Highlights of Puglia From Rome - 9 days
Highlights of Puglia From Rome - 9 days
Highlights of Puglia From Rome - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Bari, Trani, Matera, Lecce
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2566/HPUR
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
2 - 25
Age range:
0-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This 9-day tour of Puglia starts and ends in the Italian capital of Rome, with free time to visit the Colosseum, the Vatican and more. With included train travel to Puglia, explore the relaxed cities of Bari and Lecce, see the traditional trulli houses in Alberobello and discover octagonal Castel del Monte. Learn how traditional pasta is made at a rural farm, visit the UNESCO-listed cave settlements of Matera and wander through the pretty white towns of Locorotondo and Ostuni.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: hotel
On arrival in Rome you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of today is free for you to head into Rome and explore at leisure.
Day 2: Bari
Location: Bari
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rome - Bari. After breakfast you will be transferred to the train station and will travel unescorted to Bari, where you can make your way to the hotel. Meet your Tour Leader at 14:00 to commence our walking tour.
We discover the charming narrow alleyways of the historic city centre, and admire the Basilica of San Nicola, an important pilgrimage destination for Christians. We also see the 12th-century Norman-Swabian Castle, surrounded by a moat and known for its impressive Aragon walls. We'll see the castle from the outside and there is free time to explore inside the castle and enjoy the panoramic views offered if you choose (own expense). We also see the Column of Justice in Piazza Mercantile before enjoying dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Trani
Location: Trani
Accommodation Name: Trulli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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!
Day 4: Matera
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Trulli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 and another night in your magnificent Trulli.
Day 5: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 6: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Tonight, a special dinner takes place in the town of Supersano. We will be dining at Masseria le Stanzie, a rustic farm and restaurant that is Puglia at its finest. Learn more about the food and history of the region, see how pasta is made the Italian way, and visit the farm's medieval tombs before enjoying a dinner made using the finest local produce. Then it's back to Lecce for the evening.
Day 7: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lecce - Rome. After breakfast you will transfer to the train station to travel unescorted back to Rome. There is a transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 8: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to explore Rome independently. You could visit the legendary Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Or you could tick another country off your list with a trip to the Vatican City. It's up to you!
Day 9: Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our tour comes to an end after breakfast and check-out. Safe onward travels!
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels -
8 breakfasts & 5 dinners
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6 nights 4 star hotels & 2 nights in a boutique Trulli in Alberobello in 2024 (8 nights 4 star hotels in 2025)
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Escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing (please note you will be unescorted in Rome and on the trains)
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9
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Transportation in Puglia by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi and audio headsets
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2nd class train tickets from Rome - Bari and Lecce - Rome
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Private transfers to and from train stations in Rome, Bari and Lecce
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Guided sightseeing with local guides in Bari, Matera & Lecce
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Entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte
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Note: Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go. You will join travellers who booked through other operators for sightseeing each day, some staying in different hotels, and spend your evenings at leisure.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Airport departure transfer
Airport departure transfer is not included.
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Additional meals and drinks unless specified
Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified.
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Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions
Entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
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City tax
City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night (tax varies by city) is to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out.
Age Policy
No minimum age. Children under 6 travel free
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with deluxe coach transportation in Puglia, including Wi-Fi and audio headsets, and 2nd class train tickets from Rome to Bari and Lecce to Rome, with private transfers to and from train stations.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in 4-star hotels and 2 nights in a unique boutique Trulli in Alberobello, offering a blend of comfort and traditional Italian charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 4-star hotels and 2 nights in a boutique Trulli in Alberobello.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are guided sightseeing tours with local guides in Bari, Matera, and Lecce.
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Is transportation included during the tour?
Yes, transportation in Puglia is provided by a deluxe coach with Wi-Fi and audio headsets. Additionally, 2nd class train tickets from Rome to Bari and Lecce to Rome are included, along with private transfers to and from train stations in Rome, Bari, and Lecce.
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Will there be any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time to explore Rome independently on the first and last days, as well as free time in Locorotondo, Ostuni, and Otranto during the tour.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
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Is there a tour leader accompanying the group?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader, with specialist guides for some sightseeing. However, you will be unescorted in Rome and on the trains.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size on this tour is 15 travelers.
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Are entrance tickets included for any attractions?
Yes, entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte are included.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.