In Southern Italy, experience the rich culture of Puglia and Naples with exclusive access to world-class museums and artisan workshops.
Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Southern Italy, from Baroque cathedrals and ancient frescoes to contemporary masterpieces and charming artisan workshops. Follow in the footsteps of esteemed artists as Dr. Jill Deupi, Beaux Arts Director and Chief Curator of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum, guides you through the historic piazzas of Puglia and Naples.
Exclusive Entry to Private Workshops
Meet world-renowned sculptor Renzo Buttazzo with exclusive entry to his private workshop, and watch as he demonstrates ancient stone carving techniques. Experience 13th-century architecture with an expert-guided tour of Castel de Monte, then continue to Matera to explore the atmospheric chambers of MUSMA, the world’s only cave museum housing over 400 masterworks. Enjoy a private visit to Museo di Capidomonte, a Neoclassical palace, then continue to the Thomas Thane Gallery, which overlooks the iconic Bay of Naples.
Highlights
- Join Dr. Jill Deupi, Beaux Arts Director and Chief Curator of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum, on a very personal, exclusive cultural journey through Puglia and Naples, drawing upon her years of research and travels throughout Southern Italy
- Follow Dr. Deupi’s footsteps to Pozzuoli’s jewel-box church, San Raffaele Arcangelo, to experience Giacinto Diano’s magnificent Martyrdom of Saint Catherine altarpiece
- Meet internationally acclaimed sculptor Renzo Buttazzo in his Lecce workshop, where he preserves the ancient tradition of pietra leccese stonework, crafting masterpieces from the region’s prized golden limestone
- Discover the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Galatina, where expert guides will showcase one of Southern Italy’s finest medieval fresco cycles
- Experience exclusive access to contemporary artist Nini Bonavoglia’s private home in Otranto for an intimate cocktail reception and introduction to current Italian artistic innovation
- Tour Castel del Monte with expert guides to explore Frederick II’s 13th-century geometric marvel — a perfectly octagonal castle that exemplifies medieval architectural precision and mathematical sophistication
- Visit MUSMA in Matera with a curator to experience the world’s only cave museum dedicated to contemporary sculpture, housed within the 16th-century Palazzo Pomarici amid the city’s prehistoric sassi (cave dwellings)
- Enjoy an insider’s look at the Thomas Dane Gallery, featuring its works by leading international contemporary artists hosted in a historic palazzo overlooking the Bay of Naples
- Savor Southern Italy’s culinary artistry through exclusive experiences, from an immersion in traditional Puglian orecchiette-making in Bari to a private cooking class in Valle d’Itria