Puglia in Depth

You’ll have a leisurely start today before you return to the station for your direct train service through Italy to Puglia. Once you reach Pescara, the train line stays close to the Adriatic coastline for most of the last stretch of the journey to Bari, Puglia’s capital, where you’ll arrive in time for dinner. Check into the JR Hotels Bari Oriente (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Your first stop in Puglia is in its maritime capital, Bari. Known as a strategic port for onward travel to Greece or Montenegro, Bari also has a charming medieval Old Town, known locally as Bari Vecchia which sits atop a peninsula between two harbours. Not to be missed here is the Basilica of Saint Nicholas with its gilded ceiling, floor mosaics and the tomb of Saint Nicholas (otherwise known as Santa Claus).

Elsewhere, the Romanesque cathedral and Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo) are also well worth a visit. The castle now hosts regular temporary exhibitions.

After breakfast this morning, catch a regional train down the coastline of Puglia, to Monopoli.

On arrival, make your way to the Dimora Pirrelli Boutique Hotel & SPA (or similar) , where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Enjoy a day at leisure in the pretty seaside city of Monopoli with its white-washed old town and narrow limestone paved streets. You might like to visit the impressive Baroque cathedral or walk along the lovely harbour with its distinctive blue fishing boats. Other popular destinations in the area such as Alberobello and Matera are also an easy day trip from here.

In the evening, be sure to enjoy a meal in one of the seafood restaurants for which Monopoli is famous.

An hour’s train ride from Monopoli, Lecce is often known as the Florence of the South thanks to its impressive collection of Baroque architecture including a stunning cathedral with a five-floor belfry. You have two full days here to explore at your own pace. The town has two main focal points, the Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazza del Duomo. The Piazza Sant’Oronzo boasts an interesting mix of modern and historic architectural styles, including the town’s Roman amphitheatre, half of which is still underground. Your accommodation here is at the Grand Hotel di Lecce (or similar), where you have a 3-night stay.

Lecce is also a great base for exploring the Salento Peninsula – the stunning coastal towns of Gallipoli (pictured) and Otranto are 90 minutes away by local railway and in 2½ hours you can reach Leuca, right on the ‘tip of the heel’.

Today you take a comfortable and air-conditioned Eurostar Italia Frecciargento or Frecciablanca right up the spine of Italy, via the Apennine Mountains to Milan.

Here, check in for an overnight stay at the Starhotels Anderson (or similar) conveniently located near the main station. Spend an evening exploring the centre of Milan and perhaps stop at one of the tempting restaurants for dinner. We can also add extra nights in Milan for you if you would like to extend your stay here.

You have a relaxed start today, with time to have breakfast and leave your bags at the hotel so that you can have a wander into the centre of Milan. Around lunchtime, collect your luggage and return to the station for a TGV service via Chambery to Lyon.

Here you’ll have an overnight stay at the Mercure Lyon Part Dieu (or similar), right next to the station.

Enjoy a last leisurely breakfast before leaving Lyon today for a direct TGV service back to Lille. Connect in the same station for your Eurostar back to London St Pancras.