Walking up to 3 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over uneven terrain, inclines and cobblestones. Standing up to 2 hour per day. Program will require approximately 18 miles of walking over 10 days. Must be able to use stairs, often without handrails, in order to navigate field trip sites. Buses are used for transportation to and from field trips and require between 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours of driving time with breaks. Due to unavoidable stairs & lack of elevators at field trip sites, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Italy
Puglia & Basilicata: Ancient Cultures & Living Traditions
Program No. 25750RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Ostuni (BR)
Program Concludes
Matera
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
19 (
9B, 6L, 4D
)
Activity Level
From
4,799Explore two distinctive regions of southern Italy where ancient history and enduring traditions shape daily life. In Puglia, experience the whitewashed towns of the Adriatic coast and the Baroque architecture of Lecce, and explore Alberobello's distinctive trulli, centuries-old stone dwellings topped by conical roofs. Trace the region's ancient past at Egnazia, then experience local traditions through ceramics, wine and cuisine. Continue to Basilicata to explore the legacy of Magna Graecia at Metaponto, walk among Matera's remarkable Sassi cave dwellings and experience the mountain landscapes of Castelmezzano. Along the way, local experts reveal how centuries of Greek, Roman and regional influences have shaped the architecture, food and culture of these lesser-known corners of Italy.
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli and Matera's ancient Sassi cave dwellings, two distinctive examples of how generations adapted their homes to the landscapes of southern Italy.
- Trace thousands of years of history at archaeological sites including Egnazia and Metaponto, once an important colony of Magna Graecia and home to the philosopher Pythagoras.
- Experience regional traditions through Puglian ceramics, Primitivo wine, handmade orecchiette and a cooking lesson at an 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by centuries-old olive trees.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Gianluca Tonti
Gianluca Tonti studied Middle Age history at the Università Statale di Milano with a thesis about taxation and politics during the 15th century. After graduating, he attended the Archivio di Stato in Milan. Upon returning to Apulia, he worked with historical researchers in the local archives and teaches local history. Gianluca began working as a travel leader in Puglia in 2009 and became certified in 2012. He currently works with English-speaking groups in Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Gianluca Tonti
Gianluca Tonti studied Middle Age history at the Università Statale di Milano with a thesis about taxation and politics during the 15th century. After graduating, he attended the Archivio di Stato in Milan. Upon returning to Apulia, he worked with historical researchers in the local archives and teaches local history. Gianluca began working as a travel leader in Puglia in 2009 and became certified in 2012. He currently works with English-speaking groups in Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily.
Daniela D'amato
Daniela D’Amato's professional experience as a group leader began three decades ago while she was obtaining a degree at the University of Bari as an art historian. As soon as she graduated, she became aware that being a travel leader is meant to gather several factors such as emotions, sensitivity, paying attention to the most authentic details, reliability, and pragmatism. She enjoys singing, acting, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
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