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Rail Tours (rail-tours.co.uk) · Train Tour

Puglia & Basilicata

Southern Italy rail tour from Rome through Puglia to Turin, 13 days

Illustration of Puglia & Basilicata

Rail Tours offers a 13-day guided tour blending rail and coach travel through southern Italy, departing from London and returning there. The journey starts with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then continues by rail through France to Chambery and on to Rome, where a guided tour introduces the capital's landmarks. From Rome, the route heads south to Puglia by train, basing in Lecce for five nights. A guided walking tour explores Lecce's Baroque architecture, including the Chiesa di Santa Croce. Day trips by coach visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Matera and Alberobello, with buildings dating to the 8th century, and an olive mill near Otranto offers a tasting. The tour then moves north to Vieste on the Gargano Peninsula for a boat excursion along the Adriatic coastline, passing sea caves and coves. The final leg travels by rail to Turin before returning to London by high-speed rail and Eurostar. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, history lovers exploring ancient Italian towns, and couples seeking a structured itinerary with guided experiences and leisure time.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one night in Chambery and Turin; the tour's focus is the five-night stay in Lecce
  • Day 9 departure from Lecce is by coach to Foggia, then coach transfer to Vieste; rail segment is limited to the Lecce-to-Foggia leg
  • Single supplement pricing is not provided; confirm total cost for solo travellers with the operator

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chambery

    Chambery and Rome

    Meet your Tour Manager at Great Rail Journeys' dedicated departure office in London St Pancras, departing by Eurostar to Paris. On arrival, we travel to rail by Chambery, where we overnight.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    To Rome

    We continue south to Italy, travelling via Milan to Rome. We dine together at a local restaurant this evening.

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    We begin our time in Rome with a fabulous guided tour, exploring some of the many fantastic sights and monuments in this remarkable 'Eternal City'. This afternoon, you are at leisure, perhaps to continue exploring further.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lecce

    To Puglia

    We travel by rail to Puglia, taking us through some of Italy's most beautiful scenery.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lecce

    Lecce

    This morning, we enjoy a guided walking tour of Lecce, and visit the decorative Chiesa di Santa Croce. This afternoon, you are at leisure to continue exploring Lecce.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lecce

    Otranto

    This morning, we travel to Otranto. We take a guided tour then venture out into the countryside to sample olive oil, as well as take a tour of an olive mill.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lecce

    Matera and Alberobello

    Our full-day coach tour takes us to explore Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Alberobello. Both of these fascinating towns are filled with history as well as fascinating examples of architecture, with some buildings dating back to the 8th century.

  8. Day 8overnight: Lecce

    Free day

    Day 8 is free.

  9. Day 9overnight: Vieste

    Gargano Peninsula

    We leave Lecce this morning, travelling along the Adriatic coastline to Foggia. Here, we transfer by coach to Vieste.

  10. Day 10overnight: Vieste

    Gargano Peninsula by boat

    We explore the Gargano Peninsula by boat, passing the many caves cut into the cliffs, and the idyllic, secluded coves that feature regularly on the shoreline.

  11. Day 11overnight: Vieste

    Free day in Vieste

    You are at leisure on your final day in Vieste.

  12. Day 12overnight: Turin

    To Turin

    We transfer to Turin, where we overnight.

  13. Day 13rail

    Return home

    We travel by high-speed rail to Paris. Here, we connect with the Eurostar to London, and our tour concludes on arrival.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Guided tour of Rome, exploring monuments and sights of the Eternal City; afternoon at leisure
  • Day 5Guided walking tour of Lecce and visit to the Chiesa di Santa Croce, featuring ornate Baroque architecture
  • Day 6Day trip to Otranto with guided tour and olive mill visit to sample local olive oil
  • Day 7Full-day coach tour of Matera and Alberobello, UNESCO World Heritage sites with buildings from the 8th century
  • Day 10Boat exploration of the Gargano Peninsula, passing caves cut into cliffs and secluded coves

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, rail travel through France and Italy, and return by high-speed rail and Eurostar. From-price includes all rail fares.
Is the tour guided or independent?
Guided. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. Guided walks are included in Rome and Lecce, plus a full-day coach tour of Matera and Alberobello. Some afternoons and Day 8 in Lecce are free.
What hotels are included?
Three-star hotels in Chambery (1 night), Rome (2 nights), Lecce (5 nights), Vieste (3 nights), and Turin (1 night).
What is included in the price?
Rail travel from London, accommodation, guided tours in Rome and Lecce, a full-day coach tour to Matera and Alberobello, an olive mill visit in Otranto, a boat tour of the Gargano Peninsula, and one dinner in Rome. Coach transfers between towns are included.
How much walking is involved?
Walking tours in Rome and Lecce; day trips by coach with included activities. Day 10 is a boat tour. Several afternoons and Day 8 are at leisure; physical demands are moderate.
When does the tour depart?
Spring is recommended in the evidence. Specific departure dates are not listed; confirm availability with Rail Tours directly.

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