This 2021 scheduled departure is no longer available, but if you love this itinerary, we can schedule and re-price it for your own private group!
Magical Puglia with Matera
plus optional Amalfi Coast extension
-an ENCORE journey-
Imagine yourself in the south of Italy, immersed in a food lover's paradise in an area mostly overlooked by mass tourism.
|
Puglia, pronounced “pool-ya,” is the perfect region for Soirée’s discerning guests. The “heel” of Italy’s fashionable boot. Here you’ll find graceful Baroque cities, curious conical trulli, charming villages, exquisite cuisine, and glorious, peaceful beaches.
Our distinctive itinerary includes the UNESCO treasure of Matera. This city may be the world’s third-longest inhabited human settlement. The old city is famous for its cave dwellings and is often filmed as a stand in for Jerusalem in blockbuster movies. The new city is all about gracious living and sophisticated gastronomy. Optional: Extend to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Basing for three nights in the coastal city of Ravello, you’ll visit the iconic Isle of Capri, upscale Positano, and the lively town of Amalfi. The last day of this extension provides you with a fascinating immersion and overnight in Naples. Itinerary details below |
One exclusive departure in 2021!
|
|
Magical Puglia with Matera
October 1-9, 2021 |
Extend to Amalfi Coast (Optional)
October 9-13, 2021 |
Ready to book? Have a question?
We work with travel agents!
Cave restaurant, Day 2
MAGICAL PUGLIA
|
|
Meals: 13 (8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners)
Hotels: 4* & 5* Polignano a Mare: Hotel Cala Ponte (4*) or similar, 3 nights Lecce: Risorgimento Resort (5*) or similar, 3 nights Matera: Palazzo Gattini (5*) or similar, 2 nights Highlights:
|
AMALFI COAST
(Optional Extension)
October 9-13, 2021
5 days/4 nights
5 days/4 nights
|
Meals: 7 (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
Hotels: 4* & 5* Ravello: Hotel Rufolo (4*) or similar, 3 nights Naples: Grand Hotel Vesuvio (5*) or similar, 1 night Highlights:
|
|
Day 1: Polignano a Mare
Arrive Bari, Italy today and relax during your private transfer from the airport to our beautiful coastal hotel in the Polignano a Mare area, about an hour away from Bari. Enjoy an included welcome dinner tonight (D)* *indicates included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and/or Dinner (D) |
|
Day 2: Locorotondo, Alberobello & Cave restaurant dinner
Today we’ll visit the lovely villages of Locorotondo and Alberobello. You’ll have time on your own to shop, stroll, and dine. Picturesque Locorotondo is home to a quiet, pedestrianized historical center where everything is shimmering white except the bright-red geraniums that grace the window boxes. Alberobello is famous for its mysterious, conical trullo homes. You’ll have time to rest and freshen up before we make our way to Polignano's city center where we will dine at a stunning cave restaurant above the sea. (B, D) |
|
Day 3: Cooking class with local wine
Today we’ll dip our fingers in the pot, learning to prepare fun pasta shapes and more. There will be lots of laughter, anecdotes of local traditions and history, and wine to pamper your heart and stir your creativity. We eat what we cook, and no one goes away hungry. The balance of the day is at your leisure at the hotel. (B, L) |
|
Day 4: Olive Oil experience & Lecce
We’re moving onward to Baroque Lecce today, a graceful city in the heart of Puglia. Enroute we’ll enjoy an olive oil experience. You’ll have time for lunch on your own in Lecce. Lecce is full of carved sandstone cathedrals, lively piazzas, and cobblestoned lanes. Atmosphere and cuisine are main attractions here. After we settle into our hotel, we’ll go out for a little aperitivo tutorial. Aperitivo is like an aperitif, with light snacks and a beverage. First one’s on us! (B) |
|
Day 5: Lecce guided tour & Dinner with a local
This morning we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of fascinating Lecce, including the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, and the Roman amphitheater ruins. Enjoy an afternoon of independent exploration. We’ll make suggestions for activities, or simply follow your feet. Tonight we’ll enjoy an included dinner with locals. You’re not cooking tonight, just eating. Sit at your local host's table, share a delicious meal together, plenty of laughs, and incredible moments to cherish forever. (B, D) |
|
Day 6: Salento Exploration: Galatina & Gallipoli
The most southern part of Puglia is known for its Greek past and dreamy beaches. Our guide will introduce us to Galatina, one of the most important cities in Salento. Once a Greek colony, it’s now a beautiful baroque town. Then it’s a short drive onward with our guide to Gallipoli, formerly an island-like fortress that juts into the Ionian Sea, Gallipoli retains a southern Italian charm all its own. Colorful fishing boats float around the old city walls. A Greek dialect is still spoken here, and with serene baroque architecture, it’s one of the prettiest of Salento’s smaller settlements. |
After our guided experience, you’ll have time to lunch, shop, stroll and explore on your own—or take advantage of our free shuttle service to the beach where you can relax, take a dip, and soak up some glorious rays.
We’ll return the short distance to Lecce late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
(B)
We’ll return the short distance to Lecce late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
(B)
|
Day 7: Wine Tasting, Countryside Lunch & Matera
We’ll have a relaxed start this morning before heading to the Martina Franca area for a scrumptious wine tasting and countryside lunch. We’ll begin with a guided tour of the winery and leave the area fat and happy as we travel onward! Our easy drive to Matera will take us through farmland to dramatic terrain. Matera is unlike anything we’ve seen on the trip so far. Nominated for Capital of Culture in 2019 and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city sits on a rocky outcrop in the region of Basilicata. We’ll get oriented in the city briefly before giving you the balance of the day for yourself. (B, L) |
|
Day 8: Matera & Farewell
Matera is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, and its history goes back 30,000 years. Its most defining feature is that the homes and churches of the old city are carved out of the mountain. Matera’s warren of alleyways and expansive views are the stuff of legends. This morning we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the ancient sassi—the neighborhoods of stone dwellings. This afternoon is yours for independent exploration. Charming modern Matera, where we’ll stay, is mostly flat, largely pedestrianized, and easy to explore on foot. The views of the sassi from our hotel and the adjacent modern town are stunning! Tonight we finish our Magical Puglia with Matera journey in delicious style with an included farewell dinner. (B, D) |
Day 9: Departure or continue
Your group return transfer to the Bari airport is included in your trip. Bari is about a one-hour drive from Matera.
(B)
Your group return transfer to the Bari airport is included in your trip. Bari is about a one-hour drive from Matera.
(B)
But since you’re already in the south of Italy . . .
Why not extend to the amazing Amalfi Coast?
Photo from Ravello, our base in the Amalfi Coast
If bliss could be a color, today would be Amalfi Blue
~ Lisa Fantino, author of Amalfi Blue
~ Lisa Fantino, author of Amalfi Blue
Optional Amalfi Coast Treasures Extension
Oct 9-13, 2021
We’ll make Ravello--far from the tourist crowds and a hidden treasure of the Amalfi Coast--home for three nights as we visit the Isle of Capri, Positano, and the town of Amalfi. Our last day will find us exploring the castles, cuisine, and archeological treasures of Naples together before our included farewell dinner and overnight in the City of the Sun.
Oct 9-13, 2021
We’ll make Ravello--far from the tourist crowds and a hidden treasure of the Amalfi Coast--home for three nights as we visit the Isle of Capri, Positano, and the town of Amalfi. Our last day will find us exploring the castles, cuisine, and archeological treasures of Naples together before our included farewell dinner and overnight in the City of the Sun.
|
Day 1: Paestum, Buffalo Cheese Farm & Ravello
Our fascinating days don’t end in Matera when you extend to the Amalfi Coast! Today we’ll head to beautiful Ravello, nicknamed the City of Music, with a photo stop en route at the ancient Greek ruins of Paestum. It will be lunchtime, and so we’ll visit a nearby water buffalo cheese producer before continuing. Think of the creamiest, richest mozzarella and burrata you can imagine. Once in Ravello, we’ll get oriented and then relax. This gorgeous resort town has been attracting celebrities for centuries, including Wagner, Greta Garbo, Gore Vidal, and D.H. Lawrence, who wrote Lady Chatterly’s Lover here. But no pressure. (B, L) |
|
Day 2: Isle of Capri & Amalfi
This morning we’ll head to the town of Amalfi where we’ll catch the ferry to the Isle of Capri. You’ll have time to lunch and explore Capri on your own. We’ll happily provide a bit of guidance based on your interests.
|
|
Day 3: Morning at Leisure in Ravello & Afternoon in Positano
Take it easy this morning in Ravello before we make the short drive to Positano, a seaside resort town that cascades down to the shoreline. Playground of the rich and famous (Meghan Markle celebrated her bachelorette party here), Positano is the perfect place for shopping, lunching, and simply taking in the view at your leisure. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. We can help you with ideas. We’ll return to Ravello before dinner time. (B) |
|
Day 4: Herculaneum & Naples, National Archaeological Museum, Pizza Lunch & Farewell Dinner
Heading over the mountains from Ravello, we’ll soon skirt the Bay of Naples with a view of the volcano Vesuvius, bound for Herculaneum. The ruins of Herculaneum, while smaller than Pompeii, were locked in time by the same eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Our local guide will help us understand what we’re seeing and remind us of the events on that fateful day in A.D. 79. We’ll enjoy a short panoramic tour of Naples before munching on authentic Neapolitan pizza in the city where the dish was born. This afternoon we’ll take a short walking tour of Naples to the Naples National Archaeological Museum where you can see the vast treasures of artifacts recovered from Pompeii. Exquisite furniture, elaborate and common household items, toys, food, remains. If you’d rather spend the afternoon independently, you’ll be free to do so. Tonight we celebrate together as we share a farewell dinner with a view. We’ll call it an early evening at our luxurious hotel in one of Naples most treasured areas. (B, L, D) |
|
Day 5: Departure Transfer
Your departure transfer to the Naples Airport is included this morning. Arrivederci e Grazie! |
|
Inclusions:
|
Exclusions:
|
Dates
|
Magical Puglia with Matera
October 1-9, 2021 |
Extend to Amalfi Coast (Optional)
October 9-13, 2021 |
Prices & Payment Deadlines
Prices are PER PERSON, sharing double
Magical Puglia with Matera Land Trip Price Per Person, sharing double: $6,199
Single rate supplement: Puglia with Matera: $999
Amalfi Coast Treasures Extension Land Price Per Person, sharing double: $3,979
Single rate supplement: Amalfi Coast Treasures Extension: $1,999
Deposit Per Person: $600, due at booking
Remaining Balance Per Person: due at 40 days in advance of trip (August 22, 2021)
Single rate supplement: Puglia with Matera: $999
Amalfi Coast Treasures Extension Land Price Per Person, sharing double: $3,979
Single rate supplement: Amalfi Coast Treasures Extension: $1,999
Deposit Per Person: $600, due at booking
Remaining Balance Per Person: due at 40 days in advance of trip (August 22, 2021)
IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION
We strongly urge you to work with an airfare specialist for your international flight to Italy
At present, to avoid quarantine, travelers MUST show acceptable proof of full vaccination or negative test COVID-19 test result taken prior to travel
You are responsible for complying with all required testing and documentation
Please book your flights with the most flexible terms possible should you need to cancel or make changes
Please insure your trip
At present, to avoid quarantine, travelers MUST show acceptable proof of full vaccination or negative test COVID-19 test result taken prior to travel
You are responsible for complying with all required testing and documentation
Please book your flights with the most flexible terms possible should you need to cancel or make changes
Please insure your trip
**AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED**
This information is for your convenience only
(If you need assistance with airfare, we can recommend a trusted booking agent)
This information is for your convenience only
(If you need assistance with airfare, we can recommend a trusted booking agent)
Airports & Dates:
Arrive Bari, Italy (BRI) October 1, 2021 | Depart Bari, Italy (BRI) October 9, 2021
OR, if extending to Amalfi Coast
Depart Naples, Italy (NAP) October 13, 2021
**AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED**
Arrive Bari, Italy (BRI) October 1, 2021 | Depart Bari, Italy (BRI) October 9, 2021
OR, if extending to Amalfi Coast
Depart Naples, Italy (NAP) October 13, 2021
**AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED**
Magical Puglia with Matera
plus optional Amalfi Coast
PLEASE NOTE
- This is a scheduled group departure only. Inquire for availability of alternate dates with these Special Terms & Conditions
- Maximum 10 guests, minimum 8. Tour will not run unless a minimum of 8 guests are confirmed at 40 days in advance of trip (Amalfi Coast extension will not run unless a minimum of 6 guests are confirmed at 40 days in advance of Puglia trip)
- First come, first served. Waitlist is available
- Amalfi Coast extension is only bookable under these Special Terms & Conditions when purchased with Magical Puglia with Matera
SPECIAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
More Time – For this Puglia/Oct 2021 booking, you may cancel up until 40 days prior to departure – giving you more time and flexibility should your plans change.
DEPOSIT: $600 per person due at booking
FINAL PAYMENT: 40 DAYS (or upon booking if inside 40 days, pending availability)
CANCELLABLE: in writing until 40 DAYS in advance of trip
REFUND: 100% refundable until 40 DAYS in advance of trip
PENALTIES:
Book with peace of mind, assured that in the event Soirée Travel Services is unable to operate your journey’s departure, we’ll give you flexible options to apply these funds to other travel experiences through 2022 – or, if you wish, we’ll refund your full tour cost.**
Please note: These flexible payment terms apply to this itinerary only; deposit must be made as per our deposit conditions above. Does not apply to air travel and trip insurance purchased separately. We strongly urge you to fully insure your trip and flight, and to purchase airfare with the most flexible terms possible.
Deposits & Final Payment
The deposit amount is $600 per person, due at booking.
Final Payment is due at Soirée Travel Specialist’s Colorado office 40 days before departure. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.
*100% penalty of deposit 40 days before travel if final payment is not made by 40 days and trip is not cancelled in writing
**Some exclusions may apply to trip fees that are non-refundable to us
More Time – For this Puglia/Oct 2021 booking, you may cancel up until 40 days prior to departure – giving you more time and flexibility should your plans change.
DEPOSIT: $600 per person due at booking
FINAL PAYMENT: 40 DAYS (or upon booking if inside 40 days, pending availability)
CANCELLABLE: in writing until 40 DAYS in advance of trip
REFUND: 100% refundable until 40 DAYS in advance of trip
PENALTIES:
- Deposit Penalty: If final payment is not made by 40 days, and you have not previously cancelled your trip in writing, your participation may be deemed canceled by you, and deposit becomes non-refundable.
- 50% penalty of full trip cost if canceled between 31-39 days
- 80% penalty of full trip cost if canceled between 16-30 days
- 100% penalty of full trip cost if canceled 0-15 days
Book with peace of mind, assured that in the event Soirée Travel Services is unable to operate your journey’s departure, we’ll give you flexible options to apply these funds to other travel experiences through 2022 – or, if you wish, we’ll refund your full tour cost.**
Please note: These flexible payment terms apply to this itinerary only; deposit must be made as per our deposit conditions above. Does not apply to air travel and trip insurance purchased separately. We strongly urge you to fully insure your trip and flight, and to purchase airfare with the most flexible terms possible.
Deposits & Final Payment
The deposit amount is $600 per person, due at booking.
Final Payment is due at Soirée Travel Specialist’s Colorado office 40 days before departure. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.
*100% penalty of deposit 40 days before travel if final payment is not made by 40 days and trip is not cancelled in writing
**Some exclusions may apply to trip fees that are non-refundable to us