Roma & Puglia

Day 1:

Welcome to Rome! Arrival in Rome, meet our driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day free at your leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 2:

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving Rome. Transfer to the station for the train departure to Bari. Arrival at the hotel in Bari on your own. Rest of the day at your disposal. Overnight stay.

Day 3:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and meet our Tour Leader in the lobby for a morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Begin your exploration in the old city center, a maze of narrow alleys and historical landmarks. Visit the Basilica of San Nicola, a significant pilgrimage destination, and admire the Norman-Swabian Castle, a symbol of Bari’s medieval heritage, offering breathtaking views over the sea and surrounding area (Castle entry at your own expense). Continue your walk to the lively Piazza Mercantile, once the heart of civic life, and view the ancient Column of Justice, a unique remnant of local law enforcement. After the guided visit, you’ll have free time for lunch. While lunch is not included, we suggest enjoying a meal at a typical local restaurant or trying the city's famous street food, available throughout the city center. Take this opportunity to explore independently or relax at one of the many cafés. In the afternoon, regroup at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight

Day 4:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving 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. Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a welcome toast with a glass of local white wine and a taste of the famous Apulian taralli. Overnight stay. Dinner included.

Day 5:

Matera will be the destination for today. After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, board the coach and depart for Matera, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the region of Basilicata. Upon arrival, begin a guided tour of the famous “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), a remarkable complex of cave dwellings, carved directly into the rock, which have been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years. These prehistoric houses, part of the city’s historic center, offer a unique perspective on Mediterranean civilization and urban evolution. During the walking tour, you'll also visit the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral, strategically positioned on a hilltop with a stunning view over the Sassi. Admire the elegant Campanile (Bell Tower) and take time for photographs and observation. Depending on timing, there may be free time for a short coffee break or personal exploration before returning to the meeting point. In the late afternoon, transfer back to Alberobello by coach. Upon arrival, regroup at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6:

Breakfast in the hotel. 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 the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, it overlooks the coastal plain rich with ancient olive trees. You will have free time to explore this “white town” and enjoy lunch, shopping, and tasting of several local products like the world-famous Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expense). In the late afternoon, board the coach again and reach Lecce, in the heart of the Salento region. Lecce is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7:

After breakfast at your hotel in Lecce, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of the city. Explore the old town center, including the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, board the coach and leave Lecce for Otranto, a city rich in history marked by Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Enjoy free time for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring Otranto at your own pace. Don’t miss the iconic Cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed behind the altar, and its famous mosaic floor, comparable to Ravenna’s. In the early evening, reach Maglie for dinner at the historic Masseria L’Uliveto, an ancient farm where you can learn about Puglia’s culture and history while enjoying typical regional meals. Return to Lecce for overnight stay.

Day 8:

After breakfast, depart from Lecce and head to Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town known for its churches, noble buildings, and Piazza Plebiscito. Visit the Cathedral, Ducal Palace, and Torre dell’Orologio, then enjoy some free time to explore the town independently. Continue the journey through the Valle d'Itria, a rural area characterized by olive trees and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn how to make traditional Pugliese dishes such as focaccia pugliese and fresh pasta varieties like orecchiette, cavatelli, and strascinate, accompanied by local wines and stories about wheat varieties and regional traditions. After the cooking class, enjoy a lunch featuring the dishes you prepared, paired with organic local ingredients. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified seaside citadel with ancient streets and a rich history. Finally, transfer back to Bari for your overnight stay.

Day 9:

Breakfast at the hotel. At the time indicated, transfer to the station for the train departure to Rome. Arrival at the train station and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 10:

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend a leisurely day exploring the wonders of Rome at your own pace. Opportunity to choose one of our I Love Rome experiences. Overnight stay.

Day 11:

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, take advantage of any last-minute free time for shopping or sightseeing. Transfer to the airport is included. End of our services.