Small Group | Off the Beaten Path | Authentic & Immersive
SECRETS OF SOUTHERN ITALY
GUESTS
5 - 7 total
FROM
$3699
DATES
DAYS
9
2023: MAY 20-28
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
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Bari (Arrival and Departure Airport)
-
Polignano (3 nights)
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Monte Sant'Angelo (2 nights)
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Peschici (3 nights)
Bari
Polignano
Monte Sant'Angelo
Peschici
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
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.
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?
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
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.