Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival in Rome, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Take the remainder of the day to unwind after your flight or begin exploring at your own pace. Wander through cobblestone streets, discover a neighbourhood trattoria, or marvel at the evening glow of the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Rome is a living museum, every corner tells a story of power, art, and passion. Overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, board a high-speed train bound for Bari, travelling across the Italian countryside to the shores of the Adriatic. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and settle in. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Stroll through the labyrinth of Bari Vecchia, where narrow lanes reveal laundry fluttering above tiny piazzas and the aroma of freshly baked focaccia fills the air. Locals chat outside their homes, rolling orecchiette pasta by hand, a true taste of authentic Puglia. Overnight in Bari. (B)

Enjoy breakfast before meeting your Tour Leader for a morning walking tour of Bari, the capital of Puglia. Explore the magnificent Basilica di San Nicola, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and admire the formidable Norman-Swabian Castle that guards the coastline. Continue to Piazza Mercantile, the city’s bustling heart, before enjoying leisure time to explore Bari’s markets or the seafront promenade. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner in a local restaurant, sampling regional dishes paired with Apulian wine. Overnight in Bari. (B, D)

Today, journey through the coastal plains and rolling hills of northern Puglia. Stop in Trani, affectionately known as the “Pearl of Puglia,” with its elegant cathedral rising over the sea. Continue to Castel del Monte, a striking octagonal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Frederick II. Arrive in Alberobello, where conical “Trulli” houses form one of Italy’s most enchanting villages. After settling into your hotel, enjoy dinner with local Apulian specialities in a charming setting. Overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)

After breakfast, travel to the fascinating city of Matera, another UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings. Explore this labyrinth of stone homes and rupestrian churches carved into the limestone cliffs, a living testimony to human endurance and creativity. Visit Casa Grotta, a preserved cave home, and admire the sweeping views from the Campanile. Return to Alberobello later in the day for dinner and relaxation amid the fairytale Trulli landscape. Overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)

Depart Alberobello after breakfast and head toward Locorotondo, a gleaming white village that epitomises the charm of the Itria Valley. Continue to Ostuni, the “White City,” whose maze of alleyways and bright façades cascade over a hill overlooking olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy time to shop for local ceramics or sample olive oil before travelling to Lecce, the “Florence of the South.” Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at your hotel and perhaps an evening passeggiata through the baroque streets. Overnight in Lecce. (B, D)

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Lecce, renowned for its exuberant Baroque architecture. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Cathedral of Lecce, and Piazza del Duomo, learning about the artistry that defines this golden-stone city. Continue to Otranto, a seaside town blending Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences. Explore its cathedral and medieval streets before travelling to Masseria L’Uliveto for a traditional farmhouse dinner, where you’ll savour regional flavours and local wines. Return to Lecce. Overnight in Lecce. (B, D)

After breakfast, journey north to Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Continue to Masseria Montenapoleone, where you’ll enjoy a hands-on cooking class and lunch featuring regional delicacies. Experience the warmth of southern hospitality as local chefs share family recipes passed down through generations. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a coastal gem known for its charming old port, before arriving in Bari for the evening. Overnight in Bari. (B, L)

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your high-speed return journey to Rome. Watch the scenery transform from olive groves and vineyards to ancient ruins and cityscapes as you return to Italy’s capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Rome. (B)

Spend a leisurely day exploring Rome at your own rhythm. You may wish to join an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum, revisit favourite landmarks, or simply enjoy a cappuccino in Piazza Navona while soaking in the city’s timeless atmosphere. This is your day to create your own Roman memories before the journey home. Overnight in Rome. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Arrivederci Italia, until next time! End of services. (B)