD 17,155.00 NZD 15,439.00

Price: NZD 17,790.00

Price: NZD 18,500.00

Price: NZD 18,500.00

Price: NZD 17,790.00

Price: NZD 17,790.00

Price: NZD 17,790.00

Price: NZD 18,500.00

Price: NZD 18,500.00

Price: NZD 18,500.00

Price: NZD 17,790.00

Price:
NZD 16,520.00 NZD 14,868.00

Price:
NZD 17,155.00 NZD 15,439.00

Price:
NZD 15,885.00 NZD 14,297.00

Price:
NZD 15,885.00 NZD 14,297.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
ZMPEC
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Bari, Italy
Trip Finishes:
Venice, Italy
Countries Visited:
Italy
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Destination Details
Italy | 15 Days | 1 - 12 People