Southern Lights with Puglia

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

After breakfast, enjoy the rest of the day to explore Rome at your own leisure or join one of our selected tours! Whether you explore iconic landmarks or hidden gems, every corner of the Eternal City offers unforgettable memories. Overnight at Hotel St. Martin, Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar (B).

After breakfast, depart at 7:00 am by coach to Pompeii and set at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Upon arrival, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with an expert licensed guide on a comprehensive archaeological tour. Enjoy an in-depth 2.5 hour exploration of the site. After the visit, transfer to Sorrento and continue your journey surrounded by stunning coastal views and Mediterranean charm. Enjoy dinner at the hotel (jacket required for men) and overnight at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Capri, one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous islands. Weather permitting, visit the enchanting Blue Grotto by rowboat. Afterward, enjoy free time and lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento. Dinner and overnight stay at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure. At the scheduled time, meet your driver at the hotel and transfer to Caserta, where you will board your train to Bari. Upon arrival at Bari station, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and enjoy your overnight stay at Excelsior Hotel Bari or similar. (B)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and meet our Tour Leader for a morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Visit the old city center, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle, with its breathtaking views (Castle entry at your own expense). Continue to Piazza Mercantile and see the ancient Column of Justice. After the visit, you’ll have free time for lunch. While not included, we recommend enjoying a meal at a typical local restaurant in the city center or trying some delicious street food. Dinner and overnight stay at Excelsior Hotel Bari or similar. (B, D)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before departing from Bari by coach to reach Trani, known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia.’ This medieval town is one of the most remarkable cities in Southern Italy, featuring art, monuments, a Jewish quarter, and the stunning white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, visit Castel Del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century by Roger the Norman. This octagonal structure is surrounded by a mystery. Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its “Trulli,” cone-shaped houses built in the 14th century. The town, once covered by an oak forest, offers a fairytale like atmosphere. Arrive at your hotel for a welcome toast with local white wine and Apulian taralli. Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, the coach will take you to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the “Sassi di Matera”, ancient caves that have been used as homes for over 9,000 years and are part of the historic center. Explore the Romanesque Cathedral, with its stunning Campanile (Bell Tower), and enjoy the amazing view of the Sassi.  Afterward, return to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Alberobello by coach and head to Locorotondo, a small town part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Enjoy free time to explore. Next, travel to Ostuni, located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooking the coastal plain with ancient olive trees. Enjoy free time to visit this “white town,” with options for lunch, shopping, and tasting local products like the famous Ostuni olive oil (at your own expense). In the late afternoon, board the coach to reach Lecce, in the heart of Salento. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Delle Palme, Hotel Mercure President, or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce, exploring the old town center, 12th-century Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. Then, board the coach to Otranto, where you’ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, explore Otranto at your own pace. The city has witnessed Greek, Roman, and Turkish invasions, leaving traces of each culture. Wander the old quarters to see this blend. Don’t miss the iconic Cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed behind the altar, and its marvelous mosaic floor, rivaling Ravenna’s. End your day with dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto in Maglie, learning about Puglia’s history and culture. Overnight at Hotel Delle Palme, Hotel Mercure President or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast head to Bari, driving through the unique landscape of the Murge plateau. Visit Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town with churches, noble buildings, and Piazza Plebiscito. Explore the Cathedral, Ducal Palace, and Torre dell’Orologio before free time to wander. Next, drive through Valle d’Itria, a rural area full of olive trees and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone, where you’ll learn to make traditional Pugliese cuisine like focaccia, orecchiette, and cavatelli, paired with local wines. Afterward, enjoy lunch with the dishes you’ve made, using organic local ingredients. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified citadel by the sea, before heading to Bari for the overnight at Excelsior Hotel Bari or similar (B, L)

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. (B)