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Puglia and Matera

An eight-day vacation exploring Matera and Puglia offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cave dwellings. Meet local a local guide to learn about the history of the Sassi.  

A Journey Through

Time

Day 1

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your English Speaking Chauffeur driver - Transfer to the town of Matera. Enjoy a sunset walk and aperitivo overlooking the Sassi with a local expert guide. Enjoy a tasting of regional food and wine

Day 2

After breakfast and a night in a cave Hotel meet a local guide for a walking tour to discover the ancient City of Matera

Day 3

You can go ahead and transfer to the Itria Valley and arrive at your Hotel in a Masseria. A Masseria is an original farmhouse that has been transformed into a Boutique Hotel. Before arriving at your Hotel, you will meet a local Guide at Castel del Monte to discover the 13th-century castle designed by the great King Frederick. Visit a boutique winery for a lunch and wine pairing. In the evening, take a sunset walk around the famous town of Alberobello, known for its Trulli Homes. Your guide will give you an insight into the origins of the Trulli. Enjoy an aperitivo with seasonal and typical Puglian Flavors

Day 4

After breakfast, meet your Chauffeur for a transfer to the Port at Polignano al Mare. Discover the Grottos and caves around the fishing village. Enjoy a drink on board and, if the weather permits, a swim. Enjoy a walk around the quaint town of Monopoli and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5

Discover the Millenium Olive Trees in the 'White Town' Ostuni. Puglia is the second-largest producer of Olive oil in the world. Gain insight into this ancient industry and learn about the liquid Gold. Continue for lunch in Ostuni at a Typical Restaurant.

Day 6

Enjoy a scenic drive to Salento as you make your way toward the southern tip. Enjoy a stop at a boutique winery for a tour of the cellars and lunch. Arrive in the Baroque City of Lecce. You will be welcome to a stunning location in the city centre where you will enjoy two nights to take in the charm of this magic city.

Day 7

Meet a local guide after breakfast to discover the beautiful city of Lecce and its hidden treasures. Along the main roads, you will meet with local designers and craft artisans to learn about the city's past and present.

Day 8

After breakfast and check out you will transfer to the Bari Airport

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We always add a hands-on cooking class experience whenever we travel to Italy. Linda has organized our family trips for the past 17 years with cooking classes in Tuscany, Naples, Ravello, Alberobello & Umbria

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Jennie Balboni
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"What a /wonderful/ experience we had with /Linda‘s/ guidance."

She worked through several itineraries based on changes demanded during the Covid environment. Not only was she patient with us, but she constantly kept us informed of details and created solutions to most effectively navigate the problems. The tour guides we had were all incredible across Rome, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Florence, Siena, and Tuscany. We wouldn’t hesitate to use Linda and her team the next time we travel.

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Jason Connor
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"The view was absolutely /stunning/ & perfect on a nice /warm/ Tuscany day."

Today we toured Siena and San Gimignano with a stop at an amazing winery for lunch. Carlo was our driver and he was magnificent. Very courteous and knowledgeable about the area and wines. The winery he took us to for wine tasting and meal was extraordinary. Delicious wines (we sampled six) and wonderful food to go with it.

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Doug Huls
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"They have all been /unforgettable/ experiences"

We always add a hands-on cooking class experience whenever we travel to Italy. Linda has organized our family trips for the past 17 years with cooking classes in Tuscany, Naples, Ravello, Alberobello & Umbria

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Jennie Balboni
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"/One word/ comes to mind when I think our recent Italian adventure ... /amazing/!"

Alberto planned the perfect trip for my family. They found unique tours and excursions that were interesting to my adult children and even arranged that my elderly mother got a taste of Rome, Tuscany, Venice, and Florence. Alberto even arranged for my mother to visit the hometown where my grand mother grew up. My Mother has not stopped telling everyone back home about her wonderful Italian vacation!

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Italy Customized went above and beyond to make our honeymoon 5 star! Nothing but great things to say about Linda and her team. Highly recommend their services!

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Ryan D'Amico
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"We had /extremely enjoyable/ experiences in each of the cities"

Linda arranged hotels, guides and even a very experienced art guide for us in Rome that resulted in us adding many pieces to our personal collection. She did such a fabulous job that we decided to use her services again when we returned to Italy in the Fall of 2022. We had extremely enjoyable experiences in each of the cities and guides who catered to our desires. We highly recommend Linda to plan your trip of a lifetime!

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Stan Biderman
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They were absolutely thrilled by the chance to see these iconic supercars up close. This experience has left us all with cherished memories that we'll look back on fondly for years to come.

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Mark Severson
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"Linda went /above/ and /beyond/ anything we ever could have expected."

Italy Customized planned a personable family vacation that included all of our particular needs.We sent them the cities we wanted to visit and they personalized and organized everything. We mean everything so we had no worries or concerns!

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Beth Marshall & family
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"We /loved/ every hotel, /dining/ and touring experience."

We were referred to Linda at Italy Customized, and could not be happier with our experience. The guides were all outstanding and VERY knowledgeable about every detail. Linda texted us daily with our guide for the day and meeting spot. Although we already had the information, it was a lovely touch.Italy Customized is the perfect name, because we had a truly customized experience curated by Linda and her team.

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Tony Deblauxe
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"For our 25 year /anniversary/, we wanted to do it /right/."

I wish there was a 10 star rating! Linda gave great suggestions to maximize the 11 days and we did! She is VERY knowledgable about Italy and knows all of the special places to eat, stay and see. Without hesitation, we will call upon Linda for our next trip!

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Roxanne Deblauxe
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"Linda put together an /amazing/ trip for us to the /Amalfi Coast/"

We had friendly, on-time drivers everywhere we went, a fantastic boat ride from Positano to Capri, and great guides along the Path of the Gods Pompeii, and Capri. Plus a wonderful cooking class in Capri! The trip was absolutely flawless!

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Greg Severson
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"We can not wait to /return/!"

Our family vacation started in Venice. It was our favorite city, even after many friends and family recommended only a day in the city we went with Linda's advice and stayed for three nights. Her expertise in providing the perfect guides for our children, the best places to eat, and superb experiences.

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Alexis, Ryan & Family
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"The /best/ travel planner in the business"

Linda went above and beyond anything we ever could have expected. Her attention to detail is spectacular. She is well connected with individuals and guides in many cities and very knowledgeable herself. She worked tirelessly the entire time to make sure our family was able to relax and enjoy our time in Italy. We can honestly say that Linda Sorgiovanni is the best travel planner in the business and we highly recommend Italy Customized.

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Beth Marshall
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"Italy Customized is a /wonderful/ company, run by /exceptional/ people."

All the tours and guides they arranged were absolutely amazing. They went above and beyond to find the perfect location and Hotel for entire family or group. Can't wait to start planning the next trip!

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Melissa and Scott Harding
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"Italy Customized is the /epitome/ of /luxury/ & personalization."

Italy Customized was the best decision we made for our honeymoon! Linda made our trip seamless and booked the best resturants, excursions, tours and hotels. Our transportation was top notch and couldn't imagine going around Italy any other way. We will be using her service again in the future and 100% recommended her company without any hesitation.

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Lauren Barbo
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"All /top notch/!! Highly recommend!!"

Linda was great. There was attention to every detail, whether it was transportation, excursions or hotels.

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Ken Fulginiti
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"We /highly/ recommend Linda to plan your trip of a /lifetime/."

Linda's knowledge of Italy in addition to the fact that she lives there and also travels throughout the country regularly is a huge plus in arranging a one-of-a-kind experience. She listens to what you desire to do and your interests. Linda is diligent in finding the right guides to match your wishes. Her experience in the travel industry and the fact that she is easy to reach if a problem arises assures that you will have an amazing trip. She takes a personal interest in her clients.

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"Italy Customized is /amazing!/"

We traveled for 14 days with 12 people our multi gen family and Linda made sure to meet the wants and needs of each person! She is flexible and very accommodating. She went above and beyond to ensure we were all happy and had a great time every day. Highly recommend!

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Melissa & Scott Harding
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"Linda created /unique/, authentic, & /remarkable/ experiences for us."

From the moment we contacted Italy Customized, we knew that our trip was in the hands of experts who knew and loved the people and the regions that we would be visiting in Italy. We had the great pleasure of meeting Linda on our very first trip to Tuscany and she immediately stole our hearts. In fact, we looked to her to help with our visits for three years in a row!

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Lance Koenig
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"Alberto is Simply /the Best/!"

He arranged our 3- week honeymoon from Venice to Positano to perfection. We can't recommend him and Italy customized more

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Forrest Priuli
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"Pictures do not show the /beauty/ and the /warm welcome/ everyone gave us."

From Begining to the end Alberto planned the most perfect trip for us. We still talk about it daily! Alberto greeted us in Florence. He brought us to Tuscany where we stayed at the most beautiful place we have ever been to. Pictures do not show the beauty and the warm welcome everyone gave us. We can't wait to go back to Italy we recommend Alberto to everyone and we only plan our Italian holidays with Italy customized!

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Francesca & Anthony
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"Got exposed to all the secret gems of Florence."

“The Florence Foodies Walk was a great tour! Got exposed to all the secret gems of Florence. Would recommend to any foodies.”

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Renee S.
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"Vineyards, /wine tasting/, Pompeii, the /Colosseum/, and much more…"

We could not have had a more wonderful Italy experience than the one planned for us by Linda and Alberto! They really listened to what we wanted and planned a number of unique experiences for the four of us. The tours were outstanding, the drivers were prompt and courteous, our dinners were booked in advance at wonderful restaurants in both Rome and Florence. As an artist, one of the highlights for me was a paper marbling class at a fourth generation store where they restore books, marble the covers, make paper, et. We visited a shop which repairs stained glass for the Vatican, picked up some beautifully designed glass pieces, picked up marble mosaic squares for projects, and much more. We stayed at terrific hotels in great locations. Linda communicated with us daily via WhatsApp and before we left Florence she met us near the Duomo and treated us to coffee /drinks. She was flexible with our schedule, adjusting when needed. The agency app provided itineraries, train tickets, instructions, names of guides, where to meet, eliminating any uncertainties. Vineyards, wine tasting, Pompeii, Villa Medici, the coliseum, the Forum, the Vatican and much more…it was a fabulous experience. Thank you Linda!

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Jeanne Nikolai Olivieri
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What a /Perfect/ Day!

Alberto Arranged an amazing Day trip in Chianti for our family. Delicious tastings at an organic farm. We wish we used Italy Customized to do more of our 2-week Italian family vacations.

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The Cibotti Family
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"Linda planned every aspect of our /trip of a lifetime/ to perfection!"

Since we were traveling with our adult children ages 18 & 20, we wanted to hit the historical highlights while embracing the Italian food and culture. Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed our Vespa tour of Rome with Roberto. Our son loved hiking in Cinque Terre. We all had a blast cooking with Claudia and wine tasting in Tuscany at Cantina Canaio! Every transfer, accommodation, private guide, driver, assistant, and restaurant recommendation was top-notch.

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Bethany Wanamaker
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"We visited /hotels/ & /restaurants/ that we would’ve /never/ found."

We had a great trip to Italy, in large part because of Linda‘s help. She is not only a wonderful and informative person, but a fantastic planner and guide! She introduced us to hotels and restaurants that we never would’ve found without her help. We would highly recommend Linda and Italy Customized - you simply can’t go wrong using them!

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Tim & Wynn Curran
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Sip, Savor, Explore: Florence's Ultimate Aperitivo Adventure!

Italy Customized's Aperitivo Tour is simply outstanding! Linda is so knowledgeable and incredibly personable, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Whether it's your first day in Florence or a frequent visitor like me, this tour never disappoints. Every moment is a delight, from exploring the city's wine bars to indulging in delicious charcuterie platters paired with Tuscan wines. And let's remember the fascinating insights into regional grape varietals and the history behind Florence's signature cocktails. I've taken friends and clients on this tour multiple times, and it's an absolute hit each time. Highly recommend it!

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Travis Justice - at Total Tuscany
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