Meals

All breakfasts, one lunch/cookery class and one wine tasting A selection of food on offer includes: bread from the Murge; durum wheat pasta; olives; the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese; cavatelli with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) and parmesan bake; grilled fish and seafood; burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese); plus excellent wines. This region is a food lover’s paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery class and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.

Accommodation

We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of classic Apulian architecture. We spend two nights in a three-star hotel in the historic centre of Matera, two nights in authentic trulli houses (dry-stone dwellings) in Alberobello, one night in a four-star hotel in Ostuni, and two nights in a modern hotel near the historic centre of Lecce. Below are the hotels normally used: Matera: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (nights 1-2) Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi (above) took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace. Alternatively, we stay in Le Dodici Lune, where 10 rooms are carved into the old city walls. Right in the Sassi district, it’s an excellent place to stay if you want to explore. Alberobello: Trulli houses (nights 3-4) Trulli are the symbol of Alberobello (perhaps all of Puglia) so a chance to stay in one of these traditional dwellings is often a highlight for our travellers. They don’t offer the same type of facilities or luxuries as you’d get at a hotel but do offer an insight into these old Unesco-listed buildings. We have a trio of accommodations we use depending on availability, namely Trulli Holiday, Trulli e Puglia or Charming Trulli. Ostuni: Hotel La Terra (night 5) In the White City, we stay in Hotel La Terra. La Terra (above) takes over a 13th-century building in the historic centre. This unique property offers a bar and restaurant on site but is also close to all of the sights that Ostuni has to offer. Lecce: Eos Hotel (nights 6-7) Our final two nights are spent at this contemporary 30-room hotel. It has a bar for a pre-dinner drink or final night toast and the main Lecce highlights (plus some excellent bars and restaurants) are around a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.

Flights

London flights (if booking incl. flights) International flights not included

Guide

A local leader will be with the group throughout the week. However, due to Italian legislation, tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in some cities, museums and churches. A local licenced guide will accompany the group in Matera. On the other days, you can sightsee with your tour leader or at your own pace.

Transport

A private air-conditioned minibus will be used for all transfers during the week. Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. From Bari Airport it’s possible to take public transport onward to Matera. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel in more comfort, Exodus can arrange a private arrival transfer prior to departure. Please contact us if you wish to request it.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance not included

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation — Visas or vaccinations — Local city taxes (approx. €15)

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Matera
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Matera

Our 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. Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Full Day Of Sightseeing In Matera, Including A Tour Of The Sassi District; Overnight In Matera (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Full Day Of Sightseeing In Matera, Including A Tour Of The Sassi District; Overnight In Matera (Breakfast)

We 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. Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Drive To Alberobello Via The Fishing Town Of Polignano A Mare; Sightseeing And Overnight In Traditional ‘Trullo’ (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive To Alberobello Via The Fishing Town Of Polignano A Mare; Sightseeing And Overnight In Traditional ‘Trullo’ (Breakfast)

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, home to dry-stone dwellings called trulli. Many of these, which run up a series of pretty (but fairly steep) streets, have been turned into artisan shops and restaurants. We enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery before dinner, and stay overnight in traditional trulli. Accommodation: Trulli houses
Day 4 Day 4: Free Day. Visit The Castellana Caves Or Monopoli By The Adriatic Sea (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Free Day. Visit The Castellana Caves Or Monopoli By The Adriatic Sea (Breakfast)

Today 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. Accommodation: Trulli houses
Day 5 Day 5: Explore The Hilltop Town Of Ostuni; Olive Oil Tasting And Pasta-Making Demonstration In Traditional ’Masseria’ (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Explore The Hilltop Town Of Ostuni; Olive Oil Tasting And Pasta-Making Demonstration In Traditional ’Masseria’ (Breakfast,Lunch)

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 demonstration followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer 4mi (6km) to Ostuni, where we have free time to visit the city. We stay overnight in Ostuni. Accommodation: Hotel La Terra (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Transfer To Otranto; Visit The Historic Centre; Afternoon Optional Coastal Walk Or Relax At The Beach (Seasonal); Transfer To Lecce (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Transfer To Otranto; Visit The Historic Centre; Afternoon Optional Coastal Walk Or Relax At The Beach (Seasonal); Transfer To Lecce (Breakfast)

Today, we transfer to pretty Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy. We spend the day exploring the pretty architecture, views, seafront 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 of 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. Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Morning Free Time; Afternoon Guided Tour Of Baroque Lecce (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Morning Free Time; Afternoon Guided Tour Of Baroque Lecce (Breakfast)

In the morning, we have free time to enjoy shopping opportunities or visit well-known monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre. We then enjoy a guided visit to Lecce in the afternoon, 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. Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: End Lecce (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: End Lecce (Breakfast)

The 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.

8 days tour

Puglia: Discover The Heel Of Italy

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Puglia: Discover The Heel Of Italy

Day 1: Start Matera

Day 2: Full Day Of Sightseeing In Matera, Including A Tour Of The Sassi District; Overnight In Matera (Breakfast)

Day 3: Drive To Alberobello Via The Fishing Town Of Polignano A Mare; Sightseeing And Overnight In Traditional ‘Trullo’ (Breakfast)

Day 4: Free Day. Visit The Castellana Caves Or Monopoli By The Adriatic Sea (Breakfast)

Day 5: Explore The Hilltop Town Of Ostuni; Olive Oil Tasting And Pasta-Making Demonstration In Traditional ’Masseria’ (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 6: Transfer To Otranto; Visit The Historic Centre; Afternoon Optional Coastal Walk Or Relax At The Beach (Seasonal); Transfer To Lecce (Breakfast)

Day 7: Morning Free Time; Afternoon Guided Tour Of Baroque Lecce (Breakfast)

Day 8: End Lecce (Breakfast)

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