Magic of Italy: Amalfi & Puglia Tour

Arrival in Rome, meet with driver at the airport for transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay at St Martin Hotel, Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar.

After breakfast, tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access! Upon arrival, the guide will lead the group into the museums to visit one of the most important art collections in the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and, then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. Admire St. Peter’s Basilica: the biggest church in the world! Tour ends in St. Peter’s Square. Free time to explore the city at own leisure or board an optional selected tour for the afternoon or at night. Overnight stay at St Martin Hotel, Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar. (B) *Possibility to change to the Colosseum tour. Please contact us.

After breakfast, pick up from hotel at approx 7:00 am. Head south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Lunch stop in Pompeii before entering into one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: 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 Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes that left it crystallized. Learn about the once prosperous city, admire frescoes and mosaics and visit houses and “bars” of the time. After the visit, you head to Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men) and overnight at Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Michelangelo Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, free time for lunch (not included) and then free time on the island at own pace. Once back on the mainland, return for dinner and overnight in Sorrento at Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Michelangelo Hotel or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, head to Bari, the vibrant heart of Puglia. The journey continues through Campania, a region renowned for its rich history and unique flavors. On the way to Puglia the landscape changes, introducing the vast expanses of olive groves and vineyards that are characteristic of this land. Stop at a local artisanal dairy for an optional 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 olive oil, offering an authentic taste of Puglia's flavors.

Upon arrival in Bari, check into hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour strolling through the charming narrow alleys of the old city center, 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. Enjoy the astonishing view from the fortress (admission fee for the Castle at individuals expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile, to see the ancient Column of Justice. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Excelsior Bari or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast depart for Trani. 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. Journey continues towards Alberobello: another UNESCO Site. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone making for 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. Dinner and overnight in Trulli Holidays Resort, sleeping in a real "Trullo". (B, D)

After breakfast, depart for Matera, an 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, and are part of the historic center 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. In the evening get ready to personally experience a cooking class and learn how to prepare a traditional local dish. Once the class is over, enjoy a typical Puglian dinner. Overnight in Alberobello at Trulli Holidays Resort. (B, D)

Breakfast in the "square" of the scattered hotel (consider 200 mts 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 the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees. Free time to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous ostuniolive oil (all at own expenses). In the late afternoon, reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight in Lecce at Delle Palme Hotel or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, 3 hour guided visit of the city to learn the history of Lecce. Visit the old town center, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, depart Lecce and reach Otranto for free time for lunch. Afternoon free time in Otranto. Consider visiting the iconic Cathedral where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. See its marvelous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance. In the early evening, reach Maglie for dinner at the ancient farm “Masseria L’Uliveto”. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce for overnight at Delle Palme Hotel or similar. (B, D)

Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel. End of our services. (B)