Puglia, Pompeii & Amalfi
Small Group Tours: Embark on a 6-day small group tour through irresistible Italy. Explore the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Experience the glamour of the Amalfi Coast with its pastel-hued villages, chic boutiques, and stunning sea views. Discover the rural delights of Puglia, including Trani, Lecce and Alberobello. Hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius and uncover the rich history of this remarkable region. It's an unforgettable Italian adventure that captures the essence of la dolce vita.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Rome to Benevento & Ariano Irpino
Day 1 Rome to Benevento & Ariano Irpino
Rome - Montecassino - Benevento - Ariano Irpino. Departing Rome this morning, we head south to serene Cassino. Perched atop a mountain, Montecassino Abbey, a working monastery and pilgrimage site, boasts a rich history of art, culture, and learning. It was also a pivotal World War II battle site. The entrance ticket is included, allowing us to explore the monastery and contemplate its war-torn past.
Next, we visit the overgrown ruins of San Pietro Infine before journeying through hilltop villages and mountains to Benevento. This ancient city is steeped in memories of Samnites, Romans, and Longobards. Legends even tell of witches gathering by an ancient walnut tree along the local river. After a day filled with history, legends, and stunning views, we continue southeast to Ariano Irpino where we stay overnight.
Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Rome Pick Up, Hotel American Palace, Rome.
Day 2 The Pearl of Apulia, Alberobello & Lecce
Day 2 The Pearl of Apulia, Alberobello & Lecce
Ariano Irpino - Trani - Alberobello - Lecce. Today we head south to Puglia, the 'heel' in Italy's boot. We begin our day with a journey south to Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia.' This historic stone-built port and fishing town features a marina promenade, medieval churches, cathedral, and a historic Jewish quarter to explore. Next, we head to Polignano a Mare, an idyllic seaside town perched on cliffs. Enjoy lunch independently amidst sun-bleached stone buildings and watch brave cliff divers disappear into the Adriatic waters.
Our adventure continues in Alberobello, home to over 1,500 unique trulli houses, which are round and made of stone. They have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Stroll through the charming streets and marvel at these photogenic dwellings. Finally, we head south to Lecce, which serves as our base for the next two nights.
Day 3 Exploring Lecce, Otranto & Gallipoli
Day 3 Exploring Lecce, Otranto & Gallipoli
Lecce - Otranto - Gallipoli - Lecce. This morning, there is free time after breakfast to explore Lecce's old town, admiring its unique Baroque architecture, often referred to as 'Lecce Baroque.' In the afternoon, we depart for the relaxed seaside towns of the Salento Peninsula. We travel through ochre-coloured fields and olive groves to Otranto, where we can stroll along the fortifications, harbour promenade, and sample local cuisine.
Continuing our journey, we head to the aptly named "beautiful city" of Gallipoli, a charming beachside town with crystal blue waters surrounding its old town. Here we take a leisurely walk before concluding our coastal exploration. Finally, we journey back to Lecce for the evening.
Day 4 Matera & The Lucanian Dolomites
Day 4 Matera & The Lucanian Dolomites
Lecce - Matera - Castelmezzano - Salerno. We leave Lecce for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, a city seamlessly integrated into rocky cliffs with a maze of ancient cave dwellings, houses, and churches. Here we explore its rich history by visiting churches adorned with stone cave wall paintings and discovering locations featured in Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ."
Our adventure continues as we journey into the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites, arriving at Castelmezzano, one of the Basilicata region's highest villages perched dramatically on a narrow ledge overlooking a gorge. We can discover its rich history and hike to the castle ruins that inspired its name. After an eventful day, we traverse the hills and mountains of Basilicata, heading towards the west coast of Italy, where we spend two nights in Salerno.
Day 5 The Amalfi Coast
Day 5 The Amalfi Coast
Salerno - Amalfi - Salerno. Today we indulge in the glamour of the Amalfi Coast, where pastel-hued houses, chic boutiques, and gourmet dining embody La Dolce Vita. We begin by exploring Sorrento, a town famous for its lemons and dramatic cliffs, which have inspired literary greats throughout history. We can wander sun-soaked piazzas and savour a glass of cold limoncello. Next we reach Positano, a vibrant and colourful, multi-tiered town clinging to the sea cliffs. Enjoy lunch at a scenic restaurant overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, and then peruse local boutiques, or descend to the beach for a swim and sunbathing.
After our Positano visit, we board a ferry for a leisurely cruise along the dazzling Amalfi Coast, with stops in charming towns and opportunities for photos. As the day winds down, we return to Salerno in the late afternoon. We recommend watching the sunset this evening with a drink in hand.
Day 6 Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii & Rome
Day 6 Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii & Rome
Salerno - Vesuvius - Pompeii - Rome. This morning we head north to find Mount Vesuvius, once considered divine and associated with Jupiter, the god of sky and lightning. Legends even speak of giants inhabiting the volcano, explaining its rumblings. Now dormant, we enjoy an unforgettable hike to its crater - remember to pack suitable walking shoes!
Following this, we visit Pompeii, a city frozen in time by Vesuvius' 79 AD eruption. We explore this archaeological site which offers a glimpse into ancient Roman life. Then we begin our journey back to Rome, leisurely travelling through Campania and Lazio. Arriving back in Rome in the early evening, our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour finishes at 18:30 - Rome Pick Up, Hotel American Palace, Rome.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Hotel Incontro is a luxurious haven nestled in the heart of Campania. Its perfect location offers easy access to Ariano Irpino's historic town centre, where guests can explore local culture and attractions. The hotel's rooms are elegantly designed, providing a comfortable and upscale atmosphere for a rejuvenating stay. Amenities include a world-class spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, and a gourmet restaurant serving delectable Italian cuisine. With its serene surroundings and top-notch facilities, Hotel Incontro is the perfect choice for travellers seeking both relaxation and convenience while immersing themselves in the cultural richness of Campania.
Eos Hotel Lecce is a charming oasis in the heart of Lecce, Italy. Its location allows guests to explore the enchanting Baroque architecture and rich history of the city, with the historic centre just a short stroll away. The hotel's rooms offer a comfortable and contemporary retreat, perfect for both business and leisure travellers. Amenities include a bar for relaxation and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of this picturesque city. Eos Hotel Lecce is an excellent choice for those seeking a delightful stay in Lecce while enjoying modern comforts and easy access to local attractions.
Hotel Plaza enjoys an enviable location along the stunning Amalfi Coast. With its position overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, guests can relish breathtaking sea views and easy access to the vibrant Salerno city centre. The hotel's rooms are comfortable and inviting, perfect for a restful stay. Featuring a bar, Hotel Plaza is a superb choice for travellers seeking a delightful stay on the Amalfi Coast while enjoying modern comforts and the convenience of exploring both Salerno and the surrounding coastal treasures.
Tour Reviews
Overall there was too much driving and not enough time in the towns. This was due to the long distances between places (that as a visitor from overseas I did not realize) . The guide we had was very poor and did not explain the places adequately and offered very little assistance. His manner was also quite rude to several of the passengers on the trip, myself included. I have rated the food for breakfast only as it was the only provided meal.
We enjoyed our On The Go Tour, the guide Aralia was great, she had excellent knowledge and was very helpful. The Rome hotel was ordinary, our room was very hot, it was hotter than it was outside, I asked the staff to have a look at it as it was 30 degrees, he just turned the fan up and that made no difference. All the other hotels were great The sightseeing was fantastic, so many interesting things to see.
totally DISAPPOINTED! Our tour guide just dropped us off at points and gave us a time to meet back. After 3 days he decided to give us his phone number ….only because a couple of people got lost ! After day 4 he decided to offer us water when we got back in the mini bus! I was the only person on the bus who understood and spoke Italian so I practically became the translator. Our tour guide did not know any of our names and just called us madam or Sir ? When we got to hotels he got us our rooms and would say “ see you in the morning” and then disappear. My son’s room in one of the hotels had a leaking air conditioner which flooded the floor and the hotel management was not willing to help out until I spoke Italian and demanded something be done. Breakfasts were shocking at two hotels and I paid just as much as everyone else and because I was travelling and staying on my own as a single I got dumpy little single beds in two hotels. I would say they were all equivalent to no more than a 3 star, but mostly 2 star. Our driver was lovely and very safe . Our Guide Gian Luca hardly spoke on the bus unless someone asked a question or the driver pointed something out to him. He never involved himself at any stops just dumped us and disappeared. 100% disappointed! I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this tour to anyone.
Driver was great. Guide good, but could have narrated a bit more about places we were passing on the drive. Enjoyed tour, but some places way too crowded, eg amalfi coast
The tour was good. The guide was knowledgeable and passed useful information on to us. She was very friendly and helpful The driver was great A couple of the itinerised visits felt very rushed and we woud have liked more time at these places - specifically Sorrento we had 45 minutes and Pompeii - ony 2 hours After debriefing between ourselves - we would have liked at least 1 overnight in Sorrento rather than 2 in Salerno and 2 in Lecce and most definitely would have preferred a full day in Pompeii to explore at leisure
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