Grand Italy: Venice to Puglia Journeys (Tour code: 17031)

Welcome to Venice! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, meet your tour guide at the hotel, who will introduce you to your journey and give you the chance to meet the other members of your group, with whom you’ll spend these wonderful days exploring Italy.

After the meeting, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmosphere.  Rest of the evening at your own pace. Feel free to wander through the charming alleys, visit the iconic squares, or relax at a local café. Return to the hotel on your own.

Overnight stay in Venice at Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal or similar.

Venice

After breakfast, together with your tour leader, set off on a pleasant walk to discover the authentic soul of Venice. Strolling through picturesque calli, charming bridges, and lively Venetian squares, you will make your way to the monumental heart of the city while experiencing the unique atmosphere of La Serenissima. Along the route, admire glimpses of the Grand Canal, elegant historic palaces, traditional artisan shops, and the vibrant daily life of Venice.

Upon arrival in St. Mark’s Square, the tour will continue with a local guide who will lead you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, symbols of the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. Admire the majestic Doge’s Palace from the outside and listen to fascinating stories and legends surrounding the famous Bridge of Sighs.

At the end of the guided visit, enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere of the city. We suggest relaxing in a traditional Venetian bacaro while savoring a refreshing spritz or a glass of prosecco accompanied by typical cicchetti, delicious local Venetian snacks.

The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Venice at your own pace: wander through hidden canals, artisan boutiques, and peaceful corners away from the crowds, letting yourself be enchanted by the timeless charm of the lagoon city. Return to the hotel at your leisure and overnight stay in Venice

Overnight stay in Venice at Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal or similar.

St. Mark's Square

Travel to Bologna, a city rich in culture and culinary excellence. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the Palazzo del Podestà. Take your time to explore the medieval streets, arcades, and bustling markets of this charming city. We suggest enjoying some of Bologna’s famous street food during your free time—perfect for a quick, authentic taste of the local flavours.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Florence at Grand Hotel Mediterraneo or similar.

Palazzo del Podestà

After breakfast meet your guide and explore Florence: cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at Ristorante I Tre Pini in Impruneta, located in the heart of the Chianti region. Indulge in authentic Tuscan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and paired with the finest regional wines. The cozy, rustic atmosphere makes this an unmissable experience to savour true Tuscan cuisine. 

Overnight stay in Florence at Grand Hotel Mediterraneo or similar.

Duomo and Baptistery

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Florence and head towards the Eternal City, Rome. Along the way, we will make a stop in San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and picturesque historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have free time to wander through its charming streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Lunch will be at leisure, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore local eateries or relax in one of the town’s charming cafés.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Rome, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay in Rome at Twenty One Hotel or similar.

San Gimignano

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and set off on an exciting walking tour towards Vatican City.

Enjoy an included “Skip the Line” guided visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. Discover the stunning Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and Michelangelo’s world-famous masterpiece inside the Sistine Chapel. The tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square, where you will admire the majestic exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The afternoon will be at leisure, giving you time to further explore the city independently or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Rome.

In the evening, savour a special dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant, accompanied by live music, for a truly authentic and memorable experience in the Eternal City.

Overnight stay in Rome at Twenty One Hotel or similar.

Vatican Ceiling Art

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a pleasant stroll towards the Castel Sant’Angelo, where you will discover its fascinating history while enjoying panoramic views over the city. Continue along the Tiber River, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sant’Angelo.

The tour continues to Piazza Navona, with its stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers, before heading to the magnificent Pantheon, an ancient temple and symbol of Rome. You can’t miss the Trevi Fountain, where you can throw a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Finally, the tour will conclude in Piazza di Spagna, with the famous Spanish Steps and the Fountain of Barcaccia, where you’ll have free time to explore or relax at one of the local cafés. The afternoon will be at leisure. Alternatively, you may enhance your stay with an optional guided tour, such as a visit to the Colosseum.

Overnight stay in Rome at Twenty One Hotel or similar.

Trevi Fountain

After breakfast, the entire day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Take the opportunity to experience more of the Eternal City, wander ing through Rome’s charming streets and discovering the unique atmosphere of neighborhoods such as Trastevere or Monti.

Make your day even more special by choosing from our selection of optional experiences, available at an additional cost and upon reservation: join a cooking class or a street food tour, or venture beyond Rome on a full-day excursion to Pompeii, Capri or Florence. You can even take the opportunity to discover Venice with one of our day tours. Whether you prefer to slow down and enjoy Rome like a local or add another unforgettable Italian destination to your journey, today is entirely yours.

Overnight stay in Rome at Twenty One Hotel or similar.

The Colosseum

After breakfast, at the scheduled time, meet your driver for the transfer to Rome station and board your included train to Bari. Check in at the hotel and day at your leisure0

Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Excelsior or similar.

Bari

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and meet our Tour Leader for a morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Visit the old city centre, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle, with its breathtaking views (Castle entry at your own expense).

Continue to Piazza Mercantile and see the ancient Column of Justice. After the visit, you’ll have free time for lunch. While not included in the package, we recommend you enjoy a meal at a typical local restaurant in the city centre or explore the area for some delicious street food.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Excelsior or similar.

Norman-Swabian Castle

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing Bari by coach to Trani, known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’. Discover its art, monuments, the Jewish quarter, and the stunning white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, visit Castel Del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 13th century under Frederick II. Explore this octagonal fortress, surrounded by mystery.

Continue to Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed Trulli, dry-stone cone-shaped houses dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy a welcome drink with local white wine and Apulian taralli. Enjoy dinner at the hotel afterwards.

Overnight stay in Alberobello at Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar.

Castel del Monte

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years, that are part of the historic centre of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”.

Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Alberobello at Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar.

Sassi di Matera

Breakfast in the hotel. Leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees.

Free time at your disposal to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous ostuni olive oil (all at your own expenses). In the late afternoon, get again on board of the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Delle Palme or similar.

Alberobello

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce. Learn its history, explore the old town centre, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo.

Afterward, depart for Otranto by coach, with free time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Otranto at your own pace, known for its blend of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Visit the iconic Cathedral, housing the bones of 813 martyrs and a mar velous mosaic floor.

In the evening, head to Maglie for dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto, an ancient farm offering regional cuisine. Return to Lecce.

Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Delle Palme or similar.

Otranto

After breakfast, head to Bari, passing through the unique land scape of the Murge plateau. Visit Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town with churches, noble buildings, and Piazza Plebiscito. Explore the Cathedral, Ducal Palace, and Torre dell’Orologio, followed by free time.

Continue through Valle d’Itria, filled with olive trees and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone. Here, learn to make fresh pasta like orecchiette, cavatelli, and strasci nate, while enjoying local wines. Savour the lunch made with your creations. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified citadel by the sea, then head to Bari for the overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Excelsior or similar.

Martina Franca Piazza

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, take advantage of any last-minute free time for shop ping or sightseeing. Transfer to the airport is included. End of our services.