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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome

Rome and Puglia by rail and coach, ten days through southern Italy

Illustration of Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome

Vacations By Rail's Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome is a ten-day escorted tour combining Rome's classical monuments with the lesser-known landscapes of southern Italy. The journey begins in Rome with two nights and a guided walk of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, leaving the rest of day two free to explore independently. On day 3, travelers board a First Class train for a scenic Adriatic coast route to Lecce, then transfer by coach to the fishing town of Santa Maria al Bagno for a four-night stay at a seafront hotel. From this base, guided coach excursions reach the Baroque town of Lecce, the fortified fishing town of Gallipoli, and the Baroque Galatina, with a full free day to relax on the private beach or explore the village. Day 7 brings a train ride to Fasano followed by a guided visit to the UNESCO trulli houses of Alberobello, where a local guide hosts a traditional family lunch; travelers then continue to a renovated 18th-century farmhouse near Mesagne for the final three nights.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 10 offers no structured activities; you depart after breakfast or continue independently
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included
  • A three-hour walking tour on day 2 in Rome; mobility rating 3 indicates moderate to more demanding activity overall

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: guided walking tour of Rome's Colosseum exterior, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, ending in Piazza Navona
  • Day 3Day 3: First Class scenic rail journey south along the Adriatic coast to Lecce, then coach to the fishing town of Santa Maria al Bagno
  • Day 4Day 4: guided tour of Lecce, known as the Baroque Florence of the South, including Chiesa di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo
  • Day 7Day 7: guided coach excursion to UNESCO trulli town of Alberobello with a traditional lunch at a local guide's family restaurant, then transfer to a renovated 18th-century farmhouse near Mesagne
  • Day 9Day 9: guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Matera, famed for its sassi cave dwellings, through winding streets with free time for lunch

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. First and Standard Class rail travel is included, including the scenic Adriatic coast journey from Rome to Lecce on day 3. All other transport by coach and ferry is also included.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
Escorted. A Tour Manager accompanies from start to finish, and all guided tours and excursions are included. Day 1 is self-directed arrival and day 5 in Santa Maria al Bagno is unscheduled leisure time.
What hotels are included?
Four-star accommodation: Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome (2 nights), Grand Hotel Riviera in Santa Maria al Bagno (4 nights), and Tenuta Moreno, an 18th-century farmhouse near Mesagne (3 nights).
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, one lunch (traditional meal in Alberobello), and seven dinners. Airport transfers and some meals are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Guided walks include a three-hour tour of Rome, sightseeing tours in Lecce, Brindisi, Mesagne, and Matera. The operator rates this tour Mobility Rating 3, indicating more demanding activity.
When does the tour run?
The operator does not publish scheduled departures in the available information; contact Vacations By Rail directly to confirm dates and availability.

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