GELATO-MAKING, HISTORIC HIKES, & LINGERING WITH LOCALS
SECRETS OF SOUTHERN ITALY
DAYS
9
May 22 - 30, 2021
FROM
$2899
TRAVELERS
5-7
DATES
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Southern Italy is full of hidden beauty and undiscovered secrets... and who has been quietly enjoying them for years? The families who have been living here for generations. So we went off-the-beaten-path, connected with warm & welcoming locals, and found the real surprises of a region left untouched for ages—secrets that can now be yours, too, shared intimately over nine days of exploration in an exclusive group of just six other travelers.
Learn the art of gelato-making from a family that has done it for over 100 years.
Experience folk music and dancing in the countryside.
Relax on a boat to hidden beaches and sea caves.
Feast on seafood just steps from where it was caught.
Meet elders and listen to their life stories.
Cook mouth-watering recipes at a traditional farmhouse masseria.
Apulia (or Puglia in Italian) is dotted with white-washed villages hugging sea front cliffs on the Adriatic. Beneath this gorgeous facade is an ancient history that pulls you into the core of this magical region. Here in the heel of the boot, we will experience authentic places still wild with mystery and alive with tradition!
everything you get!
From $2,899 USD per person
PERKS
Slower-paced & stress-free travel
Unique activities sourced from locals from the region and our extensive research in the area
Exclusive group of 7 like-minded travelers
Plenty of free time to do your own thing
Explore places your friends have never been to
Thoughtfully crafted for genuine connection with locals
INCLUDED
8 nights' accommodation in a private room, including taxes and fees
All Activities
Welcome Aperitivo & Walk in Polignano
Private Tour of Monopoli
Artisan Studio Visit
Mozzarella, Olive Oil, &/or Wine Workshop at a Masseria
Cooking Class
Private concert of traditional folk music at a Masseria
Private Tour of Monte Sant’Angelo
Beach Picnic
Guided Hike to an Abandoned Abbey in the Foresta Umbra
Visit to a traditional Farm
Gelato Workshop
Private Boat Tour along the Gargano Coast
Visit to a historic trabucco
...and more!
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners including wine
Carbon Footprint Offset: Trees will be planted to offset the environmental impact of your trip!
Transportation + Private Driver
Flight Expert to research and book flights
Arrival/Departure Transfers from Bari Airport
Trip Leader fluent in English and Italian
Driver & guide gratuity
Our travelers want to leave the crowded tourist paths behind, without spending weeks researching. They want to connect with locals, but don't have years to perfect a new language. And while they love back roads and hidden villages, they're not up for the hassle and risk of driving a rental.
Our travelers are warm. They’re curious. And they want to see Italy with open hearts, open minds, and without the growl of a giant tour bus announcing their arrival. They are immersion seekers who want to step into the everyday life of authentic Italy!
Sound like you?
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This trip involves walking on uneven ground for multiple hours, and a 1.5 hour hike (each way) without bathrooms (lots of bushes though!).
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Please note that you'll need to carry your own luggage up and down stairs at hotels and across cobblestone.
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The longest drive will be a little over 3 hours, with breaks.
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Wifi is available in all locations but connection may be weak.
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Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you let us know well in advance.
Who is this trip for?
Active travelers who want to access authentic
Italy without the logistics.
The Important Details
Reviews
I was lucky enough to take part in Sierra's Secrets of Southern Italy tour. It was a magical experience from start to finish. She is an expert planner and things flowed perfectly from beginning to end. This was true even when we experienced inclement weather. She always had backup plans. The professional driver was a great touch and made things so easy. There is no better way to have an authentic experience and to enjoy the wonderful food and people of Puglia than by joining Sierra on one of her amazing tours. A+++
-David Yaugo, Secrets of Southern Italy
DESTINATIONS
Experiences based on authentic connection with locals and their home.
At Creative Edge Travel, we believe every journey should be meaningful. It should teach you about the authentic local culture and a bit about yourself, too. That's why we push the boundaries of the typical Italian tour and add our own creative edge. We design our experiences with individual locals in off-the-beaten-path places to give you a culturally-immersive adventure. Each activity is an opportunity to learn about both the beauty and the challenges of everyday life in Italy. Whether it's exploring a village with a local grandpa as he shares his stories growing up there, or learning traditional music and dance at a historic masseria, expect a deeper travel experience.