From mountain villages to seaside towns, experience a quieter Italy—where farmers still harvest olives by hand and fishermen cast nets from wooden piers. Trace ancient pilgrim routes, taste recipes passed down for generations, and wander landscapes that have changed little over the centuries. This is Italy as it once was—and still is, for those who know where to look.
DAYS 1-2: BENVENUTI IN ITALIA!
After your overnight flight, arrive in Rome and meet your local guide before journeying towards the region of Abruzzo, nestled along the Adriatic coast. Settle into your seaside hotel for a 4-night stay before savoring a Welcome Dinner featuring authentic Italian cuisine. D
DAY 3: LANCIANO AND THE TRABOCCHI COAST
This morning, travel to Lanciano, a Medieval town rich in art, historic architecture, and elegant piazzas. Later visit the Trabocchi Coast, where wooden fishing huts, known as trabocchi, perch above the sea. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch atop one of these traditional structures, while a local fisherman shares fascinating tales of his craft. Complete the day with a visit the Abbey of San Giovanni before returning to Silvi Marina for dinner and another relaxing overnight stay. B, L, D
DAY 4: SULMONA CONFETTI AND SCANNO GOLD
Spend the morning exploring the town of Sulmona, renowned for its confetti, the delicate sugar-coated almonds traditionally used for weddings and celebrations. Visit a traditional confetti factory to witness the colorful process behind these iconic sweets. After lunch at a historic 16th and 17th century post office, travel through the Sagittario Gorges to Scanno for a look at its scenic lake and historic city center. Immerse yourself in the town’s rich craftsmanship as we visit one of Scanno’s oldest goldsmith workshops, meeting local artisans and learning about their time-honored techniques. B, L, D
DAY 5: L’AQUILA, ABRUZZO’S CAPITAL
Today, explore L’Aquila, the vibrant capital of the Abruzzo region. Uncover the city’s Medieval heritage, impressive Baroque architecture, and artistic treasures with visits to the 13th-century Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio and the whimsical Fountain of 99 Spouts. Enjoy free time wandering L’Aquila’s charming cobblestone streets before returning to Silvi Marina for a final evening by the sea. B, D
DAY 6: MONTE SANT’ANGELO
Journey south to Monte Sant’Angelo, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel. Tour the sacred grotto, a pilgrimage site since the 5th century and one of the oldest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Western Europe. Stroll the Medieval Old Town, with its whitewashed architecture and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Manfredonia. B, D
DAY 7: TRANI & CASTEL DEL MONTE
Today, travel to the picturesque coastal town of Trani. Admire the Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, known as one of Italy’s most photographed churches. After free time for lunch, travel inland to Castel del Monte—Frederick II’s mysterious octagonal fortress that stands as a masterpiece of Medieval architecture. Later, settle into your hotel for a 3-night stay in the Itria Valley. B, D
DAY 8: ALBEROBELLO, LOCOROTONDO, & MARTINA FRANCA
This morning, step into a fairytale in the UNESCO-listed city of Alberobello, where the whitewashed trulli, cone-roofed homes built of limestone, gleam in the sun. Enjoy a tasting of regional specialties inside one of these traditional dwellings before traveling to the hilltop town of Locorotondo, celebrated for its whitewashed houses with sloping roofs. Complete the day with a visit to the Baroque town Martina Franca for dinner at a local restaurant. B, L, D
DAY 9: ALTAMURA BREAD AND ANCIENT MATERA
Your day begins with a visit to a traditional Altamura bakery for a tasting of its world-famous bread, made only from local durum wheat and baked in wood-fired ovens as has been tradition for centuries. Later, travel to Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary and ancient cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved into the limestone hills, Matera is famous for its Sassi—ancient cave dwellings and rupestrian churches. Visit a furnished “casa grotta” to experience cave living while learning about millennia-old dwellings, ingenious water systems, and the city’s modern Renaissance. B
DAY 10: OSTUNI OLIVE OIL
This morning, head south for Ostuni known as the “White City” for its dazzling whitewashed buildings. Continue to a centuries-old olive grove for a guided tasting and lunch at a traditional masseria, where the family shares their stories of oil making and rural life. Later, enjoy an overnight stay in Lecce. B, L
DAY 11: LECCE—THE FLORENCE OF THE SOUTH
This journey is not complete without a visit to Lecce, the Baroque capital of southern Italy often referred to as the “Florence of the South.” Stroll the golden limestone streets on a guided tour revealing its elaborate façades, ancient Roman amphitheater, and lively piazzas. In a local historic palace, enjoy a tasting of pucce sandwiches, rustici pastries, olives, cheeses, and local wines. The afternoon is yours to shop or relax before a farewell dinner. B, L, D
DAY 12: ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA!
After breakfast, head to Bari International Airport for your journey home—taking with you unforgettable memories and the spirit of la dolce vita from our Italian adventure. B
QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 2-5: Hotel Hermitage, Silvi Marina
Night 6: Grand Hotel Terme Margherita di Savoia, Andria/Barletta
Nights 7-9: Hotel Olimpo, Itria Valley
Nights 10-11: Hotel Leone di Messapia, Lecce
Dates:
Oct 28-Nov 8, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double: $4,999; Single: $5,999
Pre/Post Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our pre and post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night booked. Please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate and moveable walkways are not common throughout European Airports as they are in the United States.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Average Temps
High of 70°F, low of 50°F
Currency
Euro
Time Zone
GMT+1
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
