South Italy: Coast to Coast
ItineraryDays 1-4 – Lemons & lava
Today you’ll arrive in Vico Equense, a suburb of Sorrento, where the rooms of your hotel are spacious and the pleasant sea breeze blows in off the Gulf of Naples. If you need to freshen up after the drive, float in the swimming pool as you look out over bay and the Vesuvius volcano. There’s a free shuttle bus to take you to the centre of the city, where you can have a bite to eat in the evening or just walk the streets to the Piazza Tasso.
Rise early the next morning, as there is a lot on your doorstep. Drive to the ruins of Pompeii, where you will find one of the best preserved remains from the Roman Empire with streets, temples, fountains, and frescoes all intact. After lunch, venture to the volcano and if you’re lucky, you’ll have fantastic views over the Gulf of Naples. The following day you’ll have a pizza workshop planned. Together with an Italian chef you will work on your own real, Italian pizza. You’ll get an apron and chef’s hat so that you immediately feel ‘Pizzasso’. Knead the dough, choose the topping and make sure the pizza goes into the oven. Afterwards there is of course still time to eat the pizzas together. Buon Appetito!
Days 4-7 – Path of the Gods
You’ll have already picked up your hire car at Pisa airport on arrival, so you’re ready and set for the open road! After your stay you’ll drive from Sorrento to Amalfi. The driving time is approx. 1 hour, but you may wish to make stops along the way. Time to drive to the Amalfi Coast along one of the most scenic drives in Europe. The road meanders along the coast through fishing villages clinging to steep cliffs. This stretch of coast has been attracting Italians and foreign travellers for its views, food and southern Italian life. Check into your B&B that is built against the cliffs and enjoy the sea view from the terrace. The rest of your time is free for you to enjoy the coastal life. Walk down from your room for a refreshing dip in the blue sea.Make sure you pack your hiking boots, as you walk the Path of the Gods to the top of the cliffs, through narrow alleys and coastal pathways to Atrani.
Days 7-10 – Tuk-tuk along the coast
Today you’ll drive from Amalfi to Polignano a Mare. The driving time is approx. 4 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. Arrive in Polignano a Mare, a place yet to be discovered by the masses. You will stay in a B&B right in the centre of this charming fishing village, which is mainly visited by the Italians themselves to spend warm days on the beach or in the cooler sea. You will find terraces and restaurants within walking distance along with narrow streets, a spectacular limestone rocky coast and a relaxed atmosphere in the shadow of the Benedictine monastery. Your B&B has spacious rooms that are simple, but clean and comfortable. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the area.
The following day you’ll explore the rural area in an Italian tuk-tuk (a.k.a. an ape). You will meet your driver and English speaking guide in Polignano a Mare and take a seat in the back. Drive through narrow streets, past village churches, courtyards and small bays. Along the way, you will visit the village of San Vito and stop at a typical Apulian farm to taste regional products such as cheese, sausage and wine. Your guide will then bring you back to the centre after and the rest of your time in Polignano a Mare is up to you. Enjoy the beaches and the conviviality on the terraces.
Days 10-12 – Secret recipes of Puglia
Today you’ll drive from Polignano a Mare to Lecce. The driving time is approx. 1.5 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. You’ll arrive firmly in the heel of the Italian boot to find Puglia’s largest city, Lecce. It has a pedestrianized centre that is full of narrow streets, white marble buildings and intriguing ruins. You will stay in hotel in a palazzo run by a local family, with a spacious room and its own kitchenette. In the evening, meander through the atmospheric streets and find a spot in a trattoria for a taste of the local cuisine.
The following afternoon you’ll meet Maria, an English-speaking Italian mama, who will teach you a secret recipe from Puglia’s southern Italian cucina. First, you’ll head to the market for fresh tomatoes, garlic and fish. While shopping, Maria will tell you all about Southern Italian cuisine, the ingredients and the best combinations. With bags full you walk to Maria’s kitchen and together you knead the dough, fillet the fish and fill the pasta. After about three hours, your dish will be on the table and it’s time to eat!
Days 12-15 – Carpe diem in Salento
Today you’ll drive from Lecce to Salento. The driving time is approx. 30 minutes, but you may wish to make stops along the way. You’ll travel to Salento, the land of two seas. On one side of this peninsula is the Adriatic coast with its rugged cliffs and small pebble coves, along with quaint fishing villages and the ruins of watchtowers. To the west lies the Ionian coast with long white sandy beaches and azure blue water. You will stay in an old masseria (olive farm) that has been converted into a B&B with a comfortable room, a swimming pool and a beautiful roof terrace. The masseria is centrally located and within half an hour you can reach various beaches.
Today you’ll drive from Salento to Brindisi. The driving time is approx. 30 minutes, but you may wish to make stops along the way. You’ll drop off your hire car at the airport and head to the terminal for your flight home.