Perillo Tours 2024

Castel dell’Ovo as seen from our Naples hotel Photo Credit: Kathleen Fanfalone Tonight, we’ll take a pizza-making class with a chef at the panoramic restaurant in our hotel. The best well-kept secrets to making Neapolitan pizza have been handed down for generations and tonight, our chef will share these secrets with you! The authentic Neapolitan pizza needs four main ingredients: Tomatoes from San Marzano, buffalo mozzarella from the Campania region, 00 wheat flour, yeast, and salt. Tonight, we’ll transform these ingredients into one of the best pizzas you’ve ever tasted. We’ll get to enjoy the fruits of our labor, along with some amazing appetizers – a pizza party in Naples! DAY 6 NAPLES » CAPRI » NAPLES » DINNER OUT WEDNESDAY: This morning, we will take a hydrofoil over to the world’s most enchanting island – we’ll enjoy a private boat tour around the island (weather permitting). We’ll cruise by the magnificent Faraglioni, Capri’s iconic rock formations which tower above the Mediterranean Sea. Next, we visit one of the lesser known but equally beautiful sea caves, the Grotta Bianca. Then we’ll have free time to explore the island on our own or take advantage of a special optional excursion with our tour leader. This afternoon we return to Naples where you can relax before we head out for a dinner out at a local restaurant. DAY 7 NAPLES » MATERA » BARI » DINNER OUT THURSDAY: Today, we leave Naples with our dependable bus driver and head over to Bari, the capital of the beautiful region of Puglia and the heel of the “Italian boot”. But first we’ll stop in Matera, a city like no other and one of the oldest in the world. Discovering Matera is like living in the past – you’ll almost feel like you’re stepping into a nativity scene; for this reason, it is also known as “the second Bethlehem” and was the setting for Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Known for its unique architecture, which is characterized by cave dwellings carved into the sides of a ravine. Matera was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. You’ll have some free time on your own to explore and have lunch. *Please be sure to wear comfortable sneakers today as there will be uneven surfaces and many steps Next, we continue our journey to Bari and check into our hotel. Tonight, we enjoy dinner out in a local restaurant with fine wines. DAY 8 • BARI » CITY SIGHTSEEING FRIDAY: This morning, after breakfast, we will explore the city of Bari. Our tour will start from the Swabian Castle (outside visit), and continue towards the famous “Orecchiette Street”, where guests will be able to enjoy watching ladies make homemade pasta. Next, we’ll have a quick visit to the Cathedral and then the Basilica of St Nicholas, built over the tomb of Saint Nicholas. Next, we’ll have a little taste of a specialty of Bari – focaccia: a specialty bread with ancient origins. After our tour, you’ll have some free time to enjoy a drink or coffee on your own. Tonight, you’ll be able to enjoy a dinner on your own – be sure to try the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe, a specialty in the Puglia Region. DAY 9 • BARI TO LECCE » CITY SIGHTSEEING » DINNER OUT SATURDAY: Today, we move out of our hotel in Bari and travel over to Lecce, the cultural capital of Puglia. This charming town in Puglia is known for its baroque buildings, churches, palaces, and museums and has been given the nickname, “The Florence of the South.” We’ll enjoy a tour of this charming city. The tour will begin in front of one of the gates of the city, “Porta Napoli”. Then we’ll visit the Duomo Square, the most beautiful square in the city. Acting as the religious center of town, Piazza Duomo is home to some of the most ornately decorated Baroque buildings in Lecce. We’ll continue to the Basilica of Santa Croce, the most important symbol of the Baroque city, and end in the main square where the Roman Age Amphitheater is located (Piazza Sant’Oronzo). You’ll have some free time to explore – be sure to try the local pastry called “ Pasticciotto ” (a shortcrust pastry from Puglia filled with a silky, lemon-scented custard) or the renowned “Caffè Leccese” (iced coffee with almond liqueur). Tonight, we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant in this charming city. DAY 10 • FULL DAY » ALBEROBELLO DINNER IN HOTEL SUNDAY: Today we will visit one of the most places cities in Italy: Alberobello. This town is known for its distinctive small conical houses made from dry stone, called Trulli and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique architecture and cultural significance. Alberobello is divided into two districts: Aia Piccola, where every Trullo is still a home, and Rione Monti, where every Trullo is a souvenir shop. Our guided tour will take place in Aia Piccola, where guests will be able to explore the inhabited district, and to visit one of the biggest Trulli (today a museum) called Trullo Sovrano . Next, we’ll climb the hill in Rione Monti, to reach the Trullo-shaped church dedicated to St. Antonio, and from there you’ll have some time to shop. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner in our hotel with fine local wines. DAY 11 LECCE » OTRANTO » OLIVE OIL TASTING MONDAY: Today, we will visit another charming town in Puglia – Otranto. This town is situated on the Adriatic coast and offers stunning views of the sea and the surround countryside. Otranto is famous for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and amazing cuisine. We’ll walk around the Otranto Ancient Walls. Built in the 13th century, the walls are a popular tourist destination and offer stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Next we’ll visit the Cathedral, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, with a stunning mosaic floor dating back to the 12th century. You’ll have some free time to explore or enjoy a gelato. On our way back to Lecce, we will stop at a farm for an Olive Oil Tasting. The region of Puglia is known for its high-quality olive oil. We’ll have a brief introduction to the different types of olive oil and then we will learn how to properly taste olive oil. Tonight, enjoy your final dinner on your own. DAY 12 • FLIGHT HOME » BRINDISI » USA TUESDAY: This morning we head to the Brindisi airport for our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say “ arrivederci ” to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us.... and maybe some wine too! Arrivederci Italia! Perillo Tours & Perillo Tours Travelers @Perillo_Tours If you are interested in arriving early prior to the start of the tour, we can customize a package for you to visit Sicily. If interested in booking a pre-trip, please contact 1-800-Italy-25 (after the tour is booked). DEPART–RETURN (Fri-Tue) PER PERSON IN A DOUBLE SOLO TRAVELER Mar 29-Apr 9 3795 5295 Apr 5-Apr 16 3995 5495 Apr 19-Apr 30 4095 5595 Apr 26-May 7 4125 5625 May 3-May 14 4125 5625 May 10-May 21 4125 5625 May 24-Jun 4 4125 5625 Jun 14-Jun 25 4125 5625 Jun 21-Jul 2 4125 5625 Jun 28-Jul 9 3995 5495 Jul 5-Jul 16 3995 5495 Aug 2-Aug 13 3995 5495 Sep 6-Sep 17 4125 5625 Sep 13-Sep 24 4125 5625 Sep 27-Oct 8 3995 5495 Oct 11-Oct 22 3795 5295 • No triples available on this tour. 2024 DATES & LAND -ONLY RATES Save $100 per person if ALL payments are made by check or our new easy online ACH payment. Kids rate does not qualify. See page 33 about our low airfares 1 3