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11 Days: Rome - Bari - Trani - Castel del Monte - Alberobello - Matera - Locorotondo - Ostuni - Otranto - Lecce - Martina Franca - Monopoli - Bari - Rome

Tour overview:

Discover the captivating beauty of Puglia and Southern Italy on an 11-day journey combining historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, charming whitewashed towns, authentic cuisine, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Begin in Rome before traveling by train to Bari, the gateway to Puglia. Explore Bari, Trani, Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Matera, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Martina Franca, and Monopoli. Enjoy traditional Apulian dining, a hands-on pasta-making experience at a historic Masseria, local wine and specialties, and plenty of free time to experience each destination at your own pace. Return to Rome for a relaxed finale before departure.

Day 1 - Arrive Rome

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.

Day 2 - Rome - Bari

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving Rome. Transfer to the station for the train departure to Bari. Arrival at the hotel in Bari on your own. Rest of the day at your disposal. Overnight stay. (B)

Day 3 - Bari

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 in the package, we recommend you enjoy a meal at a typical local restaurant in the city center or explore the area for some delicious street food. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 4 - Bari - Trani - Castel del Monte - Alberobello

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing Bari by coach to Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia'. Discover its art, monuments, the 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 under Roger the Norman. Explore this octagonal fortress, surrounded by mystery. Continue to Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed Trulli, dry stone coneshaped houses dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy a welcome toast with local white wine and Apulian taralli. Overnight stay and dinner included.(B, D)

Day 5 - Alberobello - Matera - Alberobello

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, 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 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 and overnight. (B, D)

Day 6 - Alberobello - Locorotondo - Ostuni - Lecce

Breakfast in the hotel. 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. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 7 - Lecce - Otranto - Dinner at a Masseria - Lecce

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce. Learn its history, explore the old town center, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. Afterward, depart for Otranto by coach, with free time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Otranto at your own pace, known for its blend of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Visit the iconic Cathedral, housing the bones of 813 martyrs and a marvelous mosaic floor. In the evening, head to Maglie for dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto, an ancient farm offering regional cuisine. Return to Lecce for overnight. (B, D)

Day 8 - Lecce - Martina Franca - Cooking Experience & Lunch at a Masseria - Monopoli - Bari

After breakfast, head to Bari, passing 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, followed by free time. Continue through Valle d'Itria, filled with olive trees and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone. Here, learn to make fresh pasta like orecchiette, cavatelli, and strascinate, while enjoying local wines. Savor the lunch made with your creations. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified citadel by the sea, then head to Bari for the overnight stay. (B, L)

Day 9 - Bari - Rome

Breakfast at the hotel. At the time indicated, transfer to the station for the train departure to Rome. Arrival at the train station and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay. (B)

Day 10 - Rome

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend a leisurely day exploring the wonders of Rome at your own pace. Opportunity to choose one of our I Love Rome experiences. Overnight stay. (B)

Day 11 - Depart Rome

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. End of our services. (B)