8-Day Puglia Vacation: Italy's Boot Heel

Flights & Transportation

• Roundtrip airfare from:
  • Chicago (ORD)
  • New York (JFK)
  • Newark (EWR)
  • La Guardia (LGA)
  • Miami (MIA)
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  • Boston (BOS)
  • San Francisco (SFO)
  • Orlando (MCO)
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
• Rail & coach transportation included between cities
• Includes Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• Airline & flight times are determined at the time of booking.

Hotels (6 nights + 1 overnight flight)

• 2 nights of accommodations in a Standard Double Twin at MF Hotel in Rome.
• 1 night of accommodation in a Standard Double Twin at Hotel Excelsior Bari
• 2 nights of accommodations in a Standard Double Twin at Grand Hotel Di Lecce
• 1 night of accommodation in a Standard Double Twin at Basiliani Hotel

Ideas for Your Vacation

Embark on a captivating 8-day journey through Puglia, where charming towns and coastal beauty await at every turn. From the historic streets of Bari to the baroque wonders of Lecce, the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, the whitewashed charm of Ostuni, and the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello, this vacation offers the perfect blend of exploration and Mediterranean relaxation.

• Rome exploration: Discover the heart of Italy with visits to the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll through the cobblestone streets of Rome’s historic center.

• Bari's Old Town: Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Bari Vecchia, where history comes alive with every corner. Explore the Basilica di San Nicola and its stunning architecture, then wander through the bustling piazzas and seaside promenade, soaking in the authentic charm of this coastal gem in Puglia.

• Lecce's Baroque Splendor: Immerse yourself in the enchanting streets of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," where exquisite baroque architecture adorns every corner. Marvel at the intricate details of the Basilica di Santa Croce before embarking on a scenic tour to the stunning whitewashed town of Ostuni, the iconic trulli of Alberobello, and the breathtaking cliffs of Polignano a Mare, where crystal-clear waters await.

• Matera's Sassi: Immerse yourself in the ancient charm of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Sassi district, where history and culture blend seamlessly, and savor traditional cuisine in a unique cave restaurant, all while soaking in the breathtaking views of this remarkable city.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart the US for Rome. Fly overnight from the US to Rome, Italy. The capital of the modern Italian state, it has a history that goes back to the earliest days of Mediterranean culture, granting it the name ‘the eternal city’ and ensuring visitors have a wealth of treasures to explore.
• Day 2: Day at Leisure in Rome. Use today to delve into Rome’s rich and varied history and culture. Beat the crowds by first heading to the Vatican City – technically a separate country – to see the magnificence of Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel within the Vatican Museum. Then make your way towards the Colosseum, Rome’s famed amphitheater. Sitting at the heart of the ancient city, the Roman Forum, Baths of Caracalla, and Nero’s ‘Golden House’ all lie within close distance. Come the afternoon, enjoy the shady pathways of the Villa Borghese Gardens, or jump aboard a river boat for a tour along the Tiber at sunset.
• Day 3: Travel from Rome to Bari. Make your way to Rome’s impressive Termini station for the high-speed rail journey to Bari, situated close to the ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’ in the region of Puglia. With the fastest journey times taking just over four hours, there will still be plenty of opportunity to take in Bari’s delights, which you can do independently or by joining our optional guided walking tour through the old town, tasting local products such as focaccia bread or home-made ice cream along the way. You overnight in Bari.
• Day 4: Travel from Bari to Lecce. Join one of the regular trains which connect Bari with Lecce in approximately two hours. Known for its Baroque-era buildings and mighty double façade cathedral, Lecce is a city filled with southern Italian charm. To make the most of your night here, consider joining our optional cooking class with wine pairing – the perfect introduction into the differing flavors of Italy’s south!
• Day 5: Tours of Ostuni, Alberobello & Polignano a Mare From your Lecce base, you will get to uncover three of the Puglia region’s hidden gems – the glorious towns of Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare. Starting in Ostuni, the ‘white city,’ you will slip through medieval alleyways on your way to a viewpoint known as ‘the balcony of the Itria Valley.’ You continue to beautiful clifftop Polignano a Mare, and have some free time at its historic heart, before then taking the short onward journey to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to unique Trulli stone-built dwellings.
• Day 6: Travel from Lecce to Matera. Depart Lecce for Matera by train, a journey of approximately four hours, following in the footsteps and tire tracks of James Bond, who gave Matera a staring role in the latest movie in the franchise, No Time to Die. On arrival into picturesque hillside Matera, you have the choice of independently touring its historic treasures. Alternatively, take advantage of an optional guided tour taking in the city center, alongside the town’s stunning cave churches and rock-cut houses which make Matera one of the oldest towns in the world. You overnight in Matera, giving you the opportunity to delight in the city after dark.
• Day 7: Take from Matera to Rome Enjoy the ever-changing landscape of the Italian countryside from a train window on the journey from Matera back to Rome. Traveling via Bari and through charming towns including Foggia and Benevento, or ‘good winds,’ you’ll arrive into the Italian capital in time to join residents in their nightly stroll along the Tiber before or after an evening meal.
• Day 8: Fly back to US from Rome. Return to the US from Rome.

Optional Tours & Excursions (Book through Weekenders Breaks)

Rome:

• Optional City Sightseeing Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Optional Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour

Bari:

• Optional Guided Walking Tour with Local Products Tasting

Matera:

• Optional Matera Guided City Center Tour with Cave Churches & Houses

Contact Weekender Breaks at 1-929-207-0129 for Questions About:

• Flying from any airport not listed here
• Extending your trip or traveling on dates not listed here
• The availability of your desired travel dates
• Traveling with children
• Booking optional tours and upgrades.