16 GUESTS OR FEWER
Small enough to feel the difference.
Smaller groups create access to more personal hotels, local tables, flexible moments and conversations that larger tours simply miss.
Why Small Groups →
FeaturedThe Beauty of Small-Group Travel
Now Journey · The Complete Southern Italy Adventure
Puglia to
the Amalfi Coast
Twelve days from Adriatic light to Capri blue.
Polignano → Matera → Lecce → Positano → Capri
8 to 12 guests
Maximum 16
Tour Captain hosted
Boutique hotels & villa stays
No big buses
Compare Puglia Journeys
Choose the region—or carry it to the coast.
For most travelers whose priority is Puglia itself, Now Journey recommends the focused eight-day Journey. Choose this 12-day route when the Amalfi Coast and Capri belong in the same southern Italian story.
12 Days11 nights
Bari to NaplesCoast-to-coast route
8–12 GuestsMaximum 16
4–5 StarDeluxe collection
Tour CaptainHosted throughout
From $11,770Per person
Two seas. Five chapters. One unforgettable south.
Italy’s hidden south, followed all the way to Capri.
Begin with Puglia’s white villages, olive country, ancient Matera and golden Lecce. Then cross the peninsula for the vertical beauty of Positano, the garden terraces of Ravello, Amalfi’s maritime soul and two nights on Capri.
This is a hosted, thoughtfully paced Journey with expert local guides, memorable meals, private small-vehicle travel and time for southern Italy to feel personal.
“The quiet discoveries of Puglia, followed by the cinematic finale of the Amalfi Coast.”The spirit of this Journey
Your Journey Ahead
From the Adriatic to Capri, one cinematic line.
Follow the route across Italy’s south—from cliff towns and cave cities to the Tyrrhenian blue.
Scroll through cities
Why travelers choose Now Journey
Hosted, not herded.
A smaller group changes everything in southern Italy: nimble travel, more personal guides, locally chosen restaurants, beautiful central stays and fewer moments waiting for a crowd.
Tour Captain hosting
A warm, capable presence from the first welcome to the farewell toast.
Local experts
Guides who bring the Sassi, trulli and Lecce’s Baroque artistry to life.
Curated dining
Authentic Apulian meals, local flavors and premium beverages at included dinners.
Seamless movement
Mercedes vans and carefully planned transitions between coast, countryside and city.
The Journey Story
Two seas. Five chapters. One unfolding south.
The Journey begins with Puglia’s quieter discoveries, crosses ancient Basilicata and golden Salento, then changes tempo as the Amalfi Coast and Capri rise from the Tyrrhenian blue.
Act One · Adriatic light
The south begins quietly.
Polignano a Mare and Alberobello reveal a region shaped by sea terraces, dry-stone traditions, olive country and villages built in luminous local stone.
Act Two · Ancient stone
Matera changes the scale of time.
The Sassi are a layered settlement of homes, chapels, cisterns and paths carved into the ravine. Here geology and human ingenuity become one continuous city.
Act Three · Golden Salento
Lecce makes stone theatrical.
Soft limestone curls into saints, flowers and fantastic creatures across the city’s façades. Beyond the piazzas, Otranto returns the Journey to the Adriatic for one last coastal day.
Act Four · The coast rises
Positano turns the Journey vertical.
After crossing southern Italy, roads cling to cliffs, gardens float above the sea and villages descend toward the water. Ravello and Amalfi add history and calm to the famous view.
Final Act · Island time
Capri leaves the road behind.
Arriving by water changes the rhythm once more. Open-air island travel, Roman history and a full unscheduled day give the Journey a finale shaped by choice.
12 Days from Puglia to Capri
The Complete Itinerary
See how twelve beautifully paced days unfold across five distinct chapters, linking the Adriatic, Basilicata, Salento, the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
Chapter One
Days 1–2 · 2 Nights
Polignano a Mare
Where white stone meets the Adriatic: sea terraces, old-town lanes and a welcome that lets southern Italy arrive slowly.
Day 1
Benvenuti to beautiful Puglia
Arrive via Bari and settle into Polignano a Mare. Later, join your Tour Captain for a gentle Discovery Walk through the old town, crossing the Lama Monachile bridge and pausing at terraces above the sea. Tonight, the Journey begins around the table with a hosted welcome dinner.
Included Today
- Arrival support and hotel check-in
- Tour Captain Discovery Walk
- Old town and sea terraces
- Welcome Dinner with premium beverages
Day 2
Tasting Polignano
Explore Polignano through the foods locals love: warm focaccia, panzerotti, regional salumi and the unmistakable flavors of the Adriatic. The balance of the day is deliberately open for swimming, wandering, shopping or simply letting a long lunch become the afternoon.
Included Today
- Daily breakfast
- Curated town tasting
- Local culinary storytelling
- Afternoon at leisure
Chapter Two
Days 3–4 · 2 Nights
Matera
Ancient stone and enduring spirit in a city of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches and ravine views.
Day 3
Alberobello and the road to Matera
Travel through Valle d’Itria to Alberobello, where an expert Local Guide introduces the UNESCO-listed trulli, their mysterious roof symbols and the story of ingenious dry-stone construction. Continue into Basilicata and arrive in Matera in time for an atmospheric apericena.
Included Today
- Scenic small-vehicle transfer
- Expert-guided Alberobello walk
- Trulli districts and Trullo Sovrano
- Matera apericena
Day 4
Secrets and treasures of the Sassi
With an expert guide, descend into the Sassi di Matera—a layered world of homes, chapels and passageways carved directly into limestone. Step inside restored cave dwellings, discover rock churches and take in views across the Gravina before an open afternoon.
Included Today
- Guided exploration of the Sassi
- Restored cave dwelling visit
- Rock-hewn churches and frescoes
- Afternoon at leisure
Chapter Three
Days 5–7 · 3 Nights
Lecce & Otranto
Golden Baroque and Adriatic light, balanced with local flavor, open time and a coastal day in Otranto.
Day 5
To the “Florence of the South”
Leave Matera and travel into the heel of Italy. After checking in, join your Tour Captain for an orientation through Lecce’s golden historic center, then gather for a traditional Apulian dinner—perhaps with the region’s signature orecchiette.
Included Today
- Transfer from Matera to Lecce
- Tour Captain Discovery Walk
- Historic center orientation
- Hosted Apulian dinner
Day 6
The art and layers of Lecce
An expert Local Guide reveals the theatrical carvings of Santa Croce, the harmony of Piazza del Duomo and the Roman Amphitheatre beneath the modern city. The pace leaves room for cafés, artisan workshops and the pleasure of looking up.
Included Today
- Expert-guided Lecce walk
- Basilica di Santa Croce
- Piazza del Duomo
- Roman Amphitheatre context
Day 7
Otranto or a day at leisure
Join your Tour Captain for an included coastal outing to Otranto, with time to walk its historic lanes and admire the Adriatic, or keep the day entirely your own in Lecce. Tonight, gather for a celebratory farewell apericena.
Included Today
- Optional included Otranto outing
- Independent time by the coast
- Tour Captain recommendations
- Farewell apericena
Chapter Four
Days 8–9 · 2 Nights
Positano & the Amalfi Coast
A vertical village and an endless horizon, with Ravello’s gardens and Amalfi’s maritime story along the way.
Day 8
Across southern Italy to Positano
After breakfast, leave Lecce and cross the peninsula toward Campania. Settle into Positano, then meet your Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk through this famously vertical village. Tonight, gather for an Amalfitana-style welcome dinner with premium beverages.
Included Today
- Private small-vehicle transfer
- Positano Discovery Walk
- Village orientation
- Welcome to Positano Dinner
Day 9
Ravello and Amalfi
Explore Ravello’s tranquil streets and celebrated garden landscapes, including the historic atmosphere of Villa Rufolo and the sweeping Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone. Continue into Amalfi before returning to Positano for an open evening. An optional two-Michelin-star dining experience may be offered.
Included Today
- Guided coastal exploration
- Ravello and its garden villas
- Amalfi visit
- Return to Positano
Final Chapter
Days 10–12 · 2 Nights
The Isle of Capri
Arrive by water, explore in open-air island style and keep a full day free for the Blue Grotto, Anacapri, Roman ruins, a pool or simply the view.
Day 10
Private-boat arrival and Capri discovery
Enjoy a relaxed morning before saying arrivederci to Positano and crossing to Capri by private boat; some departures may use the ferry. After check-in, discover the island by open-air taxi and on foot, then gather for a special welcome dinner.
Included Today
- Boat or ferry transfer to Capri
- Open-air taxi experience
- Guided island orientation
- Welcome to Capri Dinner
Day 11
Capri at leisure
Shape the island day your way: ride the chairlift above Anacapri, explore Roman ruins, seek out the Blue Grotto, enjoy a spa or pool day, or join your Tour Captain for a walk toward Villa Jovis. Dinner can be independent or shared informally with the group.
Included Today
- Daily breakfast
- Tour Captain recommendations
- Optional island walks
- Full day at leisure
Day 12
Arrivederci, Italy
Depart Capri by private boat or ferry, with onward vehicle transfer to Naples Airport included. Extend on the coast, continue to Sorrento, Sardinia or Sicily, or carry the memories of southern Italy home.
Included Today
- Daily breakfast
- Boat or ferry departure
- Onward vehicle to Naples Airport
- Extension planning support
What’s Included
The details are handled across both coasts.
Your twelve-day Journey combines dedicated hosting, eleven hotel nights, regional dining, expert sightseeing and planned transportation from arrival in Puglia through the final transfer toward Naples Airport.
Your dedicated Tour Captain
Warm hosting throughout the Journey, coordinating transitions, sharing recommendations and supporting the practical details that arise along the way.
11 hotel nights
Deluxe Collection stays in Polignano a Mare, Matera, Lecce, Positano and Capri, with final assignments generally made about 60 days before departure.
17 included meals
Ten breakfasts, six dinners or apericena experiences, and one tasting or lunch, with premium beverages at included Now Journey dinners.
Sightseeing & transportation
Itinerary-listed guided experiences and admissions, planned small-vehicle travel, island boat or ferry service, and the Day 12 onward vehicle transfer to Naples Airport.
International airfare, optional experiences and meals described as independent are not included.
Hotel Collections
Stay where the Journey lives.
Choose between DELUXE and LOTUS accommodations. The itinerary, Tour Captain services, sightseeing, transportation and included dining remain exactly the same.
Signature Collection
DELUXE
Carefully selected 4- and 5-star hotels emphasizing location, service, comfort and a strong sense of place.
Your accommodations
At 4-star properties, Now Journey selects accommodations one category above the hotel’s entry-level room; at 5-star properties, accommodations begin with the standard category or better.
Lotus Hotel Collection
LOTUS
The Lotus Hotel Collection brings an elevated level of comfort and distinction to your Southern Italy Journey.
The Lotus Difference
Thoughtfully selected premium accommodations, spacious rooms, Junior Suites, Suites, and preferred views or terraces where available. You can upgrade one or two hotels—or all of them—with availability confirmed in your Journey proposal.
Both collections enjoy the same itinerary, Tour Captain, expert local guides, sightseeing, transportation, admissions and included dining.
Collection images illustrate the accommodation atmosphere. Hotels pictured and named below are Deluxe Collection examples; final properties and Lotus room categories are confirmed in your Journey proposal.
Polignano a Mare · 2 nights
Covo dei Saraceni or villa stay
Clifftop atmosphere, easy old-town access and the Adriatic close at hand. The confirmed property varies by departure.
Matera · 2 nights
Quarry, Aquatio or Sant’Angelo
Refined cave-hotel character woven directly into Matera’s ancient stone. Your confirmed property will be shared before departure.
Lecce · 3 nights
Risorgimento or Patria Palace
Elegant comfort within easy reach of Lecce’s evening piazzas and Baroque heart, or a comparable collection property.
Positano · 2 nights
Villa Franca, Miramare or Villa Magia
Coastal character and the vertical village close at hand; sea views depend on availability.
Capri · 2 nights
Hotel Mamela or similar
Island elegance, fragrant gardens and easy access to Capri’s celebrated evening atmosphere.
Hotel note: Our 4- to 5-star collection generally includes entry-level categories at 5-star properties and a category above entry level at 4-star properties. Final assignments are typically made about 60 days before departure.
Dates & Prices
Choose your season.
Explore upcoming departures and choose the hotel collection that fits the way you want to travel. DELUXE is $11,770 per person, double occupancy, in U.S. dollars. LOTUS is $16,479 per person, double occupancy. International airfare is not included.
Featured Departures
Consider the Mark Story-hosted early-summer Journey or a golden early-autumn departure.
Jun 4–15, 2027
Hosted by Mark Story1. Choose your hotel collection
Select a preference or let us help.
2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Sep 29–Oct 10, 2027
Featured departure1. Choose your hotel collection
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
All 2027 departures May through October
Spring & Early Summer
Moderate temperatures, wildflowers and a relaxed start to the southern Italian season.
May 20–31
Inquire1. Choose your hotel collection
Select a preference or let us help.
2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Jun 2–13
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Select a preference or let us help.
2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Jun 4–15
Hosted by Mark Story1. Choose your hotel collection
Select a preference or let us help.
2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Jun 10–21
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Summertime in Puglia!
Warm summer temperatures make the beach amazing and the evenings linger late.
Jun 17–28
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Jun 22–Jul 3
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Jun 30–Jul 11
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Fall in Puglia
Beautiful weather, softer light and fewer summertime crowds.
Sep 3–14
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Sep 12–23
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Sep 22–Oct 3
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2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Sep 29–Oct 10
Inquire1. Choose your hotel collection
Select a preference or let us help.
2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Oct 6–17
Inquire1. Choose your hotel collection
Select a preference or let us help.
2. Request your personalized proposal
Request a Journey ProposalNo booking commitment · Prefer to upgrade only some hotels? Just ask.
Guest Reviews
The proof is in the way guests talk about it.
Across Now Journey’s Italy journeys, guests return to the same themes: thoughtful planning, seamless logistics, beautiful hotels and the feeling of being genuinely cared for.
“I can’t say enough about our recent trip to Italy. It was perfection from beginning to end.”Esther P., Now Journey guest
“We all were made to feel special, almost like royalty, with skip-the-line access, personal service by fabulous chefs, and seamless check-ins at our gorgeous hotels.”
Teresa C.“Our hotel accommodations were all perfect. Now Journey did an exceptional job planning and we even got surprises along the way.”
Tammy A.Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
How active is this Journey?
This itinerary involves walking on uneven stone, historic lanes, stairs and slopes. The pace is balanced rather than rushed, with open time built in, but guests should be comfortable walking in old-town environments.
Which Puglia journey does Now Journey recommend?
For most travelers whose priority is Puglia itself, we recommend the eight-day Puglia & Basilicata Journey. Choose this 12-day Journey when you want Positano, Ravello, Amalfi and Capri to follow Puglia and Basilicata in the same trip.
How small is the group?
Now Journey typically hosts 8 to 12 guests and limits the group to a maximum of 16—small enough for personal attention, nimble movement and a more natural shared experience.
Where should I fly?
Bari Airport is the best gateway for arrival. On Day 12, included boat or ferry service from Capri connects with onward vehicle transportation to Naples Airport.
Are meals and beverages included?
Daily breakfasts and selected dinners, apericena and tasting experiences are included as described. At included Now Journey dinners, premium beverages are part of the experience.
What should I know about the coast and Capri?
Positano and Capri include slopes, steps and uneven historic lanes. Boat transportation is weather dependent; when conditions require it, scheduled ferry service may be used instead.
When are hotels confirmed?
The named hotels show the standard and style of the collection. Final assignments are generally made approximately 60 days before the Journey and may use comparable properties.
Your next Journey
Ready to follow southern Italy all the way to Capri?
Tell a Now Journey Trip Planner your preferred dates and travel style. We’ll help with availability, arrival planning, room options and a no-obligation proposal shaped around you.
Request My Trip ProposalPuglia’s buildings often begin with local materials and practical responses to climate. Whitewashed towns reflect intense summer light, dry-stone walls divide olive country and trulli use carefully stacked stone without mortar.
Lecce adds a different expression. Its soft pietra leccese allowed sculptors to work façades almost like lace, giving the region one of Italy’s most distinctive Baroque languages.
Look forThe way pale stone changes character from Polignano’s sea cliffs to Alberobello’s roofs and Lecce’s carved churches.
Matera’s Sassi are a layered settlement of dwellings, churches, cisterns and passageways cut into limestone. What looks at first like a collection of caves is an ingenious urban system developed over centuries.
Your guided walk makes the city legible: roofs become streets, rock chambers connect to built façades and the ravine explains both the beauty and difficulty of life here.
A detail worth noticingWatch how doorways and terraces overlap. In the Sassi, the boundary between building and landscape is rarely simple.
The Amalfi Coast is shaped by mountains that meet the sea with very little level ground between them. Villages grew upward along ravines and terraces, while paths, stairs and cliff-hugging roads connected small pockets of habitable land.
That geography explains the coast’s drama and its physical character. Positano descends toward the water; Ravello occupies a high garden terrace; Amalfi gathers at the mouth of a valley with a long maritime history.
Look forThe working terraces above the road. They reveal how generations made agriculture and daily life possible on steep ground.
Capri’s celebrated social life is only one layer of the island. Roman emperors built villas here, Anacapri developed its own quieter identity and old paths still lead toward cliffs, gardens and archaeological remains.
A full open day lets the island become more than a view. The chairlift, Blue Grotto, Roman ruins, a pool or a long walk each offer a different way to understand the place.
Look forHow quickly the atmosphere changes when you leave the Piazzetta and follow the lanes away from the center.