Italy: Amalfi Coast to Puglia

Arrive in Naples, a vibrant mecca for locals and travelers alike. Volcanic landscapes give way to medieval architecture and Grecian lanes, creating a unique culture exclusive to Naples. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Toast to the start of your Italian getaway over dinner, looking out over the deep blue Bay of Naples to Mt. Vesuvius looming in the distance.

Explore Naples' exuberant historic city center (UNESCO) and underground ancient ruins with a local guide. During your afternoon at leisure, consider visiting the nearby National Archeological Museum and peruse relics from Pompeii and Ercolano.

Tonight's Impact Moment comes in the form of a private concert, performed by the Napulitanata social enterprise, which supports Italian heritage and abates the city's high unemployment.

Take the day to explore the lively city of Naples on your own. Perhaps you'll join an optional excursion and sail to the enchanting Isle of Capri, where you'll reach the world-famous Piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation, and outdoor cafés. Join your guide on a panoramic drive to Anacapri to sample local food and wine, then sail back to Naples in the afternoon.

Begin your day exploring the archeological site of Herculaneum in Ercolano, at the western foot of Mount Vesuvius. Imagine Roman society of the past as you wander through the excavated ruins of Ercolano with a guide. Then, visit a pasta factory and taste an iconic Italian dish right where it is produced during a light lunch. Watch the sun fade along the horizon in coastal Minori, your new home for the next three nights.

Journey by boat to Amalfi, the rocky coast's namesake town. Formerly a maritime republic, Amalfi puts a historic spin on the seaside hubs, containing cobblestone piazzas and towering mosaicked cathedrals. Enjoy some time at leisure, then ferry past tumbling cliffs and pastel-colored houses on your way to Positano. Enjoy a free afternoon in this resort town, perhaps browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach. Return to Minori by ferry.

A fishing village of terraced lemon groves, Minori exudes the quintessential Amalfitana vibe. Start your morning in a garden and learn about sfusato lemons, used in limoncello. Sample this fragrant liqueur before hiking along the coast. You'll trek the rugged Path of Lemons — an ancient, hilly route that links Minori with the nearby town of Maiori. Explore on your own before returning by boat.

This afternoon, it's your choice! You can enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere of Minori like a local, sipping coffee and people watching -OR- explore the nearby village of Ravello and its amazing views from the picturesque gardens of Villa Rufolo.

This morning, discover one of Italy's delectable cheese products during a visit to a dairy farm. Taste freshly-made mozzarella for lunch before continuing south to Matera (UNESCO), whose inimitable scenery has been featured in blockbuster films. Experience the town's cave dwellings, your home for the next two nights. Each cave is unique, half-excavated and half-carved from the land. In these unparalleled accommodations, connect with the Italian landscape like never before.

Today, it's your choice! You can hike into Matera's 9,000-year-old history on a guided hike along its hillside caves, narrow passages, and steep alleys known to locals as the Sassi -OR- discover some local recipes during a cooking demonstration inside one of the rock dwellings. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Matera's heritage. Perhaps you'll visit the remarkable Palombaro Lungo underground water cistern or head out of town for a hike through the surrounding countryside dotted with prehistoric caves and medieval rock churches.

Cross into the Puglia region and pause at a wine museum to learn about the special wines produced in Puglia before continuing to Lecce, a Baroque powerhouse of limestone. Get to know the city with a local expert and take in its iconic architecture and papier-mâché craftsmanship.

Today, visit the picturesque village of Otranto and enjoy its characteristic winding lanes and hidden cafés. Take your time for a relaxing lunch along the sea and enjoy your time at leisure in one of the pearls of Salento. Reconvene in the evening for a private folk music and dance performance, highlighting the traditional pizzica e taranta. According to legend, spider bites cause the women to dance with feverish energy.

Stop in Ostuni, a whitewashed town surrounded by olive trees. Zoom through the town like a local in the backseat of an open-air Ape Calessino, a traditional 3-wheeled car. Enjoy time on your own in Ostuni before continuing to Alberobello (UNESCO), a whimsical city known for its trulli, stone huts with cone-shaped roofs. Meander with your guide through a labyrinth of these gnomish houses, some adorned with symbols carrying religious or astrological meanings. Make your way to your personal room in one of these peculiar houses that will be your home for the next two nights.

Today, take a tour of an olive oil mill and taste a variety of extra virgin olive oils. Back in Alberobello, enjoy free time to further explore the city on your own. As the day draws to a close, gather to wish Italy goodbye at a farewell dinner.

Depart for home with treasured memories of rocky shores and cobblestone streets.