Traditional houses (trulli) in a quiet village in Puglia, Italy

Off the Beaten Path of Italy Tour

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Sulmona, Vast, Conversano, Lecce...

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Suggested Duration

12 Days

Authentic culture and fascinating history accentuate the beauty of the Adriatic coastline during your custom-tailored tour of Italy that will immerse you in the true beauty of the land and sea. Experience the splendor of the preserved heritage in the trulli of Alberobello and the intriguing antique design of Castel del Monte. Indulge in the flavors of wines produced in Abruzzo and rustic cuisine capturing the hearts of the Pugliese. Antique fishing methods retain their intrinsic value, and gilded...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Explore the infamous sassi of Matera, the cave homes, to uncover the deep, rich history of the 2019 European Capital of Culture
  • Indulge in the remarkable flavors of Puglia when visiting a family-owned farm, vineyard, and olive grove learning the distinctions between olive oils
  • Learn about the history, artistry, and preserved sweet flavors of the treasured confetti factory in Sulmona still producing delicious confections
  • Gain insight into the elaborate fishing methods along the immaculate Adriatic coast preserved in the antique trabucco seen in Aderci Nature Reserve
  • Witness the harmonious symmetry juxtaposing the heavy stone used in designing the architecturally renowned Castel del Monte
  • Relish relaxing ambiance emanating from the charismatic architecture and coastal views when strolling through the villages of Scanno and Otranto
  • Discover celebrated flavors of Puglia and Abruzzo’s cuisine with cooking classes illuminating the importance of fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients
  • Embrace the fantastic aromas, textures, and tastes of wine produced in the Abruzzo region
  • Traverse the famous homes of Alberobello, a charming town boasting approximately 1,000 limestone homes with conical domes known as trulli

Detailed Description

An itinerary that has been planned with an eye for authenticity brings you closer to the culture, the people, and the history.  Immerse yourself in the treasures of quality food and delicious wine during your 12-day Italy tour featuring the beauty of the Adriatic Sea, the remarkable mountains of Abruzzo, the golden countryside of Puglia, and the infamous caves of Basilicata. The eastern regions of Southern Italy maintain a genuine ambiance scattered across the diverse landscape and accentuated by the preserved traditions. From medieval hillside towns that produce delicious olive oil to the cafes in seaside villages with views over the water, unique ancient housing and remarkable antique castles become symbols of a lesser-visited corner of Italy enjoying the pace of daily life and ready for discovery.

Your authentic adventure in Italy will begin in the town of Sulmona in Abruzzo. The small town overlooks three separate national parks and boasts a charming ambiance amidst a remarkable history. Sample confections from a historical factory and enjoy the flavors of wines made around the region that produces a surprising amount of Italy’s wines. Two nights in Vasto gives you more time in Abruzzo for a different perspective in the hills. Learn the secrets of the local cuisine during a private cooking class promoting local, seasonal ingredients and visit the serene town of Scanno, as well as the secluded Hermitage of San Domenico. Exploring the Aderci Nature Reserve introduces you to traditional fishing methods, a relaxing seaside stroll, and a plethora of wildlife thriving in the protected landscape. Meet with a local artist to not only find the ways in which the scenery inspires, but also to learn how the surrounding beauty can encourage your own creativity during an art lesson.

Transfer to the tranquil seaside town of Conversano for six nights using the quiet streets on a promontory in the Adriatic Sea as a base for exploring the splendors of Puglia and Basilicata. Stroll through the charming golden town of Trani for an introduction into the lifestyle of the region, and then witness the remarkable architectural configuration of Castel del Monte’s antique design. The delicate balance of flavors in Pugliese cooking focuses on land and sea with each ingredient shining in simple but delicious recipes.

The whitewashed walls and distinctive rooftops of the trulli in Alberobello shape the storybook ambiance of the town while a family-run farm brings seductive cheeses, wines, and olive oils with which you will sample the diverse and often complimentary flavors. The cities and towns of Puglia represent the Baroque history of the region inspired by the grandeur of Lecce. Sampling the treasures of Southern Italy also brings out of the flavors of traditional focaccia made in the town of Altamura, which gained the status of Protected Designation of Origin outside of the city of Matera. The city boasts the unique sassi homes and churches built into the caves beneath the once-crumbling infrastructure of the medieval and Baroque neighborhoods.  Interested in learning more by seeing some of our travelers’ Italy vacation tour reviews? Click here for more.

Starting Price

$4,291 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.89 stars based on 5085 reviews.

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"This was the trip of a lifetime. I thank our travel team...

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"The hotels were in great locations, all near or in the...

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"The trip planning and organization done by the travel agency...

Reviewed By Nancy S.

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"Zicasso's travel team did a great job planning a nine-night...

Reviewed By Mary E.

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"The trip was amazing. I would highly recommend our travel...

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