At the heel of Italy’s boot, discover beautiful whitewashed villages, stunning coastlines with turquoise coloured waters, ancient ruins and gastronomical delights. The magic of Puglia has long been known to the Italians, but now the secret is out and it awaits you on this magnificent regional discovery.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: BARI – MATERA
Welcome to Puglia, a region less travelled that is bursting with stunning landscapes and history. On arrival, transfer to ancient Matera to relax and freshen up before an organised welcome dinner.
DAY 2: MATERA
Enjoy a walking tour of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city and one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the World. Discover the Murgia National Park famous for its caves and rock formations, as well as the limestone shaped caves of the Sassi rock. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure.
DAY 3: MATERA – GINOSA – GROTTAGLIE – LECCE
Visit Ginosa for a private orecchiette (hand made fresh local pasta) cooking class followed by an amazing lunch with wine. Afterward, pass through the charming town of Grottaglie, famous for its ceramics. Enjoy time to observe the craftsmen and browse the many shops selling the unique hand-made gods. Continue to Lecce, known as the ‘Rome of the South’ with its ancient Roman amphitheatres, 17th Century Baroque style churches and Palaces, surrounded by stunning countryside, coastlines and small towns. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.
DAY 4: LECCE
Stroll amongst the stunning architecture, Roman ruins and discover Lecce’s traditions on a walking tour including entrance to the Basilica di Santa Croce and Duomo. Afterwards, enjoy a winery tour and lunch with wine pairings at their local restaurant.
DAY 5: LECCE – SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA – CASTRO – OTRANTO – LECCE
Enjoy a full day excursion exploring the beautiful villages and coastline of the Salento Peninsula. Visit Santa Maria di Leuca for a private boat ride, including time to swim off the boat in amazing waters. Afterward, enjoy time for an independent lunch before passing through the picturesque village of Castro to Otranto, where you have time to explore before returning to Lecce.
DAY 6: LECCE – OSTUNI – MARTINA FRANCA – ALBEROBELLO
Visit the beautiful whitewashed town of Ostuni, with a historical tradition of painting all the houses with white lime. Stroll the streets at your own leisure and perhaps visit its local treasures such as the Cathedral and the baroque Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. Continue to Martina Franca, an old town surrounded by stone walls and featuring piazzas and narrow, winding streets. Enjoy time for an independent lunch before arriving in Alberobello for an overnight stay in a real Trullo.
DAY 7: ALBEROBELLO – POLIGNANO A MARE – CASTELLANA CAVE – ALBEROBELLO
Discover Alberobello and its tradition and landscape with a walking tour. Afterward, travel to the beautiful seaside village of Polignano a Mare with leisure time for independent discovery, a swim at its amazing beach with pristine turquoise water and possibly independent lunch at its world-renowned Grotto Palazzese. Afterward, visit the Castellana Cave with a guided tour before returning to Alberobello.
DAY 8: ALBEROBELLO DEPART
After breakfast, transfer to Bari for your ongoing journey.
This tour includes:
- Experience the region’s ‘must see’ towns including Matera, Grottaglie, Lecce, Otranto, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare.
- 7 nights in a boutique property and 5-star hotels including a Trullo
- 7 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D)
- Guided sightseeing of Matera, Lecce, Alberobello and Castellana Cave
- Private cooking class to make traditional orecchiette
- Guided tour with wine pairings at a local winery followed by lunch
- Visit the charming seaside villages of the Salento Peninsula
- Private boat excursion in Santa Maria di Leuca
- Entrance to Casa Grotta & Chiesa Rupestre, Basilica di Santa Croce and Duomo, Trullo Sovrano and Castellana Cave
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Matera and Alberobello
- Deluxe VIP transport
- Airport transfers on first and last day
- Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included
Selected departure dates from April to September 2022 and 2023. Self drive and private driver options also available on enquiry.