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Be inspired by Italy's ancient culture and cuisine on this journey across the country
This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days. From the ancient sites of Rome and visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – to staying in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to visiting the site of Pompeii with a local guide, this trip encompasses some of Italy's must-do experiences. You’ll visit ancient monuments, lively cities and sprawling vineyards, indulging in delicious traditional cuisine. Kick back on sparkling coastal beaches, get to know the locals and visit lesser-known spots with your knowledgeable local leader – what more could you ask for?
Start: Bari, Italy
End: Venice, Italy
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
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- Explorer
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Our best hand-picked accommodation and the highest level of service
The must-see highlights, plus authentic experiences only available on Premium trips
Trips led by our most experienced and top-rated local leaders
Why you'll love this trip
- 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
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.
- Hotel Nicolaus or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Bari - Dinner in a Local Restaurant
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.
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. Tonight, you’re free back in Bari to find some dinner.
- Hotel Nicolaus or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bari - Alberobello and Polignano a Mare - Half Day Trip
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.
- Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Nardo - Lunch in Ostuni
- Nardo - Ostuni Farm Visit and Olive Oil Tasting
- Nardo - Walking Tour
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.
- Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Nardo - Cooking class
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.
- La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Matera - Winery Visit With Lunch
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.
- La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern Visit
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.
- Culture Hotel Centro Storico or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Naples - Pompeii Visit
- Naples - Dinner In Naples
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.
- The Republic Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
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.
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.
- The Republic Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
- Rome – Guided walking tour
- Rome – Colosseum Guided Tour
- Rome – Pantheon Entrance Fee
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.
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 geatures 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.
- Borgo San Luigi (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Siena - Orientation Walk
- Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
- Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
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.
- Borgo San Luigi (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
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.
- Grand Hotel Adriatico or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Florence - Orientation Walk
- Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
- Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR27
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.
- Grand Hotel Adriatico or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
- Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
- 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
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/
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.
- Hotel Ca dei Conti or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- 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
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.
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.
- Breakfast
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- 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
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/
Inclusions and activities
13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
Private vehicle
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
- Bari - Dinner in a Local Restaurant
- Bari - Alberobello and Polignano a Mare - Half Day Trip
- Nardo - Lunch in Ostuni
- Nardo - Ostuni Farm Visit and Olive Oil Tasting
- Nardo - Walking Tour
- Nardo - Cooking class
- Matera - Winery Visit With Lunch
- Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern Visit
- Naples - Pompeii Visit
- Naples - Dinner In Naples
- Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
- Rome – Guided walking tour
- Rome – Colosseum Guided Tour
- Rome – Pantheon Entrance Fee
- Siena - Orientation Walk
- Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
- Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
- San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
- Florence - Orientation Walk
- Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
- Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
- Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
- Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
- 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
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR27
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
- 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
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- 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
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
- During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel Nicolaus
Via Cardinale Agostino Ciasca, 27
Bari
70124
ITALY
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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