This 16-day journey through Italy offers a unique exploration of iconic and lesser-known destinations, taking you off the typical tourist track for an authentic Italian experience. The adventure begins in Rome, where you’ll delve into the grandeur of Ancient Rome with exclusive access to hidden gems such as the San Lorenzo in Miranda, a site that most visitors to the city miss. Beyond the iconic Colosseum and Imperial Forums, you’ll experience the charm of Roman neighbourhoods like Trastevere, indulging in a traditional aperitivo.
Venturing further south, you’ll explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii before arriving in Naples, a city rich in history and mystery. Here, you’ll uncover the stunning Baroque artistry of the Sansevero Chapel and delve beneath the city’s surface to discover Naples’ underground, a labyrinth of tunnels revealing the layers of its past. The tour then whisks you away to Ischia, a volcanic island known for its natural beauty, thermal waters, and lush landscapes. From the towering Aragonese Castle to the peaceful La Mortella Gardens, the island offers serenity away from the crowds. A visit to a local winery adds a touch of indulgence to this retreat.
The tour continues with a boat trip to Capri, where you’ll experience the island’s legendary beauty and historic treasures like the villa and gardens of San Michele. Afterward, journey to Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” renowned for its Baroque architecture and culinary delights. The walking tour here includes tastings of local specialties like iced coffee with almond milk and pasticciotto, a cream-filled pastry rarely found elsewhere.
Your exploration of Puglia leads to Otranto, a UNESCO-recognised town, and Galatina, where frescoes inside the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria reveal the region’s artistic heritage. A visit to a traditional Apulian farmhouse offers an intimate look at local cheese-making traditions, followed by a tour of the enchanting hilltop town of Martina Franca.
A highlight of the tour is the exploration of Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings, the “Sassi.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for millennia. Finally, a visit to Alberobello and its unique trulli houses offers a fitting conclusion to this off-the-beaten-path Italian adventure.
Will you join us?
TOUR DATES: 14TH – 29TH SEPTEMBER 2025
TOUR PRICING: A$11,995 PLUS AIRFARES/TAXES
Villa Glori
The hotel was built in 1900. 14 single rooms and 38 double rooms are located on 4 stories and can be reached by elevator. Multilingual staff (English, German, French) at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. Everyday necessities can be purchased at the supermarket. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional facilities include a TV room. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a car rental service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service. Bicycle storage is also available. Complimentary newspapers are available. A fax machine is available for guests’ business needs.
Grand Hotel Oriente
The hotel has 145 rooms, including 2 suites and 27 single rooms, which are located on 8 stories and are reachable by 3 elevators. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities available at the hotel include a baggage storage service, a safe and an ATM. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. There are also a number of shops that make for great strolling and browsing. Additional amenities include a TV room and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service and a coin-operated laundry. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Hotel Continental Ischia
This hotel has an elevator and a reception desk. Amenities include a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. There are a number of shops, including a souvenir shop. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a TV room and a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car rental service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service. Bicycle storage is also available. The business center is on hand for guests’ business requirements and provides a fax machine.
8Piuhotel
English- and French-speaking staff at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service, safe, ATM and drinks machine ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities and an elevator. There are a number of shops, including a supermarket. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a newspaper stand, a TV room, a playroom and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service. Bicycle storage is also available. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Grand Hotel Olimpo
20 junior suites, 2 suites and 9 double rooms are located on 5 stories and can be reached by elevator. The reception desk is open around the clock. Amenities include a coat check, a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The hotel offers a number of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. There are a number of shops, including a supermarket. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional facilities include a TV room. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car rental service, a transfer service, room service, a wake-up call service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service (for a fee). Bicycle storage is also available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Rome Airport Hotel Fiumicino
The hotel has an elevator and features 35 rooms. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service, a safe and an ATM ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel offers various facilities for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional amenities include a TV room and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage (for a fee) or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a 24-hour security service, a car rental service, a transfer service, room service, a wake-up call service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests can make use of the bicycle rental service to explore the surrounding area. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Visa Requirements
Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for tourism purposes.
Please note that Visa requirements can change at any time. Please check with your consulate for more information.
Currency
Italy has the euro (€) as its sole currency along with 24 other countries that use this common European money.
Meals can be had from as cheap as €3 (if you are happy with a sandwich, panini or falafel from a street vendor); restaurant bills are rarely less than €10 (a burger with fries\salad and a soft drink from a pub) and generally go to about €20 (a starter, main course and water from a regular restaurant). Also, for dinner, wine may be served even without ordering, and you will almost certainly be charged.
Service is always included, either in the display price or a coperto line on the bill; tipping is thus not necessary, but neither is it frowned upon. Tipping taxi drivers is not necessary, but a hotel porter may expect a little something.
If you plan to travel through countryside or rural regions you probably should not rely on your credit cards, as in many small towns they’re accepted only by a small number of shops and restaurants.
Climate
The climate of Italy varies and often differs from the stereotypical Mediterranean climate it is known for. Most of Italy has hot, dry summers, with July and August being the hottest months of the year. Winters are cold and damp in the north, and mild and sunny in the south. A typical summer day might bring similar temperatures to all three cities. Conditions on the peninsula’s coastal areas can be very different from the higher ground and valleys of the interior; during the winter months, the higher altitudes tend to be cold, and during the summer months the heat is oppressive in the valleys. The Alps have a mountain climate, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Electricity
Italy uses 220 V, 50 Hz. It has its own electrical plug design. The standard “European” flat two-prong plugs will fit, but most other plugs from abroad will not, or not fit safely, in the standard sockets. Sockets accepting French unearthed and German-type “Schuko” plugs (used in much of mainland Europe) can also be found quite often, especially in the north, and you’ll find adapters for Schuko plugs in virtually all supermarkets.
This 16-day journey through Italy offers a unique exploration of iconic and lesser-known destinations, taking you off the typical tourist track for an authentic Italian experience. The adventure begins in Rome, where you’ll delve into the grandeur of Ancient Rome with exclusive access to hidden gems such as the San Lorenzo in Miranda, a site that most visitors to the city miss. Beyond the iconic Colosseum and Imperial Forums, you’ll experience the charm of Roman neighbourhoods like Trastevere, indulging in a traditional aperitivo.
Venturing further south, you’ll explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii before arriving in Naples, a city rich in history and mystery. Here, you’ll uncover the stunning Baroque artistry of the Sansevero Chapel and delve beneath the city’s surface to discover Naples’ underground, a labyrinth of tunnels revealing the layers of its past. The tour then whisks you away to Ischia, a volcanic island known for its natural beauty, thermal waters, and lush landscapes. From the towering Aragonese Castle to the peaceful La Mortella Gardens, the island offers serenity away from the crowds. A visit to a local winery adds a touch of indulgence to this retreat.
The tour continues with a boat trip to Capri, where you’ll experience the island’s legendary beauty and historic treasures like the villa and gardens of San Michele. Afterward, journey to Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” renowned for its Baroque architecture and culinary delights. The walking tour here includes tastings of local specialties like iced coffee with almond milk and pasticciotto, a cream-filled pastry rarely found elsewhere.
Your exploration of Puglia leads to Otranto, a UNESCO-recognised town, and Galatina, where frescoes inside the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria reveal the region’s artistic heritage. A visit to a traditional Apulian farmhouse offers an intimate look at local cheese-making traditions, followed by a tour of the enchanting hilltop town of Martina Franca.
A highlight of the tour is the exploration of Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings, the “Sassi.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for millennia. Finally, a visit to Alberobello and its unique trulli houses offers a fitting conclusion to this off-the-beaten-path Italian adventure.
Will you join us?
TOUR DATES: 14TH – 29TH SEPTEMBER 2025
TOUR PRICING: A$11,995 PLUS AIRFARES/TAXES
Villa Glori
The hotel was built in 1900. 14 single rooms and 38 double rooms are located on 4 stories and can be reached by elevator. Multilingual staff (English, German, French) at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. Everyday necessities can be purchased at the supermarket. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional facilities include a TV room. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a car rental service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service. Bicycle storage is also available. Complimentary newspapers are available. A fax machine is available for guests’ business needs.
Grand Hotel Oriente
The hotel has 145 rooms, including 2 suites and 27 single rooms, which are located on 8 stories and are reachable by 3 elevators. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities available at the hotel include a baggage storage service, a safe and an ATM. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. There are also a number of shops that make for great strolling and browsing. Additional amenities include a TV room and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service and a coin-operated laundry. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Hotel Continental Ischia
This hotel has an elevator and a reception desk. Amenities include a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. There are a number of shops, including a souvenir shop. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a TV room and a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car rental service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service. Bicycle storage is also available. The business center is on hand for guests’ business requirements and provides a fax machine.
8Piuhotel
English- and French-speaking staff at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service, safe, ATM and drinks machine ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities and an elevator. There are a number of shops, including a supermarket. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a newspaper stand, a TV room, a playroom and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service. Bicycle storage is also available. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Grand Hotel Olimpo
20 junior suites, 2 suites and 9 double rooms are located on 5 stories and can be reached by elevator. The reception desk is open around the clock. Amenities include a coat check, a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The hotel offers a number of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. There are a number of shops, including a supermarket. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional facilities include a TV room. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car rental service, a transfer service, room service, a wake-up call service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service (for a fee). Bicycle storage is also available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Rome Airport Hotel Fiumicino
The hotel has an elevator and features 35 rooms. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service, a safe and an ATM ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel offers various facilities for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional amenities include a TV room and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage (for a fee) or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a 24-hour security service, a car rental service, a transfer service, room service, a wake-up call service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests can make use of the bicycle rental service to explore the surrounding area. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Visa Requirements
Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for tourism purposes.
Please note that Visa requirements can change at any time. Please check with your consulate for more information.
Currency
Italy has the euro (€) as its sole currency along with 24 other countries that use this common European money.
Meals can be had from as cheap as €3 (if you are happy with a sandwich, panini or falafel from a street vendor); restaurant bills are rarely less than €10 (a burger with fries\salad and a soft drink from a pub) and generally go to about €20 (a starter, main course and water from a regular restaurant). Also, for dinner, wine may be served even without ordering, and you will almost certainly be charged.
Service is always included, either in the display price or a coperto line on the bill; tipping is thus not necessary, but neither is it frowned upon. Tipping taxi drivers is not necessary, but a hotel porter may expect a little something.
If you plan to travel through countryside or rural regions you probably should not rely on your credit cards, as in many small towns they’re accepted only by a small number of shops and restaurants.
Climate
The climate of Italy varies and often differs from the stereotypical Mediterranean climate it is known for. Most of Italy has hot, dry summers, with July and August being the hottest months of the year. Winters are cold and damp in the north, and mild and sunny in the south. A typical summer day might bring similar temperatures to all three cities. Conditions on the peninsula’s coastal areas can be very different from the higher ground and valleys of the interior; during the winter months, the higher altitudes tend to be cold, and during the summer months the heat is oppressive in the valleys. The Alps have a mountain climate, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Electricity
Italy uses 220 V, 50 Hz. It has its own electrical plug design. The standard “European” flat two-prong plugs will fit, but most other plugs from abroad will not, or not fit safely, in the standard sockets. Sockets accepting French unearthed and German-type “Schuko” plugs (used in much of mainland Europe) can also be found quite often, especially in the north, and you’ll find adapters for Schuko plugs in virtually all supermarkets.
