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Puglia: Italy’s Undiscovered Coast

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11 days From £2,595 £2,445 per person
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Join us on an unforgettable tour, discovering the epic history and dazzling treasures of Rome, then uncovering extraordinary gems in Italy’s unspoiled regions of Puglia and Basilicata

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Save up to £200pp on Europe 2025 holidays when you book by 31st October 2024.

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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: PBS25

About the tour

Embark on an extraordinary holiday which combines history, fascinating culture and coastal relaxation - starting with a tour of the iconic sites of ancient Rome before exploring less-visited Puglia and Basilicata in Italy's southern heel.

On guided excursions we are introduced to unique architecture, including the UNESCO-listed cave dwellings of Matera, and Alberobello's cone-shaped 'trulli' houses which we see through the eyes of a local. Besides soaking up the intriguing history of the Puglia and Basilicata regions, we also taste delicious local produce.

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Unforgettable experiences

Visit Matera and its intriguing 'sassi' cave dwellings
Visit Matera and its intriguing 'sassi' cave dwellings
Inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, these ancient natural caves are found in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, a breathtaking rugged setting which is known as ‘the jewel of Basilicata’.
See the unique 'trulli' houses of Alberobello
See the unique 'trulli' houses of Alberobello
We explore this enchanting area and its unusual architecture with an engaging and entertaining local expert who takes us on a fascinating guided tour after a hearty lunch at his family’s restaurant.
Stay in two fabulous sister hotels, on the Ionian and the Adriatic seas
Stay in two fabulous sister hotels, on the Ionian and the Adriatic seas
We experience both sides of Italy’s charming southern heel, spending four nights in a peaceful hotel on the Ionian Sea and three in a spa resort near beautiful Polignano a Mare, on the Adriatic Sea.
Experience the vibrant historical cities of Rome and Lecce
Experience the vibrant historical cities of Rome and Lecce
Walk among Rome’s wondrous ancient monuments on an insightful guided tour and discover the ornate architectural wonders of Lecce, ‘the Florence of the south’, with time in each city to explore at your own pace.
Explore Galatina, one of Puglia’s hidden gems, and historical Gallipoli
Explore Galatina, one of Puglia’s hidden gems, and historical Gallipoli
We take the road less travelled to the beautiful baroque town of Galatina, and explore the atmospheric fishing village of Gallipoli, set on a narrow peninsula, surrounded by sea on all sides.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – An overnight stay in picturesque Chambéry

Our holiday starts at London St Pancras, where we meet our Tour Manager and group of fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar service for a morning journey to Paris, travelling in spacious Standard Premier Class with a light meal served at our seats.

In Paris we continue by First Class rail to the attractive medieval town of Chambéry, nestled at the foothills of the Alps. The town is the former seat of the Dukes of Savoy, and their impressive château still dominates Chambéry's picturesque centre. The historic Old Town has a characterful square, tall, colourful houses, and is officially listed as a Town of Art and History ('Ville d'Art et d'Histoire').

Arriving this evening, we take a short walk from the station to our hotel, where we check in for the night and sit down to our first group dinner together.

Please note: If travelling by air, your holiday starts on Day 2 of the itinerary and ends on Day 11.

Includes
  • Eurostar light meal (Rail departures only)
  • Dinner (Rail departures only)
Day 2 – Two nights to explore the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome

Leaving Chambéry after breakfast, we walk across to the train station to travel to our first exciting Italian destination, the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Our relaxing rail journey takes us past the scenic French and Italian Alps, with a brief stop in stylish Turin before continuing south, passing the grand Renaissance city of Florence and the Montepulciano wine region as we travel to timeless Rome.

Arriving in Italy's dynamic capital this evening, we walk a short distance from the station to our central hotel where we spend the next two nights. This evening we enjoy a three-course dinner at our hotel. After our meal you may like to step into the vibrant city streets to soak up the atmosphere, or savour panoramic views of Rome from the hotel's roof terrace.

Includes
  • Breakfast (Rail departures only)
  • Dinner
Day 3 – Guided tour of Rome’s iconic landmarks, free time to explore

Waking in glorious Rome, we discover its spectacular sights on a three-hour guided tour. We see the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the elegant Piazza Venezia and extraordinary Roman Pantheon. Our tour ends in Piazza Navona, a lively square bordered by cafés and restaurants, where you're free to experience Rome's beauty at your own pace for the rest of the day.

Around 15 minutes' walk from Piazza Navona is the acclaimed Trevi Fountain and the wonderful Spanish Steps. Walk up the steps to reach Pincian Hill and Villa Borghese park, where you can relax in landscaped gardens or see stunning art and sculpture in the Borghese Gallery. Just across the historic Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II which spans the River Tiber is St Peter's Square and the Vatican.

If you'd like to visit the Vatican, we recommend booking ahead online

Rome offers an endless array of eateries, many alfresco, where you can enjoy a fresh pasta dish or a slice of crispy pizza al taglio with a glass of wine, and watch the world go by.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Santa Maria al Bagno, our idyllic base on the Ionian Sea

Saying 'Arrivederci Roma' this morning we set off on a scenic rail journey to the unspoilt southern heel of Italy. Our route takes us directly south, then east along the gorgeous Adriatic coastline on our way to the coastal city of Lecce. From here we transfer by coach to the west coast, or 'inner heel' of Puglia, to the relaxed fishing town of Santa Maria al Bagno and our lovely seafront hotel which overlooks the brilliant blue Ionian Sea.

We spend the next four nights in this beautiful environment, a peaceful contrast to the buzzing streets of Rome. There's free time to get to know our lovely surroundings, possibly take a refreshing swim in one of the hotel pools, visit the private beach or spend some time on the sun terrace which overlooks the sea. There's also a pleasant walk along the promenade from the hotel to the town. This evening we gather for a welcome drink followed by a buffet dinner at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - A day in the Baroque town of Lecce

Today we transfer by coach to the historic town of Lecce for a guided sightseeing tour. With its fascinating Old Town of elaborate Baroque architecture, Lecce has been dubbed 'the Florence of the South', and the city's alleyways are ideal for exploring on foot. We visit the Chiesa di Santa Croce, with its intricately carved rose window, and the Piazza del Duomo, the main square, in the shadow of Lecce's cathedral. Our guided tour ends in a traditional café, where we sample a Leccese coffee, made with almond milk and poured over ice, served with 'pasticciotto' - a southern Puglian pastry filled with custard or ricotta.

We are then free to explore the town independently. You could visit the Roman amphitheatre, a partially-buried archaeological treasure which was excavated in 1938, below the ground level of the Piazza Sant'Oronzo. The streets are lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, and - equally enticing - shops offering local produce such as olive oil, wine and ceramics. We return to Santa Maria al Bagno by coach in the afternoon, with time to relax before dinner at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Free time in tranquil Santa Maria al Bagno

With a full day at leisure, you're free to explore the peaceful fishing village of Santa Maria al Bagno or to simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy our hotel's excellent facilities, sea views and small private beach. With a beautiful rocky coastline on the Ionian Sea, inviting swimming bays and sandy beaches, Santa Maria buzzes with holidaymakers at the height of summer but retains its charm. The traditional town centre is just a short walk along the promenade from our hotel, and seafront cafés and restaurants are dotted around the bay.

Above the old town is the distinctive 'Tower of the Galatena River', a set of four medieval fortress towers known locally simply as 'the four columns'. During World War II the town was the site of a 'displaced persons camp', and a small museum tells the moving story of refugees who were given temporary homes in Santa Maria al Bagno and how they were welcomed by the local population. When you're ready for dinner, there are several highly-rated restaurants to choose from, set around Santa Maria's turquoise bay.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Discovering gorgeous Galatina & the fishing town of Gallipoli

After breakfast this morning we board a coach for a full day of sightseeing. Our first destination is one of Puglia's hidden gems, Galatina, a beautifully preserved Baroque town away from the well-worn tourist track. With some free time in this laid-back, friendly town you could visit the lovely Basilica di Santa Caterina and see its exquisite frescoes (entry is free) or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and a refreshing drink in the piazza.

Our tour continues to the charming town of Gallipoli, known for its fortified historical centre. Set on a narrow promontory which stretches out into the Ionian Sea, this ancient fishing town is surrounded by water on all sides. With free time to explore independently, you might like to visit the 13th century castle, or find an atmospheric seafront café to enjoy lunch beside the colourful port. In the afternoon we head back to our hotel in Santa Maria al Bagno where we dine this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Lunch and a tour in Alberobello, on to Polignano a Mare

Today we transfer to Lecce to board a train to Monopoli - a vibrant town on the Adriatic. On arrival, we take a guided coach excursion to the unique whitewashed town of Alberobello. This magical UNESCO-listed town is packed with hundreds of cone-shaped, limestone houses known as 'trulli'. Dating back to the 14th century, these houses were constructed from small stones, and designed to be easily dismantled to avoid taxes!

There's a little time to look around before meeting our knowledgeable and friendly guide, Mimmo Palmisano - affectionately known as Mr Alberobello - who hosts us at a traditional lunch in his family's restaurant before a fascinating guided tour. We continue to the hill town of Locorotondo, a few miles away, where we are free to wander the labyrinthine streets of the historic centre. The town is renowned for its sparkling Spumante wine, and is surrounded by many vineyards, olive groves and 'trulli' settlements. After our tour we drive to our next base, a spa hotel near Polignano a Mare, on Puglia's beautiful Adriatic coast, for three nights. We are met with a refreshing welcome drink before dinner at our hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - A free day to relax or explore Polignano a Mare

After a busy few days of touring, today is at leisure to enjoy the lovely surroundings and the facilities of our hotel. You could choose to relax at one of the hotel's pools, or on its private beach, spending a tranquil day soaking up the Italian sunshine.

In the nearby town of Polignano a Mare, you could watch the world go by from a pavement café while trying some local cuisine for lunch.

Another local treat is Polignano coffee, made with lemon zest, cream and amaretto, which you could enjoy at one of the cafés dotted around the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, watched over by the 17th-century Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption. The town's white-washed alleys open onto terraces with views of the sea and a small cove, nestled between the cliffs.

This evening dinner is served at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Guided tour of otherworldly Matera

Ahead of us today is one of the highlights of our tour, an excursion to the rugged hilltop town of Matera in Basilicata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its ancient 'sassi' cave dwellings. This evocative town is favoured among directors as a film location over the decades. Director Pier Paolo Pasolini set the story of Jesus' life here, in his 1964 classic, The Gospel According to St Matthew, and the James Bond movie 'No Time to Die' was also filmed here.

Our guided tour takes us through the maze of winding streets and fascinating Palaeolithic-era abodes, some of which were inhabited until as recently as the 1950s, and we enter one of the 'sassi' caves. We're then free over lunch to explore this incredible location at our own pace. Matera has flourished in recent years, it was European Capital of Culture in 2019, and there are many boutiques, craft shops, bars and cafés to discover.

We return to our spa hotel near Poligano a Mare for our last night on the Adriatic coast, gathering for dinner this evening in our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – Fly home or head north to return by rail via Turin

This morning we fly home, so it's time to say farewell to your Tour Manager and fellow travellers and transfer to Bari airport for your flight home. On the journey, you can reflect on the experiences of our Italian tour and the unusual places we have visited, before our holiday draws to a close as the plane lands.

Those who have opted to return by rail will join the Tour Manager as we begin our journey north through Italy. We transfer by coach to Bari then travel by rail along the picturesque Adriatic coast and onwards to Bologna where we change trains to the cultural city of Turin, close to the French border. We check into our overnight hotel in the elegant city of Turin before dining together.

Includes
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner (Rail departures only)
Day 12 – Homeward bound (return by rail option only)

Early this morning we begin the final leg of our journey, boarding the First Class train from Turin to Paris. In the French capital, we change trains and join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, travelling in spacious Standard Premier Class with a light meal served at our seats.

During our rail journey home, there's time to reflect on the many unforgettable experiences we have enjoyed, share stories with fellow travellers and new friends before our holiday draws to a close as our train pulls into London St Pancras.

While our holiday may be over, we head home with special memories to cherish of our holiday in beautiful Puglia, Basilicata and the timeless city of Rome.

Please Note - If you opt for the return by rail option there is a an addtional charge.

Includes
  • Breakfast (Rail departures only)
  • Eurostar light meal (Rail departures only)

Additional information

Please Note - Rail Option

There is an option to return by rail for an additional charge, stopping overnight in Turin on the inbound journey. Please ask for further details when booking.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome

Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome

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Grand Hotel Riviera, Santa Maria al Bagno

Grand Hotel Riviera, Santa Maria al Bagno

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Pietrablu Resort and Spa, Polignano a Mare

Pietrablu Resort and Spa, Polignano a Mare

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Trains

Eurostar
TGV

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