Rome to Sorrento & Puglia
Journey from Rome to the Apulian city of Lecce on this 10-day group tour. Skip the line at the Vatican to see the Sistine Chapel on a guided tour and explore the famous ruins of Pompeii. Tuck into authentic Italian pizza, take a day trip to Capri and spend two nights in beautiful Sorrento. Then head to Puglia, exploring Bari, Trani, and the mysterious Castel del Monte. Enjoy free time in the 'white towns' of Locorotondo and Ostuni and stay for two nights in a traditional stone 'trulli' in Alberobello. Visit the caves of Matera and end with a farewell dinner at a rustic farm.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Rome
Day 1 Rome
Welcome to Rome. On Arrival at the airport, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 Exploring Vatican City
Day 2 Exploring Vatican City
Rome - Vatican City - Rome. Today we explore Vatican City, home to the Pope and technically an independent country - another one you can tick off your list!
Departing the hotel after breakfast, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican's museums and galleries with 'skip the line' tickets. Take in the Gallery of Tapestries, the beautifully decorated frescoes of Raphael's Rooms, and of course, the Sistine Chapel. We can also admire the stunning St Peter's Basilica from the outside. This iconic landmark dominates the Vatican and is one of the largest Christian churches in the world, as well as being the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture. It is allegedly where Saint Peter was buried and titans of Italian design including Donato Bramante and Michelangelo had a hand in its creation. The tour ends in St Peter's Square, and the rest of today is at leisure in Rome.
Day 3 Pompeii to Sorrento
Day 3 Pompeii to Sorrento
Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento. Setting off from Rome at 7:00, we head south, passing through Lazio and Campania to reach Pompeii. We have an included lunch here, where you can try some authentic Neapolitan pizza before our tour of UNESCO-listed Pompeii.
In the year 79 AD, the residents of Pompeii, a prosperous and sophisticated Roman city, were going about their day. Suddenly and without warning, the normally quiet Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city in up to 6 metres of ash and pumice. Whilst many Pompeiians escaped, approximately 2,000 people were buried and perished. The ash perfectly preserved the city, and on our guided tour we will see some of the surviving artifacts, mosaics and buildings, and will find out more about the eruption and what life was like in the city before this fateful day.
After our tour of Pompeii we head along the picturesque Sorrentine coast to Sorrento, where dinner is included - please dress smartly as it is a formal dinner!
Day 4 Capri day trip
Day 4 Capri day trip
Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento. Today we explore the beautiful and exclusive Mediterranean island of Capri. Weather permitting, we will visit the Blue Grotto sea cave by row boat. You can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before there is free time to explore the island. Capri was a summer home for the Roman emperor Augustus and today is popular with celebrities. After our visit, we return to Sorrento for the night.
Day 5 Dairy tour & Bari sightseeing
Day 5 Dairy tour & Bari sightseeing
Sorrento - Bari. Today we make the drive south and east through Campania to Puglia, and the regional capital of Bari. On the way, we make a stop at an artisan dairy, where we enjoy a guided tour. Learn the art of traditional cheese making and enjoy a tasting session including freshly baked bread and extra virgin olive oil.
Arriving in Bari, there is time to freshen up at the hotel before our guided sightseeing tour. Starting in the afternoon, we take a walking tour through the city's narrow alleys to highlights including 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 (admission not included). We also visit the Piazza Mercantile, home to the 16th century Column of Justice. After our tour, the evening is at leisure, with dinner included at the hotel.
Day 6 Trani, Castel del Monte & Alberobello
Day 6 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! Dinner is included.
Day 7 The caves of Matera
Day 7 The caves of Matera
Alberobello - Matera - Alberobello. We visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site today with a day trip to Matera. The historic centre 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. However, you will be doing the cooking! You enjoy a personalized cooking class where you will prepare a traditional local dish. Enjoy another night in your magnificent Trulli.
Day 8 'White towns' at leisure & Lecce
Day 8 'White towns' at leisure & 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. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 9 Otranto & farewell dinner
Day 9 Otranto & farewell dinner
Lecce - Otranto - Maglie - Lecce. 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.
As it is the last evening of our tour, a special dinner takes place tonight in the town of Maglie. We will be dining at Masseria L’Uliveto, a rustic farm and restaurant that is Puglia at its finest. Learn more about the food and history of the region before enjoying a dinner made using the finest local produce. Then it's back to Lecce for the final night of our trip.
Day 10 Lecce
Day 10 Lecce
Our tour ends this morning in Lecce, after a final breakfast and check out.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
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.
Bettoja Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio is a historic hotel located in central Rome, near Termini Station. Known for its elegant 19th-century architecture, the hotel combines classic charm with modern amenities. Relax in it's spacious rooms, dine in their traditional Italian restaurant and enjoy a range of cocktails in the sophisticated bar. The hotel’s location makes it a great base for exploring Rome's iconic landmarks.
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.
Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo is a luxurious hotel located near Rome's Termini station which has an Art Deco style with spacious rooms and modern amenities. Embrace panoramic views of the city on the rooftop terrace and dine in their restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Its central location makes it a practical choice for visitors, with easy access to major sites.
Grand Hotel Vesuvio is located on the seafront in Naples, offering views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Relax in its comfortable rooms, embrace stunning views in the rooftop restaurant and unwind in the outside pool, fitness centre and spa. Known for its prime location, the hotel is a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious stay with easy access to Naples' historic and cultural sites.
Hotel Excelsior Bari is a contemporary 4-star hotel located in the heart of Bari, just a short walk from the city’s central train station and major attractions such as the Palazzo Mincuzzi. The hotel offers stylish, comfortable rooms with modern amenities, making it the ideal place to rest after a day of sightseeing. Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner at restaurant focusing on using in-seasonal local products. Then, finish your evening with cocktails at the cosy bar. There is also the option to make use of the well-equipped fitness centre.
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.
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.
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