Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
12 daysfrom $4,539
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome
Discover Italy's unmistakable charms when you tour by rail to Rome, Puglia and Basilicata. Bursting with hidden gems, Italy is a pleasure seeker's paradise
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
