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Puglia & Southern Italy

Day 1: Flight to ItalyYour trip begins with a regularly scheduled over-

night flight to Naples aboard an internationally

recognized airline.

Day 2: Arrival in NaplesWelcome to Naples! A Go Ahead representative

greets you at the airport after you clear customs

and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the

day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting

yourself with the city. Tonight enjoy an included

traditional pizza dinner made by the experts, as

pizza was invented here in Naples, and meet your

fellow travelers. Buon appetito!

Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3: Sightseeing of NaplesDiscover Napoli this morning on an guided tour of

this beautiful bayside city in the heart of the Cam-

pania region of Italy. You’ll pass by the imposing

facade of the Palazza Reale, built by the Bourbon

kings of Naples, and travel through the historic

city center. Included in your tour is a visit to the

Naples National Archaeological Museum, where

you’ll find original artifacts from the nearby Roman

ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This afternoon,

consider joining an optional excursion to the ruins

of Pompeii to learn how ordinary Romans lived.

Included meals: breakfast

Included entrances: Naples National

Archaeological Museum

Day 4: Benevento & Bari RegionBenvenuti in Puglia! One of Italy’s few remain-

ing hidden travel gems, Puglia is blessed with

fine weather, beautiful shorelines, lovely towns,

Baroque architecture and delicious cuisine. This

morning, transfer to Benevento for a guided tour.

You’ll visit the Arch of Trajan and the Church of St.

Hillary before continuing on to the Bari region in

Puglia this afternoon. Savor an included dinner of

local delicacies tonight.

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 5: Bari RegionExplore the coastal region near Bari, Puglia’s capi-

tal, with a half-day excursion to the impressive

Castel del Monte for a guided tour. This octagonal

13th-century castle whose interior marbles and fur-

nishings remain largely unaltered since antiquity.

No one is sure why the castle was built, although

some have surmised it was a hunting lodge or

a stop for pilgrims on their quest for the Holy

Grail. Later today, you may choose to join an op-

tional excursion to the picturesque town of Monte

Sant’Angelo.

Included meals: breakfast

12-day tour includes

• Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers

• The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director

• A licensed local city guide in Naples, Benevento, Castel del Monte, Bari, Lecce, Alberobello and Matera

• 10 nights accommodations in comfort-able, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower

• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes

• Buffet breakfast daily; 5 three-course dinners

• Private deluxe motorcoach

• Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described

• Go Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour

Guided SightseeingDay 3: Naples

Day 4: Benevento

Day 5: Castel del Monte

Day 6: Bari

Day 7: Lecce

Day 9: Alberobello

Day 10: Matera

Tour HighlightsFour UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Chiesa

di Santa Sofia in Benevento, Castel del

Monte in Andria, the trulli of Alberobello

and the sassi of Matera—help you connect

with Puglia’s long history.

Insider’s TipTake a sunset walk through the Santa Lucia waterfront district for romantic views of Naples. Then, round out your evening with a pastry or cappuccino at the oldest cafe in Naples, the Gran Caffé Gambrinus.

Trulli, the distinctive stone homes of Puglia, offer a glimpse into life in rural Italy.

2012

PGI12 07.11

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Day 6: Bari & LecceToday begins with a visit to the seaside town of

Bari, where a guided tour introduces you to the

sights of the historic Old Town, including monu-

ments and cathedrals dating back to the 10th and

11th centuries. The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly

the Basilica of St. Nicholas, which contains the re-

mains of the bishop whose penchant for anony-

mous gift-giving inspired the legend of Santa

Claus. After some free time to explore Bari, contin-

ue to Lecce, arriving in time for an included dinner.

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7: LecceThis morning, embark on a guided tour of Lecce,

known as the “Florence of the South” for its rich

collection of Baroque architecture. Marvel at the

extravagant ornamentation of Lecce’s churches

and monuments and imagine the past grandeur

of the ruined Roman amphitheater. Perhaps the

finest sight is the Church of the Holy Cross, featur-

ing an opulent facade built from the distinctive

golden “Lecce stone.” This afternoon, enjoy free

time to continue exploring Lecce or consider join-

ing our optional excursion to Otranto. You’ll enjoy

a guided tour of this former Greek city that defied

Rome in both the Pyrrhic War and the Punic Wars,

and one of the highlights of your tour is sure to be

the town’s Romanesque cathedral. To cap off the

excursion, you’ll transfer inland from Otranto to

the village of Scorrano for a dinner of Puglian spe-

cialities and a tasting of the region’s best wines.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 8: Ostuni & Trulli ValleyJourney this morning to Ostuni, where your Tour

Director will introduce you to the sights, including

the picturesque cathedral and whitewashed homes

of the Old Town. This afternoon, continue on to

the Trulli Valley, the home of the trulli, the conical

dry-stone homes where locals lived for thousands

of years. You’ll enjoy an included dinner tonight.

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9: AlberobelloBegin today with a visit to the trulli of Alberobello.

These carefully preserved dwellings feature white

symbols painted onto the roofs to bring good

luck or ward off the malocchio or “evil eye.” Un-

earth the history of these unique dwellings on a

guided tour. This afternoon, consider an excursion

to Grotte di Castellana, a series of interconnect-

ed caves once believed to be the gates of hell.

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Included entrance: Trulli

Day 10: Matera & SorrentoThis morning, travel to Matera in time to enjoy a

guided tour of this hilltop town. Matera is home

to 9,000-year-old cave dwellings known as sassi,

and its Old Town, built on these ancient caverns, is

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll then enjoy a

scenic transfer through the Apennine Mountains en

route to Sorrento, where your dinner is included.

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Included entrances: Chiesa Rupestro

Day 11: Free Day in SorrentoToday is free for you to explore Sorrento at your

own pace. You could wander through Sorrento’s

lovely gardens and churches, browse the quaint

shops along its cobblestoned alleyways or sit at

a cafe and people-watch. Alternatively, consider

joining an optional excursion to the glamorous is-

land of Capri, a playground for the rich since the

Roman times. Tonight, you might wish to attend

our optional Tarantella Dinner and Show, featuring

local cuisine and a lively performance highlighting

the tarantella, a mesmerizing Italian folk dance.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 12: Departure If you are not joining our Rome post-tour exten-

sion, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the

airport for your return flight home.

Included meals: breakfast

(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast

may not be provided.)

Post-Tour Extension

Rome2 nights

Day 12: After enjoying your included breakfast,

transfer overland to Rome. Upon arrival, you’ll

have the opportunity to relax or join our optional

Imperial Rome tour.

Included meals: breakfast

Matera’s homes were carved into the limestone hillsides on which the town rests.

With a free day in Sorrento, you can easily lose yourself among the town’s quaint shops.

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Travel Pace: 3Travel pace levels are based on criteria such

as length of tour, number of cities visited,

number of included activities, as well as

length of flights and land transfers.

1 - leisurely 3 - active

2 - comfortable 4 - challenging

Walking on TourThis tour involves a good amount of walk-

ing. Travelers should be prepared to walk on

uneven surfaces, particularly in the pre-

served centers of Puglia’s towns.

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Climate

The following guide provides the average

temperatures for a sampling of the regions

on your itinerary.

NaplesJan 39˚–54˚F / 4˚–13˚CFeb 40˚–56˚F / 4˚–13˚CMar 43˚–59˚F / 6˚–15˚CApr 47˚–65˚F / 8˚–18˚CMay 54˚–72˚F / 12˚–23˚CJune 60˚–79˚F / 16˚–26˚CJuly–Aug 64˚–85˚F / 18˚–30˚CSep 60˚–79˚F / 15˚–26˚COct 53˚–71˚F / 12˚–22˚C Nov 46˚–62˚F / 8˚–17˚CDec 41˚–57˚F / 5˚–14˚C

BariJan 41˚–54˚F / 5˚–12˚CFeb 42˚–55˚F / 5˚–13˚C Mar 44˚–59˚F / 7˚–15˚CApr 48˚–64˚F / 9˚–18˚CMay 55˚–72˚F / 13˚–22˚CJune 61˚–78˚F / 17˚–26˚CJuly–Aug 66˚–83˚F / 19˚–28˚CSep 61˚–78˚F / 17˚–25˚COct 55˚–70˚F / 10˚–21˚CNov 48˚–63˚F / 9˚–17˚CDec 44˚–56˚F / 6˚–14˚C

LecceJan-Feb 40˚–55˚F / 5˚–13˚CMar 44˚–60˚F / 6˚–16˚CApr 48˚–66˚F / 9˚–19˚CMay 54˚–75˚F / 12˚–24˚CJune 61˚–83˚F / 16˚–28˚CJuly–Aug 66˚–88˚F / 19˚–31˚CSep 62˚–81˚F / 17˚–27˚COct 55˚–71˚F / 13˚–22˚CNov 48˚–63˚F / 9˚–17˚CDec 43˚–57˚F / 6˚–14˚C

SORRENTO (2)NAPLES (2)

Pompeii

Capri

ITALY

LECCE (2)

TRULLI VALLEY (2)BARI REGION (2)

Benevento

Monte Sant Angelo

Otranto & Wine Tasting

Ostuni

Matera

ROME

Castel del Monte

Tarantella Dinner & Show

Grotte di Castellana

Leave your diet at home—Puglia has been Italy’s breadbasket since the days of the Romans.

Grotte di Castellana

l Overnight Stays

l Included Visit

l Optional Excursion

( ) # of Nights

---Extension

Map Key

Day 13: Enjoy a free day in Rome. You might

choose to join our optional excursion to Vatican

City. This evening, join our optional Dinner with

Tenors excursion.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 14: A Go Ahead representative escorts you to

the airport for your flight home.

Included meals: breakfast

(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast

may not be included.)

Extension is available on select departure dates,

and space is limited. Please call early to hold

your spot. Extension also requires a minimum of

10 travelers.

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Pre-departure information for your tour

Passport and Visa RequirementsIn order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens

need a valid passport. The expiration date must

extend at least six months beyond the date of your

return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Cana-

dian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian

citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for

your specific entry requirements.

Airport and Departure TaxesAll airport and departure taxes for your tour are in-

cluded in the total trip cost printed on your invoice.

Baggage AllowanceAirlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage.

Some airlines may impose additional charges if you

choose to check any baggage. Please contact your

airline or refer to its website for detailed informa-

tion regarding your airline’s checked baggage poli-

cies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably

weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir

shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person.

One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it

does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height).

There may be times when you will have to handle

your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight lug-

gage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you

label your baggage and carry valuables, medication

and documents in your carry-on luggage.

Clothing and Packing TipsLight, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort

when exploring the sights is essential for your

tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of

walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any

eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emer-

gency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an

especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera

or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable

in something more formal. Also, remember that

bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed

in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may

be denied on this basis.

HealthThere are no major health risks when traveling to

Italy. It is always advisable to check with your doc-

tor or health-care provider for the latest updates

and overseas travel requirements.

CuisineOne of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is

the delightful variety of local cuisine. Most of the

staples of the Italian diet have already become

favorites in America, but on your tour, be sure to

try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast

range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and

desserts.

In Puglia, the fertile countryside produces great

quantities of olive oil, grain, tomatoes, grapes, ar-

tichokes, lettuce, fennel, peppers and onions. The

region’s simple cuisine exalts these natural ingre-

dients alongside the abundant fresh seafood and

local lamb and beef. Puglia is renowned for its

homemade pasta, made from local durum wheat

and often formed in unusual shapes such as the

“orecchiette” (little ears). The “calzone” (big sock),

stuffed with onions, black olives, capers, toma-

toes, pecorino cheese, anchovies and parsley, is a

common snack here. Puglia’s primary meat is

lamb, served roasted on a spit, stewed or fried,

while beef is commonly used in meat sauce or for

meatballs. As for seafood, oysters, mussels, cuttle-

fish, octopus and sea turtle are popular. Cheese

made from sheep’s milk, including fresh ricotta

and pecorino, is available everywhere. A hearty

meal in Puglia is often finished with homegrown

yellow or white melons, watermelons or grapes.

For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small,

family-owned restaurants that tend to be set away

from the main piazzas and squares. Italians tend to

indulge in long meals featuring wines and the oc-

casional beer, followed by the requisite after-din-

ner drinks grappa or limoncello. American or Eng-

lish-style bars and pubs are not as common,

although they can be found in the major cities and

currently gaining in popularity, especially in Rome.

Arrival & Transportation InformationRound-trip flights arrive and depart in Naples.

When you first arrive in Naples, a Go Ahead repre-

sentative will meet you after clearing customs.

Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the repre-

sentative might be escorting one of your fellow

travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival. In-

cluded transportation on your tour is by private

motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to

explore the destination cities on foot or by public

transportation.

ElectricityItaly operates on the European standard of 220

volts.

Time ZonesItaly is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

(GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard

Time (EST).

CurrencyThe euro is the currency you will be using on your

tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available

in Italy, although it is worth ordering some cur-

rency from your local bank to use when you first

arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank

cards and credit cards, which can be used to ac-

cess cash at local banks, as needed. You can use

most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the interna-

tional networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to

check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.

We suggest informing your bank and credit card

company of your travel plans, so they don’t con-

fuse your international purchases for fraudulent

charges. Please note: With the conversion to the

euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange

traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities

and they often attract higher fees.

TippingAt the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to

offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gra-

tuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s

currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person

per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/

CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If

applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of

$2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid

in cash. Please keep current local currency ex-

change rates in mind when tipping.

Purchasing Optional Excursions on TourIf you have not yet purchased your optional excur-

sions, you may be able to do so while on your

tour. Your tour director will only accept cash (in

U.S. dollars only), Visa, MasterCard or American

Express as payment for optional excursions. Please

be advised that if you pay for an excursion by

credit card while on tour, it may take up to three

months for your card to be charged. Some op-

tional excursions may only be purchased in ad-

vance. See the separate “Optional Excursions”

sheet for more information.

International travel is, by its very nature, unpredict-

able. We must therefore reserve the right to change

this itinerary without advanced notice to meet with

local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate

your understanding. Please refer to the current cata-

log for terms & conditions, dates and prices.