Puglia, known for whitewashed hill towns, traditional farmland, fine cuisine and a sweeping Mediterranean coastline, is the heel of Italy, and until recently, its best-kept secret. With a focus on art, architecture, traditions and local cuisine, this trip explores the highlights of the region. From Matera, a Unesco-listed town carved into bare limestone rock, where centuries-old caves are still inhabited, we travel to the elegant white city of Ostuni and on to the medieval coastal town of Otranto and baroque Lecce, known as the Florence of the South.
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Day 1: Start MateraOur tour starts in Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy, home to extensive cave-dwelling districts, known as the Sassi District. Our hotel is in the heart of the district, a Unesco World Heritage site, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across town. After checking in, we enjoy a first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of Matera.
Day 2: Full day of sightseeing in Matera, including a tour of the Sassi District; overnight in MateraWe start our week with a full day in one of the most interesting, distinctive and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. On a hill, overlooking an impressive canyon in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, Matera has only recently gained the deserved spotlight. In 1993, the town was made a Unesco World Heritage site for being the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean, all carved in bare limestone. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk through the cave-dwelling districts and learn about the history of this fascinating place. In the afternoon, we can discover the city at our own pace and perhaps visit the rupestrian churches. We stay overnight in Matera.
Day 3: Drive to Alberobello via the fishing town of Polignano a Mare; sightseeing and overnight in traditional ‘trullo’In the morning, we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route at the village of Polignano a Mare, which is on the edge of a craggy ravine. We stroll along the whitewashed streets and enjoy superb views of the Adriatic Sea and coastline from a panoramic terrace. Later, we transfer to Alberobello, a town home to dry-stone dwellings called trulli. We enjoy wine tasting at a local winery before dinner, and stay overnight in traditional trulli.
Day 4: Free day. Visit the Castellana Caves or Monopoli by the Adriatic SeaToday is free to choose among several local activities. You may choose to take a day trip to the scenic port town of Monopoli or visit the Castellana Caves, the most important and biggest cave system in Italy. At the entrance of the Itria Valley, these caves began to form about 90m years ago. There is a tour that takes you more than 200ft (60m) deep and allows you to see stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils and canyons. We stay overnight in Alberobello.
Day 5: Explore the hilltop town of Ostuni; olive oil tasting and pasta-making class in traditional 'masseria'In the morning, we take a private transfer to the white city of Ostuni. On the way, we visit an ancient masseria (traditional Apulian farm) where we enjoy an olive oil tasting. For lunch, we visit another typical masseria surrounded by olive trees, some of which are more than 1,000 years old, reaching it by a 1.2mi (2km) walk along a scenic lane. Here, we take part in a cooking class followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer 4mi (6km) to Ostuni, where there will be free time to visit the city. We stay overnight in Ostuni.
Day 6: Transfer to Otranto; visit the historic centre; afternoon optional coastal walk or relax at the beach (seasonal); transfer to LecceToday we transfer to pretty Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy. We spend the day exploring the pretty architecture, views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches of the medieval centre. We also visit the Romanesque cathedral, dating to 1088 and with extensive 12th-century floor mosaics. After lunch, we can join our tour leader for an optional gentle coastal walk following the Salento coves and creeks (approximately two hours walking, 4mi/6km). Those who prefer not to take part can explore the town at their own pace, or perhaps relax on one of the Otranto beaches (seasonal), renowned for their clear water. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Lecce where we stay overnight.
Day 7: Morning guided tour of baroque Lecce; afternoon free timeIn the morning, we enjoy a guided visit to Lecce, arguably one of the most distinctive baroque cities in Europe. Most of the buildings here are constructed in the soft local stone, with pretty decorations and cherubs covering façades and doorways. During our walking tour, we have time to admire several architectural gems, including the best baroque monument in town: the Basilica di Santa Croce, ornamented with strange beasts and allegories. Lecce is also known for producing papier-mâché products and you have the option to visit a local laboratory at the end of the tour. The rest of the day is free to enjoy shopping opportunities or visit other well-known monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre. We stay overnight in Lecce.
Day 8: End LecceThe tour ends in Lecce after breakfast. If you wish to spend longer in this endlessly fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Otherwise, begin your return journey home.
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