Route
This adventure takes you to the southernmost tip of Italy. You start in Calabria at Tropea, travel via Reggio di Calabria to Matera in Basilicata, and end in Apulia, with the Valle d'Itria and Salento as your base.
Pace
You travel at a leisurely pace and with complete freedom. The distances are limited and with a rental car you can choose where to stop. There is time to sit on a terrace, go for a swim in the sea or explore the city.
Highlights
The coast around Tropea, a boat trip along the Costa degli Dei, local flavors in Zungri, Reggio di Calabria, and Matera, the trulli of Alberobello, Ostuni, and Martina Franca, Castel del Monte, Bari, and Trani, Polignano a Mare, Lecce, Otranto, and Gallipoli.
Accommodation
You will stay in carefully selected hotels that suit each region. In Calabria, you will stay by the sea, in Matera in the middle of the Sassi, and in Apulia in locations that offer easy access to both the inland and the coast.
Profile
For travelers who enjoy variety between sea, countryside, and cities, like to travel independently, and value strong locations and good addresses.
Day 1: Arrival in Calabria – Tropea
You fly directly to Lamezia Terme, where you pick up your rental car. From here, you drive along the coast to Tropea, a charming town perched high above the sea. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free. Head towards the historic centre, choose your first terrace with sea views or walk down to the beach to ease straight into the southern rhythm.
Day 2: Boat trip along the Costa degli Dei
Today you discover the Calabrian coast from the water. During a private boat trip, you sail past caves, rock formations and quiet coves that are only accessible by boat. There is time to swim and snorkel in clear waters or simply stay on board and watch the scenery drift by. Along the way, the skipper shares stories about the coast and its hidden spots. In the afternoon, you return to Tropea.
Day 3: Zungri & Calabrian flavours
You leave the coast and drive inland towards Zungri. Here you explore a lesser-known side of Calabria, with rock dwellings carved directly into the stone. During a walk through the village, you gain insight into rural life in the past. Afterwards, a culinary experience awaits in the countryside. You learn how to make fileja, a traditional Calabrian pasta rolled by hand. Lunch consists of your own creation, complemented by local products such as cheeses, cured meats and vegetables from the region. In the afternoon, you visit a nearby winery to learn more about local grape varieties and wine styles.
Day 4: Reggio di Calabria
Today you drive south along the coast to Reggio di Calabria. The city faces Sicily and has an elegant atmosphere. At the National Archaeological Museum, you admire the Riace Bronzes, impressive sculptures from ancient Greece.
After the museum visit, you stroll along the promenade, a wide palm-lined boulevard with sea views. In the afternoon, you visit the bergamot museum, where you discover how this citrus fruit plays an important role in perfumery, gastronomy and local traditions. Towards the evening, you drive back to your hotel.
Day 5: Drive to Matera
You check out and leave Calabria behind. The drive takes you through Basilicata towards Matera, as the landscape gradually becomes more rugged. Together with a guide, you explore the Sassi, two districts filled with rock houses, churches and stairways that have been inhabited for thousands of years. You walk past carved homes and viewpoints overlooking the Gravina gorge. In the evening, you stay overnight in a hotel in the heart of the Sassi, where silence and setting create a special atmosphere.
Day 6: Matera – Valle d’Itria
After breakfast, you continue towards Apulia. Along the way, the landscape changes into an open scene of olive groves and low stone walls. In the Valle d’Itria, you check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the surroundings or simply stay put and enjoy the views and calm.
Day 7: Alberobello, Ostuni & Martina Franca
Today you explore the heart of Apulia. In Alberobello, you walk among the iconic trulli, while Ostuni surprises with its white houses and views towards the sea. In Martina Franca, you discover a more elegant, Baroque townscape with quiet squares and narrow streets. Between visits, there is time to stop for lunch or take a small detour through the countryside.
Day 8: Castel del Monte, Trani & Bari
You drive towards Castel del Monte, the mysterious octagonal castle of Emperor Frederick II rising above the landscape. Afterwards, you head to Trani, where the Romanesque cathedral appears to stand almost in the sea. In Bari, you end the day in the old town, where daily life unfolds in narrow streets and small squares around the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Day 9: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli
The Adriatic coast takes centre stage today. In Polignano a Mare, you walk above cliffs plunging steeply into turquoise water. You then continue to Monopoli, with its lively harbour and historic centre that invites you to wander. Those who wish to see the coastline from the water can opt for a boat or catamaran trip along caves and rocky outcrops.
Day 10: Lecce & Otranto
You travel further into the Salento. Lecce stands out with its rich Baroque architecture and lively squares. You stroll past churches and façades glowing in warm, golden stone.
Afterwards, you drive to Otranto, where you visit the cathedral with its impressive mosaic floor. The old town lies right by the sea and is ideal for a relaxed evening walk.
Day 11: Santa Maria di Leuca & Gallipoli
You follow the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. The cliffs and sweeping views make this an impressive stop.
Later, you continue to Gallipoli, a walled town set on an island above the water. The old town revolves around fishing boats, markets and small restaurants, making it a pleasant place to round off the journey.
Day 12: Return home
After breakfast, you check out and drive to the airport. The rental car goes back, but the southern rhythm lingers a little longer.
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