Apulia and Amalfi Highlights with Rome Small Group Journey

Upon arrival in Bari, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, you will have a welcome briefing followed by a welcome dinner. (D)

After breakfast, meet your guide and start your exploration of Val d’Itria. You will visit Locorotondo and Cisternino, passing beautiful villages, vineyards, and olive trees. In Locorotondo, the town itself is the main sight, a pleasant place to spend an hour or two wandering, taking photographs and sitting at cafe tables. The historic part of town - the centro storico - is a whitewashed maze of narrow streets lined with historic buildings, some humble and faded, others retaining grand baroque archways and architectural details. The territory of Cisternino was already inhabited during the Middle Palaeolithic period by early humans who left numerous traces of their presence here, such as tools. Today, Cisternino is a small, charming town that has remained virtually intact for centuries with its white houses, narrow streets, and elegant central piazza. You will have a wine and cheese tasting followed by a farm lunch in a beautiful masseria, a restored historical farmhouse, from where you will see the green olives and the blue of the Adriatic Sea. Return to Alberobello where you will have time to explore the city on your own. Alberobello is a fascinating place to visit, particularly due to the trulli, the traditional dome shaped buildings. (B)

Ostuni, perched on top of three hills 218 meters above sea level, is better known as the “White Town,” thanks to the characteristic whitewashed houses of its historic center. The town is dominated by the 15th century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral. A series of churches and elegant houses embellish the old town, surrounded by Aragonese walls, where you’ll find two ancient town gates, Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio. The small town of Polignano enjoys a spectacular position, approximately 50 miles south of Bari, on the edge of a rocky gorge. The town is considered one of the most ancient establishments in Puglia and was once populated by serial invaders ranging from the Huns to the Normans. People come here to view the crashing waves, visit the caves and crowd into the panifici, or bakery, in the atmospheric historical center. In Monopoli, you will experience the heart of the town where you will find an unusual concentration of cultural heritage and churches, positioned literally one next to the other. (B)

Meet your driver and transfer to Sorrento with a stop en route in Matera where you will have free time to explore the city. Matera is an ancient city, the third oldest city in the world after Aleppo and Jericho, with over 10,000 years of history.From natural cavities carved by winds and rains of the past to the first man-made caves, you will discover real underground dwellings, a woven structure that has intrigued experts. You can visit the most beautiful churches, starting from the Duomo on the Civita, walk through the beautiful streets and traffic-free squares, and enjoy picturesque alleys. Continue your visit in with free time for lunch (not included) before continuing to Sorrento. (B)

The beauty of the Amalfi Coast is legendary and has inspired artists, writers, and musicians over the centuries. Widely considered Italy's most scenic stretch of coastline, UNESCO deemed the coast "an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape.” These delicate fishing villages embrace the hillsides or stretch into the green valleys, challenging the laws of physics. Your driver guide will lead you to the town of Amalfi where you will have free time to explore the medieval part of the city. Witness the imposing Dome of St. Andrew and ancient buildings, dating from the times when Amalfi was one of the maritime powers in the Mediterranean Sea. Later, stop in Minori for a sweets tasting at Sal de Riso, one of the most celebrated pastry shops in Italy. Next, ascend to Ravello, considered the most romantic and beautiful small town in southern Italy. Perched on severe, terraced slopes, and covered with luxuriant gardens, you will find corners providing unforgettable views over the sky-blue coast below. (B)

Today you will visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the closest thing to a time machine you will find, where you can learn about everyday life in an ancient Roman city. Once a vibrant town,Pompeii’s fate was sealed with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 7.9 A.D. Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited archaeological sites in all the world. As a classic port city, Pompeii was filled with sailor’s lodging, bars, bath houses, taverns, and brothels. The archeological site and continuous excavations give visitors the best insight to ancient Roman life. Visit the Roman Forum, the theatre, and the bath houses. Return to Sorrento for lunch (not included) and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation or continue your exploration of the city. Tonight, enjoy a candle light dinner in Sorrento with spectacular views of the sea. (B,D)

Today is a perfect day to relax or take the opportunity to continue your exploration of this magnificent region. We suggest a day tour to Capri or a boat tour to explore Capri or the Amalfi Coast from the sea. (B)

Transfer to the railway station in Naples to catch the high-speed train to Rome. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel to unwind. Later in the afternoon, you will walk to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a tasty welcome dinner. (B,D)

After breakfast, you will enjoy a unique visit to Vatican Museum with easy access with your skip the line tickets. Your guide will take you along a well-planned route to include all the major sights as well as some unexpected surprises. See the Belvedere Courtyard with Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön and his Sons, the Raphael Rooms, the Galleries, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. At the end, exit to St. Peter’s Square and enjoy the magnificent view of the imposing Cathedral. Return to your hotel to relax after a challenging morning before meeting your guide in the late afternoon for a walking tour of the Baroque town with the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, the Italian Parliament and the fascinating, narrow streets of ancient Rome. Return to your hotel or enjoy a dinner (not included) in the very heart of the eternal city.(B)

Today will be free at your leisure to explore on your own. We suggest a to visit one of the most beautiful art collections in Europe at Palazzo Borghese or you may want to take advantage of the new high speed train connecting Naples and Rome in just one hour! Alternatively, you may consider a wine tour and tasting in the Viterbo area. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport or train station to continue on to your next destination. (B)