Secrets of Puglia

Itinerary

Day 1: Naples

A hub of intoxicating culture and historic masterpieces – we’ll meet the group in the vibrant city of Naples. After settling in, tonight we’ll have the opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal.

Accommodation: Palazzo Alabardieri (or similar) – Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Naples - Bari

After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and traverse the road less travelled to the first stop of our journey: Bari. Whilst we’re here, we’ll uncover the city’s seaside charms and rich history with a local guide, seeking sights such as ladies making pasta by hand along narrow streets and opulent opera theatres in the modern French district. Following the tour, we’ll head to our hotel in the Polignano a Mare region where you can spend the evening relaxing at your leisure. Accommodation: San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Accommodation: Bari Palace (or similar) – Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Bari - Andria

Today, we’ll make tracks to Andria – home to 13th-century citadel and castle, Castel del Monte aka ‘Castle of the Mountain’. Whilst we’re here, a local expert will reveal how mozzarella and burrata are made – and we’ll have the chance to taste both delicious cheeses before we return to the comforts of our hotel on the outskirts of Polignano. Here, we’ll have the rest of the evening to enjoy the vibrant small town’s restaurant scene or relax beside the hotel’s pool.

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Chiara (or similar) – Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: Polignano a Mare Region – Castellana Caves and Alberobello – Lecce

Our first stop of the day will be a visit to the spellbinding Castellana Caves. This expansive cave system boasts a unique landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over 2 million years. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace – visiting the breathtaking Grotta Bianca is a must! Onwards to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its charming cone-topped trulli. After learning more about the limestone buildings on a locally guided walking tour, we’ll move back to Lecce. The evening is yours to leisurely explore the city or unwind at the hotel.

Accommodation: Palazzo Rollo (or similar) – Meals – Breakfast

Day 5: Lecce

We have a full day in splendid Lecce. To begin, we’ll spend the morning on an in-depth walking tour. From resplendent church facades to intricately detailed gargoyles, our local guide will take us around the exquisite Baroque architecture that gives the city its distinctive character. The remainder of the day is ours to explore.

Accommodation: Palazzo Rollo (or similar) – Meals – Breakfast

Day 6: Lecce – Manduria and Martina Franca – Itria Valley

Our first stop of the day will be Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its charming cone-topped trulli. After learning more about the limestone buildings on a locally guided walking tour, we’ll move on to the spellbinding Castellana Caves. This expansive cave system boasts a unique landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over 2 million years. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace – however visiting the breathtaking Grotta Bianca is a must! Back in Martina Franca, we’ll have the evening to explore the city at our leisure or relax back at our hotel after a busy day.

Accommodation: Relais Villa San Martino (or similar) – Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Itria Valley – Ostuni – Itria Valley

Our journey continues to Ostuni – also known as the ‘White City’ thanks to its collection of white-washed buildings. Upon our arrival, we’ll learn the secrets behind some traditional cuisine at a cooking demonstration and savour our sumptuous creations for lunch. Stomachs full, the afternoon is to be enjoyed at your leisure. Get lost along the narrow streets in the Old Town, take in the beauty of Otsuni Cathedral, or wander through the bustling Piazza della Libertá – Otsuni’s largest square. Later, we’ll return to our hotel in Itria Valley for the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel San Michele (or similar) Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Day 8: Itria Valley – Matera

Today, we’ll drive to Matera – the jewel of the Basilicata region. Here, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the ancient Sassi cave dwellings with our local guide who’ll provide a fascinating insight into Matera’s extraordinary history. Later, we’ll enjoy some relaxation time at our hotel, before coming together for tonight’s final group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Accommodation: Matera Hotel Sassi (or similar) Meals: Breakfast – Dinner

Day 9: Matera – Altamura – Naples

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to beautiful Matera as we hit the road once more. Our morning takes us to the medieval streets of Altamura which we’ll explore with a local guide. We’ll take part in a bread tasting session at a quaint bakery to round off our visit. Coming full circle this afternoon – our tour will end in Naples.

Meals: Breakfast