Rome | Rome & Puglia Fantasy | Small Group

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On this 9-day small group tour, you can discover and enjoy the historic sites of Rome and the delights of Puglia a charming corner of Southern Italy, full of beautiful towns and villages, stunning coastline and, of course, resplendent with local foods and wines.

Day 1: Rome

Benvenuti a Italia! Arriving at Rome, Fiumicino Airport you will find our driver waiting for you at the airport and ready to transfer to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of today is yours to rest or set out on foot to begin your discovery of Rome. 

Day 2: Rome | Bari

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to Rome's Termini train station where you'll board a high-speed train to Bari. Upon arrival in Bari, make your own way to the hotel. Then 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. During this afternoon's walking tour, you'll learn about the city’s history and its most relevant monuments. Walk through the charming narrow alleys of the old city centre, 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 your own expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile where you will see the ancient Column of Justice. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel. (D)

Day 3: Bari | Trani | Castel del Monte | Alberobello

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 in Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, we reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site which we will visit. Built during the 13th century the building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped like an octagon and surrounded by still unsolved mysteries, including the real purpose of the castle. Your journey will continue towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These drystone 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. Overnight stay in a scattered hotel, sleeping in a real “Trullo”. Dinner this evening is included. (B.D)

Day 4: Alberobello | Matera | Alberobello

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, in the "square" of the scattered hotel (consider 200 m 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 9.000 years that are 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”.  Return to Alberobello in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight in the “Trullo” (B.D)

Day 5: Alberobello | Locorotondo | Ostuni | Lecce

Breakfast in the "square" of the scattered hotel (consider 200 metres from the Trulli). Depart from Alberobello by coach to reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, the town overlooks the coastal plain rich in ancient olive trees. Free time at your disposal to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping, and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expense). In the late afternoon, continue by coach to Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner tonight is included. (B.D)

Day 6: Lecce | Otranto | Lecce

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of the city to learn the history of Lecce, with a visit to the old town centre, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, we depart Lecce by coach and journey to  Otranto where you will have some free time for lunch on your own. Then spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your own 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 and admire its marvellous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance. Continuing on from Otranto, we reach Supersano and the “Masseria le Stanzìe”. 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 this farm. You'll then enjoy dinner at the “Masseria le Stanzìe" featuring typical meats and products from the region. After dinner travel back to Lecce and to your hotel. (B.D)

Day 7: Lecce | Rome

Today you travel back to Rome. Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Lecce train for your train journey to Rome where, on arrival, a car transfer will be provided to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy the evening on your own. (B)

Day 8: Rome

Today is yours to enjoy as you choose. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then spend a leisurely day exploring the wonders of Rome at your own pace or ask about booking one of the many optional tours available. Should you decide you want to visit one of the most popular sites we recommend booking this before your departure from Canada. (B)

Day 9: Rome

Today marks the end of your Rome & Puglia Fantasy Tour. At a time to suit your departing flight, make your way to the airport to begin your journey home. Arrivederci! (B)

Guaranteed departures!

Thursday - September 07 & 21; October 05, 19 & 22*; November 02, 2023.  (*Sunday departure)
Thursday - April 25; May 16 & 23; June 06 & 20; July 11 & 18;  August 22;  September 05, 19 & 26; October 03, 17 & 24; November 07, 2024.