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Rome | Southern Lights: Rome, Sorrento, Capri & Puglia

Rome | Southern Lights: Rome, Sorrento, Capri & Puglia

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request
12 days from

$3489

Experience the best of Southern Italy with visits to the Blue Grotto in Capri, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Castel del Monte, Alberobello, and Matera, and the charming towns of Locorotondo and Otranto. Enjoy authentic culinary experiences and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region.  

Day 1: Rome

Welcome to Rome! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city or relaxing. Overnight stay.

Day 2: Rome

After breakfast, enjoy a full day to explore Rome at your own pace or join one of our curated tours. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the Eternal City promises unforgettable experiences around every corner. Overnight stay in Rome. (B)

Day 3: Rome | Pompeii | Sorrento

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel at 7:00 am approximately. Enjoy a comfortable drive through the Italian countryside witha short stop along the way before continuing south towards the ancient city of Pompeii, set at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Upon arrival, explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site with an expert licensed guide on a comprehensive archaeological tour.  Enjoy an in-depth 2.5-hour exploration of the site designed to let you fully immerse yourself in the history and daily life of ancient Rome. Walk along the original streets, discover remarkably preserved houses, bakeries and temples, and admire frescoes and mosaics that have survived for centuries. Learn how the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried the city under ash, preserving it for over a millennium and offering us today an unparalleled glimpse into the past.  After the visit, transfer to Sorrento, where you can continue your journey surrounded by stunning coastal views and Mediterranean charm.  In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at the hotel (smart-casual attire recommended), followed by an overnight stay in Sorrento. (B,D)

Day 4: Sorrento | Capri | Sorrento

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Capri, one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous islands. Weather permitting, visit the enchanting Blue Grotto by rowboat, famous for its dazzling blue waters. After this unique experience, enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the island at your leisure. Wander Capri’s picturesque streets, browse luxury boutiques, relax in charming piazzas, or enjoy a café. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento for dinner and an overnight stay.  (B,D)

Day 5: Sorrento | Bari

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning at your own pace. Alternatively, you may join an optional excursion to the famous archaeological site of Pompeii (not included). At the scheduled time, meet your private driver for transfer to Caserta train station and board a train to Bari, enjoying scenic Southern Italian landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay in Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia with its historic center and rich cultural heritage. (B)

Day 6: Bari

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your Tour Leader for a guided morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Explore the old city center, including the iconic Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle, offering panoramic views over the city and the sea (castle entry at your own expense). Continue to Piazza Mercantile to see the historic Column of Justice. Enjoy free time for lunch in the city center to sample local cuisine or street food before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 7: Bari | Trani | Castel del Monte | Alberobello

After breakfast, depart Bari by coach to reach Trani, the “Pearl of Puglia,” a charming medieval town with a rich heritage, including its Jewish quarter and the stunning white stone Cathedral overlooking the Adriatic Sea. In the afternoon, continue to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century, famous for its mysterious octagonal design. Your journey then takes you to Alberobello, another UNESCO site, renowned for its traditional Trulli — cone-shaped limestone houses giving the town a fairytale-like atmosphere. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome toast with local Apulian white wine and taralli, followed by dinner and and an overnight stay in Alberobello. (B,D)

Day 8: Alberobello | Matera | Alberobello

After breakfast, transfer by coach to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Sassi di Matera cave dwellings, inhabited for over 9,000 years. Explore the winding streets and discover how these caves were transformed into homes, churches, and shops. Visit the striking Romanesque Cathedral, with its elegant architecture and panoramic views over the Sassi district. In the late afternoon, return by coach to Alberobello for dinner and an overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 9: Alberobello | Locorotondo | Ostuni | Lecce

After breakfast, depart Alberobello by coach to Locorotondo, a charming white town in the Itria Valley. Enjoy free time to wander its concentric streets, admire the whitewashed houses, and take in panoramic views of olive groves and vineyards. Continue to Ostuni, the famed “White City,” perched atop a hill with stunning views over the coastal plain. Explore its historic center at your leisure, visit artisan shops, or sample local delicacies, including Ostuni’s renowned olive oil. In the late afternoon, transfer to Lecce, the cultural heart of Salento, for dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 10: Lecce | Otranto | Lecce

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of Lecce, exploring the old town center, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the beautiful Piazza del Duomo. Then, travel by coach to Otranto, with free time for lunch before exploring the city at your own pace. Discover Otranto’s rich history, shaped by Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences, and visit the iconic Cathedral, famed for its mosaic floor and the bones of 813 martyrs. Conclude the day with dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto in Maglie, experiencing traditional Pugliese cuisine and local culture. (B,D)

Day 11: Lecce | Martina Franca | Monopoli | Bari

After breakfast, depart for Bari, stopping in Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town. Visit the Cathedral, Ducal Palace, and Torre dell’Orologio, then enjoy free time to explore the historic center.  Continue through the scenic Valle d’Itria to Masseria Montenapoleone, where you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class, preparing traditional Pugliese dishes such as focaccia, orecchiette, and cavatelli, paired with local wines, followed by a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, visit the charming seaside town of Monopoli before continuing to Bari for for an overnight stay. (B,L)

Day 12: Bari

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel and take advantage of any last-minute time for shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight schedule. At the designated time, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

Guaranteed departures!

Sunday - April 18 / May 2, 16, 30 / June 13,20, 27 / July 11 / August  15, 29 / September 12, 19 / October 3, 10, 17, 31