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Itinerary
Day 1 Rome
Welcome to Rome! Meet with our driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St Martin or similar.
Day 2 Rome
Enjoy a breakfast at your hotel.
Today your driver will take you to the Vatican area. Upon arrival, meet your highly professional guide and embark on a captivating tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Square, bypassing any lengthy queues. Marvel at the remarkable masterpieces of Renaissance art, such as the extraordinary Gallery of Tapestries, the opulent Gallery of Maps, the breathtaking Raphael's Rooms, and the world-renowned Sistine Chapel. Completing the tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate St. Peter's Square, a grand open space that acts as a gateway to the basilica. This iconic square, skillfully redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, stands as an architectural masterpiece of the Baroque era. From the exterior, you will gaze upon St. Peter's Basilica, not only the largest church in the world but also home to numerous remarkable works of fine art, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini's intricate canopy and Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Pietà.
Concluding the tour, you will have leisure time to explore Rome's hidden corners at your own pace.
Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St Martin or similar.
Day 3 Rome Naples & Pompeii Sorrento
Your journey commences by heading south along the renowned Sun Highway, traversing the fertile Roman countryside and the region known as Castelli Romani, which is adorned with captivating medieval villages. Eventually, you will arrive in Naples, one of Italy's largest and most renowned cities.
Begin with a brief panoramic tour ascending to Vomero hill, where you can indulge in breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples, featuring the majestic presence of Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia, Procida, and the bustling city below. Take advantage of this opportunity to capture some memorable photographs. Descend towards the port of Mergellina, bid farewell to the city, and continue your journey south towards Mount Vesuvius.
Upon reaching the town of Pompeii, savour an authentic Neapolitan pizza for lunch, followed by a captivating visit to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
The ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, grant you the privilege of a Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Explore the haunting remains of Pompeii, transporting yourself back to the tragic days of 79 AD when the once-silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, engulfing the prosperous Roman city in lethal volcanic ashes and toxic gases. These remnants have remained preserved to this day, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. Marvel at the residences and "bars" of that era, admire the frescoes and mosaics, and envision the opulence and prosperity that once emanated from this city before that fateful day.
After the tour, continue your journey along the enchanting Sorrentine Coast, ultimately arriving in Sorrento. Here, you will relish a dinner (with a dress code requiring jackets for men) and spend the night in your exquisite new hotel.
Overnight stay in Sorrento at Michelangelo hotel or similar.
Day 4 Sorrento Capri Sorrento
After breakfast, we'll head to Capri island. Weather permitting, we'll hop on a boat to visit the famous and enchanting "Grotta Azzurra" (Blue Grotto), where sunlight shines through the water, creating a magical blue reflection. Once we're back at the port, we'll hop on a minibus for a scenic drive up to Anacapri, which sits 918 feet above sea level.
From there, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the bay of Naples and have some free time for lunch (lunch not included).
Afterward, you can explore Capri at your own pace or do some shopping. Finally, we'll head back to Marina Grande and return to the mainland.
In the evening, a delightful dinner will be provided.
Overnight stay in Sorrento at Michelangelo hotel or similar.
Please note that during peak season, visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri may involve long lines and limited capacity. If access is not possible, or the weather conditions do not allow it, our guides will suggest alternative attractions to ensure a satisfying and memorable tour (e.g. Faraglioni rocks).
Day 5 Sorrento Bari
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving Sorrento.
After breakfast, board the bus that will take you on an unforgettable journey to Bari, the vibrant heart of Puglia. Along the way, we will make a delightful stop at a local artisanal dairy, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich dairy traditions of Puglia. You will be warmly welcomed and guided through a tour that unveils the secrets of traditional cheese-making, showcasing the true treasures of the region's gastronomy. The tour will conclude with a tasting of typical products, accompanied by fresh bread and extra virgin olive oil, offering an authentic taste of Puglia's flavours.
Upon arrival in Bari, time to check in your hotel.
In the afternoon, join a walking tour to learn about the city's history and its most relevant monuments. Walk through the charming narrow alleys of the old city center, 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 own expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile where you will see the ancient Column of Justice.
Enjoy a dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Excelsior or Similar.
Day 6 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 of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral.
In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery.
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.
Dinner at the hotel is included.
Overnight stay in Alberobello at Trulli Holidays Resort or similar.
Day 7 Alberobello Matera Alberobello
After breakfast, the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site: Matera.
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 center of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon.
Dinner at the hotel is included.
Overnight stay in Alberobello at Trulli Holidays Resort or similar.
Day 8 Alberobello Locorotondo Ostuni Lecce
Breakfast in the "square" of the hotel (consider 200 mts from the Trulli).
Leave Alberobello by coach and 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, overlooks the coastal plain rich of 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 expenses).
In the late afternoon, get again on board of the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Later, enjoy a dinner in Lecce.
Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Delle Palme or Similar.
Day 9 Lecce Otranto Lecce
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3 hour guided visit of the city, learn the history of Lecce, visit the old town center, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo.
After the visit, board on the coach and leave Lecce. You will reach Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your 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. See its marvelous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance.
In the early evening, reach Supersano where you will have dinner at 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 the farm. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce.
Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Delle Palme or Similar.
Day 10 Lecce
Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel. End of our services.
Opportunity to add a private transfer to Brindisi or Bari (extra cost), check with our friendly team.
