Southern Italy: Rome, Naples & Puglia

Welcome to Rome, one of the world’s most charismatic capitals. Steeped in 2,500 years of history and culture, it’s an extraordinary tumble of haunting Roman ruins, iconic art-filled churches and vibrant modern street life that doesn’t disappoint. At the airport you’ll be met by a Flash Pack driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the historic centre. There’ll be time to freshen up before meeting your group and heading out for a delicious rooftop dinner. 

Get ready for an interactive introduction to ancient Rome: today, you’re off to gladiator school. This hands-on lesson will see you adopt a gladiator mindset and swing a sword as you learn about the authentic weapons and techniques used in gladiatorial combat. You’ll cheer each other on as you attempt to thrust, barge and block your opponents in a mock battle for life and death. Having harnessed your inner warrior, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. See where the gladiators fought for real at the nearby Colosseum. Walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar at the grandiose Roman Forum. Or visit Vatican City, home to spectacular St Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s revered Sistine Chapel fresco. Note: you’ll need to buy entry tickets well in advance for the most famous sights. 

After breakfast, you’ll speed south on a Freccia train to Naples, a journey that takes around 1.5 hours. On arrival, you’ll head straight to the region’s most compelling archaeological site: the ruined city of Pompeii. This thriving Roman trading port was destroyed almost in an instant when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79, burying the buildings under metres of volcanic debris. The excavated ruins are now a treasure trove of history frozen in time, which your expert guide will bring to life through fascinating details and stories. Later, you’ll unwind at an organic vineyard on the slopes of the notorious volcano. Spend an afternoon tasting regional wines, including the Lacryma Christi varietal.

Start your day with a walking tour of elegant Naples. Wrapped around a deep blue bay, you’ll find two royal palaces, three castles, and a host of beautiful buildings housing artistic treasures. Follow your guide through the Unesco old town, a maze of narrow streets lined with ancient churches, courtyards and family-run boutiques. Naples takes its shopping seriously – and its food even more so. Along the way, you’ll stop off at chic cafes and delis to sample delicious Neapolitan dishes, such as frittata di pasta and arancini, expertly made from secret recipes passed down through the generations. This afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy. Limoncello by the seafront, anyone? 

Today, you’ll travel onwards to Puglia – the bucolic region that forms the heel of Italy’s boot. Blessed with quaint hill towns, age-old farmland dotted with olive groves and hundreds of miles of stunning coast, it’s a deeply traditional area best explored at an unhurried pace. You’ll be based just outside the pretty town of Alberobello, known for its dense mass of trulli: whitewashed stone huts with beehive-shaped roofs. Dating back to the 14th century, these unique dwellings were designed to be quickly dismantled when the tax collector came to town, and are now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Relax after your journey with a stroll through the cute winding streets and grab a gelato on one of the piazzas. 

For your final day, there’s one more treat in store for your group. Having tasted plenty of delicious dishes throughout your trip, today you’ll have a chance to make some for yourself. Your cooking course will take place on a traditional farm where many of the ingredients are grown. Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at preparing some seasonal specialties. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, along with typical Pugliese products, such as locally cured meat and bread from the wood-fired oven, accompanied by local wine. Tonight, you’ll be heading out for a final feast with your group to celebrate an incredible eight days of indulgence.

Your trip has come to an end and it’s time to say goodbye to your group. Together, you’ve experienced the true highlights of southern Italy and formed memories to last a lifetime. After checking out of your hotel, your private driver will accompany you to Bari Airport for your flight back home. Or, for a longer adventure, why not combine this trip with our Northern Italy tour?