Puglia & Southern Italy 12 days
About This Experience
Sip cappuccino in a café where only Italian can be heard. Wander underground through Neolithic caves. Travel back to simpler times in untouched Alberobello. Everywhere you go in Southern Italy, authenticity presides. From the soothing shores of Sorrento to the quaint homes of the Trulli Valley, discover the soul behind the “boot heel” of Italy.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
10 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 5 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select paid entrances
Why You'll Love It
Naples pizza is the real deal
Tourism has yet to alter Puglia’s local charm
The ancient dwellings of the Trulli Valley
Miles and miles of stunning coastline
Italy’s underground comes to light in Matera
Glimmering Baroque architecture in Lecce
Overnight Flight1 night
Naples2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Your first slice of Neapolitan pizza is a life-changing experience
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Welcome to Naples! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with the city. Tonight enjoy an included traditional pizza dinner made by the experts, as pizza was invented here in Naples, and meet your fellow travelers. Buon appetito!
Day3
Fall in love in the heart of the Campania region
Breakfast
National Archaeological Museum
Discover Napoli this morning on an guided tour of this beautiful bayside city in the heart of the Campania region of Italy. You’ll pass by the imposing facade of the Palazza Reale, built by the Bourbon kings of Naples, and travel through the historic city center. Included in your tour is a visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum, where you’ll find original artifacts from the nearby Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This afternoon, consider joining an optional excursion to the Lost City of Herculaneum to learn how ordinary Romans lived.
Optional Excursions
The Lost City of Herculaneum $45* pp
Part of the family of Lost Cities, Herculaneum was also glazed over by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. On this excursion, a guide will take you through the small city and all of its well-preserved wonders. Unlike Pompeii, the conditions in Herculaneum allowed for many buildings and artwork to remain intact. Examine the frescos and mosaics that decorated the homes of the wealthy, and the narrow streets that characterized the area. Before you leave, take some free time to shop.
Bari Region2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Local authenticity thrives in the rolling green Apennines
Breakfast, Dinner
Benvenuti in Puglia! One of Italy’s few remaining hidden travel gems, Puglia is blessed with fine weather, beautiful shorelines, lovely towns, Baroque architecture and delicious cuisine. This morning, transfer to Benevento for a guided tour. You’ll visit the Arch of Trajan and the St. Ilario Church before continuing on to the Bari region in Puglia this afternoon. Savor an included dinner of local delicacies tonight.
Day5
Castles on the coastline—Puglia couldn’t be more picturesque
Breakfast
Castel del Monte
Explore the coastal region near Bari with an all-day excursion to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A local guide shows off the highlights of Monte Sant’Angelo, especially the 13th-century abbey built on the site where the Archangel Michael made several reported appearances. Next, visit the octagonal Castel del Monte, a 13th-century structure whose interior marbles and furnishings remain largely unaltered since antiquity.
Lecce2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Old Saint Nick is a permanent resident of seaside Bari
Dinner, Breakfast
Today begins with a visit to the seaside town of Bari, where a guided tour introduces you to the sights of the historic Old Town, including monuments and cathedrals dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the Basilica of St. Nicholas, which contains the remains of the bishop whose penchant for anonymous gift-giving inspired the legend of Santa Claus. After some free time to explore Bari, continue to Lecce, arriving in time for an included dinner.
Day7
Three words for Lecce’s churches: big, Baroque and beautiful
Breakfast
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its rich collection of Baroque architecture. Marvel at the extravagant ornamentation of Lecce’s churches and monuments and imagine the past grandeur of the ruined Roman amphitheater. Perhaps the finest sight is the Church of the Holy Cross, featuring an opulent facade built from the distinctive golden “Lecce stone.” This afternoon, enjoy free time to continue exploring Lecce or consider joining our optional excursion to Otranto. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this former Greek city that defied Rome in both the Pyrrhic War and the Punic Wars, and one of the highlights of your tour is sure to be the town’s Romanesque cathedral. To cap off the excursion, you’ll transfer inland from Otranto to the village of Scorrano for a dinner of Puglian specialities and a tasting of the region’s best wines.
Optional Excursions
Otranto with Dinner & Wine Tasting $99* pp
This excursion brings you to the seaside town of Otranto, a former Greek colony that repeatedly defied Roman authorities by siding with the Romans’ enemies in the Pyrrhic and Punic Wars. You’ll explore Otranto’s old town and the Romanesque church at the center of town. Later, enjoy an included dinner featuring regional specialties and a wine tasting.
Trulli Valley2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Avoiding taxes sparked an architectural style in Trulli Valley
Dinner, Breakfast
Journey this morning to Ostuni, where your Tour Director will introduce you to the sights, including the picturesque cathedral and whitewashed homes of the Old Town. This afternoon, continue on to the Trulli Valley, the home of the trulli, the conical dry-stone homes where locals lived for thousands of years. You’ll enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Day9
Alberobello is not your average neighborhood
Breakfast
Trulli
Begin today with a visit to the trulli of Alberobello. These carefully preserved dwellings feature white symbols painted onto the roofs to bring good luck or ward off the malocchio or “evil eye.” Unearth the history of these unique dwellings on a guided tour. This afternoon, consider an excursion to Grotte di Castellana, a series of interconnected caves once believed to be the gates of hell.
Optional Excursions
Grotte di Castellana with Dinner $79* pp
People have known about the Grotte di Castellana for centuries, but since local legend held that the entrances to these caves were actually the gates of hell, few explored this subterranean world before the 1930s. Discover some of the most famous portions of these caves, including the sunlit section known as The Grave, the towering Cave of the Monuments, the slender stalactites of the Cave of the Altar and the irridescent White Cave. Afterward, travel to a neighboring village for an included dinner at a private Trullo, or a traditional Apulian dry-stone hut. Under the conical roof, you'll sample regional specialties. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs from March 11 through November 1.
Sorrento2 nights - hotel info
Day10
Navigate the ancient underground caverns of Matera
Dinner, Breakfast
Chiesa Rupestro
This morning, travel to Matera in time to enjoy a guided tour of this hilltop town. Matera is home to 9,000-year-old cave dwellings known as sassi, and its Old Town, built on these ancient caverns, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll then enjoy a scenic transfer through the Apennine Mountains en route to Sorrento, where your dinner is included.
Day11
Make some waves in seaside Sorrento or Capri
Breakfast
Today is free for you to explore Sorrento at your own pace. You could wander through Sorrento’s lovely gardens and churches, browse the quaint shops along its cobblestoned alleyways or sit at a cafe and people-watch. Alternatively, consider joining an optional excursion to the glamorous island of Capri, a playground for the rich since the Roman times. Tonight, you might wish to attend our optional Tarantella Dinner and Show, featuring local cuisine and a lively performance highlighting the tarantella, a mesmerizing Italian folk dance.
Optional Excursions
Capri $105* pp
Travel by ferry to the fabled Isle of Capri, a beloved resort since the days of the Roman Republic. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a mini-cruise around the island. Later, you'll enjoy free time to discover why everyone from Roman emperors to Sophia Loren wants to spend their vacation in Capri. If weather prohibits a mini-cruise, you’ll travel to the village of Anacapri, which offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Optional Excursions
Tarantella Dinner & Show $79* pp
Tarantella dancing is a centuries-old folk tradition in this part of Italy. Tarantella is the Italian word for tarantula, and the frenzied steps of the dance are said to be designed for sweating out the poison if one is bitten by a tarantula. Savor a locally prepared dinner at the Teatro Tasso, then watch a live performance featuring the intricate footwork of the tarantella, demonstrated by a troupe of authentic folk dancers. Please note: This optional is seasonal from March 1-November 1.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $329*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Rome is your empire, explore every corner
Breakfast
After enjoying your included breakfast, transfer overland to Rome. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to relax or join our optional Imperial Rome tour.
Optional Excursions
Imperial Rome $85* pp
Follow in the footsteps of Rome's emperors through the city's Imperial landmarks. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and a panoramic bus tour of the city's Roman ruins. You might also stop to snap a photo of the ruins of the Roman Forum, from which the caesars ruled their vast empire.
Day2
Frescos to arias, artistic inspiration is endless here
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Rome. You might choose to join our optional excursion to Vatican City. This evening, join our optional Dinner with Tenors excursion.
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
About This Experience
Sip cappuccino in a café where only Italian can be heard. Wander underground through Neolithic caves. Travel back to simpler times in untouched Alberobello. Everywhere you go in Southern Italy, authenticity presides. From the soothing shores of Sorrento to the quaint homes of the Trulli Valley, discover the soul behind the “boot heel” of Italy.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
10 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 5 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select paid entrances
Why You'll Love It
Naples pizza is the real deal
Tourism has yet to alter Puglia’s local charm
The ancient dwellings of the Trulli Valley
Miles and miles of stunning coastline
Italy’s underground comes to light in Matera
Glimmering Baroque architecture in Lecce
Overnight Flight1 night
Naples2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Your first slice of Neapolitan pizza is a life-changing experience
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Welcome to Naples! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with the city. Tonight enjoy an included traditional pizza dinner made by the experts, as pizza was invented here in Naples, and meet your fellow travelers. Buon appetito!
Day3
Fall in love in the heart of the Campania region
Breakfast
National Archaeological Museum
Discover Napoli this morning on an guided tour of this beautiful bayside city in the heart of the Campania region of Italy. You’ll pass by the imposing facade of the Palazza Reale, built by the Bourbon kings of Naples, and travel through the historic city center. Included in your tour is a visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum, where you’ll find original artifacts from the nearby Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This afternoon, consider joining an optional excursion to the ruins of the Lost City of Herculaneum to witness village life in the 1st century.
Optional Excursions
The Lost City of Herculaneum $45* pp
Part of the family of Lost Cities, Herculaneum was also glazed over by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. On this excursion, a guide will take you through the small city and all of its well-preserved wonders. Unlike Pompeii, the conditions in Herculaneum allowed for many buildings and artwork to remain intact. Examine the frescos and mosaics that decorated the homes of the wealthy, and the narrow streets that characterized the area. Before you leave, take some free time to shop.
Bari Region2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Local authenticity thrives in the rolling green Apennines
Breakfast, Dinner
Museum of Sannio, Santa Sofia Cloister
Benvenuti in Puglia! One of Italy’s few remaining hidden travel gems, Puglia is blessed with fine weather, beautiful shorelines, lovely towns, Baroque architecture and delicious cuisine. This morning, transfer to Benevento for a guided tour. You’ll visit the Arch of Trajan and the Church of St. Ilario before continuing on to the Bari region in Puglia this afternoon. Savor an included dinner of local delicacies tonight.
Day5
Castles on the coastline—Puglia couldn’t be more picturesque
Breakfast
Castel del Monte
Explore the coastal region near Bari with an all-day excursion to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A local guide shows off the highlights of Monte Sant’Angelo, especially the 13th-century abbey built on the site where the Archangel Michael made several reported appearances. Next, visit the octagonal Castel del Monte, a 13th-century structure whose interior marbles and furnishings remain largely unaltered since antiquity.
Lecce2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Old Saint Nick is a permanent resident of seaside Bari
Breakfast, Dinner
Today begins with a visit to the seaside town of Bari, where a guided tour introduces you to the sights of the historic Old Town, including monuments and cathedrals dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the Basilica of St. Nicholas, which contains the remains of the bishop whose penchant for anonymous gift-giving inspired the legend of Santa Claus. After some free time to explore Bari, continue to Lecce, arriving in time for an included dinner.
Day7
Three words for Lecce’s churches: big, Baroque and beautiful
Breakfast
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its rich collection of Baroque architecture. Marvel at the extravagant ornamentation of Lecce’s churches and monuments and imagine the past grandeur of the ruined Roman amphitheater. Perhaps the finest sight is the Church of the Holy Cross, featuring an opulent facade built from the distinctive golden “Lecce stone.” This afternoon, enjoy free time to continue exploring Lecce or consider joining our optional excursion to Otranto. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this former Greek city that defied Rome in both the Pyrrhic War and the Punic Wars, and one of the highlights of your tour is sure to be the town’s Romanesque cathedral. To cap off the excursion, you’ll transfer inland from Otranto to the village of Scorrano for a dinner of Puglian specialities and a tasting of the region’s best wines.
Optional Excursions
Otranto with Dinner & Wine Tasting $99* pp
This excursion brings you to the seaside town of Otranto, a former Greek colony that repeatedly defied Roman authorities by siding with the Romans’ enemies in the Pyrrhic and Punic Wars. You’ll explore Otranto’s old town and the Romanesque church at the center of town. Later, enjoy an included dinner featuring regional specialties and a wine tasting.
Trulli Valley2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Avoiding taxes sparked an architectural style in Trulli Valley
Breakfast, Dinner
Journey this morning to Ostuni, where your Tour Director will introduce you to the sights, including the picturesque cathedral and whitewashed homes of the Old Town. This afternoon, continue on to the Trulli Valley, the home of the trulli, the conical dry-stone homes where locals lived for thousands of years. You’ll enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Day9
Alberobello is not your average neighborhood
Breakfast
Trulli
Begin today with a visit to the trulli of Alberobello. These carefully preserved dwellings feature white symbols painted onto the roofs to bring good luck or ward off the malocchio or “evil eye.” Unearth the history of these unique dwellings on a guided tour. This afternoon, consider an excursion to Grotte di Castellana, a series of interconnected caves once believed to be the gates of hell.
Optional Excursions
Grotte di Castellana with Dinner $79* pp
People have known about the Grotte di Castellana for centuries, but since local legend held that the entrances to these caves were actually the gates of hell, few explored this subterranean world before the 1930s. Discover some of the most famous portions of these caves, including the sunlit section known as The Grave, the towering Cave of the Monuments, the slender stalactites of the Cave of the Altar and the irridescent White Cave. Afterward, travel to a neighboring village for an included dinner at a private Trullo, or a traditional Apulian dry-stone hut. Under the conical roof, you'll sample regional specialties. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs from March 11 through November 1.
Sorrento2 nights - hotel info
Day10
Navigate the ancient underground caverns of Matera
Breakfast, Dinner
Chiesa Rupestro
This morning, travel to Matera in time to enjoy a guided tour of this hilltop town. Matera is home to 9,000-year-old cave dwellings known as sassi, and its Old Town, built on these ancient caverns, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll then enjoy a scenic transfer through the Apennine Mountains en route to Sorrento, where your dinner is included.
Day11
Make some waves in seaside Sorrento or Capri
Breakfast
Today is free for you to explore Sorrento at your own pace. You could wander through Sorrento’s lovely gardens and churches, browse the quaint shops along its cobblestoned alleyways or sit at a cafe and people-watch. Alternatively, consider joining an optional excursion to the glamorous island of Capri, a playground for the rich since the Roman times. Tonight, you might wish to attend our optional Tarantella Dinner and Show, featuring local cuisine and a lively performance highlighting the tarantella, a mesmerizing Italian folk dance.
Optional Excursions
Capri $105* pp
Travel by ferry to the fabled Isle of Capri, a beloved resort since the days of the Roman Republic. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a mini-cruise around the island. Later, you'll enjoy free time to discover why everyone from Roman emperors to Sophia Loren wants to spend their vacation in Capri. If weather prohibits a mini-cruise, you’ll travel to the village of Anacapri, which offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Optional Excursions
Tarantella Dinner & Show $79* pp
Tarantella dancing is a centuries-old folk tradition in this part of Italy. Tarantella is the Italian word for tarantula, and the frenzied steps of the dance are said to be designed for sweating out the poison if one is bitten by a tarantula. Savor a locally prepared dinner at the Teatro Tasso, then watch a live performance featuring the intricate footwork of the tarantella, demonstrated by a troupe of authentic folk dancers. Please note: This optional is seasonal from March 1-November 1.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $389*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Frescos to arias, artistic inspiration is endless here
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Rome. You might choose to join our optional excursion to Vatican City. This evening, join our optional Dinner with Tenors excursion.
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to Italy. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive and depart in Naples. When you first arrive in Naples, a Go Ahead representative will meet you after clearing customs. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival. Included transportation on your tour is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the destination cities on foot or by public transportation.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable in something more formal. Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
Currency
The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to access cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities and they often attract higher fees.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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A WONDERFUL LIFE
JUST LIKE THE CHRISTMAS MOVIE, BUT MUCH MORE UPLIFTING. "A WONDERFUL LIFE " IN SOUTHERN ITALY IS A TRIP FOR EVERYONE WHO ENJOYS ITALY! GREAT WEATHER, FOOD, ITINERARY, PEOPLE, SIGHTS, SOUNDS. SUCH A "GOOD FEELING TRIP" MY GROUP JUST LOVED IT AND WE WERE ALL FAMILY FOR THE 12 DAY TRIP. SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS TO SEE AND LEARN ABOUT WITH THE GUIDANCE OF OUR TOUR GUIDE. SHE WAS A GEM. SO EDUCATED ABOUT ALL THE AREAS WE VISITED, SHE ANSWERED EVERY QUESTION WE HAD.. OUR BUS DRIVER WAS JUST AS WONDERFUL, HE HANDELD EVERY CURVE AND SIDE STREET WE VENTOURED ON WITH EXPERTISE. ONE OF MY MOST ENJOYABLE TRIPS TO ITALY.. THIS WAS MY 2ND TRIP WITH GO AHEAD AND THERE WILL BE MORE IN THE FUTURE!!
The best of the best
This ,by far, was the best tour we've ever had. I have traveled with many other tour companies ( Tauck, Trafalgar perillo, etc) but as of now I will only go with GO AHEAD !
Great Trip to an unspoiled region
My 8th GA tour. This is a region not offered by other companies and proved to be a fabulous new adventure. Linda our fearless leader, guided 37 congenial travelers with the best care, information and direction. She anticipated every eventuality with clear insight. Our driver, Pasquale was a pure joy to ride with...always spot on in getting us delivered. Sadly, 2 heavy rain days impacted the joy in Monte Sant' Angelo and Ostuni..chilly and fierce winds...otherwise it was perfect sailing...So I'd go in July to avoid the possibility of a rain event (despite the heat). A suggestion would be to add a day in Naples and Bari and 2 in Sorrento...they need more time to appreciate and explore. Another would be to bus the group back to Rome for the journey home even if it meant leaving before dawn; connecting in Naples added too much time to the homebound journey. The hotels were well located especially the one in Sorrento with a rooftop pool and overlook. The bus had no toilet; timely rest stops made it ok...but there should be one on board...sometimes frequent stops might not be enough when a bug strikes. Awesome memories now and thinking of new plans already!
Enjoyable tour
Great tour & guide to some areas of Italy not often included in escorted group tours. Thank you to Go Ahead Tours for new travel itinerary! Highly recommend our wonderful guide Barbara - she was friendly, knowledgable, patient, & fun - thank you Barbara! Especially liked the opportunity to spend free time in the towns we visited - instead of rushing through at a blitz pace as in most competitor's tours. Also the fact that lodging was two nights at each hotel made for a more relaxing pace. Food was very good when included. The options that we chose - Herculaneum & Otranto with dinner at a winery were great! If a change could be made to the tour - it would be to modify the tour to pad it by another day on each end in order to start and end the tour in the city of Rome. This would allow for more flexible travel options than the smaller Naples airport. And definitely there is the safety factor to consider - we have first hand experience wtih some of the dangers in Naples. Rome is a safer city to begin and end if one wishes to get there earlier than the tour or linger longer on their own. The basic tour ends in Sorrento - quite a distance to the Naples airport. A number of us had to wake up at 2 am for a 3 am shuttle from Sorrento to Naples to catch flights - ugh - would not wish to do that again.
Undiscovered Italy!
To describe this tour almost defies words. Puglia is genuine, real Italy. Its scenery, fresh food-better than anything I have ever had in Europe--, architecture, and culture rival anything I have seen in multiple trips to central and north Italy. Seeing the church in Otranto with the bones of 813 martyrs, who just recently were made Saints by the Pope, left a lasting impression on me and made me examine the depth of my own faith. The trulli were "truly" fascinating in sight and in the study of their architecture; the cave dwellings in Matera left me spellbound. Always at the end of a tour, I ask myself "would I return to this area?" The overwhelming answer is YES! I would encourage anyone who loves to travel to take this tour. My group was a private group and so many said to me, "This was a trip of a lifetime." Go Ahead always gets it right for me!
Too Many people
Puglia is a wonderful part of Italy , as are Naples and Sorrento on the two ends of the tour . However , sending out 44 participants to an area which in parts has limited facilities for rest stops and sightseeing is simply unacceptible! I had that discussion with your office before departure and was told it would all be all right and that you had experienced tour managers to handle the big crowd . Well - Barbara was terrific and capable - but 44 is too large - impacted our experience and can not be overcome . ( A maximum of about 25 would be appropriate) Moreover - our tour bus was not "top of the line" - was uncomfortable with tight seating and non-padded seats . If you insist on sending out 44 participants , please ultilize a luxury bus with adequate legroom! Based on this experience - which is at variance with our 4 others - this was our 5th ( and last ) trip with Go Ahead . You clearly favored your bottom line rather than the experience and comfort of your tour members ! We are deeply disappointed!
Beyond Expectations
We had no idea what we were in store for when we signed up for the Puglia and Southern Italy tour. Everything was absolutetly perfect, from the areas visited, to the hotels, food/wine and our touring companions. Our tour director, Tamara was terrific and we couldn't have felt more comfortable with the bus driver, Sebastiano. We will definitely do another Go Ahead tour, looking at Germany next.
Amazing Diversity
One of the things that amazed me was the diversity of the relatively small area in which we travelled. From the southern Dolomites,to flat land, to the shore and harbors, it was incredibly diverse. The food was fantastic, the accomodations excellent, and the guide, Linda, was extremely knowledgeable and very accessible. It was a real glimpse into the lives of the ancients, from Pompeii, to the trullis in Alberobello, to the sassi in Matero, and the beautiful medieval towns of Otranto and Ostuni. December was a great time to go because there were so few tourists. We had Pompeii to ourselves and every town had a Christmas market of some kind. Great tour.
Puglia and Southern Italy
We loved the tour and the director. We felt we got a lot for our money and never felt rushed. The hotels were all nice and the places we visited were spectacular! Just enough free time mixed in with the tour.
Perfetto!
After having traveled independently for many years I was pleasantly surprised on how successful a group tour could be. As soon as we all met our tour director Linda, I knew we were in good hands. Linda is incredibly knowledgeable and resourceful and ensured our tour went on with out a hitch. Having traveled to Italy many times before I was happy to tour the Puglia region with an organized group. I think that if I had planned this trip on my own I would have used valuable sightseeing time getting from one place to another independently. I also would have missed the incredible excursions we experienced. The Otranto/Wine Tasting and Grotto di Castellana/Trulli farm dinners were incredible. I was also a bit skeptical on what to expect for our included dinners, but Linda ensured we had a taste of Puglian delights as much as possible. For this being the tour's introductory year I think it is an excellent offering across the board.
