From Rome to Puglia | Guided Group Tour | 8 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) 

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) 

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 to explore the island at your leisure. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (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, where you will board your train to Bari. Upon arrival at Bari station, meet your driver for your included transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and enjoy your overnight stay. (B) 

DAY 6:                                   BARI  

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your Tour Leader for a morning tour of Bari, Puglia’s capital. Explore the old town, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle (castle entry at your own expense), then continue to Piazza Mercantile to see the historic Column of Justice. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch. Dinner and overnight in Bari. (B, D) 

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

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Bari by coach for Trani, the “Pearl of Puglia.” Explore this medieval town, known for its art, monuments, Jewish quarter, and striking white-stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, visit Castel del Monte, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Roger the Norman, famed for its mysterious octagonal design. Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO-listed town celebrated for its 14th-century Trulli-cone-shaped stone houses creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Arrive at your hotel for a welcome toast with local white wine and Apulian taralli, followed by dinner and overnight stay. (B, D) 

DAY 8:                                   ALBEROBELLO – MATERA – ALBEROBELLO  

After breakfast, the coach will take you 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  

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Alberobello by coach and head to Locorotondo, a small-town part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Enjoy free time to explore. Next, travel to Ostuni, located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooking the coastal plain with ancient olive trees. Enjoy free time to visit this “white town,” with options for lunch, shopping, and tasting local products like the famous Ostuni olive oil (at your own expense). In the late afternoon, board the coach to reach Lecce, in the heart of Salento. Dinner and overnight stay. (B, D) 

DAY 10:                                 LECCE – OTRANTO – MAGLIE – LECCE  

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce, exploring the old town centre, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. Then, board the coach to Otranto, where you’ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, explore Otranto at your own pace. The city has witnessed Greek, Roman, and Turkish invasions, leaving traces of each culture. Wander the old quarters to see this blend. Don’t miss the iconic Cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed behind the altar, and its marvellous mosaic floor, rivalling Ravenna’s. End your day with dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto in Maglie, learning about Puglia’s history and culture. (B, D) 

DAY 11:                                 LECCE – MARTINA FRANCA – MONOPOLI – BARI  

After breakfast, depart for Bari, crossing the distinctive landscapes of the Murge plateau. Stop in Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town, to explore its Cathedral, Ducal Palace, Torre dell’Orologio, and Piazza Plebiscito, with some free time to wander. Continue through the Valle d’Itria, a countryside dotted with olive trees and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Pugliese dishes such as focaccia, orecchiette, and cavatelli, paired with local wines. Enjoy a lunch featuring your creations, made with organic local ingredients. In the afternoon, visit the seaside citadel of Monopoli before returning to Bari for an overnight stay. (B, L) 

DAY 12:                                 BARI   

After breakfast, departure transfer to Bari airport. End of our 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
• Sightseeing tours in Capri (Blue Grotto), Bari, Castel del Monte, Matera, Lecca, and Martina Franca
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Cooking experience
• 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

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.