Our Complete Daily Itinerary
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating landscapes of Puglia, Basilicata, and the Amalfi Coast. Stroll the coastal beauty of Polignano a Mare, explore the ancient wonders of Matera, and marvel at the Baroque splendor of Lecce and historic Otranto. Then, bask in the glamour of Positano and the enchanting isle of Capri, where southern Italy's charm truly shines.
Chapter 1: Puglia
DAY 1: PUGLIA ADVENTURE BEGINS
One of our most asked about itineraries begin in the heart of Polignano a Mare.
Discovery Walk: Heart of Polignano a Mare
This afternoon meet the Journey Tour Captain for our Discovery Walk and get to know some of the history of Polignano a Mare. Known for the birthplace of the world famous singer, Domenico Modugno alias Mr. Volare, the city boasts terraces that look out over the sea. The breathtaking views of its cliffs and marine caves and the iconic bridge on the beach of Lama Monachile make our Discovery Walk a delight.
Journey Welcome Dinner
Tonight enjoy entertaining your palette with cuisine from the land and sea at one of the most iconic locations in all of the south of Italy. Your Journey Tour Captain welcomes you to Puglia.
Journey Cuisine is authentically Italian: Family-owned restaurants featuring farm and sea to table
Journey’s approach to dining is unique in the travel world (just like the regions of Italy). We include Premium Beverages (wine, soda and cocktails) and you choose your dinner from the menu. The Italian chefs and families are proud of their delicious dishes which hail from each of the regions in which Journey travels. And in the region of Puglia, you will enjoy a variety of dishes featuring pasta, seafood combined plates, vegetable inspired contorni and of course family inspired dishes. While in Italy we will enjoy locally grown produce where the concept of nostrale, or home-grown, is so evident.
Where We Stay in Polignano a Mare, 2 Nights with breakfast
Signature Hotels Collection —
Covo dei Saraceni, Villa Stay, or Similar
— Our Signature Hotels Collection features 4 to 5-Star properties including entry-level room categories in 5-Star, and one category above entry-level in 4-Star.
Final hotel assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book — we will advise you of your final hotels.
BACK TO TOP
DAY 2: POLIGNANO A MARE
Breakfast included daily
Today's Adventure: Tasting Polignano a Mare
This morning (some itineraries feature an afternoon experience) we enjoy exploring Polignano a Mare. Tastes in Town: The traditional Panzerotto stuffed with mozzarella and tomato sauce are a local favorite as well as the typical Apulian cold cuts with Focaccia.
After the experience, enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.
Tonight, consider joining your Journey Tour Captain to an optional dinner or explore at your leisure.
BACK TO TOP
Chapter 2: Alberobello • Basilicata
DAY 3: ALBEROBELLO & THE TRULLI HOUSES TO MATERA
Today's Adventure: Alberobello, Trulli and Sassi
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, meet the Tour Captain for a picturesque drive in our comfortable micro-coach to the unique town of Alberobello. Meet our City Guide for a walking tour of this World Heritage town in the Valle d'Itria and marvel at the remarkable architecture of the over 1000 Trulli conical buildings and Trullo church. We will have free time to explore and to have lunch on our own. In mid-afternoon, we arrive Matera for our second chapter of our Journey.
Welcome to Matera Apericena
Tonight join your Tour Captain and fellow travelers for the new Italian meal, Apericena! Is it a snack? Is it dinner? No, it’s apericena! A combination of aperitivo and dinner - most of all, it’s fun! We will enjoy apericena in a picturesque location in Matera.
Where We Stay in Matera - 2 Nights with Breakfast
Signature Hotels Collection —
Quarry Resort, Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa, Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort or Similar
— Our Signature Hotels Collection features 4 to 5-Star properties including entry-level room categories in 5-Star, and one category above entry-level in 4-Star.
Final hotel assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book — we will advise you of your final hotels.
BACK TO TOP
DAY 4: EXPLORING MATERA
Today's Adventure: Secrets & Treasures of Matera
After breakfast today, join the Tour Captain and our expert Local Guide for an in-depth discovery tour of the Sassi archeological site and includes exploration of the alleys, churches and caves of this World Heritage site.
BACK TO TOP
Chapter 3: Lecce
DAY 5: FLORENCE OF THE SOUTH
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Matera in Basilicata and travel to Lecce, our home for the next 3 nights. We travel further into the “heel of Italy” and discover more beauty, amazing people and, of course, delicious cuisine and vino.
Today's Adventure: Making our Way to Lecce: 'Florence of the South'
On arrival in Lecce in mid-afternoon, we check into our beautiful resort hotel and have time to freshen up before joining the Tour Captain for an orientation Discovery Walk in the Baroque city center. Later join the Tour Captain and your fellow travelers for a traditional Apulian dinner.
Welcome to Lecce Dinner
Tonight enjoy a traditional Apulian dinner in Lecce with your Tour Captain and fellow travelers. Perhaps you will try the signature regional pasta shape, orecchiette.
Where We Stay in Lecce, 3 Nights with breakfast
Signature Hotels Collection —
Risorgimento Resort and Spa or Patria Palace Hotel or Similar
— Our Signature Hotels Collection features 4 to 5-Star properties including entry-level room categories in 5-Star, and one category above entry-level in 4-Star.
Final hotel assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book — we will advise you of your final hotels.
BACK TO TOP
DAY 6: EXPLORING LECCE
Today's Adventure: Tour of Lecce
Enjoy exploring Lecce today with our Local Guide. We will visit the historic monuments, cathedrals and amphitheater of this Baroque and Roman city.
Join your Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore at your leisure.
BACK TO TOP
DAY 7: OPTION TO OTRANTO OR DAY AT LEISURE
Today's Optional Adventure: Secrets & Treasurse of Otranto
After breakfast today, we invite you to join the Tour Captain to travel to Otranto for a day of exploring (no additional charge). We will visit the picturesque town of Otranto where we will have time to walk and explor its fascinating architecture and history and free time for shopping or just wandering. Following lunch on our own, we continue our exploration of the Salento peninsula as we make our way back to Lecce.
Our Special Journey Finalé
Meet tonight for our special Apericena to celebrate our time together. Our days have been filled with new sights, tastes and discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together.
It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends! Until our next Journey — Arrivederci!
BACK TO TOP
Chapter 4: To the Amalfi Coast
DAY 8: POSITANO
Your Journey continues in Positano (in Italian meaning 'A Place to Stop'), known for its colorful buildings and homes as well as a vibrant beach and nightlife. We can't wait to welcome you to the village and the stunning view from the Amalfi Coast. Whether you arrive from elsewhere, enjoy a pre-tour hotel room or if you've simply arrived in Naples today, the Amazing Amalfi Coast Journey will absolutely delight your senses and your heart.
Discovery Walk: Positano
This afternoon you will meet your fellow travelers and your Journey Tour Captain for an included Discovery Walk of Positano to learn your way around this lovely (and vertical) village. Then enjoy some time at leisure before meeting later for a wonderful dining experience Amalfitana style.
Welcome to Positano Dinner
Now Journey dinners are more like dining "events" featuring all inclusive premium beverages and ordering from the menu. Tonight, we introduce you to one of Positano's famous chefs to enjoy his culinary arts.
Now Journey Cuisine is authentically Italian: Family-owned restaurants farm to table
Now Journey’s approach to dining is unique in the travel world (just like the regions of Italy). We include Premium Beverages (wine, soda and cocktails) and you choose your dinner from the menu. The Italian chefs and families are proud of their delicious dishes which hail from each of the regions in which Journey travels. From Lombardia and beautiful Lake Como to the Veneto region with Venice all the way through to the Amalfi Coast and Campania, you will enjoy a variety of dishes featuring pasta, seafood combined plates, vegetable inspired contorni and of course Tuscan inspired dishes. While in Italy we will enjoy locally grown produce where the concept of nostrale, or home-grown, is so evident.
Where We Stay in Positano, 2 Nights with breakfast
Signature Hotels Collection —
Hotel Villa Franca, Hotel Miramare, Villa Magia or Similar (Sea View based upon availability at booking)
— Our Signature Hotels Collection features 4 to 5-Star properties including entry-level room categories in 5-Star, and one category above entry-level in 4-Star.
Final hotel assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book — we will advise you of your final hotels.
BACK TO TOP
DAY 9: RAVELLO & AMALFI
Today's Adventure: Secrets & Traditions of the Coast
Today, immerse yourself in the charm of Ravello, one of the Amalfi Coast's most enchanting hilltop towns. Our walking tour will take you through its tranquil streets, offering stunning vistas of the coastline below. Visit the historic Villa Rufolo, renowned for its breathtaking gardens that inspired Wagner's "Parsifal." Wander through its medieval architecture and vibrant blooms, a feast for both the eyes and soul.
Next, we’ll explore the iconic Villa Cimbrone, a masterpiece of artistry and serenity. Stroll along its lush gardens leading to the Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity), where sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea create a moment of pure magic. With each step, you’ll uncover the timeless elegance and poetic beauty that have made Ravello a haven for artists, writers, and dreamers alike.
We return to Positano for the balance of the day free until dinner* tonight.
Optional Michelin Dinner for Consideration: 2 Michelin Stars' Experience
This evening, delight your palate with an extraordinary culinary journey at a prestigious 2-Michelin-starred restaurant. Join us for an optional dining experience where you'll savor a symphony of flavors, showcasing the exquisite cuisine of the Campagna region. Indulge in the artistry of renowned chefs and let each course transport you deeper into the heart of Italian gastronomy. — $300 per person.
BACK TO TOP
Chapter 5: The Isle of Capri
DAY 10: JET SET LIVING
Today, enjoy the morning at leisure and then we say "Arrivederci" to Positano as we make our way to the Isle of Capri via our private boat adventure. Some departures may utilize the ferry for this transfer.
Welcome to one of the most stunning destinations in the world. Just off the coast, a great rock soars like a dream lost in the cobalt blue sea that surrounds it. This Mediterranean jewel, yearned for and exalted in some of the world's most famous lyric poetry, is the island of Capri. The vivid fragrance of flowers and splashes of color represent a huge portion of the magic of the entire Amalfi Coast. According to some scholars, the etymology of the name Capri may be traced back to the Greek word Kapros (wild boar). Others believe instead that Capri is derived from the Latin word Capreae (goats).
Today's Adventure: Isle of Capri
Today upon arrival we will check-in, freshen up and enjoy a tour of Capri complete with our open-air taxi driving experience and walking tour. Then tonight enjoy a special welcome dinner on the island.
Caesar Augustus was the first to discover the charm of Capri when he visited the island in 29 BC. So taken with the island's beauty that he traded the nearby fertile Ischia for it with the city of Naples. This marked the beginning of Augustan rule. He was subsequently followed by his successor Tiberius who embarked on an intense building program between 27 and 37 A.D, resulting in the construction of 12 villas.
Enjoy some leisure time after our tour and before meeting tonight for a special 'Welcome to Capri evening from one of our exclusive perspectives.
Welcome to Capri Dinner
We then make our way to our favorite restaurant in Capri all paired with delicious wines and premium beverages - and all included with Journey. Signature/Lotus: Included. Classic: Inquire about our optional dinner package upgrade.
Where We Stay on Capri, 2 Nights with breakfast
Signature Hotels Collection —
Hotel Mamela or Similar (Sea View based upon availability at booking)
— Our Signature Hotels Collection features 4 to 5-Star properties including entry-level room categories in 5-Star, and one category above entry-level in 4-Star.
Final hotel assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book — we will advise you of your final hotels.
BACK TO TOP
DAY 11: CAPRI AT LEISURE
Enjoy optional activities including the chair-lift to capture the view of Emperors from the 'cap.' Explore the Roman ruins and/or take in a spa treatment. Or how about a pool day? The Blue Grotto? The Isle of Capri is great for exploring, too.
Consider walking the ruins of Roman emperors or even try a hike with Now Journey's Isle of Capri walking excursion on Capri to Villa Jovis. Your Tour Captain will be your host for this venture.
The options are endless — enjoy the balance of these two days at your leisure.
Now Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight, or they can also help you with dining reservations if you choose to explore lovely Capri or Anacapri on your own.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE DAY: Arrivederci Italy!
We say Arrivederci to the coast today or perhaps you might want to extend your stay. Inquire with us about adding another night or more on the Amalfi Coast or extending to Sorrento or Sardegna or Sicily or other points. Departure transfer to the naples airport via our private boat (inclement weather may require the ferry which will also be included) and onward vehicle are included.