DAY 1 Arrival- Bari
Today you will arrive at Bari Airport. Here you will be welcomed by your private English speaking driver. In the afternoon, you will be met by your knowledgeable local guide who will take you on a tour exploring the capital of Italy’s Puglia region, Bari. The scenery is incredibly picturesque. Visit the seaside promenade, charming historic core, Teatro Petruzzelli and Basilica of St. Nicholas, the saint who is believed to be the inspiration behind Santa Claus.
The private guided journey around the city provides the opportunity for you to discover the historical buildings, celebrated Via delle Orecchiette Street where artisans prepare handmade pasta everyday and sell their creations. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous street food supper with deliciously local products.
7 miles/ 20 minutes
Accommodation: Bari IH Hotels Bari Oriente (Classic Room)
DAY 2 Bari- Polignano a Mare
The morning has been left relatively unscheduled for you to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps enjoy a gentle stroll through the charming streets of Polignano a Mare, a stunning spot on the coast of the Valle d’Itria. This seaside town enjoys an elevated position on a large rocky limestone outcrop. The region is famous for its crystal clear water and white pebble beaches.
However, you simply cannot leave without dining at Grotta Palazzese Restaurant. One of the most photographed settings in Italy. The restaurant is nestled in a cave on the water’s edge. The environment and atmosphere are one of a kind, listen to the blissful sounds of the sea while enjoying an impossibly romantic setting. If you wish to dine here, do let us know so we can make a reservation on your behalf.
45 miles/ 1 hour 30 minutes
Accommodation: Bari IH Hotels Bari Oriente (Classic Room)
DAY 3 Castel del Monte- Matera
Following a delicious breakfast, set off and visit the Alta Murgia National Park. The area is characterised by its plummeting ravines, sudden sinkholes and elongated limestone plateaux. Distant and remote, the Alta Murgia National Park is the most wonderful setting for Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Herritage Site, listed in 1996. Commissioned by Frederick 11 (13th Century A.D), this medieval castle is located on a hilltop. The elevated position allows you to enjoy sensational views over the National Park.
Next it is onto Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019. Drop your bags at the hotel and then head out to explore Sassi another UNESCO World Herritage Site, since 1993. Meet your guide and enjoy an afternoons expedition on foot, explore the narrow streets, wide stairways and higgledy- piggledy houses stacked on top of one another.
80 miles/ 2 hours 30 minutes
Accommodation: Matera, Hotel in Pietra (Deluxe Room)
DAY 4 Lucan Dolomites
Today venture out to the Lucan Dolomites, that protrude like giants from the sea. Pause to discover the striking village of Castelmezzano, often referred to as Italy’s most beautiful village for its character and typically medieval urban structures. From here you may decide to continue to Pietrapertosa, a commune suspended over a scenic valley and landscape. If the weather and season permits, take a steel cable suspended at an altitude of 800 metres between the peaks of two villages. Fly through a unique landscape in complete safety on the longest zipwire in Europe.
110 miles/ 3 hours
Accommodation: Matera, Hotel in Pietra Deluxe Room
DAY 5 Cisternino- Alberobello
Depart to Cisternino and enjoy visiting a family run and owned farm that produces a typical Capocollo of Martina Franca, a traditional pork cold cut. Then enjoy a guided tour, accompanied by the local producer and your knowledgeable guide. Learn about the production process and end with a special tasting.
In the afternoon continue to Alberobello another declared World Heritage Site and home to the famous Trulli whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. These constructions were used as field shelters and storehouses and are still in use today. Meander through the winding alleys to reach Trullo Sovrano, the biggest example set over two floors.
At the end of the day, it is onwards to the next accommodation in Valle d’Itria
70 miles/ 2 hours
Accommodation: Valle d’Itria, Borgo Cozzana (Deluxe Room)
DAY 6 Valle d’Itria
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to cook up a storm in a private cookery class. This region is famous for Apulian cookery which is often termed la cucina povera, ‘the food of the poor’. The recipes you will experiment with are traditional of southern Italy and specifically, lower income households during the second world war. Most ingredients are produced on one’s own land or made using seasonal, local and affordable produce. Today, this style of cooking has once again become increasingly popular. Dishes include root based soups, vegetable stews and homemade pasta with pulses and lentils. Following a creative cookery session you can feast on your culinary creations before spending the afternoon at your leisure.
Accommodation: Valle d’Itria, Borgo Cozzana (Deluxe Room)
DAY 7 Ostunni- Lecce
Check out and transfer to Ostuni. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the so-called white town. Enjoy navigating the narrow passageways that lead to some idyllic spots with plenty of photo opportunities. One of the most enchanting places on today’s journey is the Romanesque Cathedral. Make sure you observe the unique balconies and terraces, bordering the old town walls and facing the sea on a magnificent panorama. Perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Next stop Lecce where you will be greeted by a professional guide who will provide a tour of the main historical buildings which include the Roman Amphitheatre, the Duomo, Charles V Castle and the Barocco Leccese. Wandering through the winding alleys provides plenty of food for thought, enjoy the Moorish-Italian Baroque architecture, flower composition and angels dancing. During the tour meet a local artist who specialises in handmade papier mache creations. Learn about this local tradition that has been practiced for many years.
Accommodation: Lecce, Palazzo Belsanti Classic Room
DAY 8 Boat excursion- Otranto
The coast of Salento is home to some of Italy’s most superb beaches. The coastline is wonderfully dramatic. Morphological characteristics include, ravines, niches, fjords, holes and caves- some of which are of enormous biological and historical significance. We highly recommend enjoying this optional boat trip, meet your skipper at Castro Marina and discover the coast from a different aspect, meander from place to place and admire the spectacular scenery, visit Romanelli cave- a prehistoric site of interest and and importance for Palaeolithic discoveries found inside.
After an exhilarating morning at sea, perhaps pause for lunch and then head to Otranto and discover the picturesque town with Greek origins in the company of your local guide.
Accommodation: Lecce, Palazzo Belsanti Classic Room
DAY 9 Galatina- Lecce
After breakfast, set off to Galatina. Discover the stunning Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, a treasure chest that houses some magnificent frescoes. And while here, you absolutely must taste a local pudding that is another regional delicacy- pasticciotto a cake made with pastry and custard.
The last afternoon is yours to enjoy, making the most of your last day in Lecce.
50 miles/ 1 hour 30 minutes
Accommodation: Lecce, Palazzo Belsanti Classic Room
DAY 10 Bari Airport Departure
Private transfer to Bari Airport for your onward journey.
105 miles/ 1 hour 45 minutes
