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Bari to Venice
Small-group tour – maximum of 12
Includes:
- 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
- Transport via private vehicle
- Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel (10 nights), Feature Stay (4 night)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
With Special Experiences:
- Stay in unique places like your Feature Stay in the historic property of Nardo – this accommodation was once a Baronial Palace – as well as a countryside hotel amid the rolling vineyards of Tuscany.
- Experience the best of Rome with a trip to all the major sites, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Get a taste for Italy’s celebrated cuisine and viticulture during an olive oil tasting on a farm that’s been active since Roman times and a trip to the celebrated wine-growing region of San Gimignano to visit a family-run winery and sample their world-class drops.
- Take a step back in time and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD.
- Discover the iconic parts of Italy, like the history of Florence, canals of Venice and pizza of Naples, all from a local’s perspective.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bari
- Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal city of Bari, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers joining you on your adventure. If you arrive early, why not wander the mazelike Old Town or see the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola – a key pilgrimage site that holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. You could also pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your meeting, get to know your group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel Nicolaus or similar (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
Included activities: Bari - Dinner in a Local Restaurant
Special information It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day 2: Bari
- Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli (dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century). While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, see the Church de Sant’Antonio – a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. You’ll then visit Polignano a Mare to explore another gorgeous coastal town popular for its beaches, rugged cliffside dwellings and bright turquoise waters.Upon returning to Bari in the late afternoon, your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk to help you get your bearings in the city. Discover key landmarks, local eateries, and hidden spots you may want to explore during your free evening. The rest of the night is yours to enjoy — perhaps try a classic orecchiette pasta in Bari Vecchia or join the locals for a “passeggiata” along the seafront promenade.
Accommodation Hotel Nicolaus or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast
Included activities Bari - Alberobello and Polignano a Mare - Half Day Trip Bari - Orientation Walk
Day 3: Nardo
- This morning, visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that’s been active since Roman times. You’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. Then, visit the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. From here, travel to the quiet town of Nardo and join an expert local guide for a walking tour through the Old Town, where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos. Tonight, settle into your Feature Stay accommodation – three 13th century Baronial Palaces, once home to aristocracy from the Kingdom of Naples, which have been converted into a hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the palaces and grounds that feature artwork and sculptures by local artists. In Palazzo Mignano, you’ll find an excellent on-site restaurant offering Salento dishes and a panoramic view from the terrace.
Accommodation Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast Lunch
Included activities Nardo - Lunch in Ostuni Nardo - Ostuni Farm Visit and Olive Oil Tasting Nardo - Walking Tour
Day 4: Nardo
- Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this morning. You’ll also have some free time to explore this historic city on your own before heading back to Nardo. Later this afternoon, join your group for a cooking class on traditional Puglia regional cuisine.
Accommodation: Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Included activities: Nardo - cooking class & Lecce - Guided city tour
Day 5: Matera
- Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then, it’s time to say goodbye and travel to Matera – an ancient city on a rocky outcrop. Along the way, stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Matera. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.
Accommodation: Palazzo della Fontata or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Included activities: Matera - Winery visit with lunch
Day 6: Matera
- Today, dive into Matera’s Old Town, made famous by sassi – more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also visit an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets, cisterns and churches.
Accommodation: Palazzo della Fontata or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern Visit
Day 7: Naples
- Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you’ll join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.
Accommodation: Culture Hotel Centro Storico or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Included activities: Naples - Pompeii Visit & Dinner in Naples
Day 8: Rome
- This morning, catch a train to Italy's iconic capital city, Rome. If you arrive early, maybe grab an espresso and hit the streets for a self-guided walking tour. The second half of your adventure begins with another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new local leader and the new travellers joining you. When the formalities are out of the way, head to dinner at a local restaurant and get to know each other better over some delicious Italian cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel Atlantico or similar (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
Included activities: Rome - Welcome dinner at local restaurant & complimentary arrival transfer
Special information As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. Your transfer and train will be unaccompanied. Your leader will provide you with more details on your transfer information. If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum or Vatican Museums, we strongly suggest planning your visit before the welcome meeting or on Day 18 afternoon (not before 3 pm) and pre-booking your tickets.
Day 9: Rome
- From ancient monuments to romantic restaurants, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today, join a private guide for a trip to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona and inside the Pantheon before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita (an iced Italian espresso) then have lunch at a classic local restaurant that’s frequented by Romans. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – then the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation Hotel Atlantico or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast Lunch
Included activities Rome - Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert) Rome – Guided walking tour Rome – Colosseum Guided Tour Rome – Pantheon Entrance Fee
Special information The Vatican Museum is closed on Sundays. If you wish to visit and your trip begins on a Saturday, we would advise you to try and arrive in time to visit that afternoon. You can pre-book tickets online to avoid the long queues. Visit museivaticani.va for more information.
Day 10: Siena/Monteriggioni/San Gimignano Region
- Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race and nearby the Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni – a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You’ll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with views of a tree-studded landscape features an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner made with local ingredients that pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.
Accommodation Borgo San Luigi (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast & Dinner
Included activities Siena - Orientation Walk Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 11: San Gimignano Region
- Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its Gothic and Romanesque architecture with your leader. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.
Accommodation Borgo San Luigi (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Included activities San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Day 12: Pisa/Lucca/Florence
- Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca – one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities – where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.
Accommodation Grand Hotel Adriatico or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast Included activities Florence - Orientation Walk Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
Optional activities Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa
Day 13: Florence
- This morning, join a private guided walk of Florence, including a visit to the Galleria dell‘Accademia – an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. You then have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi is highly recommended as it’s one of the oldest galleries in the world. Maybe head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline and sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here.
Accommodation Grand Hotel Adriatico or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast
Included activities Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
Optional activities Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days Pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30 Florence - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery - EUR19 Florence - Ghiberti 3 days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo and Santa Reparata - EUR15 Florence - Giotto 3 days pass - Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, and Santa Reparata - EUR20 Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29 Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR12 Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR18 Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR13
Special information All the Florentine State Museums require tickets and the queues can be long. Booking your tickets online in advance (Firenze Musei | Sito ufficiale) is essential. Your leader can be of assistance booking these but be sure to organise it at the beginning of your trip. If you are interested in visiting the Galleria Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia , we strongly suggest planning your visit in the afternoon (Accademia might become and inclusion though) and pre-booking your tickets at https://firenzemusei.it/
Day 14: Venice
- In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. You’ll pop into Atelier Lunardelli – a historical atelier where they design furniture combining glass and timber. Then, make your way to Palazzo Pisani, which was once home to one of the most powerful Venetian dynasties and now houses the Music Conservatory of Venice. You can also take the stairs to rooftop for a spectacular aerial view of the city. Venice is renowned for its glass, so end the walk with a visit to a glass blowing factory to learn about the art of its production. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore before joining back up with your group in the evening for a Venetian dinner.
Accommodation Hotel Ca dei Conti or similar (1 night)
Meals Breakfast Dinner
Included activities Venice -Traghetto boat ride Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant Venice - Water Taxi Venice - Palazzo Pisani Venice - Academy of Music Visit Venice – Furniture and Glass Blowing Artisan Visits
Optional activities Venice - St Mark's Basilica + Museum - EUR20 Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR113 Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR15 Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11 Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11 Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14 Peggy - Guggenheim Collection - EUR17 Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30 Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15 Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. If a visit to the Palazzo Pasini is not available, you’ll visit the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, known for its spiral staircase and spectacular city views.
Day 15: Venice
- With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation.
Meals Breakfast
Optional activities Peggy - Guggenheim Collection - EUR17 Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30 Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16 Venice - St Mark's Basilica + Museum - EUR20 Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR15 Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR113 Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11 Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11 Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
Special information If you are interested in visiting the Doge Palace in Venice, we strongly suggest planning your visit on the departure day as there is very limited time on Day 7 and pre-book your tickets at https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/
TERMS & CONDITIONS