The Trip

Join us for a relaxed walking trip deep into the boot of Sothern Italy from the lavish Amalfi Coast to the scenically stunning province of Basilicata and the famously friendly province of Puglia. You simply don’t know Italy if you have never experienced the big heart of its deep south.

From spectacular but lesser known wine to hidden artistic treasures and mystical, unforgettable landscapes, Southern Italy is full of surprises. Highlights include a stroll on the edge of Vesuvius, a meandering walk high above the Bays of Serrento and Amalfi, a visit to the gardens of Ravello (where the locals believe the devil tempted Christ), a visit to the Greek/Roman ruins of Paestum, an urban adventure in the stone city of Matera, rural walks in verdant Puglia and two nights in Lecce - the “Florence of Southern Italy”.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Naples to St. Agata
We will begin our journey this morning with a scenic drive to Sant’Agata, a quaint village perched high in the hills above the Bay of Sorento. The view from our hotel is enough to inspire volumes of poetry! After an unforgettable afternoon stroll we will gather for a welcome toast and then enjoy a feast of locally-sourced foods. Sleep in Sant’Agata

Day 2 - Pompeii and Vesuvius

No visit to Southern Italy would be complete without a stop in Pompeii. Today you will walk through this ancient Roman settlement which was destroyed in 79 AD by the explosion of Mt.Vesuvius. Pompeii remained covered in a thick protective layer of ash until its excavation began at the end of the 1700’s. In the afternoon you will head towards the ash-maker itself: Mount Vesuvius. A volcanologist will accompany you on a three-hour hike across the black sand that encircles the crater, ultimately reaching its 4,200-foot peak. Along the way you will learn how the legends of Vesuvius dominate local folklore. Sleep in Sant’Agata

Day 3 - Capri
Today you will enjoy a short cruise to the fabled island of Capri. The island’s early morning light will invite you up the winding road to Anacapri, a small town of 5,000 residents. A short walk brings you to Migliara where you will enjoy a viewpoint of the Punta Carena lighthouse and neighbouring Ischia and Procida islands. Those who want to hike further can climb to Capri’s highest point, Monte Solaro (1,926 feet above sea level). But, don’t worry, there is a chairlift option as well!  After enjoying this world class view, you will return to the base of Monte Solaro to enjoy some free time and lunch in the village of Anacapri. Later you will visit San Michele, an 18th-century church which boasts one of the finest examples of Neapolitan Baroque artwork, the majolica tiles of Adam and Eve. Sleep in Sant’Agata

Day 4 –Ravello and Amalfi
Today you will enjoy an unforgettable walk along the valley between the towns of Ravello and Amalfi. First, you will visit the Villa Cimbrone, an original 19th-century estate which boasts a wild garden that literally hangs over the sea. You will then depart Ravello for the tiny village of Pontone along an ancient mule path. We will chat with the locals about their ancient farming techniques and their belief that these methods will resist the steamroller of globalization.  From here you will walk down to the Torre dello Ziro, a medieval tower perched on a crag with spectacular views of the coast. Sleep in Paestum

Day 5 – 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 6 – Matera
Today we will leave Campania for the amazing region and city of Matera. We will stop en route 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 Matera 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 including Mel Gibson’s “Passion.”  The labyrinthine streets combine ancient stone sassi structures with buildings of later eras -- a fascinating blend of old and new. Sleep in Matera

Day 7 – Matera
Today we will hike into the Parco Regionale delle Chiese Rupestri – “Park of the Rock Churches”. This area was once home to several ancient civilizations but today it is a nature sanctuary that provides protection to more than 923 plant species. Our trail will lead us through deep gorges and by prehistoric caves. The local flora includes rare orchids and the wild herbs of the Mediterranean macchia including thyme, oregano, wild mint, and sage. Sleep in Matera

Day 8 – Alberobello, Locorotundo and Ostuni
Today you will travel into the famed Trulli area of Apulia and the lush Valle d’Itria. Blanketed with vineyards and olive groves, this valley is dotted with hundreds of trulli, curious stonestructures used by Apulian farmers. After visiting Locorotundo, a fascinating circular village built above green pastures and seemingly endless olive groves we will make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Alberobello where we take a “trulli” tour. Sleep near Ostuni.

Day 9 - Ostuni and the countryside
Known for its whitewashed walls, Ostuni overlooks the Adriatic and boasts a captivating medieval center that features a dramatic 15th-century cathedral. You will have a little time to explore Ostuni this morning with your guide before we follow an ancient farmer’s path along sturdy stone walls through a sea of olive trees. The quiet countryside boasts an abundance of oak, cork, and carob trees and thick shrub vegetation including wild broom and bay laurel Sleep near Ostuni.

Day 10 - Polignano - Lecce
Today we will enjoy an unforgettable olive oil tasting on our way to the seaside town of Polignano a Mare, one of the Adriatic’s greatest pearls. After a tour of the ancient city’s walled historic center, we we will dip our toes into the Adriatic in the Cove of the Saracenes. We will then continue down the coastal highway to the Baroque city of Lecce, the “Florence of the South.” Sleep near Lecce

Day 11 - Santa Maria di Leuca - Lecce
We will make our way south on an remarkably scenic drive to the ancient seaside village of Santa Maria di Leauca to visit a one-of-a-kind Basilica and a lighthouse at Finibus Terrae ( “end of the Land”). The Basilica lies on the site of a pre-Christian temple which was dedicated by the Romans to Minerva. The edifice has a fortified structure which repelled several assaults by Turk pirates in the ancient era. Tonight we will return to Lecce where we will toast our adventures with a glass of old-vine “Primitivo” and a farewell feast of local specialties. Sleep near Lecce.

Day 12 - Transfer to the airport
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Brindisi airport for your flight home.

We are certain that the memories from this trip will age in your mind like fine Italian wine!

12 days, 11 nights
$4,225 per person in double room (12 - 15)
$4,475 per person in double room (11 or fewer)

Itinerary details:
3 nights in Sant'Agata
2 nights in Paestum
2 nights in Matera
2 nights near Ostuni
2 nights near Lecce

www.sierraclub.org