Puglia, the Southern most part of Italy. 

It is virtually unknown outside of Italy yet so important in history.  Here was the capital of Magna Grecia ( Greater Greece) or Taras as the city was known, rich magnificent and so luxurious that Rome had to destroy it.   Puglie is a region of incredible sights, modern and ancient, with its wines, cheeses, especially the mozzarellas, olive oil, architecture, coast lines, grottoes, and underground caves. Mystic rites and dances take one back to the Pagan traditions. Medieval Easter processions last for days and evoke the passions and mysteries of old. See strange architecture formed in round stone houses that can be dismantled and moved elsewhere. or rich baroque architecture surrounding ancient Greek theatres.  The beaches and coastline are a tribute to the gods. The food is excellent and natural. The fish is abundant and wonderfully sweet. The wines are robust and hearty and the oil is from century old olive trees.  This is the region of castles, fortresses and clear blue waters.  It is not a well known region and therefore not visited much by tourists.  It is the real Italy. 

The cost of traveling here is less expensive and the region is unspoiled by large number of visitors or busses.