Custom Trip Plan
Destinations

Trip Ideas
Itineraries
Themes

About Us

1 800 344 5785

Family Trip to Italy

11 Days / 10 Nights

Rome, Naples, Lecce, Monopoli

from$3,550 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

Family vacations can be tough, you want to keep the kids engaged and entertained, with a little education thrown in, and have some interesting experiences of your own. Make it easy on yourself and enjoy a family adventure, Italian style, hand-crafted by the experts at JayWay. Start in picturesque Rome and learn about its history the fun way. Our program includes a ride around the city center in a golf cart, a walking tour with homemade gelato tasting, and some unique museum tours. Head south by high-speed train to Naples, the birthplace of pizza, where you'll get hands-on with a pizza-making class and day trip to such iconic sights as Pompeii, Vesuvius, or Capri. Crossing the country to Puglia, you'll stop on the way at Matera, a UNESCO site for its cave dwellings, and now a Bond movie location. Here you'll be spending time in the seaside town of Monopoli, and the beautiful Souther Baroque city of Lecce where you'll enjoy the very best of the colorful heel of Italy's boot.

The services that we include as a part of our comprehensive travel package include carefully chosen small and boutique hotels and apartments, various themed city tours mainly adjusted to kids, and diverse day tours. To optimize your travel package cost we use a combination of train and door-to-door private car transfers. At either end of the trip airport transfers are included for your convenience and peace of mind.

In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange additional local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon your arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our first-hand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Rome, Naples, Lecce, Monopoli tour

3 Nights in Rome

3 Nights in Rome

4 days in Rome
4 days in Rome

3 Nights in Rome

The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Rome

After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Rome

Family Fun Private Walking Tour - History, Games, and Delicacies

Funny Family Private Walking Tour - History, Games, and Delicacies

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover Rome with a local guide on a unique family adventure filled with fun activities and iconic landmarks. Start at a charming baroque church, enjoy chocolates from a famous shop, and marvel at the Pantheon while your guide shares stories and your children hunt for hidden treasures. Visit Piazza Navona, explore Campo Dei Fiori Market, savor authentic pizza, learn about Julius Caesar at Largo di Torre Argentina, and enjoy gelato in Trastevere, ensuring an unforgettable family experience.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Explore Video Game History

Suggestion to explore on your own

A very short distance from one of Rome's oldest museums, the Vatican, you'll find one of its youngest. ViGaMus, the VIdeo GAme MUSeum, recounts the history of video games from the very first time someone figured out how to use a computer for something other than work. An interactive joy, this museum features everything from arcade and console games to modern virtual reality. There are frequent events and some rare artifacts, some related to the infamous burial of the failed video game adaptation of the ET movie. This is great for a rainy or especially hot day or just as a break from the usual routine of ancient Rome.

A Video Game Adventure in Rome

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Rome

Gladiator's Gate Special Access Colosseum Group Tour

Gladiator's Gate Special Access Colosseum Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

On this tour, you will enter the Colosseum like a gladiator, venturing through its ancient corridors and entering via the Gladiator’s Gate. You will hear captivating tales of emperors and ruthless crowds, then ascend to explore the Colosseum's first and second levels with your guide. You will conclude your adventure with a captivating tour of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, where history comes alive amidst the ancient ruins.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours 15 minutes

Go to Gladiator School or Explore Where They Fought

Suggestion to explore on your own

Spending a day with a young one in the Vatican Museum may be a bit much, no matter how precocious and “well-traveled” they are, but with the right guide and approach, Rome’s history can be fun and memorable. For a hands-on approach, visit a “gladiator school." This is a fun option for kids and adults alike. If you’d rather not spend several hours with your kid as they wave a wooden sword around, the school provides a great opportunity to leave them behind in safe hands and have a quiet walk on your own. Historians offer two hours of training, while you can borrow clothing and various kid-safe weapons and then enjoy free entrance to the neighboring gladiator museum.

Experience Ancient Rome: Gladiator School for Kids and Adults

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Naples by Train

Today you're headed south, to the melting-pot city of Naples. We've included a standard class tickets on one of the many high-speed train services linking Naples and Rome in an hour; an upgrade to a higher class is possible for an extra fee. We will arrange for a driver will take you to Roma Termini station in plenty of time for your train.

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Naples by Private Transfer with a stop in Caserta

Naples by Private Transfer with a stop in Caserta

Upgrade for an additional cost

2 Nights in Naples

2 Nights in Naples

3 days in Naples
3 days in Naples

2 Nights in Naples

To call Naples rough around the edges would be quite the understatement. Yet amidst the chaos and beneath the grime is one of Italy's true gems. It's the third-largest city in the country, home to over three million people. An important port city for all the civilizations that have existed there, Naples is the original melting pot. Founded as Neapolis (literally "new city") by the Greeks in the 7th century B.C., Naples has many layers of history for you to discover.

To call Naples rough around the edges would be quite the understatement. Yet amidst the chaos and beneath the grime is one of Italy's true gems. It's the third-largest city in the country, home to over three million people. An important port city for all the civilizations that have existed there, Naples is the original melting pot. Founded as Neapolis (literally "new city") by the Greeks in the 7th century B.C., Naples has many layers of history for you to discover.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Naples

Upon arrival to Naples Central Train Station we will have a driver waiting for you to transfer you to your accommodation in the center of the city.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Naples

Authentic Pizza Making Group Class with Aperitif

Authentic Pizza Making Group Class with Aperitif

Included in your vacation package price.

Pizza is famous worldwide, but only in Naples can you find the authentic version. In this class, you'll start with a traditional Neapolitan appetizer of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, homemade bread, and extra virgin olive oil. Under the guidance of an expert pizzaiolo, you'll learn the secrets of making a spectacular pizza, passed down through generations. By the end, you'll enjoy your creation and leave with the skills to impress your friends, plus a certificate to prove it!


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 2 hours

Half-Day Pompeii Group Tour

Half-Day Pompeii Group Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Pompeii is now considered one of the world's most important historical sites because of the way the volcanic ash preserved the city and its people. This gives historians and archaeologists a vivid picture of life in the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago. The first excavations were in the 18th century, and 250 years on about 75% of the town has been dug out.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 Hours

Go Underground

Suggestion to explore on your own

The city of Naples has a long and storied history, going back to the ancient Greeks, who named the city Neapolis ("New City"). The Greeks dug subterranean aqueducts, which the Romans expanded over the centuries, creating a true underground labyrinth. There are two main tours, each slightly different. The daily Naples Underground should be your top priority, but the Bourbon Tunnels, which can be a little harder to visit, offer a contrasting view. We won't spoil the surprise, but as long as you're not claustrophobic, we can assure you an enlightening experience.

Go Underground

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Lecce by Private Transfer

Say goodbye to pizza and hello to another part of Italy, Puglia. Today you're traveling to Lecce, a Baroque beauty in the very middle of the boot of the heel of Italy! Our driver will meet you at the accommodation and take you for a scenic ride across almost the whole width of Italy. To break up the journey, you'll make a 2 hour stop at Matera, a unique UNESCO listed cave town perfect for exploring, and a short lunch break. After the stop, you'll be back on the road to Monopoli. The total duration of the journey is about seven and a half hours. Please note that this is non-guided transfer.

3 Nights in Lecce

3 Nights in Lecce

4 days in Lecce
4 days in Lecce

3 Nights in Lecce

Lecce is the most important town on the Salentine peninsula, the very heel of Italy. The town's rich history, stretching back to the times of the ancient Greeks, is what makes it so interesting.. The centerpiece of the old town is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater which was only rediscovered in the early 1900s during construction work, and it is still half buried; however, the exposed part is now used for concerts. Much of Lecce's historical center's architecture dates from the Baroque period and has earned the city the nickname 'Florence of the South'. These beauties stand in stark contrast to some of the Fascist buildings erected during Mussolini's reign.

Lecce is the most important town on the Salentine peninsula, the very heel of Italy. The town's rich history, stretching back to the times of the ancient Greeks, is what makes it so interesting.. The centerpiece of the old town is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater which was only rediscovered in the early 1900s during construction work, and it is still half buried; however, the exposed part is now used for concerts. Much of Lecce's historical center's architecture dates from the Baroque period and has earned the city the nickname 'Florence of the South'. These beauties stand in stark contrast to some of the Fascist buildings erected during Mussolini's reign.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Lecce

Your driver will bring you directly at your hotel in the city center of Lecce.

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Lecce

Lecce Private Walking Tour

Lecce Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Get to know the charming town of Lecce with your local guide. Splendid historic and artistic attractions of the center of Lecce await, spanning through over 2000 years of glorious history and with a spectacular scenic effect. An experienced guide will show you the main attractions of the Roman and Baroque times.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

The Wild Coastal Beauty of Porto Selvaggio

Suggestion to explore on your own

The regional wildlife reserve of Porto Selvaggio, a famous natural park with 400 hectares of pinewood forest and seven kilometres of high quality, unpolluted coast, is one of the main green lungs of the region of Apulia. It's ideal for walks and swims in rocky coves. Just before you reach Santa Caterina, you'll find the one convenient access point to the sea which can be reached after a walk in the pine forest. As you descend, you will find one of the most beautiful coves on the Ionian coast, complete with a pebbled beach!

The Wild Coastal Beauty of Porto Selvaggio

Day 8

Day 8 - Your Second Full Day in Lecce

Half-Day Group Cycling Tour of Lecce and its Countryside

Half-Day Group Cycling Tour of Lecce and its Countryside

Included in your vacation package price.

Take a day to explore Lecce and its countryside with a bike! You'll start out from the old town of Lecce to reach the village of Acaya, the medieval fortified town, where you’ll admire the impressive castle, the boundary walls and the urban plan of the old town that has been left unchanged over time. Next stop: Cesine Natural Reserve, a wetland that is home to many species of plants and aquatic birds and today is a WWF protected area.

If the weather allows, you'll enjoy a break on the beach for a refreshing bathe and some chill time.On the way back through Strudà you will visit an olive grove where some trees are a thousand years old. Last, but not the least, on the way back you will stop for a tasting of products typical of Lecce.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Relax on the Beach at Santa Maria al Bagno

Suggestion to explore on your own

After exploring Lecce's historic gems, you might want to join the locals and head to the nearby Santa Maria al Bagno, a small fishing village known for its unspoiled beaches. The seafront is compact, fronted by old townhouses which double as waterfront cafes. Here you can pick up an Africano (espresso with Disaronno, fizzy water and ice) and spend the afternoon on the lovely beach. Then, as the sun begins to set, head south a few miles towards Lido Conchiglie and one of the fish restaurants on the water's edge. Santa Maria al Bagno also hosts the small Museum of Memory and Hospitality to remember the times when survivors of the Shoah were sent here to recover before the birth of Israel.

Relax on the Beach at Santa Maria al Bagno

Day 9

Day 9 - Traveling to Monopoli by Private Transfer

Today you're heading to the Puglian Adriatic pearl, Monopoli! Our driver will meet you right at your accommodations and to make your journey more than just a transfer, you'll make a stop in Alberobello on your way. This quaint little town is UNESCO-listed for its unique Trulli dwellings with conical rooftops marked by rune-like signs, a perfect place for an exploration break. After 2 hours of discovering Alberobello, you'll continue your drive to Monopoli. The total duration of the journey is about 4 hours. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer. For an additional fee, we can arrange a private city tour with our licensed tour guide.

Monopoli by Private Transfer with a Stop in Alberobello

2 Nights in Monopoli

2 Nights in Monopoli

3 days in Monopoli
3 days in Monopoli

2 Nights in Monopoli

The heel of the Italy's boot, Puglia has long been off most foreign travelers' radar, but not so for the Italians. This is where they love to go on their own vacations, particularly in summer, because the food down here is just that good. In Puglia you'll find a distinctly Mediterranean approach to life, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic and some fantastic food and wine with cuisine changing almost every few miles. One of our favorite spots on the coast is the small town of Monopoli. The whitewashed and white stone buildings of the old town and the marble-smooth limestone paving have a relaxing effect. Monopoli is popular with Italian vacationers too, but the fact that almost everyone's speaking Italian adds to that "for-locals" feeling. All the bounty of the sea is on menus around the old town, but we'll share the best places with you. You're ideally placed here for day trips either along the coast or inland to some of Puglia's small hilltop towns, the trulli of Alberobello, or the caves of Castellana Grotte.

The heel of the Italy's boot, Puglia has long been off most foreign travelers' radar, but not so for the Italians. This is where they love to go on their own vacations, particularly in summer, because the food down here is just that good. In Puglia you'll find a distinctly Mediterranean approach to life, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic and some fantastic food and wine with cuisine changing almost every few miles. One of our favorite spots on the coast is the small town of Monopoli. The whitewashed and white stone buildings of the old town and the marble-smooth limestone paving have a relaxing effect. Monopoli is popular with Italian vacationers too, but the fact that almost everyone's speaking Italian adds to that "for-locals" feeling. All the bounty of the sea is on menus around the old town, but we'll share the best places with you. You're ideally placed here for day trips either along the coast or inland to some of Puglia's small hilltop towns, the trulli of Alberobello, or the caves of Castellana Grotte.

Day 9

Day 9 - Arrival in Monopoli

Monopoli's Old Town is mostly pedestrian and access for cars is restricted. Your driver will bring you as close as technically possible to the accommodation. The hotel will arrange a pick-up by their courtesy vehicle directly at your parking spot, and will help you with luggage.

Day 10

Day 10 - Your First Full Day in Monopoli

Monopoli Private Walking Tour

Monopoli Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

At first glance, Monopoli might seem like a run-of-the-mill quaint fishing village but dig beneath the surface (literally) on a walking tour with a Monopoli native and you'll discover that there's more to this city than meets the eye. Given the labyrinthine nature of the narrow streets in the town, you'll also find it a helpful way to get oriented and avoid getting lost later on! The tour concludes with a visit to a shop specializing in Apulian products for a tasting of typical foods of the area.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 Hours

Discover the Best Beaches in the Heel of Italy

Suggestion to explore on your own

With more coastline than any other mainland region of Italy, the heel of Italy is a beach-lovers dream. The Adriatic coast is mostly small stone beaches, meaning crystal clear water, while the Ionian coast tends to be more sandy. Wherever you're staying, you should find some great beaches that are easily reached by car and some that are even accessible by foot. Often, you'll find public beaches as well as private stretches that have beach clubs, including many luxury facilities. Your local Destination Expert will be able to let you know where to go.

Discover the Best Beaches in the Heel of Italy

Water park fun!

Suggestion to explore on your own

Being on the Adriatic coast, the Monopoli area is the best place to enjoy some fun in the water! Suppose you tire of swimming in the clear waters of the sea and want something with more supervision (and slides!). In that case, your young ones will definitely enjoy the biggest water park in South Italy, Aquapark Egnazia. Just a short ride from Monopoli, here you can spend a day enjoying the sun and water, taking a break from city sightseeing, and the kids will have another fun and memorable day as part of your vacation holiday. There are many activities taking place inside the park, such as shows and games for kids to keep them active. The park is equipped with pools and slides of different sizes and kinds, sunbeds and umbrellas, showers and lockers, as well as self-service restaurants and picnic areas. Adults can enjoy relaxing areas and listening to music with a nice drink so that this day can be enjoyable for all!

Water park fun!

Day 11

Day 11 - Departure Day

Today it's time to head back home. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Monopoli and take you to Bari Airport in plenty of time for your departing flight. The journey should take about 1 hour.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Rome

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfer
Funny Family Private Walking Tour - History, Games, and Delicacies
Gladiator's Gate Special Access Colosseum Group Tour
Rome Train Station Transfer
Rome - Naples Standard Class Train Ticket

Naples

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Naples Train Station Transfer
Authentic Pizza Making Group Class with Aperitif
Naples - Lecce Private Transfer with a 2 hours Stop in Matera

Lecce

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lecce Private Walking Tour
Half-Day Group Cycling Tour of Lecce and its Countryside
Lecce - Monopoli Private Transfer with a 2 hours Stop in Alberobello

Monopoli

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Monopoli Private Walking Tour
Bari Airport Private Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
Get an Instant Price Estimate

Choose the month of travel, how many travelers and what star level accommodation you'd like to stay in, then get an instant price estimate.

Once you’ve done that you can request a tailor-made itinerary based on this by entering just a few more details.






Per Person Package Price from*
Get your personalized itinerary based on this trip.


Sending ...
Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in taking a trip based on this itinerary. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to start tailoring it precisely to your preferences.

Ooops!?

Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.

Go To Top