Luces y Encantos del Sur de Italia

Day 1:

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:

After breakfast, enjoy the rest of the day to explore Rome at your own leisure or join one of our selected tours. Whether you explore iconic landmarks or hidden gems, every corner of the Eternal City offers unforgettable memories. Overnight stay

Day 3:

After breakfast, depart at 7:00 am by coach, crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania, and travel along the scenic Sorrentine Coast to reach Sorrento. This panoramic route offers glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea, rolling hills, and picturesque seaside villages. Upon arrival in Sorrento, take time to explore the charm of its colorful streets, elegant artisan boutiques. The town’s blend of cultural heritage and coastal elegance makes it a perfect destination for both sightseeing and leisure. You may enjoy a quiet walk through the old town, sample local delicacies at a café, or relax in the lively Piazza Tasso. The afternoon is free for independent exploration or, if you prefer, you can join an optional excursion to the stunning Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most scenic drives. Return to the hotel in the evening. Dinner at the hotel (jacket required for men). Overnight stay.

Day 4:

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Capri, one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous islands. Weather permitting, visit the enchanting Blue Grotto by rowboat, an iconic natural attraction famous for its dazzling blue waters created by sunlight reflecting through the sea cave. After this unique experience, you will have free time for lunch (not included) and to explore the island at your own leisure. Capri is renowned for its picturesque streets, luxury boutiques, and charming piazzas, offering plenty of opportunities for shopping and sightseeing. Discover the island’s vibrant atmosphere while strolling through its quaint alleys or relaxing in a local café. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before spending the morning at your leisure in a relaxing atmosphere. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the renowned archaeological site of Pompei (not included), where you can explore the ancient Roman ruins and gain insight into life before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. At the scheduled time, meet your private driver at the hotel lobby for your transfer to Caserta train station. Board a comfortable train heading to Bari, passing through picturesque landscapes of Southern Italy. Upon arrival at Bari railway station, your driver will be waiting to provide your included transfer to the hotel. Complete your check-in and enjoy your overnight stay in Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia, known for its historic center and rich culture.

Day 6:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and meet our Tour Leader for a guided morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Begin with a visit to the old city center, including the iconic Basilica of San Nicola, a significant pilgrimage site, and the impressive Norman-Swabian Castle, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the city and sea (castle entry at your own expense). Continue your tour at Piazza Mercantile, the historic heart of Bari, and see the ancient Column of Justice, a symbol of local history and justice. After the visit, enjoy free time for lunch in the city center. While not included, we recommend dining at a typical local restaurant to taste authentic Apulian cuisine or exploring the streets to savor delicious street food specialties. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Bari.

Day 7:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before departing from Bari by coach to reach Trani, famously known as the 'Pearl of Puglia'. This charming medieval town is among the most remarkable cities in Southern Italy, boasting a rich heritage of art, historical monuments, and a unique Jewish quarter. Visit the stunning white stone Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the Adriatic Sea. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Castel Del Monte, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century by Roger the Norman. This octagonal castle remains shrouded in mystery due to its unusual design and purpose. Your tour proceeds to Alberobello, another UNESCO site famous worldwide for its traditional Trulli —distinctive cone-shaped houses constructed from local limestone in the 14th century. The town’s name derives from the ancient oak forest “Arboris Belli” that once covered the area, enhancing the fairytale-like atmosphere. Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a welcome toast featuring local Apulian white wine and the region’s famous taralli. Dinner is included, followed by an overnight stay in Alberobello.

Day 8:

After breakfast at the hotel, the coach will transfer you to Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary destinations and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will explore the famous “Sassi di Matera”, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone that have been inhabited for over 9,000 years. These caves form the heart of the city’s historic center and offer a unique glimpse into prehistoric and medieval life. Wander through narrow, winding streets and discover how generations adapted these natural caves into functional homes, churches, and shops. Visit the impressive Romanesque Cathedral, known for its elegant architecture and commanding position overlooking the city. Admire its beautiful Campanile (Bell Tower) and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Sassi district. After a full day immersed in history and culture, board the coach back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 9:

The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. Depart Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo, a gem of the Itria Valley and one of Puglia’s most enchanting white towns. Enjoy free time to stroll its concentric streets, admire the whitewashed houses with flowering balconies, and soak in the authentic atmosphere. The panoramic view over the countryside, with olive groves and vineyards, is breathtaking and perfect for photos. Continue on to Ostuni, the renowned “White City”, majestically perched on a hilltop overlooking a coastal plain filled with ancient olive trees. You’ll have ample free time to explore its historic center, a maze of narrow alleys, staircases, and small squares leading to the striking Cathedral. Choose to have lunch in a typical restaurant, visit artisan shops, or enjoy tasting local products, including Ostuni’s famous olive oil. In the late afternoon, after experiencing the charm and history of these unique towns, re-board the coach and travel to Lecce, the cultural heart of Salento. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, resting before discovering Lecce’s Baroque wonders the next day.

Day 10:

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce, exploring the old town center, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the splendid Piazza del Duomo, a landmark of Lecce’s Baroque elegance. Then, board the coach to Otranto, where you'll have free time for lunch in one of the local eateries. In the afternoon, explore Otranto at your own pace. The city has witnessed Greek, Roman, and Turkish invasions, each leaving lasting cultural and architectural traces. Wander the old quarters to experience this rich historical blend. Don’t miss the iconic Cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed behind the altar, and the marvelous mosaic floor. End your day with dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto in Maglie, learning more about Puglia’s history, culinary heritage, and rural culture in a charming countryside setting.

Day 11:

After breakfast, we'll head to Bari, driving through the distinctive landscape of the Murge plateau. En route, stop in Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town rich in churches, noble residences, and the charming Piazza Plebiscito. Visit the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio, followed by free time to explore the historic center. Continue through the Valle d'Itria, a scenic rural area dotted with olive groves and vineyards, to reach Masseria Montenapoleone where you'll learn to make traditional Pugliese cuisine, including focaccia, orecchiette, and cavatelli, all paired with local wines. The experience culminates in a relaxed lunch, enjoying the food you’ve created using organic, local ingredients, in a unique countryside setting. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified seaside citadel with a charming historic center, before continuing on to Bari for your overnight stay.

Day 12:

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