Puglia and Sorrento

Your southern Italy escape begins with arrival into Bari International Airport on the country’s east coast. You’ll pick up your rental car for the drive to your Puglia accommodation. After checking in and getting settled into your room, get your trip started out right by enjoying a delicious Italian meal complemented with a glass of Prosecco, soaking up the scenery while watching the world go by. If you’ve arrived early in the day you might want to explore some of the towns nearby or head to the beach for a peaceful stroll. Polignano a Mare is just 30 minutes from Bari and especially picturesque.

There’s lots to discover in Puglia and you’ll have three nights to enjoy its landscapes which includes everything from hilltop towns with whitewashed buildings to stunning coastline with idyllic beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Ostuni, the “White City,” is not-to-be-missed with its whitewashed buildings and homes that glisten under the ever-present sun. Alberbello is renowned for its trulli homes which are truly enchanting with their conical roofs – many of these traditional houses were converted into shops and eateries. You might also want to take a guided tour of the nearby Grottos of Castellana, an approximately two-mile network of caves and rock pools.

This morning you’ll travel west, heading toward seaside Sorrento on the Bay of Naples. Take your time as you make the four-hour drive through the scenic countryside, stopping to take advantage of photo-ops. After checking into your hotel, take time to refresh on then enjoy a walk to the lively Piazza Tasso, the perfect place for a pre-dinner aperitivo, with outstanding sidewalk bars and cafes. Strolling the streets is the best way to take in what’s considered to be one of the most scenic towns on Italy before settling on a spot for dinner later this evening.

Take the day to soak up the beauty of Sorrento, perhaps wandering down to the charming fishing harbour of Marina Grande, the town’s original port. You can watch the local fishermen, capture photos of the colourful homes, and enjoy of a meal featuring the region’s freshest fish. After a tasty lunch, ascend the hill to the lively center of town, perhaps checking out Piazza Tasso and the impressive marquetry shops. You might want to visit tranquil Chiostro di San Francesco or take in a show at Teatro Tasso.

On your final full day in Italy, we have included a day trip to nearby Capri Island. Enjoy a boat trip across the Bay of Naples to Capri. Whilst on Capri enjoy a stroll through the glamorous town and the head to Ana Capri and enjoy simply breathtaking views over the island. Return to Sorrento by boat in the mid-afternoon.

Savour your last moments in Sorrento, sipping cappuccino while taking in the view, before heading to Naples International Airport. From there, you’ll catch your flight back home. Of course, with so much to see and do in Italy, if you decide you’d like to extend your time here, our travel experts can create a bespoke addition to your itinerary.