Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome

Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Experience Rome’s ancient wonders before discovering the best Puglia has to offer, with relaxing stays on the coast and in the countryside.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arrival in the "Eternal City" of Rome

    Arrive independently in Rome and make your own way to the central hotel. Meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers this evening for a three-course welcome dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Touring Rome's iconic landmarks

    A three-hour guided walking tour takes in the Colosseum exterior, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, ending in Piazza Navona. The rest of the day is free to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    To idyllic Santa Maria al Bagno

    A scenic First Class rail journey heads south along the Adriatic coast to Lecce, then by coach to the fishing town of Santa Maria al Bagno for a four-night stay at a seafront hotel. Welcome drink and buffet dinner this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    Exploring the Baroque town of Lecce

    A coach transfer to Lecce for a guided sightseeing tour of the Baroque "Florence of the South", including Chiesa di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, followed by free time to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    A free day in Santa Maria al Bagno

    A full day at leisure to explore the fishing village or enjoy the hotel's facilities, sea views and private beach.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Santa Maria al Bagno

    Charming Galatina & historic Gallipoli

    A full day of coach sightseeing to the Baroque town of Galatina, including the Basilica di Santa Caterina, and the fortified fishing town of Gallipoli on its narrow promontory.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Mesagne

    Fascinating Alberobello & on to Mesagne

    Train to Fasano then a guided coach excursion to the UNESCO trulli town of Alberobello, including a traditional lunch hosted by a local guide's family, before continuing to Locorotondo and a new three-night base near Mesagne at a renovated 18th-century farmhouse.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Mesagne

    Uncovering Brindisi and Mesagne

    Coach transfer to the historic port city of Brindisi, with free time to see its Roman columns and Old Town, followed by a visit to the smaller town of Mesagne with its Norman castle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Mesagne

    Guided tour of cinematic Matera

    An excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage hilltop town of Matera, famed for its sassi cave dwellings and used as a film location, with a guided tour through its winding streets and free time for lunch.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Traveling home

    After breakfast, begin your journey home or continue exploring Italy independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 9 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • First & Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

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