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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Puglia & Beyond Grand Tour

12-day rail journey from Zurich to Lecce through Italian Adriatic coast and Puglia

Illustration of Puglia & Beyond Grand Tour

Marvellous Escapes operates this 12-day tailor-made rail holiday that threads six Italian cities and one Swiss gateway from Zurich in the north to Lecce in the heel of Puglia. The journey begins with an overnight in Zurich, then descends through the Swiss Alps by First-Class train to Milan and the Adriatic coast at Ancona, before turning south to Bari. On Day 5, you arrive in Matera and spend two nights in the UNESCO-listed Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into stone cliffs, staying in a traditional stone-style hotel. A guided walking tour uncovers rupestrian churches and the Matera Cathedral. You then travel by train to Brindisi, stopping for a full-day guided tour of Alberobello's trulli houses, Locorotondo, and Ostuni. The journey concludes with three nights in Lecce, the 'Florence of the South', where guided walking tours explore Baroque art and architecture, and a second excursion visits the white-sand coastal towns of the Salento peninsula. Hotel breakfasts are included throughout, and 24-hour on-trip support accompanies the independent rail segments.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary shows the journey starting from London via Eurostar but the pack lists Zurich as the start; confirm with Marvellous Escapes whether the London-to-Zurich leg is included in the from-price or booked separately
  • Day 5 from Bari to Matera is listed as either train (Ferrovie Appulo Lucane) or bus; final transport choice depends on availability
  • Day 7 from Matera back to Bari is similarly either train or bus; request preference when booking
  • The final day (Day 12) offers a return flight or optional train extension; flight timing and airport transfer details should be confirmed directly

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. Take a leisurely stroll through Zurich's Old Town (Altstadt).

  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, arriving in Milan. Board your high-speed train from Milan to Ancona, gliding through picturesque Italian countryside along the Adriatic coast.

  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, discovering the ancient Basilica di San Nicola and the Lungomare.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bari

    Bari

    Bari is the capital of the Puglia region. Begin your day exploring the old town, known as Bari Vecchia, visit the Basilica di San Nicola and the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and wander the picturesque waterfront promenade. Experience the vibrant culinary scene of Bari in the evening.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Matera

    Matera

    Today, embark on a scenic journey from Bari to Matera, either by train on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane line or by bus. Upon arrival in Matera, step into the famed 'City of Stones' (Città dei Sassi), known for its ancient cave dwellings, called Sassi, carved into the cliffs and gorges. Enjoy a truly special stay in a traditional stone-style hotel carved from the rock of the Sassi.

  6. Day 6overnight: Matera

    Matera

    You will unveil the secrets of Matera today, on a captivating walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Sassi districts. Explore cave dwellings and rupestrian churches, and visit key historical landmarks such as the Matera Cathedral, perched at the top of the town's highest square.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Brindisi

    Brindisi

    Today, bid farewell to Matera as you journey back to Bari, either by train or bus. Once in Bari, board your onward train to Brindisi, travelling along the stunning Adriatic coastline. Upon arrival in Brindisi, a city rich in maritime history, take some time to explore its charming streets and cultural landmarks.

  8. Day 8overnight: 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'. Enjoy an Apulian brunch and a tasting of Olive Oil.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Lecce

    Lecce

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

  10. Day 10overnight: 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, including a refreshing caffè leccese paired with typical Apulian appetisers.

  11. Day 11overnight: 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, and Caribbean-style white beaches.

  12. Day 12rail

    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 2Scenic rail journey from Zurich through the Swiss Alps to Milan, then high-speed train to Ancona along the Adriatic coast
  • Day 5Arrival in Matera, the 'City of Stones', where ancient cave dwellings (Sassi) are carved into cliffs; overnight in a traditional stone-style hotel
  • Day 6Guided walking tour through UNESCO-listed Sassi districts, exploring cave dwellings, rupestrian churches, and the Matera Cathedral
  • Day 9Short scenic train journey from Brindisi to Lecce, often called the 'Florence of the South', featuring the Piazza del Duomo and Basilica di Santa Croce
  • Day 11Full-day guided tour of four Salento coastal towns: Galatina, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Gallipoli, with Caribbean-style white beaches and rocky cliffs

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 Matera 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
  • Guided Walking Tour of Sassi In Matera Barisano & Caveoso
  • 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 train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes secure reservations on Eurostar, TGV Lyria, EuroCity, and Trenitalia trains. The London-to-Zurich leg and return flight or alternative train journey are mentioned in the included items but you should verify their exact cost with Marvellous Escapes.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is a tailor-made independent journey between destinations, with guided day trips and walking tours in Matera and Lecce, plus two full-day excursions. You have 24-hour on-trip support.
What hotels are included?
The package includes overnight accommodation with breakfast in Zurich (1 night), Ancona (1 night), Bari (2 nights), Matera (2 nights), Brindisi (2 nights), and Lecce (3 nights). In Matera, your hotel is built in traditional stone style within the Sassi.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes guided walking tours in Matera through the Sassi cave dwellings and in Lecce through the Baroque city centre. Full-day excursions visit multiple towns. Expect moderate city walking and exploration.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar (London to Paris to Zurich), TGV Lyria, EuroCity, Trenitalia (Milan to Ancona, Ancona to Bari, Bari to Brindisi, Brindisi to Lecce), and Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (Bari to Matera, or bus alternative).
What is not included?
Meals beyond hotel breakfasts, entrance fees to attractions, personal expenses, and insurance are not listed as included. An Apulian brunch and olive oil tasting on Day 8 and a caffè leccese on Day 10 appear to be included, but confirm other meal details with the operator.

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