Description

THE SPLENDORS OF ITALY’S BEST KEPT SECRET: PUGLIA, PLUS THE AMALFI COAST, THE ISLE OF CAPRI, THE ABBEY OF MONTECASSINO AND A GASTRONOMICAL EXCURSION THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN ITALY!

INCOMPARABLE ITALIAN BEAUTY ALONG THE FAMED AMALFI COASTLINE

DEPART April 25th, 2025
RETURN May 6th, 2025

12 days, 11 nights

With this new excursion called  Italy’s Best Kept Secret: AMALFI (Coast),  and PUGLIA we’re heading our beautiful private motor coach towards the sun-splashed “heel” of Italy, along the most beautiful coastal road in the world – the Amalfi Coast. If you’ve never previously joined us on one of our popular Italian adventures then we are ready to take you on the trip of a lifetime, but if you have previously joined us on our Grand Event Italian tour then you will especially enjoy this second helping of the most beautiful country in the world.

Kenneth Chase, President, Conservative Tours Incorporated

COME WITH US AS WE DINE OUR WAY THROUGH THE FABLED AMALFI COAST AND BEYOND – CRUISING ALONG THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROAD IN THE WORLD – PLUS EXPERIENCE THE UNMISTAKABLE BEAUTY OF PUGLIA.

 

WE PLAN TO EXPERIENCE THE TRUE BEAUTY OF THIS LIVING TREASURE.

Saint Louis Radio & TV Legend Larry Conners

Will Be Accompanying Us.

 

 

ITINERARY

You’ve arrived in the capital of this great nation, where the sun always shines and the natives always have a warm embrace for their friends from America!

Day One 

Departure from USA 

Overnight flight….dinner with wine served on board.  Connecting flight from Paris directly to Naples, Italy, on Air France.   

Day Three 

Alberobello 

Morning visit of Alberobello, Puglia’s picture postcard town famous for its conical roofed houses, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its narrow pedestrian streets, little shops selling local produce, and a few nice cafés and trattorias, Alberobello will enchant you. Today experience a local lunch inside a “Trullo.”  In the afternoon, on the way back to our hotel we’ll visit an olive oil farm. 

Return to your hotel tonight. Dinner is on your own as you explore local trattorias and traditional restaurants. 

Day Five 

Matera-Poligano a Mare 

Today we explore Matera, known for its picturesque Sassi district, a large ravine with cave dwellings and churches dug into the soft limestone. The sassi date from prehistoric times and were used as housing until the 1950’s when residents, primarily living in poverty stricken conditions, were relocated. Because of its similarity to Jerusalem, several movies have been filmed in the sassi district including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. 

The  sassi  district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In the afternoon we depart for a stroll in the charming village of Polignano a Mare – shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 meter-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.  You’ll need to have your best singing voice ready for this enchanting seaside visit…..and even if you don’t you’ll still fall in love with Polignano a Mare!!! 

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Day Six 

Bari …..Amalfi Coast-Sorrento 

This morning we depart for the Amalfi Coast area. En route we visit Bari, the Capital of the Puglia region. Visit of the old town center. See the Cathedral of St Nicola. Meander through the charming medieval network of passageways with plenty of fine architecture arranged around the picturesque fishing port.   There has been a great effort at beautifying the inner center of this ancient port and it seems to have worked well.  Bari is now a true delight for strolling about its maze of narrow passageways.   

Bari is also home of orecchiette pasta and you can learn the techniques from the locals. Time is at your leisure for lunch. In the afternoon we continue our journey to Sorrento overlooking the Bay of Naples. Check in at your lovely hotel in Sorrento followed by Dinner. 

Day Seven 

Amalfi Coast 

This morning we start our tour at the ancient marine republic of Amalfi. Here you can visit the beautiful Cathedral of St. Andrew and the old Arsenals where the galleys used to ship goods and spices to and from the Orient. 

Time is given to shop or explore on your own. From Amalfi you might be interested in taking an optional mini-cruise (weather permitting) along the breathtaking Amalfi coast to reach the famous village of Positano. Dinner tonight is at your own leisure.  

Day Eight 

Capri 

A morning jet foil whisks you across the blue Bay of Salerno to the fabled Isle of Capri. Upon arrival experience the famous funicolare where you will ascend to the Piazzetta, visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus overlooking the Faraglioni Rocks. 

Time at leisure for lunch before returning to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. 

 

Day Nine 

Mozzarella Farm and Winery 

Today we will head south of Sorrento to visit a buffalo mozzarella farm. Our guests will learn from master craftsmen how this iconic delicacy is hand made using a centuries-old method. A tasting of the fare is included. Afterwards we’ll enjoy more gastronomical specialties for lunch.   

Continue to the slopes of Mt Vesuvius for a wine tour and tasting event. 

Afternoon return to Sorrento and dinner on your own.