Rome and Puglia Tour

Bari has the flavours of Arabic, Norman and Classical architecture. Walk the charming old town with your guide to see the magnificent Basilica church dedicated to Saint Nicolas (Santa Claus or Father Christmas) – the relics located in the crypt.

Bari is now a regional capital with a lively city and centre. The Normans built the great castle in the 11^th century. In 1221, it was likely that Frederick II met St. Frances of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order, mystic and poet at the castle.

Enjoy lunch in Bari and walk this astonishing UNESCO World Heritage city.

Matera is one of the most incredible places in Italy, carved out of rock with a series of old cave dwellings, boutique hotels, and glorious views over the nearby ravine. Walk the rocky outcrops with your guide and discover the James Bond film locations. Walk the Sassi, a network of twisting streets cut from the rocks with pretty little squares, restaurants, and bars.

Overnight: Polignano or Lecce Or Matera

Head out to visit Cisternino, reputedly the most beautiful village in Italy. Although tourism is important, olives, grapes, and dairy farming are still important. Stroll through the whitewashed, narrow streets.

Have a short stop in the round hilltop town of the Town of Locorotondo before heading to the UNESCO site of Alberobello—the famous village with cone-shaped roofs, known as Trulli houses. The twisting, narrow streets with little houses with pointed roofs are designed for ventilation and stability on the terrain. Discover the lifestyle of life in Locorotondo of the past.

Nothing says Italy like mozzarella and tomatoes. Visit the friendly, small family farm and meet the Mozzarella King. You can make and eat the cheese with a wholesome lunch in the private farmhouse.

Overnight: Polignano or Lecce

Take a walking tour of Lecce.

Lecce is an upmarket university town with countless beautiful baroque buildings with elaborate architectural details. Places of worship, palaces and municipal buildings have been restored, and there is an ongoing program of conserving the 1^st century amphitheatre. The streets are cobbled, spotless and packed with swish bars and restaurants.

The easily carved sandstone enabled architects to design flamboyant facades in the baroque style from the 1600s onwards. Consequently, the City is called the Florence of the South. Stop for a private wine tasting in Piazza del Duomo.

Next, head for a romantic hilltop town in the “white” City of Ostuni. Walk through the narrow medieval streets to a small family restaurant for lunch.

Time permitting, head to Otranto, once the leading port in Roman times. Head to the Duomo (cathedral), which houses the bones of 800 martyrs, and see the beautiful crypt and medieval mosaic flooring.

Overnight: Polignano or Lecce

Surely the best preserved and one of the greatest structures of the ancient world. The Pantheon, so so-called “temple of the gods”, has been in continued use for 2000 years. The extraordinary dome is still the largest of its type and inspires awe in visitors. Both the diameter and height are 142 ft or 43 m.

Shrines clutter the walls, including the Kings of Italy and tomb of Raphael, the artist and architect of the High Renaissance era (1490-1520)—a period of enormous creativity in the great cities of Italy, especially Rome.

Continue your walk through Central Rome, passing the Spanish Steps, Boutiques, beautiful cafes, The Trevi Fountain and go inside some of the most spectacularly decorated baroque churches anywhere in the world and discover the story of Italian history and religion through art and architecture.

Overnight: Rome

Nothing prepares you for your first view of the remains of ancient Rome.

Your private guide will tell the tales and enlighten you on the true story of Rome. How is it possible that any of it survived?  You will walk in the footsteps of a Roman on his daily business in the greatest city of the known world. See the Forum, public meeting place, victory arches, temples and the Colosseum. The great theatre of ghastly entertainment was commissioned in 72 CE. The re-enactment of battles, wild animal fights and gladiatorial combat enthralled 55,000 people, and the tickets were free.  

The Vatican is the site of the martyrdom and burial of St. Peter, and therefore became the home of Popes that succeeded him. This was Europe's power base for centuries, and the political decisions have shaped Europe. The scale of St Peter's Basilica is beyond comprehension, and the papal palaces with inspire awe. The Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms and incredible collections of sculpture make this state within a state a giant jewel box of treasures, and it never fails to impress.

Stop for coffee and gelato before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight: Rome

Your guide will take you away from the hustle and bustle of Rome to the tranquil town of Tivoli, a cool summer resort since the time of the republic. Visitors have admired the clean air and enjoyed the springs.

Villas D’Este sites on the site of an old convent. By the 16^th century, the property was developed by Cardinal Ippolito d’Este. The site evolved into a fabulous series of terraced gardens with pools, waterfalls, fountains and grottos—a vivid example of the sumptuous lifestyle enjoyed by the past princes of the church.

Head to Villa Adriana, the exclusive summer retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Depending on the weather and heat, this could be the best place in the world for a picnic lunch. The Emperor indulged in his great admiration and love for Greek and Egyptian architecture by building full-scale mock-ups of what he had seen in those far-flung places. Wander through the remains of baths, temples, memorial gardens and theatres. A truly impressive archaeological site and a must-see whilst visiting Rome.   

Overnight: Rome

Book another day with a private guide or take off to one of the great palaces, such as Villa Borghese, to tour the house with its vast collections of paintings, elaborate ceilings, and not forgetting the parkland surrounding the house.  

Overnight: Rome.

Chauffeur-driven airport transfer to Rome airport.