Highlights of Puglia with Rome | Guided Small Group Tour | 11 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 – BARI  

After breakfast, transfer to the station for the train journey to Bari, the gateway to Puglia. Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bari. (B)

DAY 3:                                   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 afternoon is free for lunch and independent exploration. Dinner and overnight in Bari. (B, D)

DAY 4:                                   BARI – TRANI – CASTEL DEL MONTE – ALBEROBELLO 

After breakfast, depart Bari by coach for Trani, known as the “Pearl of Puglia”. Explore the historic centre, Jewish Quarter and impressive white-stone Cathedral of Trani. Continue to 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. Next to Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed Trulli, distinctive cone-shaped stone dwellings 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 5:                                   ALBEROBELLO – MATERA – ALBEROBELLO    

After breakfast, travel to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for the extraordinary Sassi di Matera. Discover the ancient cave dwellings, which have been inhabited for thousands of years, forming one of Italy’s most fascinating historic landscapes. Admire the Matera Cathedral and its impressive bell tower, along with panoramic views across the Sassi. Return to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)

DAY 6:                                   ALBEROBELLO – LOCOROTONDO – OSTUNI – LECCE  

After breakfast, depart Alberobello for Locorotondo, one of Puglia’s picturesque “white towns”. Enjoy free time to explore the charming historic centre. Continue to Ostuni, enjoy free time to explore the historic streets, browse local shops and sample regional products, including the renowned Ostuni olive oil. In the late afternoon, travel onward to Lecce, for dinner and an overnight stay in Lecce. (B, D)

DAY 7:                                   LECCE – OTRANTO – MAGLIE – LECCE   

After breakfast, enjoy a three-hour guided tour of Lecce, exploring the old town, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. Continue by coach to Otranto, with free time for lunch (lunch not included) before discovering this coastal gem at your own pace. Visit its famous Cathedral, known for a stunning mosaic floor and the relics of 813 martyrs. In the evening, travel to Maglie for dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto, a historic farmhouse serving regional specialties, then return to Lecce for overnight stay. (B, D) 

DAY 8:                                   LECCE – MARTINA FRANCA – MONOPOLI – BARI   

After breakfast, travel through the scenic Murge Plateau to Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town in the heart of the Valle d’Itria. Explore the historic centre, including Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, Ducal Palace and Torre dell’Orologio. Continue through the picturesque Valle d’Itria, characterised by olive groves and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone. Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience featuring traditional fresh pasta such as orecchiette, cavatelli and strascinate, accompanied by local wines. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a charming fortified seaside town with a picturesque historic centre. Continue to Bari for an overnight stay. (B, L)

DAY 9:                                   BARI – ROME  

After breakfast, transfer to the station for the train journey to Rome. Upon arrival, transfer from the train station to the hotel. Overnight in Rome. (B)

DAY 10:                                 ROME 

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the timeless attractions of Rome independently. Overnight in Rome. (B)

DAY 11:                                 ROME 

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

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR): 

ROME: Hotel St Martin, or Hotel Diana Roof Garden  

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: 

• 10 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
• Private return transfers to/from Rome Termini Station
• Private transfer from Bari hotel to the station
• Meals as per itinerary
• Guided sightseeing tours in Bari, Matera and Lecce
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Return 2^nd class high-speed train tickets Rome – Bari – Rome
• Cooking experience at Masseria Montenapoleone
• Entrance fees to Casa Grotta (Matera), Otranto Cathedral, and the Churches of Lecce

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.