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Puglia & Southern Italy
Day 1: Flight to ItalyYour trip begins with a regularly scheduled over-
night flight to Naples aboard an internationally
recognized airline.
Day 2: Arrival in NaplesWelcome to Naples! A Go Ahead representative
greets you at the airport after you clear customs
and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the
day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting
yourself with the city. Tonight enjoy an included
traditional pizza dinner made by the experts, as
pizza was invented here in Naples, and meet your
fellow travelers. Buon appetito!
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3: Sightseeing of NaplesDiscover Napoli this morning on an guided tour of
this beautiful bayside city in the heart of the Cam-
pania region of Italy. You’ll pass by the imposing
facade of the Palazza Reale, built by the Bourbon
kings of Naples, and travel through the historic
city center. Included in your tour is a visit to the
Naples National Archaeological Museum, where
you’ll find original artifacts from the nearby Roman
ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This afternoon,
consider joining an optional excursion to the ruins
of Pompeii to learn how ordinary Romans lived.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Naples National
Archaeological Museum
Day 4: Benevento & Bari RegionBenvenuti in Puglia! One of Italy’s few remain-
ing hidden travel gems, Puglia is blessed with
fine weather, beautiful shorelines, lovely towns,
Baroque architecture and delicious cuisine. This
morning, transfer to Benevento for a guided tour.
You’ll visit the Arch of Trajan and the Church of St.
Hillary before continuing on to the Bari region in
Puglia this afternoon. Savor an included dinner of
local delicacies tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5: Bari RegionExplore the coastal region near Bari, Puglia’s capi-
tal, with a half-day excursion to the impressive
Castel del Monte for a guided tour. This octagonal
13th-century castle whose interior marbles and fur-
nishings remain largely unaltered since antiquity.
No one is sure why the castle was built, although
some have surmised it was a hunting lodge or
a stop for pilgrims on their quest for the Holy
Grail. Later today, you may choose to join an op-
tional excursion to the picturesque town of Monte
Sant’Angelo.
Included meals: breakfast
12-day tour includes
• Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers
• The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
• A licensed local city guide in Naples, Benevento, Castel del Monte, Bari, Lecce, Alberobello and Matera
• 10 nights accommodations in comfort-able, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
• Buffet breakfast daily; 5 three-course dinners
• Private deluxe motorcoach
• Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
• Go Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour
Guided SightseeingDay 3: Naples
Day 4: Benevento
Day 5: Castel del Monte
Day 6: Bari
Day 7: Lecce
Day 9: Alberobello
Day 10: Matera
Tour HighlightsFour UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Chiesa
di Santa Sofia in Benevento, Castel del
Monte in Andria, the trulli of Alberobello
and the sassi of Matera—help you connect
with Puglia’s long history.
Insider’s TipTake a sunset walk through the Santa Lucia waterfront district for romantic views of Naples. Then, round out your evening with a pastry or cappuccino at the oldest cafe in Naples, the Gran Caffé Gambrinus.
Trulli, the distinctive stone homes of Puglia, offer a glimpse into life in rural Italy.
2012
PGI12 07.11
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Day 6: Bari & LecceToday begins with a visit to the seaside town of
Bari, where a guided tour introduces you to the
sights of the historic Old Town, including monu-
ments and cathedrals dating back to the 10th and
11th centuries. The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly
the Basilica of St. Nicholas, which contains the re-
mains of the bishop whose penchant for anony-
mous gift-giving inspired the legend of Santa
Claus. After some free time to explore Bari, contin-
ue to Lecce, arriving in time for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 7: LecceThis morning, embark on a guided tour of Lecce,
known as the “Florence of the South” for its rich
collection of Baroque architecture. Marvel at the
extravagant ornamentation of Lecce’s churches
and monuments and imagine the past grandeur
of the ruined Roman amphitheater. Perhaps the
finest sight is the Church of the Holy Cross, featur-
ing an opulent facade built from the distinctive
golden “Lecce stone.” This afternoon, enjoy free
time to continue exploring Lecce or consider join-
ing our optional excursion to Otranto. You’ll enjoy
a guided tour of this former Greek city that defied
Rome in both the Pyrrhic War and the Punic Wars,
and one of the highlights of your tour is sure to be
the town’s Romanesque cathedral. To cap off the
excursion, you’ll transfer inland from Otranto to
the village of Scorrano for a dinner of Puglian spe-
cialities and a tasting of the region’s best wines.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 8: Ostuni & Trulli ValleyJourney this morning to Ostuni, where your Tour
Director will introduce you to the sights, including
the picturesque cathedral and whitewashed homes
of the Old Town. This afternoon, continue on to
the Trulli Valley, the home of the trulli, the conical
dry-stone homes where locals lived for thousands
of years. You’ll enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 9: AlberobelloBegin today with a visit to the trulli of Alberobello.
These carefully preserved dwellings feature white
symbols painted onto the roofs to bring good
luck or ward off the malocchio or “evil eye.” Un-
earth the history of these unique dwellings on a
guided tour. This afternoon, consider an excursion
to Grotte di Castellana, a series of interconnect-
ed caves once believed to be the gates of hell.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance: Trulli
Day 10: Matera & SorrentoThis morning, travel to Matera in time to enjoy a
guided tour of this hilltop town. Matera is home
to 9,000-year-old cave dwellings known as sassi,
and its Old Town, built on these ancient caverns, is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll then enjoy a
scenic transfer through the Apennine Mountains en
route to Sorrento, where your dinner is included.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Chiesa Rupestro
Day 11: Free Day in SorrentoToday is free for you to explore Sorrento at your
own pace. You could wander through Sorrento’s
lovely gardens and churches, browse the quaint
shops along its cobblestoned alleyways or sit at
a cafe and people-watch. Alternatively, consider
joining an optional excursion to the glamorous is-
land of Capri, a playground for the rich since the
Roman times. Tonight, you might wish to attend
our optional Tarantella Dinner and Show, featuring
local cuisine and a lively performance highlighting
the tarantella, a mesmerizing Italian folk dance.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 12: Departure If you are not joining our Rome post-tour exten-
sion, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the
airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast
may not be provided.)
Post-Tour Extension
Rome2 nights
Day 12: After enjoying your included breakfast,
transfer overland to Rome. Upon arrival, you’ll
have the opportunity to relax or join our optional
Imperial Rome tour.
Included meals: breakfast
Matera’s homes were carved into the limestone hillsides on which the town rests.
With a free day in Sorrento, you can easily lose yourself among the town’s quaint shops.
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Travel Pace: 3Travel pace levels are based on criteria such
as length of tour, number of cities visited,
number of included activities, as well as
length of flights and land transfers.
1 - leisurely 3 - active
2 - comfortable 4 - challenging
Walking on TourThis tour involves a good amount of walk-
ing. Travelers should be prepared to walk on
uneven surfaces, particularly in the pre-
served centers of Puglia’s towns.
Visit goaheadtours.com for: • Enhanced destination information
• Fun traveler scrapbooks
• Featured Tour Directors
• Personalized “My Account” Page
• Tour planning
• Meeting fellow travelers and
sharing travel tips in Trip Forums
• Suggested reading lists
Climate
The following guide provides the average
temperatures for a sampling of the regions
on your itinerary.
NaplesJan 39˚–54˚F / 4˚–13˚CFeb 40˚–56˚F / 4˚–13˚CMar 43˚–59˚F / 6˚–15˚CApr 47˚–65˚F / 8˚–18˚CMay 54˚–72˚F / 12˚–23˚CJune 60˚–79˚F / 16˚–26˚CJuly–Aug 64˚–85˚F / 18˚–30˚CSep 60˚–79˚F / 15˚–26˚COct 53˚–71˚F / 12˚–22˚C Nov 46˚–62˚F / 8˚–17˚CDec 41˚–57˚F / 5˚–14˚C
BariJan 41˚–54˚F / 5˚–12˚CFeb 42˚–55˚F / 5˚–13˚C Mar 44˚–59˚F / 7˚–15˚CApr 48˚–64˚F / 9˚–18˚CMay 55˚–72˚F / 13˚–22˚CJune 61˚–78˚F / 17˚–26˚CJuly–Aug 66˚–83˚F / 19˚–28˚CSep 61˚–78˚F / 17˚–25˚COct 55˚–70˚F / 10˚–21˚CNov 48˚–63˚F / 9˚–17˚CDec 44˚–56˚F / 6˚–14˚C
LecceJan-Feb 40˚–55˚F / 5˚–13˚CMar 44˚–60˚F / 6˚–16˚CApr 48˚–66˚F / 9˚–19˚CMay 54˚–75˚F / 12˚–24˚CJune 61˚–83˚F / 16˚–28˚CJuly–Aug 66˚–88˚F / 19˚–31˚CSep 62˚–81˚F / 17˚–27˚COct 55˚–71˚F / 13˚–22˚CNov 48˚–63˚F / 9˚–17˚CDec 43˚–57˚F / 6˚–14˚C
SORRENTO (2)NAPLES (2)
Pompeii
Capri
ITALY
LECCE (2)
TRULLI VALLEY (2)BARI REGION (2)
Benevento
Monte Sant Angelo
Otranto & Wine Tasting
Ostuni
Matera
ROME
Castel del Monte
Tarantella Dinner & Show
Grotte di Castellana
Leave your diet at home—Puglia has been Italy’s breadbasket since the days of the Romans.
Grotte di Castellana
l Overnight Stays
l Included Visit
l Optional Excursion
( ) # of Nights
---Extension
Map Key
Day 13: Enjoy a free day in Rome. You might
choose to join our optional excursion to Vatican
City. This evening, join our optional Dinner with
Tenors excursion.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 14: A Go Ahead representative escorts you to
the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast
may not be included.)
Extension is available on select departure dates,
and space is limited. Please call early to hold
your spot. Extension also requires a minimum of
10 travelers.
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Pre-departure information for your tour
Passport and Visa RequirementsIn order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens
need a valid passport. The expiration date must
extend at least six months beyond the date of your
return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Cana-
dian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian
citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for
your specific entry requirements.
Airport and Departure TaxesAll airport and departure taxes for your tour are in-
cluded in the total trip cost printed on your invoice.
Baggage AllowanceAirlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you
choose to check any baggage. Please contact your
airline or refer to its website for detailed informa-
tion regarding your airline’s checked baggage poli-
cies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably
weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir
shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person.
One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it
does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height).
There may be times when you will have to handle
your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight lug-
gage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you
label your baggage and carry valuables, medication
and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing and Packing TipsLight, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort
when exploring the sights is essential for your
tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of
walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any
eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emer-
gency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an
especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera
or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable
in something more formal. Also, remember that
bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed
in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may
be denied on this basis.
HealthThere are no major health risks when traveling to
Italy. It is always advisable to check with your doc-
tor or health-care provider for the latest updates
and overseas travel requirements.
CuisineOne of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is
the delightful variety of local cuisine. Most of the
staples of the Italian diet have already become
favorites in America, but on your tour, be sure to
try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast
range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and
desserts.
In Puglia, the fertile countryside produces great
quantities of olive oil, grain, tomatoes, grapes, ar-
tichokes, lettuce, fennel, peppers and onions. The
region’s simple cuisine exalts these natural ingre-
dients alongside the abundant fresh seafood and
local lamb and beef. Puglia is renowned for its
homemade pasta, made from local durum wheat
and often formed in unusual shapes such as the
“orecchiette” (little ears). The “calzone” (big sock),
stuffed with onions, black olives, capers, toma-
toes, pecorino cheese, anchovies and parsley, is a
common snack here. Puglia’s primary meat is
lamb, served roasted on a spit, stewed or fried,
while beef is commonly used in meat sauce or for
meatballs. As for seafood, oysters, mussels, cuttle-
fish, octopus and sea turtle are popular. Cheese
made from sheep’s milk, including fresh ricotta
and pecorino, is available everywhere. A hearty
meal in Puglia is often finished with homegrown
yellow or white melons, watermelons or grapes.
For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small,
family-owned restaurants that tend to be set away
from the main piazzas and squares. Italians tend to
indulge in long meals featuring wines and the oc-
casional beer, followed by the requisite after-din-
ner drinks grappa or limoncello. American or Eng-
lish-style bars and pubs are not as common,
although they can be found in the major cities and
currently gaining in popularity, especially in Rome.
Arrival & Transportation InformationRound-trip flights arrive and depart in Naples.
When you first arrive in Naples, a Go Ahead repre-
sentative will meet you after clearing customs.
Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the repre-
sentative might be escorting one of your fellow
travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival. In-
cluded transportation on your tour is by private
motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to
explore the destination cities on foot or by public
transportation.
ElectricityItaly operates on the European standard of 220
volts.
Time ZonesItaly is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard
Time (EST).
CurrencyThe euro is the currency you will be using on your
tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available
in Italy, although it is worth ordering some cur-
rency from your local bank to use when you first
arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank
cards and credit cards, which can be used to ac-
cess cash at local banks, as needed. You can use
most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the interna-
tional networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to
check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
We suggest informing your bank and credit card
company of your travel plans, so they don’t con-
fuse your international purchases for fraudulent
charges. Please note: With the conversion to the
euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange
traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities
and they often attract higher fees.
TippingAt the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to
offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gra-
tuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s
currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person
per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/
CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If
applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of
$2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid
in cash. Please keep current local currency ex-
change rates in mind when tipping.
Purchasing Optional Excursions on TourIf you have not yet purchased your optional excur-
sions, you may be able to do so while on your
tour. Your tour director will only accept cash (in
U.S. dollars only), Visa, MasterCard or American
Express as payment for optional excursions. Please
be advised that if you pay for an excursion by
credit card while on tour, it may take up to three
months for your card to be charged. Some op-
tional excursions may only be purchased in ad-
vance. See the separate “Optional Excursions”
sheet for more information.
International travel is, by its very nature, unpredict-
able. We must therefore reserve the right to change
this itinerary without advanced notice to meet with
local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate
your understanding. Please refer to the current cata-
log for terms & conditions, dates and prices.