From Rome to Puglia | Guided Group Tour | 12 Days

DAY 1:                                   ROME 

Upon arrival at Rome Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Rome.   

DAY 2:                                   ROME   

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Rome at your own pace. Overnight in Rome. (B) 

2026 DEPARTURES:

DAY 3:                                   ROME – SORRENTO 

After breakfast, depart at 7:00 am by coach, crossing Lazio and Campania to reach Sorrento along the scenic Sorrentine Coast. Explore its charming streets, artisan shops, and historic churches. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel (jacket required for men) and overnight stay. (B, D) 

2027 DEPARTURES:

DAY 3:                                   ROME – POMPEII – SORRENTO 

After breakfast, depart at approximately 7:00am and travel south through the Italian countryside, with a short stop along the way. Continue to Pompeii, situated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Explore the remarkable Pompeii Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an expert licensed guide. The approximately 2.5-hour tour reveals the daily life of ancient Rome through remarkably preserved streets, houses, bakeries, temples, frescoes and mosaics. Continue to Sorrento, enjoying spectacular coastal scenery along the way. In the evening, dinner is served at the hotel, with smart-casual attire recommended. Overnight in Sorrento. (B, D)

DAY 4:                                   SORRENTO – CAPRI – SORRENTO    

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Capri, one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous islands. Weather permitting, visit the enchanting Blue Grotto by rowboat. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch (not included) and explore the island at your leisure. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D) 

DAY 5:                                   SORRENTO – CASERTA – BARI (NOT ESCORTED)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at your leisure. At the scheduled time, meet your driver at the hotel and transfer to Caserta and board the train to Bari. Upon arrival at Bari station, meet the driver for an included transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Bari. (B)  

DAY 6:                                   BARI  

After breakfast, meet the Tour Leader for a guided morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Explore the historic old town, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle (entrance fee not included), offering impressive views over the city. Continue to Piazza Mercantile and see the historic Column of Justice. The remainder of the afternoon is free for lunch and independent exploration. Dinner and overnight in Bari. (B, D)

DAY 7:                                   BARI – TRANI – CASTEL DEL MONTE – ALBEROBELLO   

After breakfast, depart Bari by coach for Trani, known as the “Pearl of Puglia“. Explore this historic medieval town, renowned for its art, monuments, Jewish Quarter and spectacular white-stone Cathedral of Trani. In the afternoon, visit Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Frederick II. Discover the mysterious octagonal fortress and its remarkable architecture. Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its distinctive Trulli, cone-shaped stone houses dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy a welcome toast featuring local white wine and traditional Apulian taralli. Dinner and overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)

DAY 8:                                   ALBEROBELLO – MATERA – ALBEROBELLO  

After breakfast, travel to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the “Sassi di Matera”, ancient caves that have been used as homes for over 9,000 years and are part of the historic centre. Explore the Romanesque Cathedral, with its stunning Campanile (Bell Tower), and enjoy the amazing view of the Sassi. Afterward, return to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay. (B, D) 

DAY 9:                                   ALBEROBELLO – LOCOROTONDO – OSTUNI – LECCE  

After breakfast, depart Alberobello by coach for Locorotondo, one of Puglia’s picturesque white towns. Enjoy free time to explore the charming historic centre. Next, travel to Ostuni, overlooking a coastal plain dotted with ancient olive trees. Enjoy free time to explore, shop and sample local specialities, including the renowned Ostuni olive oil. Continue to Lecce for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 10:                                 LECCE – OTRANTO – MAGLIE – LECCE  

After breakfast, enjoy a three-hour guided tour of Lecce, exploring the historic centre and its magnificent Baroque architecture. Visit the 12th-century Lecce Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. Then continue by coach to Otranto and enjoy free time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic town, shaped by Greek, Roman and Turkish influences. Visit the impressive Otranto Cathedral, renowned for its extraordinary mosaic floor and the relics of 813 martyrs. In the evening, travel to Maglie for dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto, an historic farm offering an authentic taste of Puglian cuisine and culture. Return to Lecce for an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 11:                                 LECCE – MARTINA FRANCA – MONOPOLI – BARI  

After breakfast, travel through the scenic Murge Plateau to Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town known for its churches, noble buildings and beautiful Piazza Plebiscito. Explore the Cathedral, Ducal Palace and Torre dell’Orologio, followed by free time to discover the town. Continue through the picturesque Valle d’Itria, characterised by olive groves and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone. Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience featuring traditional Puglian specialities such as focaccia, orecchiette and cavatelli, accompanied by local wines. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a charming fortified seaside town, before continuing to Bari for an overnight stay. (B, L)

DAY 12:                                 BARI   

After breakfast, departure transfer to Bari Airport. End of services. (B) 

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR): 

ROME: Hotel St. Martin, or Hotel Diana Roof Garden  

SORRENTO: Grand Hotel Vesuvio 

BARI: Excelsior Hotel Bari  

ALBEROBELLO*: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri  

LECCE: Hotel Delle Palme, or Hotel Mercure President 

*OPTIONAL UPGRADE: 

Option to upgrade to a Trullo stay in Alberobello. Supplement applies and must be requested at the time of booking. 

INCLUDES: 

• 11 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels, with an option to stay in a Trullo in Alberobello
• Arrival and departure transfers on first and last day of tour
• Meals as per itinerary
• Guided sightseeing tours in Capri (Blue Grotto), Bari, Castel del Monte, Matera, Lecca, and Martina Franca
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Cooking experience at Masseria Montenapoleone
• Entrance fees to Casa Grotta (Matera), Otranto Cathedral, and the Churches of Lecce
• Transfer from Sorrento hotel to Caserta train station
• Train from Caserta to Bari
• Transfer from Bari train station to hotel
• Guided tour with “Skip the Line” tickets to Pompeii (only included for departures in 2027)

EXCLUDES: 

• Entrance tickets to sites and museums (unless stated otherwise)
• City tax (to be paid directly at the hotel)
• Beverages
• Hotel taxes and or service charges
• Tips
• Everything which is not mentioned in “includes”

THINGS TO NOTE: 

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes, but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.
• Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore, coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.
• If the minimum participant requirement is not met, the bus will operate with two tour leaders, with at least one guaranteed to speak English only.
• During peak season, visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri may involve long lines and limited capacity. If access is not possible, or the weather conditions do not allow it, the guides will suggest alternative attractions to ensure a satisfying and memorable tour (e.g. Faraglioni rocks).