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Perfectly Puglia
A less-trodden journey to the far south-eastern reaches of Italy to Puglia. Strategically-located along the coasts of the Adriatic, Puglia fascinates with an array of architectural styles and cultural influences and excites with breath-taking Mediterranean fervour. This is one region in Italy you don't want to miss.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience a less-trodden part of Italy without crowds
Enjoy stays in unique hotels - in a "trulli" and a cave hotel
Experience exceptional wine and gourmet experiences
Enjoy an intimate Apulian hospitality
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE BARI / SAVELLETRI
Arrive into Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, be met and begin a tour of the enchanting old city of Bari Vecchia. Witness local ladies making pasta by hand sitting outside their houses with amazing speed and precision. Visit the Basilica of St Nicholas and the beautiful Cathedral of St Sabino - fine examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Visit the St Sabino crypt, built in pure baroque style. Complete your tour at Piazza Mercantile's column of justice, a white marble column with a stone lion, to which they used to tie insolvent debtors. Thereafter, we transfer to Savelletri where you will arrive at the gorgeous Borgo Egnazia.
Overnight: Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: SAVELLETRI (POLIGNANO A MARE & ALBEROBELLO)
After breakfast, we take an excursion to the striking cliff top town of Polignano a Mare where we visit the picturesque historical centre and sample probably the finest gelato in Italy! Spend some time wandering the white-washed streets and alleys before continuing to Alberobello to discover the secrets of the famous "trulli" houses - cone-shaped dwellings unique to the region and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses, enjoy lunch served in a trullo savouring traditional Pugliese dishes.
Overnight: Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 3: SAVELLETRI
Morning begins with a cheese-making experience in the ancient traditions of Puglia. Meet a local artisan at his farm for demonstrations of the art of "burrata" making. Thereafter, continue to a "Masseria" for an insightful tour of an ancient olive mill. We then enjoy a unique picnic-styled lunch in the heart of an ancient olive grove! Next, we continue to Ostuni, the famous "Citta Bianca" white city, a stunning hilltop jewel with breathtaking sea views. Enjoy a walk through the stunning array of whitewashed houses, a genuine and charming example of Mediterranean architecture.
Overnight: Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri
Meals: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
DAY 4: SAVELLETRI / SALENTO VINEYARDS / LECCE
Farewell to the "trullis" as we continue south to one of Puglia's most renowned wineries where you will tour the estate and private wine tasting experience overlooking the ageing barrels of wine. Thereafter, head to Lecce, capital of the Salento Province and known as "Florence of the South" for its stunning Baroque masterpieces and buildings. Enjoy lunch in a local "trattoria" before joining a walking tour revealing the secrets of its imposing architecture and stories of the city. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza St Oronzo, get a taste of arts and culture visiting a "papier-mache" workshop, visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce's most exquisite Baroque monument and spend some time at Piazza del Duomo, one of the finest squares in Southern Italy.
Overnight: La Fiermontina, Lecce
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 5: LECCE / TARANTO / MATERA
Head west today to the medieval old town of Taranto, founded in 706 BC by the Spartans and dubbed as the "City of Two Seas". We visit the Cathedral of San Cataldo dating from the 11th Century and Castel Sant'Angelo, built by Ferdinand of Aragon in 1492 which marks the boundary between old and new city. Later, we continue to the amazing UNESCO-listed ancient town of Matera and join a walking tour of the town's stunning ancient "Sassi" caves. Perched high on a beautiful hillside, explore the stunning array of cave dwellings and wander the lanes of cave-filled cliffs that were settings for Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ". Later, check in to the amazingly-gorgeous Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, a wonderfully-restored cave dwelling converted into a modern luxury boutique hotel!
Overnight: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Matera
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6: MATERA
The morning begins with a drive to the town of Altamura where you will try your hand at traditional bread-making where you will make your own dough and a chance to sample incredible focaccia. Return later to Matera where we then join a lovely trek in the gorges. The wild and stunning landscape around Matera is distinctly different from the terrain in Puglia as you explore incredible ravines and old cave dwellings.
Overnight: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Matera
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 7: MATERA / BARI
Say farewell to Puglia as you are transferred to Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Inspired by Apulia's rich traditions, yet thoroughly contemporary in style, Borgo Egnazia is a true masterpiece of architecture and design. Every detail of the hotel's main building, separate and private villas, each with its own swimming pools, has been meticulously designed to ensure the highest standards of luxury.
La Fiermontina is an urban resort of 16 unqiue guestrooms and suites built around a 17th century private home in the heart of old Lecce, known for its Baroque architecture and storied past. The 17th Century house luxury hotel features the traditional "pietra di Trani" floors and "pietra leccese" seen in noble homes of the Salento region.
The Sextantio hotel Grotta della Civita is a fascinating hotel concept. The lodging is carved out of the rock and you are effectively staying in a cave - but a cave with the comforts of modern living and stylish regeneration. The owners of Sextantio are passionate about preserving the history and architecture of Southern Italy's historic centers and with this fabulous hotel, you can experience the real heritage of ancient Matera from within.
