Puglia, Amalfi & the Med

Today depart for the flight to Rome, Italy!

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on Day 2, to arrive on Day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Rome, be met and transferred to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Tour Only Package: If purchasing the Tour Only option, you are required to make your own way to the accommodation for check-in. Details will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Dei Congressi or similar, Rome

Meals included: None

Following breakfast at the hotel this morning, join a half-day guided tour of Rome with a local guide. You will experience some of the richest historical landmarks in the world. First see Piazza Venezia before walking towards the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio), designed by Michelangelo in the 1500s. Next, travel down Via dei Fori Imperial (Road of the Imperial Forums), the former centre of ancient political, commercial, and legal life. See the spectacular Colosseum (entrance not included), area of gladiators, and the Arch of Constantine, a monument dedicated to Emperor Constantine by the Senate and the people of Rome. In addition to these wonderful sights, see Palatine Hill, where former emperors and influential figures once lived, and the exterior of the gigantic Circus Maximus, the first and main site of chariot racing and mass entertainment. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Optional Activity: Colosseum & Imperial Fora
3-hour tour. Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Hotel Dei Congressi or similar, Rome

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing your journey to the stunning Sorrento coastline. Arrive in Pompeii later this morning to learn about this magnificent archaeological site on a locally-guided tour. Built in the ancient Roman era, delve into the history and spectacle of the city buried from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. It remains surprisingly intact, and a great insight into the life of a commercial city of ancient Rome (entrance included).

Afterwards, continue to the beautiful Amalfi Coast after an approximately 270-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Holiday Inn Cava Dei Tirreni or similar, Amalfi Coast Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast on an approximately 50-kilometre travel day. Uncover the stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula with your tour leader. A hugely popular holiday destination, the Amalfi coast features sheer cliffs, a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-coloured fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves. Spend a full day exploring the beautiful villages of Positano and Amalfi with your tour leader.

Head to Salerno port terminal to board the ferry to Positano.

Upon arrival, marvel at the cliffside village of Positano on the southern Amalfi Coast. This is the coast's most picturesque and photogenic town with vertiginous houses dotting the cliffside down to the sea in a cascade of sun-bleached peach, pink and terracotta colours. No less colourful are its steep streets and steps lined with wisteria-draped hotels, smart restaurants and fashionable boutiques.

Continue by ferry to Amalfi an outstanding example of the Mediterranean landscape, this is a town in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab-Norman Sant’Andrea cathedral at the heart of the town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era.

Please note:
• In case of bad weather conditions, the Amalfi Coast boat trip will not take place, and it will be replaced by a visit to the vibrant city of Naples near Mount Vesuvius volcano. Dating back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Naples holds centuries of important art and architecture. Like the city’s cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro (entrance not included). Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle (entrance not included).

Overnight: Hotel Holiday Inn Cava Dei Tirreni or similar, Amalfi Coast Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, head southeast through sun-baked landscapes to the region of Puglia. On the way, stop at Matera for a guided tour and exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sassi (Italian for “stones”) - a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases, and arches, hewn out of the solid rock.

First occupied in the Palaeolithic Age, the myriad of natural caves were gradually burrowed deeper and expanded into living spaces by peasants and artisans throughout the classical and mediaeval eras. Today, these underground residences are being re-inhabited by Italians, and staying in one of the ‘Sassi di Matera’ cave hotels has become one of Europe’s most exotic new experiences.

In the late afternoon arrive in Lecce and take the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 375-kilometre travel day.

Optional Activity: Traditional Lunch in Matera
3-course menu with no drinks. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: 8PiuHotel or similar, Lecce

Meals included: Breakfast

Head to Otranto on an approximately 100-kilometre travel day, a historic seaside town and port on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. It’s a small town with a lovely holiday atmosphere and makes a good destination for a day trip. The picture-perfect blue waters, white buildings and diving rocks make Otranto the frequent cover star of maps, books, and articles about Puglia.

On a clear day, it is possible to see over the Strait of Otranto to Albania. The name of Otranto is probably best known abroad for The Castle of Otranto, Horace Walpole’s pioneering Gothic novel.

However, the creepy castle of Walpole’s imagination bears little resemblance to the fortress of the real Otranto.

In the afternoon return to Lecce and enjoy a half-day guided tour of the city with a local guide. The Baroque architecture here is recognised for its hugely decorative gargoyles, columns, and gremlins. See the Basilica of Santa Croce that features sculptures and a rose window, Piazza del Duomo and the Sant’Oronzo Column, a Roman column topped with a bronze statue of the city’s patron saint (entrances not included).

Overnight: 8PiuHotel or similar, Lecce

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, your journey continues to Ostuni, a unique town with winding streets and beautifully decorated, colourful window frames that can fool you into thinking you’re somewhere in Greece. Enjoy a stroll around the old town with your tour leader to see the amazing monuments and mediaeval buildings.

The cultivation of olives is one of Puglia’s greatest resources and economic certainties - enjoy a tasting of authentic local Italian olive oil while you’re here.

In the afternoon, head to the spectacular town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the small, whitewashed stone houses here - known as Trulli - which are clustered together throughout the city and built entirely without mortar.

Today travel an approximately 120-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Victor Country or similar, Alberobello Area

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel towards Monopoli, a cosy town with quaint narrow streets and pretty squares. Enjoy an orientation tour of the old town with your tour leader. Like so many towns on the Adriatic, Monopoli’s history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castles that tell many a story.

In the afternoon continue to Polignano a Mare, a shining gem on the coast, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.

Polignano offers all the right ingredients for a perfect day out. The tiny old town, reached through the Porta Vecchia gate, combines charming, white-washed streets with beautiful old churches such as the Chiesa Matrice. Enjoy the ocean view from one of three panoramic terraces offering breathtaking views of the beautiful Adriatic Sea and coastline.

You can enjoy a swim at the famous beach just a few minutes’ walk from the old centre. A firm favourite with the locals, the beach has crystal clear waters and is flanked on two sides by cliffs from which children and teenagers dive all through the day until sunset.

Later this afternoon, return back to Alberobello and check into the accommodation after an approximately 70 km travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Victor Country or similar, Alberobello Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Departs: 19:00

Today travel to the city of Bari. Enjoy free time this morning to further explore this incredible city. Perhaps visit some of the city highlights such as the 11th-century Basilica of San Nicola, a key pilgrimage site, surrounded by narrow streets. To the south, the Murat Quarter with 19th-century architecture, a promenade and pedestrianised shopping areas.

In the afternoon you will be transferred to the cruise terminal to embark on your spectacular Mediterranean voyage!

Today's drive is approximately a 55-kilometre travel day.

Please note: On particular departure dates there may be cruise port alterations. These alterations can be found clearly stated under the applicable day in the itinerary or the Cruise section of the Important Information. Your confirmed cruise itinerary will be made available online through the Costa website once your reservation details are provided in your travel pack (sent 4-6 weeks prior to your departure).

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia (2026 dates) or MSC Orchestra (2027 dates)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Enjoy fun new experiences around the clock on an MSC Cruises' ship, from enriching indoor and outdoor activities during the day to magical night-time entertainment. With cinemas, tournaments and competitions, outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family and magical night-time entertainment, you’ll have a hard time choosing between all the things you can see and experience.

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia (2026 dates) or MSC Orchestra (2027 dates)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 08:00 - 18:00

Approximately 200 kilometres southeast of mainland Greece, lies Santorini, a Cyclades Island. This cruise destination was formed from the remains of a volcanic caldera which is evident in its rugged geology. Santorini is famous for its sheer cliffs, red beach, and whitewashed houses that contrast strikingly against the blue Aegean Sea. The island is also home to ancient archaeological sites, hot spring swimming, and stunning wineries.

MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• Oia Village
• The Archaeological site of Akrotiri
• Black Stretches of Volcanic Sand

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia (2026 dates) or MSC Orchestra (2027 dates)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 06:00 - 17:00

Piraeus is one of the oldest ports in the world so it's the perfect spot to be introduced to the treasures of Türkiye and the Eastern Mediterranean. Piraeus has been the port of Athens since ancient times. It’s a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.

MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The Dramatic Ruins of the Parthenon on the Acropolis
• Pláka Discovery
• Corinth Canal Cruise

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia (2026 dates) or MSC Orchestra (2027 dates)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 09:30 - 18:30

On the Peloponnese shores stands the little seaside town of Katakolon, Greece. Situated on a headland overlooking the blue Ionian Sea, this charming location boasts a lighthouse, the Agios Nicolaos Church, and musical instruments museum. A short ride away lies the ancient site of Olympia, the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3000 years ago, it hosted Greece’s first Olympic Games in its Panhellenic religious sanctuary.

 MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
 • Olympia, Folklore Show and Tasting
• Olympia and its Museum
• Magna Grecia Estate and Olympia in 3D

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia (2026 dates) or MSC Orchestra (2027 dates)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 09:00 to 18:00

The resort island of Corfu is renowned for its rocky mountains, beautiful beaches, and utterly romantic atmosphere.

It’s capital city, also named Corfu, is one of the ancient jewels of Greece. Here you’ll find a Venetian fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage old town boasting winding lanes, bustling bars, towering houses, and heavenly gardens. Discover ancient remains from eras past, scattered throughout the island.

MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
 • Achilleion Palace 
• Corfu’s Beaches
• Palaiokastritsa Monastery

Itinerary Alteration
• 4 September and 25 September 2025 departures will dock on the beautiful Island of Katakolon, Greece. Corfu, Greece will be visited on Day 16 instead.
• 2026 departures will dock in Cephalonia (Argostoli), Greece on this day. Corfu, Greece will be visited on Day 16 instead.

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia (2026 dates) or MSC Orchestra (2027 dates)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 08:00 - 16:00

Discover the jewel of the Ionian Sea — the Greek island of Cephalonia. Explore awe-inspiring caves, wander sandy coves, or take a dip in its turquoise waters.

Here, colourful port villages cluster around scenic harbours and dazzling beaches. This natural paradise is home to an abundance of fauna including turtles, pine martens, and seals.

MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The Spectacular Melissani Cave 
• Fiscardo and Assos
• Drogarati Caves and St. Efimia Village

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia (2026 dates) or MSC Orchestra (2027 dates)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Disembark: 08:00

Enjoy breakfast on board before arriving back at the port of Bari. After disembarking the ship, be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel in Rome for the night after an approximately 430-kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Dei Congressi or similar, Rome

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, according to your flight time, be transferred to the airport for the return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later.