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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome

Rome and southern Italy by rail, 12 days via Eurostar and First Class trains

Illustration of Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome

Great Rail Journeys operates this 12-day escorted journey from London through the Alps to Rome, then south to the regions of Puglia and Basilicata. You depart London St Pancras on Eurostar Plus, travel First Class through the Alps on the TGV to Chambéry, then continue by Italian First Class rail to Rome for two nights of sightseeing guided by your Tour Manager. A three-hour walking tour covers the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain before you travel by First Class rail eastward along the Adriatic coast to Lecce and the seaside town of Santa Maria al Bagno, where you spend four nights at a four-star hotel with a private beach. The second base is a spa hotel near Mesagne for three nights, from which coach excursions visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Alberobello (cone-shaped trulli limestone houses) and Matera (ancient sassi cave dwellings), plus the Baroque towns of Lecce, Galatina, and Gallipoli. All rail, coach, and return flights, breakfasts, one lunch, and nine dinners are included. The group is capped at 30.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 3649 from GBP 2799 double) is roughly double the per-person rate; solo travellers should factor this premium.
  • The return journey is by flight from Bari to London Gatwick; a return-by-rail upgrade option exists but is listed separately and not priced in the base package.
  • The group size is capped at 30, which is substantial; those seeking smaller escorted groups should check availability.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chambéry

    London to Chambéry

    Your holiday starts at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding the Eurostar service for a morning journey to Paris, travelling in style in spacious Plus class with a light meal served at your seats. In Paris you continue by First Class rail to the medieval town of Chambéry, nestled at the foothills of the Alps, the former seat of the Dukes of Savoy. Arriving this evening, take a short walk from the station to the hotel before dinner.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Rome

    Arrival in the 'Eternal City' of Rome

    Leaving Chambéry after breakfast, travel by First Class rail past the scenic French and Italian Alps, with a brief stop in Turin before continuing south through Florence and the Montepulciano wine region to Rome. Arrive this evening and walk a short distance to the central hotel. Enjoy a three-course dinner at the hotel; afterwards you may step into the vibrant city streets or savour panoramic views from the hotel's roof terrace. Note: For the 4th May departure, the hotel is Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio. For the 5th June departure, the journey between Chambéry and Turin will be via coach.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Guided tour of Rome's iconic landmarks

    Discover Rome's most famous sights on a three-hour guided walking tour beginning outside the Colosseum, continuing past the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, concluding in Piazza Navona. The rest of the day is free to explore independently, visit the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, the Vatican or enjoy alfresco dining.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    To idyllic Santa Maria al Bagno

    Leave Rome by First Class rail heading south then east along the Adriatic coastline to Lecce, then transfer by coach to the west coast fishing town of Santa Maria al Bagno and the seafront hotel overlooking the azure Ionian Sea. Free time to swim in the hotel pools, visit the private beach or walk along the promenade. Welcome drink followed by a buffet dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    Exploring the Baroque town of Lecce

    Transfer by coach to Lecce for a guided sightseeing tour of the Baroque Old Town, visiting the Chiesa di Santa Croce and the Piazza del Duomo. The tour ends in a traditional café with a Leccese coffee and pasticciotto pastry. Free time to explore independently, visit the Roman amphitheatre, browse shops and cafés. Return to Santa Maria al Bagno by coach in the afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    A free day in Santa Maria al Bagno

    A full day at leisure to explore the peaceful fishing village of Santa Maria al Bagno or enjoy the hotel's facilities, sea views and small private beach. The rocky Ionian coastline offers swimming bays and sandy beaches. Visit the 'Tower of the Galatena River' medieval fortress towers or the small museum about the WWII displaced persons camp. Dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    Hidden Galatina & historic Gallipoli

    Board a coach for a full day of sightseeing. First stop is Galatina, a beautifully preserved Baroque town with the Basilica di Santa Caterina and its exquisite frescoes. Continue to Gallipoli, a fortified ancient fishing town set on a narrow promontory surrounded by the Ionian Sea. Free time to visit the 13th-century castle or enjoy lunch by the colourful port. Return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Mesagne

    Touring Alberobello, on to Mesagne

    Transfer to Lecce to board a train to Fasano, then a guided coach excursion to Alberobello, the UNESCO World Heritage town of cone-shaped trulli limestone houses. Meet local guide Mimmo Palmisano for a traditional lunch at his family's restaurant followed by a guided tour. Continue to Locorotondo to wander its labyrinthine streets. Drive to the spa hotel near Mesagne for three nights. Welcome drink and dinner. Note: For the 15th May departure, the hotel is Pietrablu Resort in Polignano a Mare.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Mesagne

    Uncovering Brindisi or Mesagne

    Coach transfer to the historic port city of Brindisi at the end of the ancient Via Appia, with its palm-lined promenades, Roman columns and compact Old Town. Free time to visit the Romanesque cathedral or explore historic palazzos. Continue to Mesagne, a smaller town of white stone with a Norman castle and attractive main square. Return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Mesagne

    Guided tour of cinematic Matera

    Excursion to the rugged hilltop town of Matera in Basilicata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient 'sassi' cave dwellings and as a film location (The Gospel According to St Matthew, No Time to Die). Guided tour through winding streets and Palaeolithic-era abodes, entering one of the sassi caves. Free time over lunch to explore boutiques, craft shops, bars and cafés. Return to the spa hotel near Mesagne for the last night on the Adriatic coast.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11railovernight: Turin (rail upgrade only) / Home

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, transfer to Bari airport for a flight back to London Gatwick. Your holiday to southern Italy comes to an end on arrival in London. Note: If you have upgraded to the return by rail option, join the Tour Manager for a coach transfer to Bari, then rail to Bologna and change trains to Turin for an overnight stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  12. Day 12rail

    Homeward bound (return by rail upgrade only)

    Board a First Class train from Turin to Paris, then change to the Eurostar service to London St Pancras in spacious Plus Class with a light meal served at your seats. On arrival in London your holiday draws to a close. Note: On the 15th May and 5th June departures, guests travel by coach to Chambéry, then rail to Paris to catch the planned Eurostar service.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2First Class rail from Chambéry past the French and Italian Alps, through Florence and the Montepulciano wine region, arriving in Rome.
  • Day 3Guided walking tour through Rome starting at the Colosseum, past the Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, ending at Piazza Navona.
  • Day 4First Class rail from Rome south and east along the Adriatic coastline to Lecce, then coach transfer to the seafront hotel at Santa Maria al Bagno overlooking the Ionian Sea.
  • Day 8Train to Fasano, then guided coach excursion to Alberobello to explore UNESCO World Heritage trulli houses and lunch at local guide Mimmo Palmisano's family restaurant.
  • Day 10Guided tour through Matera's ancient sassi cave dwellings carved into the cliffside, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and film location.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 10 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus class travel
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from Bari to London Gatwick
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 9 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Rome to Mesagne
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris, TGV First Class from Paris to Chambéry, Italian First Class rail from Chambéry to Rome and Rome to Lecce, and Lecce to Fasano. Return to London is by flight from Bari to London Gatwick; a return-by-rail upgrade is available.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout the entire 12 days.
How many nights and where do we stay?
10 nights in four-star hotels: two nights in Rome (Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio or Grand Hotel Palatino), four nights at Grand Hotel Riviera in Santa Maria al Bagno on the coast, and three nights at Tenuta Moreno spa hotel near Mesagne.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, one lunch (at a local restaurant in Alberobello), and nine dinners. Meals on Eurostar and during free time are not included.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
A three-hour guided walking tour in Rome; guided walks through the medieval streets of Lecce, Brindisi, Matera, Alberobello, and Locorotondo. Most travel between towns is by coach.
When does the tour run?
Eight departures are scheduled: September 2026, October 2026, April 2027, May 2027, June 2027, August 2027, September 2027, and October 2027.

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