Romy Crawford
Puglia, Amalfi & Rome: Slow Travel, Local Flavors & Italian Traditions
Luxury Trips - Zicasso
14 days / 13 nights
Puglia · Alberobello · Locorotondo · Ostuni · Polignano a Mare · Matera · Martina Franca · Amalfi Coast · Pompeii · Capri · Rome
A relaxed journey through southern Italy, combining coastal landscapes, authentic culinary experiences and the timeless highlights of Rome
Ideal for: Couples & Friends | 60+ Active Travelers | Food & Wine Lovers | Nature & Coastal Landscapes | Authentic Italy Seekers | Light Adventure
Overview
This journey is designed for travelers who want to slow down, experience Italy through its food, landscapes and local traditions, and go beyond a conventional sightseeing itinerary.
Beginning in Puglia, the journey settles into the peaceful surroundings of a traditional masseria, creating time to relax by the pool while using private drivers to explore the countryside, whitewashed villages and Adriatic coast. Rather than filling each day with museums and monuments, the itinerary focuses on hands-on culinary experiences, local producers, coastal landscapes and the everyday traditions that make southern Italy so distinctive.
Food is an important part of the journey throughout. You will learn to prepare traditional Puglian dishes with a local chef, discover how mozzarella and burrata are made alongside a real cheesemaker, taste regional specialties in small local settings and enjoy wine experiences connected directly to the landscapes where the wines are produced.
The journey then continues to the Amalfi Coast, where time is intentionally left open for relaxation alongside experiences that reveal a more local side of the region — from its historic lemon groves and traditional cuisine to a private boat journey around Capri. A private visit to Pompeii and a wine experience at the foot of Mount Vesuvius provide a connection to the area’s history without turning the journey into a ruins-focused tour.
The final chapter is Rome, combining a small selection of essential cultural highlights with experiences that suit your interests: a hands-on Roman cooking class, the Vatican and an e-bike journey along the ancient Appian Way. Throughout, the rhythm remains comfortable and flexible, with private transportation on the longer touring days and free time built in to enjoy each destination independently.
Why travellers love this trip?
- Slow down in Puglia, staying in a countryside-style masseria rather than moving constantly between hotels
- Experience the Adriatic coast by private boat, with time for swimming and exploring Polignano
- Cook traditional Puglian dishes alongside a local chef
- Meet a real casaro and learn how mozzarella and burrata are made
- Taste local cheeses, cured meats, focaccia and regional wines
- Discover Alberobello, Locorotondo and Ostuni with a private driver
- Explore Matera with a guide while keeping the historical component focused and manageable
- Stay on the Amalfi Coast and enjoy several days at a relaxed pace
- Discover the traditions surrounding the Amalfi lemon, followed by a traditional local lunch
- Combine Pompeii with a Lacryma Christi wine experience at the foot of Mount Vesuvius
- Cruise privately from Amalfi to Capri, with opportunities for swimming and time on the island
- Experience Rome through food, local traditions and the Appian Way, alongside a few essential historical highlights
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Puglia | Arrival & Masseria Life
Upon arrival at Bari Airport, meet your private driver for the transfer to your countryside accommodation, a charming 4-star masseria-style property with a swimming pool and restaurant.
The remainder of the day is completely at leisure. Settle into the slower rhythm of Puglia, enjoy the property and its surroundings, and take the opportunity to relax after your journey.
Overnight in Puglia.
Day 2 – Alberobello, Locorotondo & Ostuni | Whitewashed Villages & Local Flavors
Today, explore some of the most characteristic villages of the Valle d’Itria with your private driver.
Begin in Alberobello, famous for its distinctive trulli, before continuing to Locorotondo, one of Puglia’s most picturesque hilltop villages. Along the way, enjoy a tasting of local cured meats, cheeses and focaccia accompanied by a glass of regional wine.
Continue to Ostuni, the White City, where whitewashed houses and narrow lanes create a quintessential Puglian atmosphere.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight in Puglia.
Day 3 – Polignano a Mare | Adriatic Coast & Puglian Cooking
With your private driver, head towards Polignano a Mare for a day combining the Adriatic landscape with one of the journey’s most authentic culinary experiences.
Set out on a private luxury boat excursion along the coast, discovering Polignano’s spectacular cliffs, sea caves and hidden coves. There will be opportunities to stop for a swim and enjoy the coastline from the water.
After the cruise, spend some free time in Polignano, perhaps exploring its historic center or enjoying a leisurely lunch overlooking the Adriatic.
Later, return to your accommodation for a traditional Puglian cooking class. Together with a local chef, prepare fresh pasta, friselle and a traditional dessert before sitting down to enjoy the dishes you have created during a convivial dinner accompanied by local wine.
Overnight in Puglia.
Day 4 – Matera | The Sassi & Flavors of Basilicata
Today, travel by private driver to Matera, where a private guide will introduce you to the extraordinary Sassi districts carved into the rock.
The visit includes entrance to one cave dwelling and one rupestrian church, offering an insight into the unique relationship between the city and its landscape.
After the visit, enjoy a tasting of local cured meats and cheeses with a glass of wine, followed by a stop at a local shop dedicated to Amaro Lucano, one of Basilicata’s traditional products.
The remainder of the day is free to explore Matera independently before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Puglia.
Day 5 – Martina Franca | From the Masseria to the Table
Enjoy a relaxed half-day excursion with your private driver to Martina Franca, where you will discover one of the most important traditions of Puglian food culture.
At a local masseria, meet a traditional cheesemaker and learn how mozzarella and burrata are prepared. The experience begins with a visit to the farm and its livestock before becoming hands-on, allowing you to discover the techniques behind these iconic fresh cheeses.
Conclude with a generous tasting of fresh and aged cheeses, local cured meats, bruschette and regional specialties.
Return to your hotel for a free afternoon and time to relax.
Overnight in Puglia.
Day 6 – Puglia → Amalfi Coast | From Countryside to the Mediterranean
Today, leave Puglia behind and continue by private transfer toward the Amalfi Coast.
Check into your 4-star hotel in Amalfi and settle into your new surroundings. The remainder of the day is completely free — enjoy the hotel, relax by the sea or take a first stroll through Amalfi.
Overnight in Amalfi.
Day 7 – Amalfi | Lemon Groves & Traditional Cuisine
Today, discover one of the symbols of the Amalfi Coast: its fragrant Sfusato Amalfitano lemon groves.
During a guided visit, explore the lemon terraces and learn about the cultivation traditions that have shaped the landscape and cuisine of the coast.
The experience continues around the table with a traditional lunch inspired by local recipes and centered around the Amalfi lemon. The menu includes several courses, dessert, limoncello and local wine.
The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy Amalfi at your own pace.
Overnight in Amalfi.
Day 8 – Pompeii & Vesuvius | Ancient Heritage & Volcanic Wines
Today combines one of the few major archaeological sites requested for the journey with an experience firmly rooted in local food and wine.
With your private driver, reach Pompeii, where a private guide will lead you through the ancient city, bringing its streets, homes and daily life into focus.
Continue to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for a Superior wine experience. Discover the winery and taste Lacryma Christi Superiore wines, produced from selected grapes and known for their structure and character. A lunch of local specialties accompanies the tasting.
On the return journey to Amalfi, enjoy a series of scenic stops along the Amalfi Coast before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Amalfi.
Day 9 – Capri | The Island from the Sea
Today, discover Capri from a different perspective during a private boat excursion from Amalfi.
Cruise along the Amalfi Coast before reaching the island, passing dramatic cliffs, sea caves and the famous Faraglioni. Weather and sea conditions permitting, there will be opportunities to stop for a swim in the clear Mediterranean waters.
You may also choose to spend some free time on Capri itself, exploring its villages, gardens or panoramic viewpoints before returning by boat to Amalfi.
Overnight in Amalfi.
Day 10 – Amalfi Coast → Rome | From the Mediterranean to the Eternal City
After breakfast, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Rome.
Check into your centrally located 4-star hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. With no scheduled activities or transfers, this is an opportunity to begin discovering Rome independently and settle into the atmosphere of the city.
Overnight in Rome.
Day 11 – Rome | A Taste of Roman Life
Today, experience Rome through one of its most enjoyable traditions: food.
Take part in a hands-on cooking class where you will learn to prepare some of the city’s best-known pasta dishes and traditional tiramisù. The experience concludes with a complete lunch accompanied by a tasting of wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Rome independently.
Overnight in Rome.
Day 12 – Vatican City | Art & Faith
Today, discover the artistic treasures of Vatican City during a private guided visit.
Visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, with your guide providing context to the masterpieces and history encountered along the way.
The afternoon is free to continue exploring Rome, enjoy a long lunch or simply relax.
Overnight in Rome.
Day 13 – Rome | The Ancient Appian Way by E-Bike
Today offers a different perspective on Rome, combining history with nature and light activity.
Depart from your hotel for a private e-bike tour along the ancient Appian Way, following the historic road through a landscape of ancient ruins, countryside and greenery.
The e-bike allows you to enjoy the route comfortably while taking in the archaeological remains and peaceful surroundings. A local lunch is included during the experience.
Return to your hotel and enjoy your final afternoon and evening in Rome at leisure.
Overnight in Rome.
Day 14 – Rome → USA | Arrivederci Italy
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Rome Airport for your return flight to the United States.
Your journey comes to an end after discovering Italy through its countryside, coastline, food traditions, local producers and landscapes, with just a few carefully selected historical highlights along the way.
What is included
Accommodation
- 5 nights in a 4-star masseria-style countryside hotel in Puglia, with swimming pool and restaurant
- 4 nights in a 4-star hotel on the Amalfi Coast
- 4 nights in a centrally located 4-star hotel in Rome
- Breakfast included throughout
Private transportation
- Private arrival transfer from Bari Airport
- Private driver for touring days in Puglia
- Private transfer Puglia → Amalfi Coast
- Private driver for Day 8
- Private transfer Amalfi Coast → Rome
- Private transfer Rome → Airport
Puglia & Matera
- Private guided visit of Alberobello
- Local tasting of cured meats, cheeses and focaccia with wine
- Private luxury boat excursion along the coast of Polignano a Mare
- Traditional Puglian cooking class with dinner and local wine
- Private guided visit of Matera
- Entrance to one cave dwelling and one rupestrian church
- Local tasting of cured meats and cheeses with wine
- Visit to a local Amaro Lucano shop
- Martina Franca excursion
- Mozzarella and burrata workshop at a local masseria
- Cheese and local product tasting
Amalfi Coast
- Guided visit of Amalfi lemon groves
- Traditional lemon-based lunch with local wine and limoncello
- Private guided visit of Pompeii with entrance tickets
- Superior wine tasting and local lunch at the foot of Mount Vesuvius
- Scenic stops along the Amalfi Coast
- Private boat excursion Amalfi → Capri → Amalfi
- Swimming stops, weather and sea conditions permitting
Rome
- Hands-on Roman cooking class with lunch and wine tasting
- Private guided Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica visit with tickets
- Private Appian Way e-bike tour
- Lunch included during the e-bike experience
Agency Services
- Personalized trip planning tailored to your interests, preferred pace and travel style
- Dedicated Travel Designer available throughout the planning process to coordinate every detail of your journey
- Carefully selected local partners and experiences, chosen for their quality, authenticity and connection to the territory
- Pre-trip assistance and travel documentation, including your complete travel itinerary, service details and practical information
- Coordination of all private transfers, drivers, guides and experiences included in the program
- Emergency assistance during your trip, should unexpected situations arise (from 8AM to 8PM)
What is not included
- International flights
- Meals and beverages not expressly mentioned
- City/tourist taxes payable directly at the hotels
- Personal expenses and purchases
- Travel insurance
- Anything not expressly listed under “Inclusions”
DEPOSIT
must be paid by
10.200
BALANCE
must be paid by
23.800
TOTAL PRICE
Policies & Terms
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are subject to the following penalties calculated on the total trip price:
- Deposit (30%) is non-refundable under any circumstances.
If the trip has been fully paid, the following penalties apply:
- Up to 60 days before departure: 50% penalty
- From 59 to 45 days before departure: 75% penalty
- From 44 days prior to departure to the departure date: 100% penalty
Package Modifications
Once the package has been confirmed, modifications can be made up to 45 days before departure.
- Upgrades: free of charge, except for the cost of the new services
- Downgrades: subject to an agency fee of €200 per modified service
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected cancellations, changes, or emergencies.
Payment Options & TERMS
Payment currency: € EURO
Accepted Payment Methods:
– Credit card
– Debit card
– Revolut Direct
Payment Terms
Deposit: 30% non-refundable, due at the time of booking confirmation.
Balance Payment: due between 60 and 80 days prior to the departure date.
All payments are to be made in € EURO.