Ultimate Italy Small-Group Tour: Venice to Puglia

Discover Italy on a 16-day small-group tour from Venice to Puglia, featuring Florence, Rome, Bari, Alberobello, Matera, Lecce and local cuisine
Experience the very best of Italy on an unforgettable 16-day small-group journey from Venice to Puglia. Wander Venice’s romantic canals, discover Renaissance treasures in Florence, explore ancient Rome and travel south to the whitewashed villages, dramatic coastlines and authentic flavours of Puglia. With guided sightseeing, UNESCO World Heritage sites, regional dining and carefully selected cultural experiences, this tour brings the history, cuisine and beauty of Italy to life
16 Days from $9159/person CAD
Food & Wine
Guided
Honeymoon & Anniversary
Premium
Romantic
Small Group
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Primary Location

Italy, Europe

Departures

2027 Dates: April 14, May 12 & June 9

Included:

  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels
  • Daily Breakfast, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
  • Visits and tours with English-speaking local guides as outlined in the itinerary
  • Professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour leader as per the itinerary
  • Transportation by deluxe motorcoach as per the itinerary
  • Arrival transfer from Venice Airport to the hotel
  • Spritz and “cicchetti” experience in Venice
  • Visits to Bologna and San Gimignano
  • Guided sightseeing tours of Venice and Florence
  • Guided tour of Rome Highlights
  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square with skip-the-line admission
  • Private departure transfer from the hotel to Rome Termini train station
  • High-speed train ticket from Rome to Bari in 2nd class
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Castel del Monte, Alberobello, and Matera
  • Explore Locorotondo and Otranto, both certified among “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”
  • Local guided tours in Bari, Matera, and Lecce
  • Dinner experience at a traditional Masseria
  • Entrance fees included: Casa Grotta in Matera, Otranto Cathedral, and selected churches in Lecce
  • Shuttle service to Castel del Monte
  • Cooking class and lunch at Masseria Montenapoleone
  • Private departure transfer to Bari Airport
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board to be in touch with family and friends
  • Headsets to follow the information provided by the tour leader and local guides
  • Stretch your legs with extra legroom on the coaches! More space is provided on board to pamper travellers with the most comfortable trip

Not Included:

  • International or domestic airfare
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Local city tax for overnight stays
  • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
  • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Pricing Details

Click Book Online for pricing!

  • Escorted tour with a maximum of 25 travelers
  • From price is CAD per person, based on double occupancy
  • The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
  • Prices are subject to change

Optional Extras:

  • Pre and Post-Accommodation
  • Optional excursions are available, including a gondola ride in Venice, museum visits in Florence, a Pisa excursion, a tour of the Colosseum in Rome, and culinary experiences. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for availability and pricing. Advance booking is strongly recommended
  • All optional excursions per the itinerary are subject to change and are based on availability

Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO VENICE

Arrive in Venice and meet your driver at the airport for your included transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, meet your tour guide and fellow travellers for an introduction to the journey ahead.

Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Venetian welcome with a glass of Spritz or Prosecco accompanied by cicchetti, Venice’s famous small bites.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Wander through charming alleys, visit iconic squares, or relax at a local café before returning to the hotel independently.

Accommodation at the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice, or similar

DAY 2: VENICE WALKING TOUR & ST. MARK’S SQUARE

After breakfast, join your tour leader for a walk through the heart of Venice. Stroll along picturesque *calli*, cross charming bridges, and discover lively squares, historic palaces, artisan shops, and glimpses of the Grand Canal.

Upon reaching St. Mark’s Square, meet your local guide and discover the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the exterior of the magnificent Doge’s Palace and hear fascinating stories about the legendary Bridge of Sighs.

After the tour, enjoy free time to experience Venice at your own pace or add an afternoon gondola ride. Return to the hotel independently. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice, or similar

DAY 3: BOLOGNA & FLORENCE EXPERIENCE

Travel to Bologna, a city celebrated for its rich history and exceptional cuisine. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring the Basilica of San Petronio and Palazzo del Podestà along the way.

Enjoy free time to explore Bologna’s medieval streets, famous porticoes, and lively markets. For an authentic taste of the city, sample some of its renowned street food and traditional local specialities.

In the afternoon, continue to Florence. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence, or similar

DAY 4: FLORENCE CITY TOUR & TUSCAN DINNER

After breakfast, meet your guide and discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. See the magnificent Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce.

Enjoy free time for lunch, followed by an afternoon at leisure or an optional excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

In the evening, travel to Ristorante I Tre Pini in Impruneta, in the heart of the Chianti region. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner featuring local ingredients and regional wines in a warm, rustic setting. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence, or similar

DAY 5: SAN GIMIGNANO & ROME

After breakfast, depart Florence and travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano. Famous for its medieval towers and UNESCO-listed historic centre, this charming hilltop town offers picturesque streets and spectacular countryside views.

Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, browse local shops, and have lunch at one of the town’s cafés or restaurants.

In the afternoon, continue to Rome, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 6: VATICAN MUSEUMS, SISTINE CHAPEL & ROMAN DINNER

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and walk to Vatican City for an included skip-the-line tour. Explore the Vatican Museums, including the Galleries of Tapestries and Maps and Raphael’s Rooms, before admiring Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.

The tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square, where you can admire the magnificent exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica. Spend the afternoon exploring Rome independently or relaxing at your leisure.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant accompanied by live music. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 7: ROME WALKING TOUR: CASTEL SANT’ANGELO TO THE SPANISH STEPS

After breakfast, begin your walking tour at Castel Sant’Angelo, where you will learn about its fascinating history and enjoy panoramic views of Rome. Continue along the Tiber River and cross the picturesque Ponte Sant’Angelo.

Visit Piazza Navona and admire the Fountain of the Four Rivers before continuing to the ancient Pantheon. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, then conclude at Piazza di Spagna, home to the Spanish Steps and the Fountain of the Barcaccia.

Enjoy free time to explore or relax at a local café. The afternoon is at leisure, with the option to join an additional guided experience, such as a tour of the Colosseum. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 8: ROME AT LEISURE & OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in the Eternal City. Wander through Rome’s charming streets, explore neighbourhoods such as Trastevere or Monti, and experience the city like a local.

You may also choose from a selection of optional experiences, including a cooking class, pizza-making class, street food tour, or an excursion to Tivoli. Let us know what interests you, and we’ll take care of the rest! Meals: B

Important note: Optional activities are subject to availability, and advanced booking is strongly recommended.

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 9: JOURNEY TO PUGLIA

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Bari. Upon arrival in Bari, make your way to the hotel independently. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Bari. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Excelsior, Bari, or similar

DAY 10: BARI HIGHLIGHTS

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then meet your Tour Leader for a guided morning tour of Bari — the vibrant heart of Puglia. Explore the charming old town, including highlights like the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle (entry ticket not included), offering stunning views of the city. Stroll through Piazza Mercantile and see the historic Column of Justice.

After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch. While not included, we suggest dining at a traditional local restaurant or sampling some of Bari’s famous street food. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Excelsior, Bari, or similar

DAY 11: PUGLIA’S HIDDEN GEMS: BARI, TRANI, CASTEL DEL MONTE & ALBEROBELLO

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing Bari by coach toward Trani. Known as the Pearl of Puglia, this medieval town is one of Southern Italy’s true gems. Discover its rich artistic heritage, explore the Jewish quarter, and admire the stunning white stone Cathedral overlooking the sea.

In the afternoon, continue to Castel del Monte, one of Puglia’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century under the reign of Emperor Frederick II, this striking octagonal fortress is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and shrouded in mystery.

Your journey then continues to Alberobello, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Trulli — unique, cone-shaped houses made from local limestone. Dating back to the 14th century, these whimsical structures create a magical, storybook-like atmosphere. The name “Alberobello” comes from the ancient oak forest “Arboris Belli,” meaning “beautiful trees,” that once blanketed the area.

Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy a welcome toast with a glass of local white wine and a taste of traditional Apulian taralli. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello, or similar

DAY 12: STONES & TRULLI: ALBEROBELLO TO MATERA AND BACK

Today’s destination is the extraordinary city of Matera. After breakfast, board the coach for your journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient cave dwellings.

Explore the fascinating “Sassi di Matera”, a complex of cave homes carved into the rock and inhabited for over 9,000 years. These dwellings form part of the city’s historic center and offer a glimpse into one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Visit the striking Romanesque Cathedral, perched high above the city with its beautiful Campanile (bell tower), and take in panoramic views over the “Sassi.”

In the late afternoon, return to Alberobello. Dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello, or similar

DAY 13: PUGLIA’S WHITE VILLAGES: ALBEROBELLO, LOCOROTONDO, OSTUNI & LECCE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing Alberobello by coach. Your first stop is Locorotondo, one of Puglia’s charming “white towns,” known for its circular old town and whitewashed buildings. Enjoy some free time to explore its picturesque streets at your own pace.

Continue to Ostuni, a striking hilltop town overlooking the olive groves and coastline between the Trulli region and Salento. You’ll have free time to wander the historic center, enjoy lunch, shop, or sample local specialties — including the renowned Ostuni olive oil (at your own expense).

In the late afternoon, travel to Lecce, the baroque jewel of southern Puglia, located in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Delle Palme, Hotel Mercure President, Lecce, or similar

DAY 14: BAROQUE & COASTAL BEAUTY: LECCE & OTRANTO EXCURSION

Begin your day with a guided walking tour of Lecce, exploring its historic center, the stunning 12th-century Cathedral, the richly adorned Basilica of Santa Croce, and the elegant Piazza del Duomo.

After the visit, board the coach and travel to the coastal town of Otranto. Enjoy free time for lunch before spending the afternoon discovering this fascinating city at your own pace. Shaped by centuries of invasions, Otranto showcases a unique blend of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Stroll through its charming old quarters, and be sure to visit the iconic Cathedral, home to the relics of 813 martyrs and one of Italy’s most impressive mosaic floors, rivaling those of Ravenna.

In the early evening, continue to Maglie for a memorable dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto. This historic farmhouse offers insight into Puglia’s rural traditions and a delicious meal of authentic regional cuisine. Return to Lecce for the overnight. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Delle Palme, Hotel Mercure President, Lecce, or similar

DAY 15: FROM BAROQUE TO THE COAST: LECCE, MARTINA FRANCA, MONOPOLI & BARI

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Bari, passing through the scenic Murge plateau. Your first stop is Martina Franca, a refined Baroque town known for its elegant churches, noble palaces, and lively piazzas. Visit Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio, with free time to explore at your leisure.

Continue through the beautiful Valle d’Itria, a countryside dotted with olive groves and vineyards. Stop for lunch at a traditional masseria, where you’ll enjoy organic, locally sourced cuisine paired with a tasting of premium extra virgin olive oil.

In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a seaside citadel rich in history and charm. Wander through its maze of narrow streets, shaped by centuries of maritime trade and crusader voyages, and admire the fortified old town overlooking the Adriatic.

After your visit, a short drive will bring you back to Bari for your final overnight stay. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Excelsior, Bari, or similar

DAY 16: BARI DEPARTURE

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. A private transfer to the airport is included. Meals: B

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