Fly and Drive in South Italy: enchanting landscapes

Benvenuti in Puglia!
Partire è un momento emozionante per molti viaggiatori. Segna l’inizio di un’avventura. Oggi inizierete a far parte di una community, che vi regalerà un’esperienza di viaggio gratificante. Avrete la possibilità di trasformare un semplice viaggio in un’opportunità di crescita personale, arricchimento culturale, Globest vi dà il benvenuto a Bari. Dopo il ritiro dell’auto a noleggio, raggiungerete il vostro hotel nella regione di Bari per il pernottamento.

Castles, Cathedrals and Federician Architecture
Breakfast at the hotel. The second day of your trip will immerse you in the fascinating history of Puglia. Start the morning in Trani, defined for its beauty “the pearl of the Adriatic”. Visit the port, the beating heart and most characteristic place of Trani. Then continue towards Barletta, a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty for a walk in the historic center up to the famous Colossus, a huge bronze statue of a Roman emperor more than 4 meters high. Free lunch. In the afternoon you could dedicate some time for an unforgettable excursion to Castel del Monte, the enigmatic Frederick manor, a UNESCO heritage site. Its octagonal shape and its isolated position on the hill create an aura of mystery that will fascinate you. Explore every corner of this unique fortress (entrance not included). Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

The magic of Bari Vecchia and the enchantment of the Trulli
Breakfast at the hotel. The day could start with the discovery of Bari, the “Gateway to the East”, for its important port on the Adriatic Sea. Stroll through the winding streets of Old Bari, get lost among the narrow streets that smell of history and tradition, and visit the Basilica of San Nicola, an important place of pilgrimage. Furthermore, in this area, don’t forget to walk along via Arcobasso (or Via Orecchiette) to admire the local women while they prepare fresh pasta such as “strascinet” (the orecchiette), “fascinet” (the smooth fusilli), cavatelli or the priest’s hats directly on the street. Free lunch in Bari. In the afternoon, you can move towards the Itria Valley to reach Alberobello, the fairy-tale “the city of trulli”, typical white stone houses with conical roofs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the «Trullo Supremo» with its 12 rooms (entrance not included). Spend the evening in or around Alberobello, enjoying its magical atmosphere. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

The City of Stones
Breakfast at the hotel. The fourth day marks the passage from Puglia to Basilicata, for an immersion in the ancient and fascinating city of Matera, a small jewel dug into the mountains where time seems to have stopped, and the surrounding landscape seems to be that of a painting. Matera is famous for its ancient houses and frescoed churches carved into the limestone rock, which date back to prehistoric times, called Sassi, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, these dwellings have been restored and transformed into hotels, restaurants and shops, and offer visitors a unique experience of living in the ancient city. Visit a cave house (entrance not included). Free lunch in Matera. In the afternoon the journey continues south, entering Calabria. The final destination of the day will be the Vibo Valentia Region, where you can rest and prepare for the wonders that await you in the coming days.

Le Gemme del Tirreno
Colazione in hotel. Potreste dedicare questo giorno alla scoperta di due delle località più iconiche della Costa degli Dei. Iniziate, ad esempio, la giornata a Tropea, la “Perla del Tirreno”, con le sue scogliere a picco sul mare, le spiagge di sabbia bianca e il suggestivo Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola, arroccato su uno sperone di roccia. Godetevi il panorama mozzafiato e passeggiate per il centro storico, ricco di vicoli caratteristici. Pranzo libero. Nel pomeriggio, vi potreste spostarvi a Pizzo Calabro, un incantevole borgo marinaro famoso per il suo Castello Murat e, soprattutto, per il delizioso «Tartufo» di Pizzo, un gelato artigianale alla nocciola con un cuore di cioccolato amaro fuso, il tutto ricoperto di polvere di cioccolato, da non perdere! Concedetevi una passeggiata nel centro storico e ammirate il panorama sul Golfo di Sant’Eufemia. Rientro in hotel e pernottamento.

Between medieval villages and enchanted forests
Breakfast at the hotel. On this day you can delve into the Calabrian hinterland, discovering villages rich in history and tradition. The morning could be dedicated to Gerace, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its medieval historic centre, the majestic Norman Cathedral and the numerous noble palaces will take you a dive into the past. Free lunch. In the afternoon, you can continue towards Serra San Bruno, a small mountain town in the heart of the Serre Park, surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir and centuries-old oak trees famous for the Certosa, the first monastery of the Carthusian order, a place of silence and prayer, where the monks live in seclusion and follow an austere and rigorous rule. It is not possible to visit the interior of the monastery, but you can access the Certosa Museum (entrance not included), which tells the story and life of the monks through photos and objects. In the evening return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Between Greek History and Ghost Villages
Breakfast at the hotel. The seventh day of your journey to discover the beauties of southern Italy could lead you along the Ionian coast and the Strait of Messina. Start in Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, one of the most beautiful cities in Calabria, nestled on the Strait of Messina and the tip of Italy’s boot, where you can admire the Falcomatà seafront, one of the most beautiful seaside walks in Italy, the Aragonese Castle and the National Archaeological Museum which houses the Bronzes, found in the seabed of Riace (hence the Riace Bronzes). Free lunch. In the afternoon you will move to Pentidattilo, an ancient ghost village perched on a cliff that resembles the shape of a cyclopean hand with five fingers, surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend. Conclude the day with a visit to Scilla, a picturesque fishing village perched on a suggestive and panoramic rocky promontory overlooking the sea, dominated by the suggestive Ruffo Castle. Explore the Chianalea neighborhood, known as the “Venice of the South”, with its houses directly on the water. Spend the evening in or around Scilla, enjoying its magical atmosphere. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Last looks at Calabria
After breakfast, you can head towards Lamezia Terme. A city recently born from the union of several municipalities, it has considerable importance from an agricultural, commercial, industrial and infrastructural point of view due to its central position. It boasts a lively and renowned cultivation of the olive tree from which Lametia DOP oil is produced and the vine from which Lamezia DOC wines are obtained. You can perhaps take an optional excursion to a renowned winery with wine tasting and a typical lunch. In the afternoon take the road to the Naples region. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay.

Goodbye Southern Italy!
After breakfast, route to the airport for delivery of the car and boarding formalities. On this day of return, nostalgia for the places visited and enthusiasm for returning home mix. Today a chapter closes and a new one opens, you are part of our Community, you will bring with you the promise of new, even more extraordinary future adventures.  Happy homecoming.