SMALL GROUP TOUR: This 9-day tour of Puglia starts and ends in the Italian capital of Rome, with free time for travelers to visit the Colosseum, the Vatican and more. With included train travel to Puglia, travelers will have the chance to explore the relaxed cities of Bari and Lecce, and will spend two nights staying in a traditional stone Trulli house. Discover octagonal Castel del Monte, learn how traditional pasta is made at a rural farm, visit the UNESCO-listed cave settlements of Matera and wander through the pretty white towns of Locorotondo and Ostuni.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome!
On arrival in Rome you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of today is free for you to head into Rome and explore at leisure.
Overnight: Rome
Rome to Bari
Rome - Bari. After breakfast you will be transferred to the train station and will travel unescorted to Bari, where you can make your way to the hotel. Meet your Tour Leader at 14:00 to commence our walking tour.
We discover the charming narrow alleyways of the historic city center, and admire the Basilica of San Nicola, an important pilgrimage destination for Christians. We also see the 12th-century Norman-Swabian Castle, surrounded by a moat and known for its impressive Aragon walls. We'll see the castle from the outside and there is free time to explore inside the castle and enjoy the panoramic views offered if you choose (own expense). We also see the Column of Justice in Piazza Mercantile before enjoying dinner and an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Bari | Breakfast, Dinner
Trani, Castel del Monte & Alberobello
Bari - Trani - Castel del Monte - Alberobello. After breakfast at the hotel, we leave Bari by coach and travel to Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia'. We'll explore the vibrant Jewish Quarter and see the historic 12th-century cathedral, made from beautiful white stone.
After our stop in Trani we continue to Castel del Monte, a 13th-century citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This octagonal castle features on the Italian one-cent coin and is shrouded in mystery, as its exact historical purpose remains unknown.
Our final destination today is Alberobello, best known for its traditional conical houses made from local limestone - these are called Trulli. The village has a fairy-tale feel and our hotel tonight sees you sleeping inside an unusual Trulli - a unique experience!
Overnight: Alberobello | Breakfast, Dinner
The cave dwellings of Matera
We visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site today with a day trip to Matera. The historic center of this city is known as Sassi di Matera and is unique due to the large number of cave dwellings that were carved into the canyon created by the Gravina River, around 9,000 years ago! In this long history, Matera has been occupied by Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, and many other groups.
Many of the caves are still used today, as houses, pubs, hotels, and other businesses. We'll enjoy sightseeing with a local guide to take in the best of the cave dwellings. And we will also see the Roman Catholic cathedral which overlooks the city. We then transfer back to Alberobello for dinner and another night in your magnificent Trulli.
Overnight: Alberobello | Breakfast, Dinner
'White towns' & Lecce
Alberobello - Locorotondo - Ostuni - Lecce. Today we visit two of the iconic 'white towns' of Puglia. Our first stop is Locorotondo, a town of around 14,000 people perched on a hill. There's free time to explore this small town and enjoy the view over the surrounding countryside, including the Trulli pointing upwards.
Then we reach Ostuni, a coastal town popular with Italian tourists in summer. Ostuni is known for its ancient olive trees as well as its whitewashed buildings - many of the trees have been carbon-dated and are known to be more than 3,500 years old. Despite this age, they still produce the famous Ostuni olive oil. If you find a restaurant for lunch, you are sure to be served dishes that use this delicious local product!
After visiting these two towns, we reach Lecce, in the heart of the Salento region.
Overnight: Lecce | Breakfast, Dinner
Lecce sightseeing & Otranto
This morning we enjoy a 3-hour guided sightseeing tour of Lecce with an expert local guide. Known as the 'Florence of the South' thanks to its treasure trove of Baroque architecture, highlights of our tour include the historic Old Town and the 12th-century cathedral. We also see the beautiful Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, the city's main square.
After our tour we depart for Otranto, a city known to have been ruled at times by the Greeks, Romans and Turks. Because of this, Otranto has a wonderfully diverse mix of cultures, and there is free time to explore the town and find somewhere for lunch. We recommend visiting the iconic cathedral to see its well-preserved mosaic floor, and the bones of 813 martyrs eerily displayed behind the altar.
Tonight, a special dinner takes place in the town of Supersano. We will be dining at Masseria le Stanzie, a rustic farm and restaurant that is Puglia at its finest. Learn more about the food and history of the region, see how pasta is made the Italian way, and visit the farm's medieval tombs before enjoying a dinner made using the finest local produce. Then it's back to Lecce for the evening.
Overnight: Lecce | Breakfast, Dinner
Return to Roma
Lecce - Rome. After breakfast you will transfer to the train station to travel unescorted back to Rome. There is a transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Rome | Breakfast
Free time in Rome
Today is free for you to explore Rome independently. You could visit the legendary Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Or you could tick another country off your list with a trip to the Vatican City. It's up to you!
Overnight: Rome | Breakfast
Rome
Today our tour comes to an end after breakfast and check-out. Safe onward travels!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Diana Roof Garden , Rome
In the heart of the city, a short distance from the Termini station, the welcoming family-run Hotel Diana is situated in a prime location within a 10-minute walk of Teatro dell ‘Opera di Roma and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are also within 1 mile (2 km). Enjoy the spectacular views overlooking the rooftops of this amazing city whilst enjoying a delicious dinner or glass of fine Italian wine whilst watching the sun set from the panoramic gardens. The charming air-conditioned rooms feature a minibar, free wi-fi and satellite TV, as well as private bathrooms.
Hotel St Martin, Rome
With a great central location by the Piazza della Repubblica and opposite the metro, the Hotel St Martin is a perfect base for those exploring the Italian capital. Rooms in this modern 4-star hotel are bright and spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, satellite TV and a kettle. There is complimentary high speed Wi-Fi connection throughout the property. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily and there is also a bar. For those not wishing to head into the city to eat, fresh Mediterranean food is also served at the onsite Restaurant Sidera.
The Nicolaus Hotel, Bari
The Nicolaus Hotel is located in the residential district of Poggiofranco on the outskirts of Bari, 10 minutes by taxi from the city centre. This well equipped, modern hotel features an indoor pool, gym, sauna, Turkish baths and a hot tub. Dining options include The Seasons restaurant, serving a range of Puglia specialities. Or there is The Roof on the 14th floor, serving high quality a la carte meals in a roof garden. Stylish rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, TV and ensuite bathrooms, and the majority of rooms feature a balcony.
Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso, Alberobello
Accommodation with a difference! Located in Alberobello, Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso gives guests the chance to sleep in a real 'Trullo' - a traditional stone building with a conical roof. Each Trullo offers antique furnishings and a private bathroom, and all have vaulted ceilings boasting original stone features. The rooms are UNESCO-protected thanks to their cultural importance. Breakfast is served in the communal dining room and there is an onsite spa and wellness centre. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
Hotel Delle Palme, Lecce
This conveniently located 4-star hotel is just 10 minutes on foot from Lecce's historic centre. Free Wi-Fi connection is offered throughout the property, and a daily buffet breakfast is served onsite. The large a la carte Estia restaurant also serves popular regional cuisine, as well as typical Italian and international dishes. Recently refurbished guest rooms come with a minibar, air-conditioning, safe, TV and ensuite bathroom.
At a Glance
