(Bari, Trani, Castel Del Monte, Alberobello, Matera, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce)
6 Days 5 Nights

Puglia (pronounced “pool-ya”), or Apulia (its lesser common Latin name), is located in Italy’s southern-eastern region, an area known for its abundant countryside and olive trees and a gentler pace of life.
Italy’s magic has been shifting over the last five years…the welcoming southern Italian hospitality – referred to as the “heel” of Italy is piquing visitors’ curiosity. Lecce (affectionately dubbed ‘Florence of the South’) now ranks higher in visitor numbers than Siena in Tuscany.
… Culinary delights steeped in tradition and abundant fresh produce forming the mouthwatering dishes depicted in the menus of delightful village trattorias. Whitewashed hilltop villages dazzle in the midday sun, and baroque architecture sits photogenically in the soft glow of golden hour. It is easy to see why this popular European destination captures the hearts of 94 million visitors a year.
Puglia is probably most famous for its olive oil production, producing more than 40% of Italy’s olive oil and 12% of the world’s! (over 50 million olive trees)
Italy’s southern-most region is famed for its vast 800km coastline… Puglia is the winner of 13 coveted Blue Flag beach awards. One such beach – Pescoluse – being referred to as the “Maldives of Salento” for its 4km stretch of white sands and translucent turquoise waters.
While streams of celebrities papped drinking their morning cappuccinos in a Rome café compete with front-page snaps of Milan’s glamourous fashion shows. Justin Timberlake married Jessica Biel in an elegant Puglian resort, a favourite summer escape frequented by the Beckhams in recent years. Oscar-winning Dame Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep have both purchased typical Masseria-style farmhouses, an hour south of Lecce.
Now you Know. Book Now. Experience and explore a slower pace of life… 

Tour Highlight:
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Bari · Trani · Castel del Monte · Alberobello
Day 3: Alberobello · Matera · Alberobello
Day 4: Alberobello · Locorotondo · Ostuni · Lecce
Day 5: Lecce · Otranto · Dinner at the “Masseria le Stanzìe · Lecce

Package is quoted in EURO per person and includes:

• Accommodation in 3-star and 4-star hotel as per below list
• Bed & Breakfahst basis
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• Monolingual tour-escort in English
• Meals as per itinerary: 5 Dinners / 5 Days.(please inform us at the moment of the booking, in case of any food allergy or alimentary restriction)
• Entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte
• Visits with local expert guide as per itinerary
• Porterage
• Departure dates (as per below table)
• Package Excludes airline ticket

Important Notices:

• Fares are subject to change according to Availability at the Time of Booking.
• The Itinerary or activities might be subject to change in light of logistic and/or technical issues.
• For other Alternative Packages throughout Italy, please email us.
• Prices do not include
• Package price excludes entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned.
• Package price excludes City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules).
• In case of loss or damage of the headsets, a charge of 55 € will be imposed per device.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE PDF FILE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Or continue below

Italy_ Puglia_ 6D5N_JTOCT2023

ITINERARY

DAY 1: BARI
Arrival in Bari on your own. Meet our Tour Leader in your hotel in Bari, the main city of Puglia, and from here start our tour to discover this wonderful region.
Walking tour in the afternoon to learn about the city’s history and its most relevant monuments. Walk through 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.

DAY 2: BARI · TRANI · CASTEL DEL MONTE · ALBEROBELLO
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’, the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. 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 13^th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Your journey will continue towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These drystone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14^th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight stay in a scattered hotel, sleeping in a real “Trullo”. Dinner included.

DAY 3: ALBEROBELLO · MATERA · ALBEROBELLO
Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, in the “square” of the scattered hotel (consider 200 m from the Trulli), 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 are part of the historic center of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in the “Trullo”.

DAY 4: ALBEROBELLO · LOCOROTONDO · OSTUNI · LECCE
Breakfast in the “square” of the scattered hotel (consider 200 m from the Trulli. Leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. 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 Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expenses).
In the late afternoon, get again on board of the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: LECCE · OTRANTO · DINNER AT THE “MASSERIA LE STANZÌE · LECCE
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of the city, learn the history of Lecce, visit the old town centre, the 12^th century Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, board on the coach and leave Lecce. You will reach 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. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst the others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. Wander around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Cathedral where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. See its marvelous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance.
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. Overnight.

DAY 6: LECCE
Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel. End of our services.

*Credit of the Introduction: https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/guide-puglia-italys-newest-hotspot