Magical Italy | 10 Days

DAY 1:                                   ROME

Upon arrival into Rome airport, you will be privately transferred to your tour hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Rome. 

DAY 2:                                   ROME

After breakfast, it is time to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access! Upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections of the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. After this incredible masterpiece, the tour ends in St. Peter’s Basilica where you can admire the incredible masterpiece St. Peter’s Basilica: the biggest church in the world! The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own leisure  Overnight in Rome. (B)

DAY 3:                                   ROME – POMPEII – SORRENTO 

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel at approximately 7:00am. Departure by coach heading south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with the real Neapolitan pizza! After lunch, you will enter into one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallized until our days. You’ll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics to imagine how rich and prosperous was the city before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men). Overnight in Sorrento. (B, L, D)

DAY 4:                                   SORRENTO – CAPRI – SORRENTO

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, free time for lunch (lunch not included) and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return for dinner. Overnight in Sorrento. (B, D)

Day 5:                                   SORRENTO – BARI

After breakfast, board the bus that will take you on an unforgettable journey to Bari, the vibrant heart of Puglia. The journey continues through Campania, a region renowned for its rich history and unique flavours. As you approach Puglia, the landscape changes, introducing you to the vast expanses of olive groves and vineyards that are characteristic of this land. Along the way, we will make a delightful stop at a local artisanal dairy, where you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich dairy traditions of Puglia. You will be warmly welcomed and guided through a tour that unveils the secrets of traditional cheese-making, showcasing the true treasures of the region’s gastronomy. The tour will conclude with a tasting of typical products, accompanied by fresh bread and extra virgin olive oil, offering an authentic taste of Puglia’s flavours. Upon arrival in Bari, the capital of Puglia, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour to discover the city’s history and its most important monuments. Stroll through the charming narrow alleys of the old city centre, admire the Basilica of San Nicola, where the remains of Saint Nicholas of Myra are preserved, and the Norman-Swabian Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by Roger the Norman and rebuilt by Frederick II of Swabia. Be amazed by the astonishing view that you can enjoy from the fortress (admission fee for the Castle at your own expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile, where you will see the ancient Column of Justice. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. Overnight in Bari. (B, D)

DAY 6:                                   BARI – TRANI – CASTEL DEL MONTE – ALBEROBELLO

After breakfast, depart Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’, the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Your journey will continue towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Are you ready to live this authentic experience? Stay overnight in a scattered hotel, sleeping in a real “Trullo.” This option allows you to immerse yourself in the local history and culture, enjoying a truly special stay. Dinner included. Overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)

DAY 7:                                   ALBEROBELLO – MATERA – ALBEROBELLO

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, in the “square” of the scattered hotel (consider 200m from the Trulli), the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years, that are part of the historic centre of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Your day isn’t over yet! A surprise awaits you: get ready to personally experience a cooking class where you’ll prepare a traditional local dish. Once the class is over, enjoy a typical Puglian dinner. Overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)

DAY 8:                                   ALBEROBELLO – LOCOROTONDO – OSTUNI – LECCE

Breakfast in the “square” of the scattered hotel (consider 200m from the Trulli). Leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooking the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees. Time at leisure to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous Ostuni olive oil (at your own expenses). In the late afternoon, board of the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight in Lecce. (B, D)

DAY 9:                                   LECCE – OTRANTO – MAGLIE – LECCE

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of the city. Learn the history of Lecce, visit the old town centre, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, board on the coach and depart Lecce. You will reach Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your pace. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst the others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. Wander around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Cathedral where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. See its marvellous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance. In the early evening, reach Maglie where you will have dinner at the “Masseria L’Uliveto”. Visit this ancient farm and learn about the history and culture of Puglia. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce. Overnight in Lecce. (B, D)

DAY 10:                                LECCE

After breakfast, the tour ends. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

ROME: San Martin Hotel, or Diana Roof Garden Hotel, or Bettoja Hotels

SORRENTO: Grand Hotel Vesuvio

BARI: Hotel Excelsior Bari

ALBEROBELLO: Trulli Holidays Resort

LECCE: Delle Palme

Includes:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation in 4 stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Entrance tickets to the archaeological site in Pompeii with “Skip the Line” and a lunch with an authentic Neapolitan pizza and 1 drink included

–          Visit of the Blue Grotto in Capri 

–          See the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES of Castel Del Monte, Alberobello and Matera

–          Sleep in one of the world famous “Trulli”

–          Cooking class experience

–          Private arrival transfer from Rome airport to the tour hotel on day 1

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Porterage service

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that 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.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.

–          Venice accommodation is in Mestre on the mainland. A supplement applies for accommodation on Venice island which is to be requested at the time of booking.

–          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, our guides will suggest alternative attractions to ensure a satisfy­ing and memorable tour (e.g., Faraglioni rocks).

–          Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas within the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.