Once home to Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, and the Spanish, Puglia is a region within the larger Italian peninsula, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides. This six-day small group trip of no more than 15 passengers will give an evocative overview of this Southern region of Italy between Bari and Lecce. Puglia is incredibly rich in historical culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking sceneries like the Trulli in Alberobello!
Arrival in Bari on your own. Meet your tour leader in your hotel in Bari, the main city of Puglia, and from here start your tour to discover this wonderful region. Walkthrough the charming narrow alleys of the old city center, admire the Basilica of San Nicola where the remains of Saint Nicholas of Myra are preserved and the Norman-Swabian Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by Roger the Norman and rebuilt by Frederick II of Swabia. Be amazed by the astonishing view that you can enjoy from the fortress (admission fee for the Castle at own expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile where you will see the ancient Column of Justice. Dinner and overnight. Meals: D
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. Your journey will continue towards the UNESCO city of Alberobello, famous for its “Trulli”. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight stay in sleeping in a real “Trullo”. Meals: B, D
Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years! that is part of the historic center of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in the “Trullo”. Meals: B, D
After breakfast, depart Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Afterwards, board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni, located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees. Free time at your disposal to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous olive oil (all at your own expenses). In the late afternoon, get again on board the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B, D
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided visit of the city, learn the history of Lecce, visit the old town centre, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, depart for Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your pace. In the early evening, reach Supersano where you will have dinner at the “Masseria le Stanzìe”. Visit this ancient farm, learn about the history and culture of Puglia. See how homemade pasta is made and visit the medieval tombs that are part of the farm. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce. Meals: B, D
Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before your tour comes to an end. Meals: B
2020 Departures: May 15, 29, June 19, 26, July 10, 24, August 28, September 18, 25 & October 9, 23
