Cuisine & Culture in Southern Italy
Book your tour with confidence knowing we offer the lowest prices possible.
Group Leader: Christine Lepkowski
Requested Return Date: 2/22/2026
ABOUT EF
For over 55 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to one global mission: Opening the World Through Education. Our programs help students expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, grow more confident and independent, and understand new people, places, and cultures.
Savor the sights and bites of southern Italy on this immersive tour.
Explore charming seaside towns and dig in to the local flavor, whether it’s a slice of fresh focaccia or a beachside gelato tasting. As you explore these untapped regions, you’ll experience the concept of farm-to-table firsthand during visits to a buffalo mozzarella farm, a family-owned olive grove, and a small-batch factory that takes chocolate from bean to bar.Due to national and/or religious holidays, some sites may be closed and your itinerary may be modified on the following dates in 2026: March 19, April 3-8, May 1, June 29, and August 14-15. These dates fluctuate each year—please contact us for more information.
-
Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy
-
Day 2: Rome
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a self-guided walking tour of Rome
You will see:
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Spanish Steps
-
Day 3: Rome
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion
Rome cooking class
Discover why food plays such an integral role in Italy’s culture as you dive into this hands-on cooking class. With a local Italian chef as your guide, participate in making several classic Italian recipes. Upon completion, sit down at the table and enjoy the tasty fruits of your labor.
Take a guided tour of Vatican City
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
-
Day 4: Rome • Capua • Benevento
Travel to Capua and Benevento
Visit the Capua Amphitheater and Gladiator Museum
Visit a rural mozzarella di bufala farm (mozzarella cheese)
-
Day 5: Benevento • Matera
Self-guided exploration of Benevento
Visit a multi-generational chocolate factory, sample a variety of flavors
Travel to Matera
Explore Matera during free time on your own
-
Day 6: Matera • Bari
Take a guided tour of Matera
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
- Chiese Rupestri
Travel to the coastal city of Bari
Take a food-themed guided tour of Bari
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Bari Cathedral
- Basilica of St. Nicholas
- Local food vendors
Visit the Basilica di San Nicola
-
Day 7: Bari • Ostuni • Polignano a Mare
Travel to a local masseria (farm)
Tour a local olive farm - sample olive oil
Transfer to Ostuni, the White City. Enjoy a locally guided tour followed by free time for lunch
Enjoy a beach-side gelato in Polignano a Mare
Relax by the Adriatic in Polignano a Mare
-
Day 8: Bari • Alberobello
Take a guided tour of the Castellana Caves
Discover Alberobello's famous truli house with an expert local guide.
-
Day 9: Bari • Rome
Fly from Bari to Rome
Take a guided tour of Rome
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Marcello Theatre
- Campidoglio & Michelangelo Square
- Roman Forum & Colosseum (from the outside)
Explore one of Rome's beautiful neighborhoods on a food-themed walking tour
-
Day 10: Depart for home
-
Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy
-
Day 2: Rome
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a self-guided walking tour of Rome
You will see:
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Spanish Steps
-
Day 3: Rome
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion
Rome cooking class
Discover why food plays such an integral role in Italy’s culture as you dive into this hands-on cooking class. With a local Italian chef as your guide, participate in making several classic Italian recipes. Upon completion, sit down at the table and enjoy the tasty fruits of your labor.
Take a guided tour of Vatican City
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
-
Day 4: Rome • Capua • Benevento
Travel to Capua and Benevento
Visit the Capua Amphitheater and Gladiator Museum
Visit a rural mozzarella di bufala farm (mozzarella cheese)
-
Day 5: Benevento • Matera
Self-guided exploration of Benevento
Visit a multi-generational chocolate factory, sample a variety of flavors
Travel to Matera
Explore Matera during free time on your own
-
Day 6: Matera • Bari
Take a guided tour of Matera
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
- Chiese Rupestri
Travel to the coastal city of Bari
Take a food-themed guided tour of Bari
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Bari Cathedral
- Basilica of St. Nicholas
- Local food vendors
Visit the Basilica di San Nicola
-
Day 7: Bari • Ostuni • Polignano a Mare
Travel to a local masseria (farm)
Tour a local olive farm - sample olive oil
Transfer to Ostuni, the White City. Enjoy a locally guided tour followed by free time for lunch
Enjoy a beach-side gelato in Polignano a Mare
Relax by the Adriatic in Polignano a Mare
-
Day 8: Bari • Alberobello
Take a guided tour of the Castellana Caves
Discover Alberobello's famous truli house with an expert local guide.
-
Day 9: Bari • Rome
Fly from Bari to Rome
Take a guided tour of Rome
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Marcello Theatre
- Campidoglio & Michelangelo Square
- Roman Forum & Colosseum (from the outside)
Explore one of Rome's beautiful neighborhoods on a food-themed walking tour
-
Day 10: Depart for home
Looking for answers? They’re all in one place.
What’s important to you is important to us
-
-
Flexibility & coverage
Policies like Peace of
Learn more
Mind help make sure you feel
covered and supported. -
Payment plans
We make payments affordable and approachable with personalized payment plans, fundraising tips, and scholarship opportunities.
Learn more
Reviews
See your tour come to life
Your experience includes
-
Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; comfortable motorcoach
-
Hotels
8 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms
-
Regional-style meals
European breakfast and dinner daily
-
Cuisine & culture highlights
1 visit to a local farm; 2 locally guided walking tours with food tastings
-
Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
-
Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
-
Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
-
Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
-
24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
-
Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Questions about this tour? Connect with us one-on-one via live chat,
or give us a call at 800-665-5364.
