Overview

Discover Forgotten Italy on a 12-day tour through regions that many visitors never see: Calabria, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, Umbria and Le Marche. This entry-level itinerary combines 3–4 star boutique hotels, countryside estates, shared transfers and group cultural experiences.

From the cliffs of Tropea and the cave dwellings of Matera to Abruzzo’s national parks, Umbrian truffle country and the Renaissance city of Urbino, you’ll experience authentic landscapes, crafts, food and traditions far from the usual tourist routes.

Best travel season: April–June & September–October
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Travel style: Slow travel, nature, food & wine, local culture
From: €4,500 per person (based on double occupancy)

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Why You’ll Love This Trip

• Explore lesser-known regions of Italy: Calabria, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, Umbria and Le Marche.

• Stay in curated 3–4★ boutique hotels and countryside properties with local charm.

• Experience Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi, Abruzzo’s national parks and the Renaissance heritage of Urbino.

• Taste the real Italy with seafood in Calabria, Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines, Verdicchio from Le Marche and Umbrian truffles.

• Join shared cultural tours and tastings for value and conviviality, with free time built into the itinerary.

• Travel at a gentle pace, with a mix of coastal walks, countryside drives, village visits and artisan encounters.

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Who This Trip Is For

• Travelers who have already seen the Italian “classics” and now want authentic, less crowded regions.

• Food and wine lovers drawn to local produce, traditional recipes and small family-run wineries.

• Curious guests who enjoy village life, artisan workshops, nature and slower rhythms.

• Couples, friends and small groups looking for comfort without formality, and ready for some off-the-beaten-path travel.

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Off the beaten path day by day

 

Day 1 – Arrival in Calabria

Arrive at Lamezia Terme Airport and meet your driver for a private transfer to a selected boutique coastal hotel on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring fresh local seafood and Calabrian wines, while your host introduces the journey through Forgotten Italy.

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Day 2 – Calabria – Tyrrhenian Coast

Spend the morning in Tropea, exploring its cliffside old town, panoramic terraces and nearby beaches. Stroll through narrow lanes, small churches and lively piazzas overlooking the sea.

In the afternoon, take part in a tasting of local specialties, including ’nduja, Pecorino del Monte Poro and seasonal produce.

Return to your coastal hotel for an evening at leisure. (Optional sunset boat trip available as an upgrade.)

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Day 3 – Calabria to Basilicata – Matera

Depart Calabria and travel by shared transfer through changing landscapes to Basilicata.

Arrive in Matera and join a guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Sassi cave dwellings, learning about the city’s unique architecture and social history.

Check in at a boutique hotel or cave-style property. Dinner is arranged in a restored cave restaurant, showcasing regional flavors in an atmospheric setting.

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Day 4 – Basilicata Countryside & Aglianico Wines

Today you discover small hill towns and artisan workshops in the Basilicata countryside. Visit local ceramics or weaving ateliers and meet craftspeople keeping traditional skills alive.

In the afternoon, continue to a family-run wine estate to taste Aglianico del Vulture, one of Southern Italy’s most characterful reds. Return to your accommodation and enjoy an evening at leisure in Matera or the surrounding countryside.

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Day 5 – Basilicata to Abruzzo – Mountain Villages

Leave Basilicata and cross into Abruzzo, heading towards the region’s national parks.

In the afternoon, visit a mountain village and a shepherd’s cheese farm, where you’ll learn about traditional production methods and enjoy tastings of local cheeses.

Settle into a countryside inn or mountain lodge in Abruzzo. Dinner is free this evening, with recommendations provided for local trattorie. (Farm-to-table dinner can be included as an upgrade.)

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Day 6 – Abruzzo Wine & Nature

Today focuses on Abruzzo’s vineyards and landscapes. Join a wine tour in the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano vineyards, meeting local producers and sampling their wines.

In the afternoon, enjoy time in Gran Sasso National Park with the possibility of a gentle hike or e-bike route (group activity, suitable for varying fitness levels).

Return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening.

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Day 7 – Abruzzo to Molise – Villages & Traditions

Travel towards Molise, a region of medieval towns and rural traditions.

On the way, stop in Sulmona, famed for its colorful confetti candies, and visit an artisan workshop to see how they’re made.

Continue into Molise, arriving in or near a medieval hill town where you’ll stay in a simple but characterful 3–4★ boutique property. Evening at leisure. (A private folk music performance is available as an ultra-luxury upgrade.)

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Day 8 – Molise to Umbria – Countryside Estate

Depart Molise and head north towards Umbria, the “green heart” of Italy.

Check in at a countryside estate or agriturismo-style property surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a sunset wine tasting accompanied by regional cheeses, cured meats and local breads, introducing you to Umbrian flavors.

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Day 9 – Umbria – Truffle Hunting & Hill Towns

This morning, join an authentic truffle hunt with an expert guide and trained dogs in the Umbrian countryside. Learn how truffles are found and valued, then enjoy a cooking class or truffle-themed lunch showcasing your discoveries.

In the afternoon, visit a medieval hill town such as Spello or Bevagna, with time to stroll the stone lanes, churches and artisan boutiques. Return to your estate for a peaceful evening.

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Day 10 – Umbria to Le Marche – Villas & Verdicchio

Cross the Apennines into Le Marche, arriving at a restored villa or boutique hotel in the countryside or near a historic town.

In the afternoon, take part in a wine tasting of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, one of Italy’s standout white wines, learning about the terroir and winemaking style of Le Marche.

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Day 11 – Le Marche Heritage – Urbino & Artisans

Today you explore the cultural richness of Le Marche.

In the morning, visit Renaissance Urbino (UNESCO) with a licensed guide (entry level: group guided tour, art historian upgrade available). Explore the Palazzo Ducale and the historic center, once home to one of Italy’s most refined courts.

In the afternoon, visit artisan shoemakers in Montegranaro or paper-makers in Fabriano, learning how traditional crafts have shaped local identity. Return to your villa or boutique hotel for a final evening in Forgotten Italy.

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Day 12 – Departure

After breakfast, your journey through Forgotten Italy comes to an end.

A private transfer will bring you to Ancona, Rome or Bologna Airport depending on your onward travel plans.

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What’s Included

• Accommodation

  • 11 nights in carefully selected 3–4★ boutique hotels, agriturismi and countryside stays across:

    • Calabria (Tyrrhenian coast)

    • Basilicata (Matera and/or countryside)

    • Abruzzo (national park area or mountain village)

    • Molise (medieval town)

    • Umbria (countryside estate)

    • Le Marche (restored villa or boutique hotel)

• Transportation

  • Private arrival transfer from Lamezia Terme Airport to your hotel in Calabria.

  • Group/shared transfers between destinations as per itinerary.

  • Private departure transfer to Ancona, Rome or Bologna Airport.

• Guided Tours & Experiences

  • Group walking tour of Tropea and tasting of Calabrian specialties.

  • Guided visit of Matera’s Sassi (UNESCO).

  • Visits to artisan workshops (ceramics, weaving, confetti candies, crafts in Le Marche), as per program.

  • Wine tastings in Basilicata (Aglianico del Vulture), Abruzzo (Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano) and Le Marche (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi).

  • Visit to a shepherd’s cheese farm in Abruzzo with tasting.

  • Sunset wine and local products tasting in Umbria.

  • Truffle hunting experience in Umbria with guide and dogs, followed by truffle-focused meal (lunch or cooking class with tasting).

  • Group guided tour of Urbino and the Palazzo Ducale (standard access).

• Meals

  • Daily breakfast at hotels.

  • Welcome dinner in Calabria (set menu, drinks as per local standard).

  • Dinner in a cave restaurant in Matera (set menu).

  • Truffle lunch or cooking class with truffle-based meal in Umbria.

• Support

  • English-speaking licensed guides for scheduled group tours.

  • On-trip assistance during business hours from our local team.

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What’s Not Included

• International flights to/from Italy.

• City or tourist taxes, payable locally at hotels.

• Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the program.

• Optional activities such as boat trips, e-bike rentals, extra tastings and private experiences.

• Tips, personal expenses and travel insurance.

• Premium and ultra-luxury upgrades (5★ hotels, private art historian guides, exclusive events).

Upgrade your Forgotten Italy journey
This entry-level itinerary can be elevated to premium or ultra-luxury with 4–5★ design hotels, private drivers, dedicated guides, farm-to-table dinners, sunset boat trips, ultra-private truffle hunts and exclusive folk music or classical concerts. Our travel designers can tailor your Forgotten Italy 12 day tour to your preferred comfort level.