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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Puglia & Beyond

Rail journey from Switzerland through Italy to Apulia's baroque towns

Illustration of Puglia & Beyond

Marvellous Escapes operates a 10-day tailor-made rail holiday that departs London and ends in Lecce, the 'Florence of the South' in Apulia, Italy. Your journey begins in Zurich, where you overnight and explore the Old Town at your own pace. You then travel south by a succession of European trains: the First-Class Swiss train carries you through the Alpine passes into Italy, the high-speed train glides through countryside toward the Adriatic, and Italian regional trains connect the ports and historic towns. The itinerary balances independent time in each city with guided group activities: a day trip from Bari to the UNESCO cave dwellings of Matera and the medieval cathedral town of Altamura; a tour of Alberobello's trulli houses, whitewashed Locorotondo, and Ostuni with local brunch and olive oil tasting; and two days in Lecce that include a walking tour of Baroque architecture and a tour of Salento's coastal towns. Hotel stays include daily breakfast. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, couples seeking a mix of guided discovery and free exploration, history enthusiasts drawn to Roman amphitheatres and medieval churches, and food lovers interested in regional Apulian cuisine.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary on Day 1 refers to a Eurostar departure from London to Zurich via Paris, but the pack lists the route as 'London to Paris'; confirm the exact starting point and return route with Marvellous Escapes.
  • The final day includes a private transfer to Bari or Brindisi airport for a return flight to the UK, or optionally a return train journey from London St. Pancras; flight is not explicitly included in the from-price.
  • This is a tailor-made journey with guided day trips; confirm group size and exact dates with the operator before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    This morning, you will board the Eurostar from London to Zurich via Paris. Upon arrival in Zurich complete your check-in at the hotel where you will spend the night. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through Zurich's Old Town (Altstadt) which is nestled between the alpine mountains and straddles both banks of the Limmat River.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Ancona

    Ancona

    After breakfast, begin your day with a scenic rail journey from Zurich, traveling south through the Swiss Alps aboard a comfortable First-Class Swiss train. Admire the dramatic alpine landscapes as you cross into Italy, arriving in the bustling city of Milan. Board your high-speed train from Milan to Ancona, gliding through picturesque Italian countryside along the Adriatic coast. Upon arrival in Ancona, a historic port city, settle into your hotel for a relaxing evening.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bari

    Bari

    After enjoying a morning in Ancona, embark on a scenic rail journey to Bari, a historic port city on Italy's Adriatic coast. Upon arrival in Bari, check into your hotel and take the evening to explore the charming Old Town. Wander the narrow streets, discover the ancient Basilica di San Nicola, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Lungomare.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bari

    Bari

    Today, embark on an unforgettable small-group day trip to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the stunning Murgia Hills. Matera's ancient Sassi districts, carved into the rock, offer a fascinating glimpse into history. Next, discover Altamura, perched high on the Murgia Hills within a national park, famous for its impressive Cathedral of Altamura and DOP-certified Altamura bread.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Brindisi

    Brindisi

    This morning, take a short and scenic rail journey from Bari to Brindisi, a historic port city with a fascinating blend of ancient history and Mediterranean charm. Arrive in Brindisi and stroll through the charming Piazza del Popolo, visit the Castello Svevo, and admire the stunning Roman Column.

  6. Day 6overnight: Brindisi

    Brindisi

    Today, embark on a unique tour of three of Apulia's most stunning towns: Alberobello, renowned for its iconic trulli; Locorotondo, a quaint hilltop town known for its whitewashed houses; and Ostuni, the 'White City'. Along the way, enjoy an Apulian brunch featuring local delicacies and a tasting of Olive Oil.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lecce

    Lecce

    Today, embark on a short and scenic train journey from Brindisi to Lecce, a city renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. Arrive in Lecce, often referred to as the 'Florence of the South,' and begin exploring this stunning city, with highlights including the Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.

  8. Day 8overnight: Lecce

    Lecce

    On your second-day in Lecce, enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour through its historic heart, a city famed for its Baroque art and architecture. Along with your exploration, you'll be treated to a refreshing caffè leccese, a cool local coffee made with almond milk, paired with typical Apulian appetisers.

  9. Day 9overnight: Lecce

    Lecce

    On your final day in Lecce, you'll embark on a scenic tour of four of Salento's most picturesque towns: Galatina, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Gallipoli. Admire the stunning coastal views, rocky cliffs, hidden bays, and Caribbean-style white beaches that make this region famous.

  10. Day 10rail

    Return home

    Check out of your hotel today and take a private transfer back to Bari/Brindisi and head to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your stay to explore more of Italy by rail, speak to your travel designer.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Travel by First-Class Swiss train through the Alps, then cross into Italy aboard a high-speed train through Italian countryside to the Adriatic coast.
  • Day 4Guided day trip to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Sassi districts carved into rock, and the medieval town of Altamura.
  • Day 6Tour of three Apulian towns: Alberobello with its famous trulli houses, whitewashed Locorotondo, and Ostuni known as the White City; includes local brunch and olive oil tasting.
  • Day 8Two-hour guided walking tour through Lecce's Baroque heart, the 'Florence of the South,' with refreshment of caffè leccese and local appetisers.
  • Day 9Tour of four Salento towns: Galatina, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Gallipoli, featuring rocky cliffs, hidden bays, and white beaches.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Ancona with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Bari with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Brindisi with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lecce with breakfast included
  • Rail journey from London to Zurich (via Paris) and a return flight to the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV Lyria, EuroCity and Trenitalia trains
  • Private Transfer to airport for return flight
  • Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni & Apulian brunch
  • Discovering Lecce, city of Baroque art walking tour
  • Tour to 4 Towns of Salento: Otranto, Leuca, Gallipoli, Galatina

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included in the price?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes secures reservations for Eurostar, TGV Lyria, EuroCity, and Trenitalia trains from London to Zurich and through Italy to Lecce.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Independent tailor-made journey between destinations with guided day trips and walking tours at each stop, plus 24-hour on-trip support.
What is included in the price?
Nine nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, rail reservations, three guided tours (Matera and Altamura, Alberobello/Locorotondo/Ostuni with Apulian brunch, Lecce walking tour, and Salento towns), private airport transfer, and 24-hour support.
Where do you stay each night?
One night each in Zurich and Ancona; two nights each in Bari and Brindisi; three nights in Lecce.
When does the trip run?
No specific departures are listed in the operator's information; contact Marvellous Escapes for available dates.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes guided walking tours in Lecce (two hours), exploration of Old Towns and streets in each city, and day trips to multiple towns with moderate walking.

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