Mezzogiorno: The Traditional South

Near Frascati, a famous wine growing city, you will cross the invisible border to Mezzogiorno, or Southern Italy. This pre-modern region is vastly different from the efficient North. In Montecassino you can stop at the oldest monastery in the Occident.

Near Potenza you will traverse the Apennine Mountains before entering Basilicata, one of the most diverse regions in Italy with romantic valleys, enchanting vineyards and enticing olive groves. You may want to take Via Appia, an old Roman road that winds through des mountainous landscape.

The route will pass the industrial city of Tarent on the Salento Peninsula. The Baroque city of Lecce, one of the most picturesque towns in Apulia, is worth a stop.

The highlight of this stretch is the ancient town of Trani, one of the most scenic cities in Apulia. The 12th century basilica offers a tremendous view from its perch high above the sea.

After passing through fertile vineyards and olive groves you will reach the Gargano mountain range near Manfredonia. If time allows you should stop in Monte San Angelo, where according to legend the archangel Michael appeared in the 5th century. This led to the founding of a religious order which many centuries later resulted in the creation of the Mont St. Michel monasteries in Brittany and Cornwall.

You will drive along the coast of the Adriatic Sea to Pescara, then cross the Apennine Mountains south of the Gran Sasso, Italy's highest mountain.