Early in my travel life, Italy was one of the first countries I visited in the 1990s. A travel agent booked the standard itinerary of Rome, Florence and Venice that simply served to whet my appetite for everything Italian. Over the years, I’ve wanted to delve into the Southern part of this amazing peninsula that dips its toes into the Mediterranean sea and looks like it’s kicking Sicily to the curb.

Another immersive itinerary by Overseas Adventure Travel, this three-week journey took me to places unfamiliar, historic and not often visited by Americans. If you haven’t been to Southern Italy, you’re missing an incredible experience beyond the travels your neighbors are doing.