From the sumptuous luxury of the Amalfi Coast and the romantic island of Capri to the rugged but famously picturesque rock dwellings of Matera and the world class elegance of Lecce , Southern Italy is full of diversity.

During this expedition deep into the heart of Southern Italy you will feel the strong pulse of small communities that are somehow resisting the trend of globalization. Unpacking your bags for many two and three night stays, you will enjoy amazing feasts of locally sourced produce, seafood and meat while exploring excellent local wines and getting to fascinating people.

Departure Date: April 17, 2009

Day 1 - April 17 – Fly to Italy

Day 2 - April 18 - Welcome to Italy!

Upon arrival in Naples , you will be transferred to your hotel where you will have time to rest up from your flight before meeting your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome prosecco and a feast of local specialties. Sleep in Naples

Day 3 - April 19 – Naples and Sorrento

Enjoy a walking tour along the greatest avenues of Naples with an experienced and entertaining local guide. The grandiosity of this city's countless royal buildings and grand churches is a great surprise to the first-time visitor. In the afternoon you will head towards Sant'Agata, a lovely town that is strategically located between Sorrento and Positano. Tonight you will enjoy another special meal in Sorrento . Sleep in Sant'Agata

Day 4 - April 20 – Pompeii and Vesuvio

Any visit to Southern Italy would not be complete without a stop in Pompeii . An archaeologist will join you to explain how this Roman settlement was locked in time when Mount Vesuvius covered it with ash in 79 AD. The excavations started at the end of the 1700's and the results are unforgettable. In the afternoon you will head towards Vesuvius itself where you will learn the legends that surround this powerful volcano. Sleep in Sant'Agata

Day 5 - April 21 – Capri

During this morning's cruise to Capri you will enjoy excellent views of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the striking “teeth” of Capri , the Faraglioni cliffs. Enjoy the highlights of Capri including the Phoenician Steps -- 800 ancient stairs to a romantic viewpoint, the Belvedere delle Noci -- the island's limestone rock formations and the Church of San Michele – location of the majolica tiles of Adam and Eve. Sleep in Sant'Agata.

Day 6 - April 22 – Amalfi coast

This morning you will enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Amalfi coast. The city of Amalfi was once an important Mediterranean “ Maritime Republic ” and it is still bursting with history today. If weather permits you can cruise harbor of Amalfi to gain some perspective into the city's maritime past. Later, you will pass through Maiori, an Amalfi resort town which became popular in Roman times for its long, unbroken beach. Sleep in Paestum

Day 7 - April 23 – Paestum

After breakfast you will tour the Greek-Roman city of Paestum . The ancient temple of Hera was built in 550 BC and has been painstakingly preserved many times through the ages. In the Paestrum museum you will behold unique frescoes that once decorated local tombs. This afternoon you will find yourself in a countryside estate learning how to cook famous southern Italian dishes (while holding a glass of fine Italian wine). Buon appetito! Sleep in Paestum

Day 8 - April 24 – Matera

Today you will leave Campania for the unforgettable region of Matera . Here you may feel a sense of déjà vu because the area's Middle Eastern appearance has served as the setting for the most famous biblical movies. Pasolini, Rosi, Tornatore, the Taviani brothers, Bruce Beresfort, Catherine Hardwick and Mel Gibson all chose Matera for its “Sassi” feel. Your adventure will start in the small abandoned village of Craco before reaching the epicenter of Matera in the afternoon. Sleep in Matera

Day 9 - April 25 – Matera

This day is dedicated to the discovery of Matera 's “Sassi” or “stone” neighborhoods. You will have plenty of time to penetrate deep into its most impressive buildings, churches and tiny alleyways. We will enjoy one of the most unique feasts of the trip right inside the heart of Matera . Sleep in Matera

Day 10 - April 26 – Gravina in Puglia , Altamura , Crypt of the Original Sin

This morning you will pay a visit to two small but impressive cities: Altamura , famous for its beautiful cathedral, and Gravina, a Pugliese city rich with buildings excavated out of tufa rock. In the afternoon you will stop to visit the incredible Crypt of the Original Sin, a frescoed cycle that was painted with unbelievable colors and technique around 1,300 years ago in a remote countryside location. Sleep in Matera

Day 11 - April 27 – Alberobello and Locorotondo

Your first stop today will be the charming village of Alberobello where you will be exposed to hundreds of Trulli, the traditional homes of Apulia . These buildings feature circular, whitewashed walls and cone-shaped roofs that the locals constructed without mortar (in order to evade an ancient luxury tax!). A closer look at these “beehives” will reveal Paleo-Christian good-luck symbols painted on the roofs. Continuing through the countryside we will make our way to the lovely Pugliese city of Locorotondo for a two-night stay. Sleep in Locorotondo

Day 12 - April 28 – Ostuni, Cisternino, the countryside

The beautiful white painted cities of Ostuni and Cisternino will serve as today's main attractions. The pleasant and vivacious atmosphere of smaller Apulian towns will give you profound exposure to the big heart of Southern Italy . We will make a point of stopping to meet our friends in these villages and learn more about their lives. Sleep in Locorotondo

Day 13 - April 29 – Lecce

Today you will end your trip in Lecce , the baroque Florence of the south . We will start with tour of Lecce 's world famous duomo, the Church of the Holy Cross and then continue to visit the monuments and buildings that make Lecce one of the most appealing cities in Italy . Tonight you will say a fond farewell to your fellow travelers while feasting sumptuously on delicious local specialties. Sleep in Lecce

Day 14 - April 30 – Transfer to the airport

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the Brindisi airport for your flight out to the US .

Price: $3,950 per person in double room, land only

Single Supplement: $680

What's Included in the trip:

All accomodation in very nice hotels and country inns, all breakfasts, either lunch or dinnedr every day, all sightseeing and guided tours as per the itinerary, a cooking class, dinner in a local home with homemade specialties, all transportation in a deluxe private bus with air conditioning, professional tour leader and local guides, travel insurance (not including cancellation policy - please contact us for more information)

What's not included in the trip:
International air fare to and from Italy, personal expenses, tips for tour leader, local guides and driver, cancellation insurance

Please contact us for more information and availability