Puglia - The Undiscovered Italy

This tailor-made package includes from five nights’ accommodation on a half board basis at a 4* hotel to suit your group’s requirements. The content of your preferred itinerary + transportation options will be discussed with you at the time of enquiry.

Arrival in Puglia region. Meet with your local guide and private driver for a transfer to the hotel, making a stop at a typical agriturismo restaurant in the charming Apulian countryside for an included lunch based on traditional dishes and wine. Checking in to the hotel this afternoon, you will be able to settle in and enjoy the comforts of your hotel, taking advantage of leisure time to rest. Hotel dinner included.

Accompanied by your guide we travel by coach to Lecce. Accompanied by a local guide we discover the beauty of its churches and elegant noble buildings in this, the capital of Baroque art in the South which gives the town the description of the ‘Florence of Southern Italy’. The walking tour will take you through the historical centre home to the Duomo of Lecce, the Roman amphitheatre and the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce. Lecce is also famous for the cartapesta (papier-mâché art) and you will have the opportunity of discovering papier-mâché workshops where artisans create hand-made statues and puppets. Free time and lunch at your leisure. This afternoon’s included visit is to a local farmhouse and an extra virgin olive oil tasting. During this exciting tour you will you will see centuries old olive trees considered real "sculptures of nature"! Return to the hotel - dinner included.

This morning we travel to Matera located in the Basilicata region on the border with Puglia.

Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for the Sassi di Matera, an ancient city with houses built in caves. Included is a guided walking tour of the old city and visit to Casa Grotta (ancient cave house museum). Here, Rupestrian churches, houses, caves and ancient streets create a unique landscape. This afternoon’s included visit is to a local winery with tastings of a variety of wines: white, rosè and the famous Apulian red wine, Primitivo. Return to the hotel – dinner at leisure.

Today we drive along the Adriatic Coast to Trani. Included is a guided walking tour of the town’s historical centre visiting the majestic white Cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicolas Pilgrim, which overlooks the sea from its superb position. Free time for your relaxation and to buy lunch.

We then drive through the Apulian countryside to Castel del Monte UNESCO Site (entrance payable locally). This is a mysterious castle built by Frederick II in the 13-century and today is recognized as a national monument and is famous for its unique octagonal shape. Returning to the hotel, dinner included.

Today we travel through the fairy tale countryside of Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, known for its fascinating trulli houses. Included is a visit to Alberobello, a UNESCO site known as the capital of the Trulli houses. Trulli are ancient 14th-century stone round-shaped houses with a conical roof and a pinnacle on top.

Enjoy a relaxing guided walking tour through the picturesque Trulli district and the Aia Piccola area where some local people still live in these unique houses.

Next, we drive through the Apulian countryside where a visit to a local farmhouse specialising in organic cheese is included. Mariangela, the owner and cheese artisan, will demonstrate the art of making delicious fresh cheeses e.g.burrata and mozzarella. Included is a farm to table experience with a delicious lunch based on hand-made mozzarella, organic cheeses, pasta and fresh vegetables from the agriturismo garden!

This afternoon concludes with a visit to Polignano a Mare, a characteristic Mediterranean fishing village perched on a rocky cliff. Included is a guided walking tour through the historical downtown with its houses and terraces directly overlooking the sea, and a gelato tasting in a local gelateria where you can enjoy an authentic hand-made gelato. Polignano is famous for its handcrafted gelato! Dinner at leisure tonight.

Hotel check-out before transferring to Bari, Puglia's capital city.

A guided walking tour is included during which you will visit the old town and the Basilica of St Nicholas which houses the relics of the Bari’s patron saint. In the old quarter, known as Bari Vecchia, you will see where local ladies still make Orecchiette pasta by hand sitting outside their houses! Free time to explore at leisure and buy lunch before returning to the UK.