Tour description
Rome, Matera & Puglia Custom Tour
DAY 1 ARRIVAL ROME
ARRIVAL IN ROME
Upon arrival in Rome, your private chauffeur will meet you and transfer you to your handpicked boutique hotel in the historic center. Housed in an elegant former palazzo, your hotel offers an ideal base for discovering the city on foot, with many of Rome’s most iconic neighborhoods just moments away.
The remainder of the day is intentionally unstructured, allowing you to ease into the rhythm of the city. You may wish to take a gentle walk through nearby streets, enjoy a first espresso at a neighborhood café, or simply relax after your journey. In the evening, we’ll provide tailored dining suggestions, from classic Roman trattorias to refined contemporary kitchens, based on your preferences.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private arrival transfer. Overnight Boutique hotel in central Rome
DAY 2 ROME
ROME: ANCIENT & EVERYDAY LIFE
This morning, our fantastic and engaging local guide will await you for a thoughtfully paced exploration of Rome that blends iconic landmarks with a sense of everyday Roman life. Begin with a panoramic introduction by private vehicle before continuing on foot through the historic center.
You will explore highlights such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and lively piazzas, before delving into Ancient Rome at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. With privileged access to the arena floor, your guide will bring history to life through stories of daily life, political power, and spectacle in the ancient city.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Your Personal Travel Website will include curated suggestions for neighborhoods, museums, cafés, and restaurants, allowing you to continue discovering Rome at your own pace.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private guided tour of Ancient & Historic Rome. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 3 THE VATICAN
THE VATICAN & FREE AFTERNOON
Today is dedicated to the Vatican, explored with a specialist guide deeply knowledgeable in its art, history, and traditions. Skip-the-line access allows you to enter the Vatican Museums, where you’ll trace the evolution of one of the world’s greatest art collections, shaped by centuries of papal patronage.
Your visit includes an in-depth exploration of the Sistine Chapel, where your guide will explain Michelangelo’s technique, symbolism, and the extraordinary human effort behind the ceiling and Last Judgment. Rather than overwhelming detail, the focus is on understanding the art in contex – why it was created, how it was received, and why it still resonates today.
The afternoon is free for shopping, additional sightseeing, or simply enjoying Rome’s café culture.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private guided tour of Vatican. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 4 PUGLIA
ROME TO PUGLIA | MASSERIA STAY
This morning, travel south by first-class high-speed train to Bari, enjoying a comfortable and scenic journey. Upon arrival, your private Puglian chauffeur will transfer you into the countryside, where olive groves and dry-stone walls define the landscape.
You’ll check into a traditional masseria, a restored farmhouse that reflects the agricultural heart of Puglia. The afternoon and evening are free to relax, perhaps with a walk among the olive trees or an informal dinner featuring local ingredients prepared simply and well.
Tour in a Nutshell: First-class train Rome to Bari. Chauffeured transfer. Overnight in Puglia countryside.
DAY 5 MATERA
MATERA: STONE, HISTORY & FLAVOR
After breakfast, travel to Matera, crossing into the neighboring region of Basilicata. With your private local guide, explore the Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone and continuously inhabited for thousands of years.
Visit rock-cut churches, historic cave homes, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Gravina gorge, while learning how Matera evolved from hardship to UNESCO recognition. Your visit concludes with a traditional local lunch, featuring Basilicata specialties.
The afternoon is free to wander independently before returning to your masseria in the early evening.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured transfers. Private guided tour of Matera. Traditional lunch. Overnight in Puglia countryside.
DAY 6 ALBEROBELLO
ALBEROBELLO & POLIGNANO A MARE
This morning, explore Alberobello, a UNESCO-listed town known for its distinctive trulli. With a private guide, learn how and why these dry-stone structures were built and how they shaped local life for centuries.
Following the tour, enjoy a light local tasting lunch featuring fresh burrata, caciocavallo cheese, cured meats, olive oil, and Primitivo wine.
In the afternoon, continue to Polignano a Mare, where whitewashed houses perch dramatically above the Adriatic. Time is set aside to explore the old town, enjoy coastal views, or relax by the sea.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured transfers. Private guided tour of Alberobello tour. Local tastings. Overnight in Puglia countryside.
DAY 7 OSTUNI & LECCE
Coastal & Inland Puglia: MONOPOLI, OSTUNI & LECCE
Travel south through coastal and inland Puglia, stopping in Monopoli, a working harbor town with a charming historic center, before continuing to Ostuni, the iconic “White City” overlooking endless olive groves.
Enjoy a local cuisine lunch in Ostuni before continuing on to Lecce, where you’ll check into a boutique hotel in the historic center.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Monopoli & Ostuni. Local lunch. Overnight in Lecce.
DAY 8 LECCE
LECCE: BAROQUE & LOCAL LIFE
With your private licensed guide, discover Lecce’s Baroque heritage, including Santa Croce, Piazza Duomo, and hidden architectural details carved from golden limestone.
Pause for the traditional coffee and pasticciotto ritual, a beloved local custom. The afternoon is free to explore Lecce’s artisan workshops, cafés, and boutiques at leisure.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private guided tour of Lecce tour. Local tastings. Overnight in Lecce.
DAY 9 LECCE TO ROME
TRAIN FROM LECCE TO ROME
After breakfast, travel by first-class high-speed train back to Rome. Upon arrival, enjoy your final evening at leisure, with restaurant recommendations tailored to your tastes.
Tour in a Nutshell: First-class train Lecce to Rome. Overnight in Rome or Rome Airport (depending on flight time).
DAY 9 DEPARTURE ROME
Your private chauffeur will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private departure transfer.
Tour quotation
Rome, Matera & Puglia Custom Tour Quote Request
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