the
Amalfi & Puglia
Trip
fOR THE LOVE OF
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​AMALFI VIEWS
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AUTHENTIC ITALIAN LIFE
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SEAFOOD PASTA​
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300 DAYS OF SUNSHINE
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LATE NIGHT GELATOS
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THE MEDITERRANEAN
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THE OLD TOWN
LABYRINTHS
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LIMONCELLO
SOUTHERN ITALY
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to the Amalfi Coast and Puglia caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s searching for mouth-watering seafood pasta in Otranto, iconic mountainside scenery in Positano, and delicious Campari cocktails in Capri.
Journey through ancient stone villages with other solo travelers and roll through a region of unparalleled history before you hit that famous Italian coast. From there, you'll set out along the Mediterranean, soaking up glamorous seaside charms as you live it up in stylish paradise with a crew of new friends. This all-encompassing adventure mixes exciting culture, modern cuisine, mesmerizing scenery, and a limoncello or two for good measure.
From Matera's tangle of cave dwellings to the jaw-dropping cliffs of Positano, you’ll be spoiled by beauty as you solo travel to Italy with a group of new friends and dive into the good life.
upcoming dates
​May 25 - Jun 1, 2025
Memorial Day Trip - likely to sell out
Jun 15 - 22, 2025
Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2025
4th of July Trip - likely to sell out
Jul 6 - 13, 2025
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Jul 27 - aug 3, 2025
Aug 31 - Sep 7, 2025
Labor Day Trip - likely to sell out
Sep 14 - 21, 2025
Sep 21 - 28, 2025
8 days/7 nights
starting at $4,599 USD
Limited single room upgrades starting from $869 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Included
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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In-country transportation for included activities and transfers between towns
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2 nights in Lecce, 1 night in Matera, 3 nights in Sorrento, and 1 night in Rome
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7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
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Day trip to Positano
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Day trip to Capri via private boat
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Matera walking tour
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Visit to Alberobello
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Day trip to Otranto
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Cooking experience with local chef
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FTLO Trip Leader
*The Puglia and Amalfi Coast Itinerary is weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights to and from Italy
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Airport transfers
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $175)
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Incidental expenses
Day 1 - Lecce/Otranto
Benvenuto in Italia
After you land in Lecce, head to the hotel to drop off your bags and meet your roomie (and maybe your new best friend). If you’ve got the energy, check out those cobblestone streets and dive headfirst into this Baroque Pugliese beauty.
Later that day, you'll get a feel for the heel of Italy as you wander the charming twists and turns of this ancient town with the crew, soaking up thousands of years of history. Afterward, we’ll hit up a favorite local trattoria for one authentically delicious Italian meal with some more vino, for good measure.
Welcome to Italy!
Benvenuti
Day 2 - Lecce/Otranto
OH Otranto
Roll out early toward the white-washed walls of Otranto, a UNESCO World Heritage site hugging Puglia’s coast. Spend your morning strolling the Lungomare degli Eroi promenade, checking out cafes perched above the sea, or popping into the 11th-century cathedral’s Ossuary Chapel to marvel at the darkly beautiful altar of skulls and bones.
Meet up for a seafood lunch before we head to the beach to soak up that Italian sun. Head to a beach club in the afternoon to float through that magical Mediterranean.
That evening, we’ll find our favorite local chef, head to the market for supplies, and learn how to whip up some classic Pugliese specialties. After a family-style meal you’ll never forget, stroll the historic center and grab a well-earned gelato.
Indulge
Day 3 - Alberobello & Matera
HELLO ALBEROBELLO
Today's adventure takes us to Alberobello, the land of cone-shaped trullo buildings that have hung around this area from as far back as the 14th century. Give your Italian a go with the local artisans, and grab a mid-morning espresso (or two, we’re not counting) as you check out the sights.
Around noon, we’ll head out about an hour to Matera, stopping for lunch in the countryside—a patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and wheat fields—along the way. After we get there, drop your bags, head out, and crisscross the snaking streets of one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. With 9,000-year-old cave dwellings and a maze-like network of underground passages and chambers, you'll feel like you're staying in a real-life labyrinth.
Head for dinner with friends, have a splash of vino (or two, common theme here), and take it all in. You might even start to recognize the views from a certain James Bond flick.
Explore
Day 4 - Matera
MATERA ROCKS
Your morning’s free, so sleep in and shake off that late-night or gather the crew and hop back into Matera’s rocky expanse. This ancient city is a twisting, turning tangle of corridors—try to check out the Casa Noha, the Church of Saint Mary of Idris, and the historic architecture along Via Di Ridola.
When it's time for a bite, pull up a chair at one of Matera's outdoor eateries, have entirely too much pizza or pasta. That afternoon, we’re heading out and making our way down toward that world-famous Italian coast.
Say hello to seaside paradise in Sorrento. The evening is free to explore so grab dinner with friends, stroll the Marina Grande, and don't miss the chance to sip limoncello, a local favorite.
ENJOY
Day 5 - Sorrento
AMO sorrento
There’s nothing quite like waking up to a Sorrento sunrise. After a bite at the hotel, it’s time to drive on over to Positano.
Spend your day lounging with friends as you soak up one of the most picturesque towns along the entire Amalfi Coast. Hit Positano beach, or head toward the iconic Arienzo Beach Club for a splash of rosé and sea views.
That evening, we’ll have a scenic dinner together in Positano, and then you can head to a subterranean seaside cave club for a one-of-a-kind good time to dance it up before heading home.
Cruise
Day 6 - Capri
Cruise to caPrI
After catching up on our Positano night out over breakfast, we’re off on a private boat trip towards Capri. With a mix of rocky coves, towering mountains, historic ruins, and a whole slew of lavish bars and restaurants, this island’s fame is well-deserved.
For lunch, we’ll all get together for a one-of-a-kind Italian meal cooked up right in front of us at our favorite spot in all of Capri. With your five course tasting menu, you'll try fresh vegetables from an organic onsite garden and plenty of local wine.
After that, it's back to the boats as we cruise through more stunning views in the Bay of Naples back to Sorrento and the mainland.
Connect
Day 7 - Rome
SEA and SUN
Get breakfast with the crew, and then your morning’s free. Hit Sorrento’s waterfront boardwalk for some final Mediterranean fun or grab souvenirs for friends and family back home; not everyone gets to spend a week traveling from Puglia to the Amalfi Coast.
Later on, we’ll meet up and head for Rome to make it nice and easy to catch your flight out tomorrow.
After we get to the capital, you’ll get to share some final laughs with the crew as you drink up more of that delicious Italian wine and chow down on a final farewell feast.
Day 8 - Rome
A ROMAN GOODBYE
Grab one last bite at the hotel in Rome with your friends before you say your goodbyes and head on out.
If you’re flying home, your trip leader can help you figure out the easiest way to get to the airport. If you’ve got a few days to keep traveling (lucky you), we’ve got plenty of recommendations in store.
Grab a rental car, and keep on exploring what Italy has to offer. Maybe even head north to Tuscany, south to Sardinia, or take a train west toward Barcelona and the South of France. There’s nothing quite like traveling through Europe; if you’ve got the time, make the most of it—the Amalfi Coast and Puglia are epic, but there’s always more to see.
FAST FACTS
About southern Italy
While parts of Europe are extremely busy in the summer months, most of southern Italy is still relatively un-touristy. You'll find authentic Italian life in places like Lecce, Otranto, and Matera. The areas that are more popular, which you'll see when we visit the Amalfi Coast (Capri, Positano, and Sorrento) are so for a reason - they're unbelievably beautiful with great food, beautiful beaches, and constant sunshine.
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GOOD TO KNOW
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The national language is Italian
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The national currency is euros
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Tap water is perfectly safe and healthy
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Tipping 10-15% is appreciated in Italy
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The closest arrival airport is Brindisi.
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The closest departure airport is Rome.
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Visas are unnecessary for North American travelers
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Double check your passport is valid for 3-months after your return date
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Certain locations on this trip are not handicap friendly - if you have mobility issues, please contact us before booking.
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On European trips, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
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If you'd like to visit the Vatican museums, you'll need to book early from the Vatican website. It's best to visit at 4pm on day 7 or after our trip wraps up if you stay in Rome.
FLight information
Fly into Brindisi (BDS)
Please arrive at Brindisi (BDS airport) by 2:45 pm local time on Day 1.
There's a bus that can take you directly from Brindisi Airport to Lecce, that takes around 45 minutes and costs under 10 euros.
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Some people like flying in a day earlier to account for potential travel delays and explore independently.
Fly out of Rome (FCO)
We recommend flying out of Rome or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in Italy.
Although flying into Brindisi and out of Rome are the easiest options, that might not be the cheapest option. We don't want flight prices to hold you back from the joining trip so here are a few other options:
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Book a round trip in/out of Rome and take the train to Lecce or a local flight to Brindisi (and then a cab to Lecce).
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Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the Amalfi & Puglia trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
LEARN MORE
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