Highlights of Puglia From Rome - 9 days

Highlights of Puglia From Rome - 9 days

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9 Days From

$3775

$2831

Highlights of Puglia From Rome - 9 days

9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy

Visiting: Rome, Bari, Trani, Matera, Lecce

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2566/HPUR

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

2 - 25

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $3775 $2831 Operator discount: -$944 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Rome - Start and end your journey in the Italian capital, with free time to explore the historic city independently

  • Bari - Enjoy a guided tour of the Puglia region's capital city, taking in the Basilica of San Nicola and the central square, Piazza Mercantile

  • Trani - Admire the whitewashed 12th-century cathedral and delve into the vibrant Jewish quarter in the city known as the 'Pearl of Puglia'

  • Castel del Monte - See this ancient UNESCO-listed fortress, which is octagonal in shape and shrouded in mystery

  • Alberobello - Spend two nights in this picturesque town, famous for its conical-shaped trulli houses, made from local Italian limestone

  • Matera - Explore the historic centre of the city, Sassi di Matera, which is known for its cave dwellings carved into a river canyon

  • Ostuni - Stroll around this pretty whitewashed town independently, see some of the 3,500-year-old olive trees and taste the local olive oil

  • Lecce - Join a guided tour of 'Florence of the South' to see the Baroque architecture of the Old Town and Piazza del Duomo main square

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation
    4-star hotels

  • 8 breakfasts & 5 dinners

  • 6 nights 4 star hotels & 2 nights in a boutique Trulli in Alberobello in 2024 (8 nights 4 star hotels in 2025)

  • 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)

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9

  • Transportation in Puglia by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi and audio headsets

  • 2nd class train tickets from Rome - Bari and Lecce - Rome

  • Private transfers to and from train stations in Rome, Bari and Lecce

  • Guided sightseeing with local guides in Bari, Matera & Lecce

  • Entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte

  • 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

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Airport departure transfer

    Airport departure transfer is not included.

  • Additional meals and drinks unless specified

    Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified.

  • Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions

    Entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there are guided sightseeing tours with local guides in Bari, Matera, and Lecce.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners.

  • 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.

  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size on this tour is 15 travelers.

  • Are entrance tickets included for any attractions?

    Yes, entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte are included.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Friday

Nov 07, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
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Operator discount: -$944

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Apr 24, 2025 - May 02, 2025
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Operator discount: -$979

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Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
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Thursday - Friday

Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
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Operator discount: -$979

Thursday - Friday

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Operator discount: -$979

Thursday - Friday

Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
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Operator discount: -$979

Thursday - Friday

Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
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Operator discount: -$979

Thursday - Friday

Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
$3915 $2936

Operator discount: -$979

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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