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Small Group  |  Off the Beaten Path  | Authentic & Immersive

SECRETS OF SOUTHERN ITALY

GUESTS

5 - 7 total

FROM

$3899

DATES

DAYS

9

May 25 - June 2,
2024

ABOUT THIS TRIP

You’ve never experienced a trip like this! Mingling with locals at every turn, losing yourself in cliff-clung villages, listening to stories soaked with tradition, and tasting recipes handed down for generations–prepare to discover the Secrets of Southern Italy!

 

For immersion-seekers who crave to connect with the genuine culture and leave the crowds behind, the gorgeous facade of Puglia hides an ancient history that pulls you into the core of this magical region. Here in the heel of the boot, we’ll experience authentic places still wild with mystery and alive with tradition!

HIGHLIGHTS

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.

Step into Italy as if you're a Local.

LOCATION

  • Bari (Arrival and Departure Airport)

  • Polignano (3 nights)

  • Monte Sant'Angelo (2 nights)

  • Peschici (3 nights)

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Bari

Polignano

Monte Sant'Angelo

Peschici

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Add our Mysteries of Matera trip for an extended stay!

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

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 at 3 hotels (Polignano, Monte S. Angelo, Peschici)

 

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

From $3899 USD per person

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?

  • This trip involves walking on uneven ground for multiple hours, and a 1.5 hour hike (each way) without bathrooms (lots of bushes though!).

  • Please note that you'll need to carry your own luggage up and down stairs at hotels and across cobblestone.

  • The longest drive will be a little over 3 hours, with breaks.

  • Wifi is available in all locations but connection may be weak.

  • Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you let us know well in advance.

Our travelers are generally 35 - 55 years old but we also get adventurers into their 70's or 80's!

The Important Details

Active travelers who want to access authentic

Italy without the logistics.

Who is this trip for?

NEXT CHANCE TO GO:

May 25 - June 2, 2024

ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!

Starting from $3899 USD per person

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4-Day Extension Option

Can't get enough? Extend your trip for 4 days

in Matera, the cave city carved from stone!

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My Creative Edge trip was like no other. Small group travel is the way to go! No huge buses! Just unique experiences that you would never get in a large travel group. It felt like a friend was showing me around to her local friends places. Was the best trip I have ever done!!

-Robin Paulus, California

Secrets of Southern Italy + Mysteries of Matera, May 2019

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We experienced the most amazing time and trip through Italy with our tour guide, Sierra. Talking to the Italians and hearing their life stories as they shared their strong love for their city and their country. Matera is the third oldest city in the world and to hear the history of their beginning to now as the generations of the families share their knowledge and their personal experience. I can go on and on. It was an exceptional trip to Italy where we became immersed with the local people who shared so much of their heritage with us besides seeing the cities' historical landmarks. If you want to see Italy in a deeper and personal way, along with the landmarks, I highly recommend you booking Creative Edge Travel with Sierra as your guide.

 

-Marty Darling, Secrets of Southern Italy + Mysteries of Matera

Reviews

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.

AUTHENTIC PLACES  |  IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES  |  GENUINE PEOPLE

 Want more details? We love to talk about our trips!

Click below to schedule a call!

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