Experience a signature GRJ holiday, uncovering the extraordinary gems of Puglia and Basilicata, two regions of southern Italy untouched by the hands of time

Your holiday starts at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding the Eurostar service for a morning journey to Paris. Travelling in style in spacious Plus class, we enjoy a light meal served at our seats.

In Paris we continue by First Class rail to the medieval town of Chambéry, nestled at the foothills of the Alps. The town is the former seat of the Dukes of Savoy, and their impressive château still dominates Chambéry's picturesque centre. The historic Old Town has a characterful square, tall, colourful houses, and is officially listed as a Town of Art and History ('Ville d'Art et d'Histoire').

Arriving this evening, we take a short walk from the station to our hotel, where we check in for the night before dinner.

Leaving Chambéry after breakfast, we walk across to the train station to travel to our first exciting Italian destination, the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Our First Class rail journey takes us past the scenic French and Italian Alps, with a brief stop in Turin before continuing south, passing the grand Renaissance city of Florence and the Montepulciano wine region as we travel to timeless Rome.

Arriving in Italy's exciting capital this evening, we walk a short distance from the station to our central hotel where we spend the next two nights. This evening, we enjoy a three-course dinner at our hotel. After our meal you may like to step into the vibrant city streets to soak up the atmosphere, or savour panoramic views of Rome from the hotel's roof terrace.

Please Note - For departure 4th May we will stay at the Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio in Rome

Waking in Rome, we discover its most famous sights on a three-hour guided tour. Our walking tour begins outside the magnificent Colosseum where we view the amphitheatre's exterior. The route continues past other Roman sites, including the Roman Forum and the Pantheon. Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain before our tour concludes in Piazza Navona, where you're free to experience Rome's beauty at your own pace for the rest of the day.

Around 15 minutes' walk from Piazza Navona is the acclaimed Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Walk up the steps to reach Pincian Hill and Villa Borghese park, where you can relax in landscaped gardens or see stunning art and sculpture in the Borghese Gallery. Just across the historic Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II which spans the River Tiber is St Peter's Square and the Vatican. If you'd like to visit the Vatican, we recommend booking ahead online

Rome offers an endless array of eateries, many alfresco, where you can enjoy a fresh pasta dish or a slice of crispy pizza al taglio with a glass of wine, and watch the world go by. >

Leaving Rome this morning we set off on a scenic First Class rail journey to the unspoilt southern heel of Italy. Our route takes us directly south, then east along the Adriatic coastline on our way to the coastal city of Lecce. From here we transfer by coach to the west coast, or 'inner heel' of Puglia, to the relaxed fishing town of Santa Maria al Bagno and our seafront hotel which overlooks the azure Ionian Sea.

We spend the next four nights in this beautiful environment, a peaceful contrast to the buzzing streets of Rome. There's free time to get to know our surroundings, possibly take a refreshing swim in one of the hotel pools, visit the private beach or spend some time on the sun terrace which overlooks the sea. There's also a pleasant walk along the promenade from the hotel to the town. This evening, we gather for a welcome drink followed by a buffet dinner at our hotel.

Today we transfer by coach to the historic town of Lecce for a guided sightseeing tour. With its Baroque Old Town, Lecce has been dubbed 'the Florence of the South', and the city's alleyways are intriguing to wander through. We visit the Chiesa di Santa Croce, with its intricately carved rose window, and the Piazza del Duomo, the main square, in the shadow of Lecce's cathedral. Our guided tour ends in a traditional café, where we sample a Leccese coffee, made with almond milk and poured over ice, served with 'pasticciotto' - a southern Puglian pastry filled with custard or ricotta.

We are then free to explore the town independently. You could visit the Roman amphitheatre, a partially buried archaeological treasure which was excavated in 1938, below the ground level of the Piazza Sant'Oronzo. The streets are lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, and - equally enticing - shops offering local produce such as olive oil, wine and ceramics. We return to Santa Maria al Bagno by coach in the afternoon, with time to relax before dinner at our hotel.

With a full day at leisure, you're free to explore the peaceful fishing village of Santa Maria al Bagno or to simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy our hotel's excellent facilities, sea views and small private beach. The idyllic town offers a rocky coastline on the Ionian Sea, inviting swimming bays and sandy beaches. While it buzzes with holidaymakers at the height of summer it still retains its charm. The traditional town centre is just a short walk along the promenade from our hotel, and seafront cafés and restaurants are dotted around the bay.

Above the old town is the distinctive 'Tower of the Galatena River', a set of four medieval fortress towers known locally simply as 'the four columns'. During World War II the town was the site of a 'displaced persons camp', and a small museum tells the moving story of refugees who were given temporary homes in Santa Maria al Bagno and how they were welcomed by the local population. When you're ready for dinner, there are several highly rated restaurants to choose from, some overlooking Santa Maria's turquoise bay.

After breakfast this morning we board a coach for a full day of sightseeing. Our first destination is one of Puglia's hidden gems, Galatina, a beautifully preserved Baroque town away from the well-worn tourist track. With some free time in this laid-back, friendly town you could visit the Basilica di Santa Caterina, where entry is free, and see its exquisite frescoes or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and a refreshing drink in the piazza.

Our tour continues to the characterful town of Gallipoli, known for its fortified historical centre. Set on a narrow promontory which stretches out into the Ionian Sea, this ancient fishing town is surrounded by water on all sides. With free time to explore independently, you might like to visit the 13th century castle, or find an atmospheric seafront café to enjoy lunch beside the colourful port. In the afternoon we head back to our hotel in Santa Maria al Bagno where we dine this evening.

Our day starts with a transfer to Lecce to board a train to Fasano. From here, we take a guided coach excursion to the unique whitewashed town of Alberobello. This World Heritage town is packed with hundreds of cone-shaped, limestone houses known as 'trulli'. First built in the 14th century, the houses were constructed from small stones, and designed to be easily dismantled to avoid taxes!

There's some time to look around before meeting our friendly local guide, Mimmo Palmisano, who hosts us at a traditional lunch in his family's restaurant before a fascinating guided tour. We then continue to the hill town of Locorotondo, a few miles away, where we are free to wander the labyrinthine streets of the historic centre. Known for its sparkling Spumante wine, Locorotondo is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and 'trulli' settlements.

Once our tour ends, we drive to our next base, a spa hotel in the Puglian countryside near Mesagne, for three nights. After a refreshing welcome drink, we dine at our hotel this evening.

Please Note - For departure 15th May we will stay at the Pietrablu Resort in Polignano a Mare

A coach transfer takes us to the historic port city of Brindisi after breakfast today. At the end of the ancient Via Appia, its natural harbour has shaped the city's fortunes for centuries. Today, it attracts visitors with its palm-lined promenades, Roman columns perched beside the water and a compact Old Town where cafés spill onto small squares. Enjoy time at leisure to visit the Romanesque cathedral or uncover historic palazzos on timeless streets.

This afternoon, we continue to Mesagne, a smaller town of white stone. Its historic centre is a labyrinth of narrow lanes that open to reveal a Norman castle and an attractive main square. There's time to explore independently, perhaps stopping off at a wine bar to sample local varieties.

Returning to our hotel later, we enjoy dinner together this evening.

Ahead of us today is one of the highlights of our tour, an excursion to the rugged hilltop town of Matera in Basilicata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its ancient 'sassi' cave dwellings. This evocative town is favoured among directors as a film location over the decades. Director Pier Paolo Pasolini set the story of Jesus' life here, in his 1964 classic, The Gospel According to St Matthew, and the James Bond movie 'No Time to Die' was also filmed here.

Our guided tour takes us through the maze of winding streets and fascinating Palaeolithic-era abodes, some of which were inhabited until as recently as the 1950s, and we enter one of the 'sassi' caves. We're then free over lunch to explore this incredible location at our own pace. Matera has flourished in recent years, it was European Capital of Culture in 2019, and there are many boutiques, craft shops, bars and cafés to discover.

We return to our spa hotel near Mesagne for our last night on the Adriatic coast, gathering for dinner this evening in our hotel.

This tour of unspoiled Puglia and Basilicata in Italy's southern heel began in the timeless city of Rome, where we toured the most iconic sights. In contrast to this, we then stayed in two idyllic bases, Santa Maria al Bagno on the Ionian Sea and rural Mesagne. The region's unique architecture has been encountered in Matera and Alberobello, while hidden gems have been explored in Galatina, Gallipoli and Lecce.

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Bari airport for a flight back to the UK. Arriving in London, your holiday to southern Italy comes to an end.

Please note: if you have upgraded to the return by rail option, join the Tour Manager to begin a journey north through Italy. Transferring by coach to Bari, travel by rail to Bologna and change trains to Turin for an overnight stay.

Early this morning, we board a First Class train from Turin to Paris. In the French capital, we change trains and join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, travelling in spacious Plus Class with a light meal served at our seats.

On arrival in London, your holiday draws to a close and you are free to make your way home.

There is an option to return by rail for an additional charge, stopping overnight in Turin on the inbound journey. Please ask for further details when booking.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially constructed high-speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long-distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

The elegant 4-Star Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio is your base in Rome. Ideally located near Termini Station in the heart of the city, this historic hotel has welcomed guests since the 19th century and retains many of its original features, including marble floors and antique furnishings. Facilities include a traditional Italian restaurant, a relaxed bar and a fitness centre.

Each air-conditioned guest room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities and hairdryer.

In Rome, we stay at the 4-Star Grand Hotel Palatino, situated close to numerous shops and restaurants, and a short walk from the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, which houses the iconic statue of Moses, carved by Renaissance artist Michelangelo. In the hotel, you may enjoy a meal in any of the 3 restaurants on offer, before relaxing in the piano bar. The rooms are air-conditioned, and also offer an in room safe, a minibar, a television, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The 4-Star Grand Hotel Riviera is situated on the seafront, close to the centre of Santa Maria al Bagno and close to its own private beach and two public beaches. The hotel has wonderful facilities including an attractive sun terrace, overlooking the sea, two swimming pools and a garden. There is a spa lounge and steam room, a fitness area and yoga classes. Air-conditioned guest rooms are individually designed and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

This 4-Star spa hotel is set in a revamped 18th-century farmhouse in the Puglian countryside between Mesagne and Latiano, providing a luxurious base from which to explore this popular region. After extensive renovations, the hotel boasts a wellness centre, complete with a steam room and sauna. In the spacious grounds, you can find a sun terrace and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. The on-site restaurant serves refined cuisine of regional and Italian cuisine. Air-conditioned guest rooms all feature balconies and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £199 per bag.

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag as your luggage will be delivered direct to your first destination hotel. The luggage service is not available where you are flying to or from your destination and you will need to take your own luggage with you on the flight.