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9 Day Rome To Puglia

A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Escorted Type
Partially Escorted

This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.

Pace
Leisurely Pace

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

Group Size
Small Group
478 people have travelled to this destination
✓ Add return international airfares from only $1499 per person
✓ Small group tour, with no more than 15 travellers
✓ Incredible sightseeing including time to explore Rome and a tour of Southern Italy's charming Puglia region, including Bari's vibrant port and guided visits of many gorgeous towns like Matera, Lecce, Trani and UNESCO-listed Alberobella with its trulli houses
✓ 8 nights in central 4-star accommodation, including a stay in a traditional 'Trullo' house
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 dinners
✓ High-speed train travel from Rome to Bari and Lecce to Rome
✓ Private arrival transfer from Rome Airport to your hotel
✓ Fully escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout by deluxe coach with complimentary WiFi
✓ Complimentary headsets so you don't miss any information provided by tour leader and local guides
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Hotel St Martin Rome or Similar

Welcome to Rome! On your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private transfer. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind and explore.

Hotel
The Nicolaus Hotel Bari or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving Rome for the morning train service to Bari. You will be transferred to Roma Termini station where you will board your train for your four-hour high-speed train service to Bari. On arrival in Bari, make your own way to your hotel and have time to check-in and freshen up before meet your Tour Leader at your hotel.

This afternoon, discover this wonderful city on a walking tour learning about the city's history and its most iconic monuments. Walk through the charming narrow alleys of the old city centre, admire the Basilica of San Nicola where the remains of Saint Nicholas of Myra are preserved and the Norman-Swabian Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by Roger the Norman and rebuilt by Frederick II of Swabia. Be amazed by the astonishing view that you can enjoy from the fortress (admission fee for the Castle at own expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile where you will see the ancient Column of Justice. 

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 

Hotel
Trulli Holidays Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach and travelling approximately 40 minutes to reach Trani. Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish Quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. 

In the afternoon, we travel another 40 minutes to reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Continue approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. 

The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. For the next two nights, stay in a real “Trullo”. 

Enjoy an included dinner this evening savouring local dishes typical of the region.

Hotel
Trulli Holidays Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today sees us journey to Matera. After breakfast we travel one hour by coach to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. A city on a rocky outcrop, Matera includes the Sassi area, a complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside. 

Your local guide will uncover the history of the “Sassi” which was evacuated in 1952 due to poor living conditions, but now houses museums like the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, with period furniture and artisan tools. 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 before enjoying another included dinner this evening.

Hotel
Hotel Delle Palme or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we take a short 20 minute drive to the neighboring town of Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town, one of the famous whitewashed towns of Puglia. 

Board the coach again and travel approximately 40 minutes to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento. This charming town overlooks the coastal plain, rich in ancient olive trees and here you will have ample free time to explore another whitewashed town with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting several local products like world-famous Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expense). 

In the late afternoon, we travel approximately one hour to reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Enjoy dinner this evening and time to explore this beautiful city on your own.

Hotel
Hotel Delle Palme or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a three-hour guided visit of the city, to learn the history of Lecce. Visit the old town centre, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. 

After your tour, we travel 40 mins by coach to the coastal town of Otranto where you will have some free time l for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the wonderful city of Otranto at your own pace. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. 

Wander around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. See its marvellous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in richness and significance. 

In the early evening, we travel 30 minutes by coach to Supersano, a charming rural town where you will have dinner at the “Masseria le Stanzìe”. The Stanzie is a typical Apulian farmhouse which dates back to the fifth century and now houses a farm where you will enjoy a dinner of homemade pasta and other regional cuisine. 

Following dinner, you will be transferred back to Lecce for the evening.

Hotel
Hotel St Martin Rome or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to Lecce train station for your six-hour train ride back to Rome. On arrival at Roma Termini, you will be transferred to your hotel where the rest of the evening is at your disposal.

Hotel
Hotel St Martin Rome or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the Eternal City on your own

Meals
Breakfast

Your Italian adventure ends after breakfast at the hotel.

We hope you’ve been inspired.

Inclusions

  • Small group tour, with no more than 15 travellers
  • Incredible sightseeing including time to explore Rome and a tour of Southern Italy's charming Puglia region, including Bari's vibrant port and guided visits of many gorgeous towns like Matera, Lecce, Trani and UNESCO-listed Alberobella with its trulli houses
  • 8 nights in central 4-star accommodation, including a stay in a traditional 'Trullo' house
  • Breakfast daily & 5 dinners
  • High-speed train travel in second-class from Rome to Bari and Lecce to Rome
  • Private arrival transfer from Rome Airport to your hotel
  • Fully escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides
  • Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout by deluxe coach with complimentary WiFi
  • Complimentary headsets so you don't miss any information provided by tour leader and local guides
  • In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • Bari – Guided walking tour through the charming narrow alleys of the old city centre where you will see such sites as the Basilica of San Nicola, the Norman-Swabian Castle, and Piazza Mercantile
  • Trani – Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia’, visit the Jewish Quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral
  • Castel Del Monte – One of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks, visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman
  • Alberobello – Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the 14th century white-washed cone-shaped houses, “Trulli”. Enjoy a two-night stay in a real Trullo
  • Locorotondo & Ostuni – Enjoy time to wander the “white towns” on your own. Why not enjoy some shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous ostuni olive oil (at own expense) 
  • Lecce – Guided visit of the old town centre, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo
  • Otranto – Enjoy free time to wander this ancient city which has been invaded by an impressive number of populations with traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures

Fine Print

Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. 

We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.

Australian owned and operated 
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.

Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period.  Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.

Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.

We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.

Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.

Pay In Full Option:

  • Full payment due at the time of the booking.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking

Installment Payment Plan Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 1st installment of $570.00 per person within 28 days.
  • Pay a 2nd installment of $1,140.00 per person within 90 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment.
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfill your booking
  • Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase. 

Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?

This depends on the package you are booking. 

Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.

We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):

  • At check-out, please ensure you add the numbers of extra nights you would like pre- and/or post-tour (where available as an add-on). This can only be done at time of booking and cannot be added after purchase.
  • Some packages may only offer the opportunity to book one (1) extra night pre and/or post. If you want more nights’ than what is available to book you must choose Land Only (refer below).
  • If there is no option to add additional nights’ accommodation to your booking, then extending your stay with Inspiring Vacations is not an option and you can instead choose to change your booking to Land Only so you can arrange both your airfares and additional accommodation independently. 

When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance. 

Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare. 

The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked. 

Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:

  • You would like to stopover
  • You would like to upgrade your cabin class
  • You would like a specific airline booked 
  • You would like to extend longer than what is available within the package 
  • You intend to book additional accommodation independently
  • You would like to arrive and/or depart from another city or airport or; 
  • Your preferred domestic departure city point (ie Perth, Australia) is not an option 

If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please select land only. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees. 
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • Depending on departure date and time of booking, the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline.
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure
  • After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
  • All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation.
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.

Fitness Requirement
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a”1”

Leisurely Paced Tour: A general level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. The itinerary includes ample free time and you will not be impacted by stairs and uneven terrain. Where coach transportation is included, you will be required to get on and off the coach with ease.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $744.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

Visas may be required.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Group Size
2-15 people

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Partially Escorted - A portion of these packages runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is independent, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre and post-tour accommodation

  • Pre Tour Accommodation - $340 per room, per night for double/twin/single

Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

Click HERE for more information on weather in Italy.

  • International airfares
  • Airport Transfer
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Why book with us
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