12 Day South Italy by Bus – Group Tour

After breakfast, meet your local tour guide and your group at the hotel lobby and begin a full-day exploration of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. ­ • Morning Tour: ­ o Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) – Discover this majestic Renaissance fortress, steeped in history and culture. Explore its museums housing ancient art, sculptures, and historic weapons, while admiring the castle’s impressive architecture and charming courtyards. ­ o Santa Maria delle Grazie – Visit this renowned church, home to iconic Renaissance masterpieces. Its elegant interior and historical significance make it a true cultural landmark in Milan. ­ • Afternoon Tour: ­ o Navigli Canals – Stroll along these picturesque canals, lined with art studios, quaint cafés, and vibrant shops, capturing the lively and artistic spirit of the city. ­ o Quadrilatero della Moda – Explore Milan’s famous fashion district, a haven of luxury boutiques and haute couture, embodying the city’s reputation as a global style capital. ­ Overnight in Milan Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, get ready and meet your group and Tour Leader at the hotel lobby. Board your bus for a comfortable transfer to Naples, where you’ll begin a new chapter of your journey. ­ Spend your afternoon uncovering the vibrant soul of Naples’ historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure where ancient streets, majestic churches, and bustling piazzas tell stories that span millennia. ­ Spaccanapoli: Wander through Spaccanapoli, the narrow, lively street that literally “splits” Naples’ old town in two. As you stroll past centuries-old churches, noble palaces, and charming cafés, you’ll witness the city’s layered history unfold—from its Greco-Roman foundations to its Baroque grandeur. ­ Piazza del Gesù & Gesù Nuovo Church: Arrive at Piazza del Gesù, one of Naples’ most vibrant squares, dominated by the striking Gesù Nuovo Church. Its unique façade, crafted from volcanic stone, conceals a breathtaking Baroque interior adorned with intricate frescoes, marble details, and glittering gold accents—a true masterpiece of Neapolitan art and devotion. ­ San Gregorio Armeno: Continue to San Gregorio Armeno, the city’s most famous alleyway, buzzing with artisan workshops that create handcrafted nativity figurines all year round. This colorful street is a joyful reflection of Naples’ artistic spirit and festive traditions. ­ Evening Stroll: As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Naples seafront, where the waves of the Bay of Naples glisten under the evening light. Admire the enchanting view of Castel dell’Ovo, the city’s oldest castle, majestically perched on a small island — a timeless symbol of Naples’ maritime heritage. ­ Overnight stay in Naples.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Leader and your group at the hotel lobby and begin a full-day exploration of Pompeii's most iconic landmarks. ­ Morning: Journey back in time as you explore Pompeii, the legendary Roman city buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. Wander through ancient streets lined with homes, baths, and vibrant frescoes that remain astonishingly preserved—offering a rare and intimate window into daily Roman life nearly two thousand years ago. ­ • Afternoon: Continue your adventure with an ascent of Mt. Vesuvius, the only active volcano on mainland Europe. Hike up to the crater’s rim and marvel at breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Bay of Naples, the island of Capri, and the Sorrento coast—a truly unforgettable sight. ­ • Evening: Return to Naples and enjoy free time to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere. Treat yourself to a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza, invented here in the 18th century and celebrated as one of Italy’s greatest culinary treasures. ­ Overnight in Naples.

After breakfast, get ready and meet your group and Tour Leader at the hotel lobby. Board your bus for a comfortable transfer to Taranto, where you’ll begin a new chapter of your journey. ­ Begin your day with a scenic journey across southern Italy, gliding past rolling olive groves, citrus orchards, and sparkling coastal vistas that capture the charm of the Italian countryside. ­ • Afternoon in Taranto: ­ o Aragonese Castle – explore this impressive seaside fortress, rebuilt in the 15th century by the Aragonese dynasty to defend the city from Ottoman attacks. Its majestic towers, stone walls, and panoramic sea views echo centuries of Taranto’s maritime heritage. ­ o Walk through Taranto Old Town (Città Vecchia) – wander through a labyrinth of medieval alleys, lined with fishermen’s houses, lively piazzas, and the gentle breeze of the Ionian Sea, offering a glimpse into authentic southern Italian life. ­ Overnight in Taranto.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Leader and your group at the hotel lobby and begin a full-day exploration of Taranto's most iconic landmarks. ­ National Archaeological Museum (MARTA) – discover one of Italy’s most prestigious museums of Magna Graecia, showcasing an extraordinary collection of ancient Greek pottery, intricate gold jewelry, and marble statues. Each artifact unveils Taranto’s glorious past as a major Greek colony. ­ o Taranto Cathedral (San Cataldo) – dedicated to the city’s patron saint, this Romanesque masterpiece enchants visitors with its Baroque chapels, adorned in marble, frescoes, and ornate altars, blending centuries of devotion and artistry. ­ Afternoon: o Continue exploring Città Vecchia, where narrow cobbled streets open into small piazzas filled with artisan workshops, local charm, and captivating sea views. ­ o Enjoy a boat trip across the Gulf of Taranto, gliding over azure waters as you admire the city’s skyline from a new perspective. Keep your eyes peeled — the gulf is famous for its rich marine life and playful dolphins. ­ Overnight in Taranto.

After breakfast, get ready and meet your group and Tour Leader at the hotel lobby. Board your bus for a comfortable transfer to Bari, where you’ll begin a new chapter of your journey. ­ o Basilica di San Nicola – visit one of southern Italy’s most important pilgrimage sites, built in the 11th century to enshrine the relics of St. Nicholas—the very figure who inspired Santa Claus. This sacred landmark beautifully blends Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, reflecting Bari’s long history as a crossroads between East and West. ­ o Bari Vecchia – wander through the charming old town, a maze of narrow, whitewashed alleys filled with everyday life. Here, you’ll see local women sitting outside their homes, hand-shaping orecchiette pasta, a tradition passed down through generations. ­ o Norman-Swabian Castle – explore this imposing 12th-century fortress, originally commissioned by Roger II and later strengthened by Emperor Frederick II. Its massive stone towers stand as proud sentinels guarding the historic heart of Bari. ­ Overnight in Bari.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Leader and your group at the hotel lobby and begin a full-day exploration of Bari's most iconic landmarks. ­ • Morning: Alberobello – journey to this UNESCO World Heritage town, world-renowned for its Trulli houses—distinctive whitewashed stone dwellings topped with conical roofs. Dating back to the 14th century, these dry-stone huts were built without mortar, a testament to the region’s ingenious craftsmanship. Stroll through the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, where hundreds of Trulli line the lanes, many of which are still inhabited today, offering a glimpse into a living piece of Apulian history. ­ • Afternoon: Polignano a Mare – continue to one of Italy’s most picturesque coastal towns, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic Sea. Explore its narrow cobbled streets, discover hidden sea caves, and step onto the breathtaking balconies that open to panoramic views of turquoise waters. Polignano is also known as the birthplace of the famous Italian singer Domenico Modugno, whose statue overlooks the sea. ­ • Return to Bari for a relaxed evening at leisure. • Overnight in Bari.

After breakfast, get ready and meet your group and Tour Leader at the hotel lobby. Board your bus for a comfortable transfer to Pescara, where you’ll begin a new chapter of your journey. ­ • Scenic Drive: Enjoy a picturesque journey along the Adriatic coast, where the deep blue sea meets golden beaches and gentle rolling hills dotted with olive groves and seaside villages. This stretch of road offers some of southern Italy’s most serene coastal views. ­ • Afternoon in Pescara: o Pescara Seafront Promenade – take a leisurely walk along the wide sandy beaches bordered by swaying palm trees and lively cafés. The fresh sea breeze and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the coastal charm. ­ o Ponte del Mare – cross this iconic sail-shaped pedestrian and cycle bridge, an architectural landmark symbolizing the city’s connection between land and sea. From the top, admire panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the Apennine Mountains rising in the distance. ­ • Overnight in Pescara.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Leader and your group at the hotel lobby and begin a full-day exploration of Pescara's most iconic landmarks. ­ • Morning – Gran Sasso Mountains: Venture into the rugged landscapes of Abruzzo, where majestic peaks and lush valleys create a breathtaking backdrop. Stop at medieval villages like Castel del Monte, perched on hillsides with ancient stone houses that seem frozen in time. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical charm of this unique region. ­ • Afternoon – Pescara: o Gabriele D’Annunzio Museum – visit the birthplace of Italy’s famed and controversial poet, filled with manuscripts, photographs, and personal memorabilia that reveal his life, work, and enduring influence on Italian literature. ­ o Pescara Cathedral (San Cetteo) – admire this 20th-century Romanesque Revival church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Its elegant architecture and artworks, many donated by D’Annunzio himself, reflect both devotion and artistic heritage. ­ • Overnight in Pescara

After breakfast, get ready and meet your group and Tour Leader at the hotel lobby. Board your bus for a comfortable transfer to Rome, Enjoy a comfortable journey back to the Eternal City, soaking in the Italian countryside one last time. ­ • Afternoon Free Time: Spend your afternoon shopping along the famous Via del Corso, or choose from several optional cultural visits: o Pantheon – step inside this ancient Roman temple dedicated to “all gods,” completed around AD 126, and marvel at its world-record largest unreinforced concrete dome, a true engineering marvel of antiquity. ­ o Piazza Navona – wander through Rome’s most elegant square, built on the site of a Roman stadium, and admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, a masterpiece of Baroque artistry. ­ o Campo de’ Fiori – experience the lively atmosphere of this historic square, filled with vibrant markets, cafés, and the rhythm of daily Roman life. ­ • Evening: Celebrate your Italian journey with a farewell dinner in a traditional Roman trattoria, savoring authentic cuisine and reflecting on unforgettable memories. ­ Overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to the Rome International Airport "Leonardo da Vinci International Airport" (FCO). We recommend scheduling your hotel pick-up up to 4 hours before your flight departure time. Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and late check-out will be subject to availability.