Mediterranean Wonders Rome to Naples Adventure

Today marks the beginning of our exciting journey as we set off towards the Adriatic Sea. Travelling through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountains, our first destination is the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey. This remarkable 11th-century abbey, constructed on the remains of an ancient Roman temple, invites you to explore its serene beauty – admission is included. Next, we head to Termoli, a delightful coastal town with a picturesque beach bordered by a historic walled centre. The 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral are key attractions here. You will have the opportunity to savour lunch and take a leisurely stroll around the town. Our journey continues as we make our way to Bari, a historic port city with roots that trace back to times before the Romans. Take some time to wander through its old town, where narrow streets, exquisite churches, and a lively atmosphere encapsulate the charm of southern Italy. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we'll travel along the coast to Brindisi, a fortified port city perfect for a seaside stroll. Here, you can admire the impressive Roman column and wander through the historic quarter. Our journey continues to Lecce, celebrated for its exquisite baroque architecture, which has earned it the title "Florence of the South." The historic centre is adorned with intricately designed baroque structures and churches, offering a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely walk and a lunch break. In the afternoon, we'll visit Gallipoli, a picturesque city on the Ionian Sea, founded by the Greeks and aptly named "beautiful town." Influenced by a blend of Arab, Norman, and Aragonese cultures, Gallipoli's old town is an intriguing maze of narrow streets and historic sites, including the cathedral, the castle, and ancient city walls. A 17th-century bridge links this charming area to the mainland. We'll return to Brindisi at the end of the day for our accommodation.

We begin our day with visits to two unique and authentic towns. Our first destination is Alberobello, renowned for its iconic trulli – remarkable conical-roofed houses constructed with stacked stones. These fascinating structures are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifying Italian rural architecture at its best. Our journey then takes us to Matera in the Basilicata region, celebrated for its ancient historical centre. Here, you can marvel at the Sassi di Matera – a network of age-old dwellings and buildings intricately carved into the rock, marking it as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited human settlements and also a World Heritage Site. Following an included lunch in Matera, we will continue our adventure through the picturesque mountain landscapes of Basilicata and Campania. By evening, we will reach Naples, where you will have some time to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the port of Naples to catch a ferry to the enchanting Island of Capri. Here, we suggest taking the funicular up to Capri town, where you can leisurely explore and soak in the magnificent views. Post-lunch, we’ll set off for Sorrento. Nestled at the foot of dramatic cliffs, this delightful town offers you the opportunity to wander its charming streets at your own pace. Our day will then lead us to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll spend the night in the welcoming city of Salerno.

Today, we’ll start our adventure with a tour of Pompeii, where you’ll have the chance to explore the ruins of this ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Our guided tour, with tickets included, will allow you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history etched into the streets and buildings. Following this, we’ll make our way to the vibrant city of Naples, a captivating blend of historical richness and lively culture. Known as one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, its expansive historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, waiting for you to discover at your own pace during your lunch break. Our journey will then take us to Cassino, where you can visit the impressive abbey that stands as a poignant reminder of one of World War II’s fiercest battles. As the day draws to a close, we’ll travel back to Rome, arriving in the evening to complete our day’s adventure.

Following breakfast, our adventure draws to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of our journey together.