Rome and Puglia Small Group Tour

Arrival in Rome, meet with our driver at the Rome (FCO) airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free at your leisure. Overnight in Diana Hotel 4* or St. Martin 4* Hotel. 

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. Meet our Tour Leader in your hotel in Bari, the main city of Puglia, and from here start our tour to discover this wonderful region. Walking tour in the afternoon to learn about the city's history and its most relevant monuments. Walk 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. Be amazed by the astonishing view that you can enjoy from the fortress (admission fee for the Castle at own expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile where you will see the ancient Column of Justice. Dinner and overnight at Nicolaus 4* Hotel, Hi Hotel Bari 4* or similar. (D)

Enjoy 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.

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. Dinner and overnight stay at Trulli Holidays Resort 4* in a scattered hotel, sleeping in a real “Trullo”. (B, D)

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, in the “square” of the scattered hotel (approx. 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 9000 years! That are a 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. Dinner and overnight in the “Trullo*”. (B, D)

Breakfast in the "square" of the scattered hotel (approx. 200m from the Trulli). Leave Aberobello 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 olive oil. In the late afternoon, board the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight at Delle Palme 4* hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3 hour guided visit of the city, 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, board on the coach and leave 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, learn about the history and culture of Puglia. See how homemade pasta is made and visit the medieval tombs that are part of the farm. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce for overnight at Delle Palme Hotel. (B, D) Dinner at the Masseria L’Uliveto. (B, D)

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 at Diana 4* or St Martin 4*. (B)

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. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, end of tour. (B)