Rome & the Highlights of Puglia by Rail

Day 1  Rome            
Arrive into Rome and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and stroll along the bustling streets, stopping to admire the stunning architecture alongside quaint shops before enjoying an evening dining alfresco in one of its many squares.            

Days 2-3  Rome  
Spend the next two days exploring Romes most impressive and iconic sites at your own leisure, making use of your Skip the Line tickets at both the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel as well as for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. In your leisure, when you’re not learning incredible history and admiring beautiful artwork, savour refreshing gelato as you stroll along cobbled streets and find your favourite hidden spots.            

Day 4  Bari            
Settle in for your 4 hour train journey to Bari, a port city and the gateway to southern Italy’s stunning Puglia region. Wander the charming lanes of Bari Vecchia, the historic old town, with its maze of streets filled with boutiques and authentic food stops. Watch pasta being freshly made down Stada Arco Bassa or visit Bari’s most famous church Basilica di San Nicola. Perhaps enjoy an evening meal along the charming seaside promenade of Lungomare Nazario Sauro.            

Day 5  Lecce            
Admire the views from the train as you travel from Bari to Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’ due to its rich historic and cultural heritage. Spend the afternoon acquainting yourself with its enchanting historic centre.          

Day 6  Lecce            
Spend your day admiring Lecce’s astonishing Baroque architectural style on your private Lecce walking tour, passing some of the incredible Roman age sites, before ending the tour at the impressive Basilica di Santa Croce. In the evening, why not head out to Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele II for a traditional Italian aperitivo?    

Day 7  Lecce            
Set off on your tour to visit the fairytale-like city of Alberobello, home to the remarkable trulli dry stone houses with distinctive conical roofs. Afterwards, visit the wonderful town of Locorontondo, known for its wine and gastronomy. The tour makes its last stop in the white city of Ostuni, filled with magical alleyways, where you can opt to take part in olive oil tasting. Enjoy a scenic journey back to Lecce in the evening.  

Day 8  Ostuni            
Today, head onto the beautiful town of Ostuni, known as the ‘white city’ thanks to the city’s buildings all being painted with white lime. After settling into your hotel, enjoy an authentic pizza in Piazza della Liberta, with a view of the remarkable Spire of St Oronzo, before heading out to see an incredible panorama of the city at Vittorio Emmanuel Corso II Viewpoint – a perfect spot to watch the sun set.    

Day 9  Ostuni            
Witness the beaty of Ostuni’s hilltop town, being sure to take a photo of the famous blue and green coloured door before admiring the Church of St Francis of Assisi, featuring beautiful ornately carved doors. Afterwards, relax and spend the afternoon at one of Ostuni’s many Blue Flag rated beaches, such as Lido Morelli and Pilone, famous for their fine white sand and clear, turquoise waters.  

Day 10  Monopoli            
Start the day by taking the train to splendid Monopoli, a delightful seaside village, famous for its charming maritime culture and golden sandy beaches. On arrival, absorb the historic charms of the old town by strolling down cobblestone streets, passing by colourful street markets and Monopoli’s grand cathedral, featuring an elegant 60 metre high bell tower built in 1693. After settling into your hotel, why not sample some of Puglia’s locally produced wine at one of the local wine bars?            

Day 11  Monopoli            
Start today with a gorgeous seafront hike, leading to the impressive Charles V Castle, sitting on the edge of a promontory that overlooks the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Afterwards, perhaps spend the afternoon soaking in the warm Puglian waters.    

Day 12  Monopoli            
Spend the rest of your time at leisure, lounging on the beaches, or gliding through the waters on a boat tour or sailing excursion. The plethora of beach bars and restaurants that line the waterfront mean you are spoiled for choice when it comes to sumptuous cuisine accompanied by mesmerising sea views.    

Day 13  Polignano a Mare      
Take a short train ride up the coast to Polignano a Mare, famous for its dazzling waterfront, for a dreamy coastal day trip. Roam its sandy beaches and cliff-sided coves, and stumble upon ethereal caves and natural swimming pools. Perhaps opt for a boat ride, gliding through the crystal-clear waters or, maybe for a hike along the clifftops and down to the shoreline, taking in the sweeping views of the charming, whitewashed old town and sparkling sea. Cap off your beach day with a cooling, creamy gelato, as you sunbathe under the warm Mediterranean sun.            

Day 14  Monopoli            
Enjoy a final stroll through the streets of Monopoli, perhaps picking up a few souvenirs, before journeying by rail to Bari airport for your flight home.