41 days in Italy Itinerary

Italy is a land of high fashion, fine art, exquisite architecture, luxury sports cars, outstanding cuisine--and an insatiable taste for "la dolce vita." It's also home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites in the world, making it an ideal place for your next holiday. The country boasts a varied landscape of mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and coastal towns, so it's no wonder travelers often refer to it as the bel paese (beautiful country). With so many places to visit, visitors often have a difficult time planning their itinerary. The smaller villages each feature a distinct character and a blend of architecture, art, and cuisine. In the country, you'll find countless archeological sites dating back to Roman times and beyond. The country's cities and seaside resorts are cosmopolitan powerhouses with museums, galleries, restaurants, shops, open-air markets, and pedestrian-friendly historic areas.

Situated at the southeastern tip of the country, Puglia forms the heel on the "boot" of Italy. First colonized by Mycenaean Greeks, the region flourished during Roman times as a major producer of grain and oil. Today, Puglia remains a predominantly agricultural part of the country, though its warm and sunny coastal weather makes it a favorite holiday destination with an ever-increasing number of tourists. The long coastline features attractions like sun-kissed beaches and lively resorts, many of which are overlooked by limestone cliffs. Deeper inland, Puglia is largely flat, a land of charming villages and world-class cuisine. Here, you'll find olive oil, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh seafood to give you sustenance as you continue sightseeing. Despite its reputation as a producer of some Italy's best food and wines, Puglia still has numerous rural corners that most tourists have yet to explore.