Excellent
Italy Spiritual & Beach Itinerary
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Excellent
Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertPolignano a Mare sits 30 meters above the Adriatic on a limestone shelf, and the cove beaches reached by stairs cut into the cliff are among the quietest swimming spots in Puglia. The structural logic of this route is what I find most satisfying: spiritual landscape at Gargano to coastal leisure on the Adriatic, no ground retraced, and Puglia connects both registers naturally. Book dinner at one of the cave restaurants on the first evening; the sea below at sunset from inside the cliff is the defining image of the stay, and it's worth experiencing while the setting is still new.
Polignano a Mare sits 30 meters above the Adriatic on a limestone shelf, and the cove beaches reached by stairs cut into the cliff are among the quietest swimming spots in Puglia. The structural logic of this route is what I find most satisfying: spiritual landscape at Gargano to coastal leisure on the Adriatic, no ground retraced, and Puglia connects both registers naturally. Book dinner at one of the cave restaurants on the first evening; the sea below at sunset from inside the cliff is the defining image of the stay, and it's worth experiencing while the setting is still new.
Recommended route
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Rome
Day 1 - 2
Experience Rome, the bustling capital of Italy. This city, rich with exciting history and culture, offers an unparalled mix of ancient explorations and modern living. Immerse yourself in the past and explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. Wander through other must-see destinations like The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. Experiencing the culinary scene is a delight, from traditional pasta to world-renowned Italian gelati. You can explore daily markets such as Campo de' Fiori for local ingredients and fresh food. A stay in Rome promises great experiences all year round, but it is advisable to take seasonality into account. While spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and less crowds, summer (June–August) has a lively, spirited atmosphere — but can also be hot. No matter when you go, visiting Rome promises an unforgettable journey through the centuries. The unique combination of a rich historical past mixed into a thriving and vibrant modern community makes Italy's Eternal City one of the world's most intriguing and inspiring tourist destinations.
NH Collection Roma Centro
With a stay at NH Collection Roma Centro, you'll be centrally located in Rome, steps from Via Cola di Rienzo and within a 10-minute walk of Piazza del Popolo. This hotel is 0.5 mi (0.9 km) from Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo.
Take in the views from a terrace and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Make yourself at home in one of the 257 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Your activity
Vatican & Castel Sant’Angelo Tour
Take the tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with no queue at all! No stress to access the Vatican: your professional guide will take you inside and accompany you in a memorable visit to one of the most important art collections worldwide. Admire the numerous halls of the museum, including the spiral staircase, the beautiful Raphael’s rooms and their famous paintings, before entering the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece. On your way out from the Sistine Chapel, you will go inside St. Peter’s Basilica through an exclusive access skipping long lines. The tour wouldn’t be complete without a walk in St. Peter’s Square, the open space before the basilica, redesigned by G. L. Bernini, an architectural masterpiece of the Baroque age. Your day continues with a visit of Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as the tomb of Roman Emperor Hadrian, was later converted into a military fortress, the Pope’s residence, a Renaissance-era prison, and then finally into a museum to preserve the history of Rome. Built in 135 AD, the castle now houses Hadrian’s tomb, Papal apartments, and several magnificent works of art including paintings, sculptures, pottery, frescoes, murals, and more. Choose this tour if you would like to enjoy a professional guided tour to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and Castel Sant’Angelo with skip the line access thanks to a special agreement we have. Tour ends at Castel Sant’Angelo area.
Starting time: 9:30 AM approx.
Gargano
Day 3
Gargano, a vast highland sub-region on the ‘Spur’ of Italy’s boot, lies in the Foggia province of Apulia. Offering an alluring mix of breathtaking natural scenery, fascinating heritage and excellent seaside resorts, the area is a wonderful place to spend a holiday. Active types can look forward to hiking majestic mountains swathed in dense pine woodlands, olive picking among fertile groves, breathing in the magnificent ‘land of orchids’ and exploring the striking white limestone coastline, decorated with gorgeous soft-sanded beaches. Much of these landscapes fall under the watchful eye of the Gargano National Park. Delve into local culture with a visit to one of the numerous medieval towns, filled with extraordinary castles and cathedrals, or hop over to the indulgent tropical delights of the Tremiti Islands.
Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa
When you stay at Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa in San Giovanni Rotondo, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Padre Pio Shrine and Gargano National Park. This family-friendly hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church and 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and a steam room. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, babysitting (surcharge), and gift shops/newsstands. Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the area shuttle (surcharge).
Stay in one of 192 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your room comes with a memory foam bed. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries.
Polignano a Mare
Day 4 - 7
Perched atop a high rocky limestone cliff on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, the idyllic small town of Polignano a Mare overlooks the sparkling aquamarine waters of the on the Adriatic Sea in the Metropolitan City of Bari, in Apulia, Italy. Awash with stunning medieval architecture, this enchanting seaside village maintains its old-world aura. Stroll along the white-washed streets and narrow alleyways to explore the quaint cafes and beautiful churches that flank the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Must-see sites include medieval Clock Palace, the Pino Pascali Museum Foundation, and crystalline waters of the picturesque Cala Porto. Don’t miss the opportunity to pay a visit to the church of Santa Maria Assunta, where visitors can view the iconic Stefano da Putignano.
Giovì Relais
With a stay at Giovì Relais, you'll be centrally located in Polignano a Mare, steps from Lama Monachile Beach and within a 10-minute walk of Pino Pascali Museum. This beach affittacamere is 0.7 mi (1 km) from Cala Paura Beach and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from San Vito Beach.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. Additional amenities at this affittacamere include complimentary wireless internet access, babysitting (surcharge), and a television in a common area.
Make yourself at home in one of the 11 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
