Great Apulia & Matera 2024

8 days tour Start in Bari – End in Brindisi

Main cities: Trani, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Matera, Locorotondo, Taranto, Ostuni and Lecce.

15 Meals to include: 7 breakfast buffets, 7 lunches/dinners, 1 wine and olive oil tasting

Check DEPARTURES and PRICES:

US Dollar(USD) / Canadian(CAD) / Australian(AUD) / New Zealand(NZD)

Great Apulia & Matera is a 8-day-tour start in BARI end in BRINDISI traveling though many beautiful villages of the Apulia region. You will also enjoy many of our selected local restaurants with authentic regional dishes, some of the best wineries in the area as well as a cheesemaking demonstration and of course some free time for shopping or enjoying the sights at your own pleasure. Sun, sky, sea, food, wine, history and locals makes this region one of the most visited in Italy… Can’t be missed.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Bari

Welcome to Bari-Palese int. airport (BRI). At your arrival your driver will be waiting for you at 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm for a private transfer to your hotel in Bari. In the afternoon meet your tour guide and other passengers for a sightseeing walking tour of the picturesque old town and San Nicola’s Basilica followed dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Parco dei Principi, Oriente Hotel or similar hotel (2 nights)

Day 2 – Trani – Polignano a Mare

This morning private walking tour of Trani city center to see the beautiful Cathedral, the Swabian castle and the picturesque marina. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon head to the amazing village of Polignano a Mare called the pearl of the Adriatic, built on the clifftop overlooking the sea for a short walking tour of the center followed by some free time to spend at your own pleasure.

Day 3 – Alberobello – Cheesemaking demonstration – Martina Franca

This morning leave Bari to reach the beautiful UNESCO site of Alberobello. Walking tour with a local guide to learn more about Trulli houses and their history. After our visit we head to a local Masseria, to participate in a cheesemaking demonstration, where we will also have lunch. Check in hotel. In the late afternoon visit Martina Franca to see the Palazzo Ducale and the Cathedral followed by some free time for shopping and dinner at your own pleasure.

Hotel: Masseria Chiancone Torricella, Parco delle Querce or similar hotel (3 nights)

Day 4 – Itria Valley – Matera – Locorotondo

Today drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, known as the City of Stones, with Sassi that are ancient homes carved right into the tufa rock. With a local guide we will explore the narrow streets that wind their way through the Sassi to discover the ancient houses and churches carved from stone. Enjoy the evening at your own pleasure in Locorotondo, considered one of the most beautiful Italian historical centers. Dinner will be served at local restaurant.

Day 5 – Taranto – Mini Cruise – Winery

This morning reach Taranto on the Ionio sea, lies between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea) bodies of water. Bridges link the mainland to the old town on a small island. Walking tour with a local guide through the old town, San Cataldo Basilica and the 15th-century Aragonese Castle. Then enjoy a mini cruise through major sea and minor sea overlooking the beautiful old section of the town from the seaside. In the afternoon visit a local winery with a wine tasting and typical products of the region. Dinner tonight will be served at local restaurant.

Day 6 – Ostuni – Lecce

This morning drive by the small village of Cisternino to visit local olive oil mill. Then drive to Ostuni, “The white city”, one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in the Apulia region for some free time to discover and enjoy the small village at your own pleasure. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to beautiful Lecce, also known as “The Florence of the South”. Guided on a sightseeing tour we’ll see this delightful city including the stunning Basilica & its monumental Piazza Del Duomo. Tonight, discover the flavors of typical regional dishes.

Hotel: GH Lecce, GH Tiziano or similar (2 nights)

Day 7 – Gallipoli – St. Maria al Bagno – Salento

Today drive to Gallipoli, where we visit a stunning cathedral and the Frantoio Ipogeo, an ancient underground olive mill carved from stone followed by some free time to explore the old town. Enjoy included lunch with a selection of fresh seafood and wine to celebrate the success of your vacation in the Apulia region. After lunch, short drive to St. Maria al Bagno to enjoy a beautiful view overlooking the Ionian Sea with a cup of coffee or gelato. Enjoy the evening at your pleasure in Lecce.

Day 8 – Home

Arrivederci Apulia! Our Departure transfer will arrive at Brindisi-Casale Airport (BDS) at 6:00 am and 10:30 am

GO UP

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Transportation:

Private airport transfer for your tour on arrival & departure (see the Itinerary)
Luxury air-conditioned private minibus
Mini cruise in Taranto

Accommodations:

First Class Hotels (4**** or 5*****)
Includes all taxes (including city tax)
Baggage handling included (ask your driver)
All standard gratuities for hotel personnel

15 Meals:

7 breakfast buffets
7 lunches/dinners to include: three main courses, dessert, local fine wine (1/4)
1 wine and olive oil tasting with fine local food
All Standard gratuities for restaurant personnel

Tour Guide & Tour Driver:

Your tour will be conducted by our tour guide & tour driver. They will take the worry out of foreign travel as they manage the intricate details of your tour, keeping you entertained with anecdotes and stories to make sure your vacation is educational, entertaining, fun and safe!
Any gratuities are at your pleasure for our tour guide & tour driver

Equipment:

Wireless headsets to hear our guides clearly and distinctly in public places allowing you to roam & explore sites (within 60 feet) without missing any insight from your local guides (group of 9 or more)
Travel documents (PDF) included
One umbrella per person in case of rain

VIEW – VISIT – WALKING TOUR – MUSEUMS AND GALLERY

(WLG) = With Local Guide and wireless headsets

Bari:

Walking tour with a local guide through the city center. View of San Nicola’s Basilica, San Sabino Cathedral and Castle Svevo

Trani:

Walking tour with a local guide through the city center. View of Cathedral, Swabian Castle and the marina

Alberobello:

Walking tour with a local guide through the city center to visit the Trulli

Matera:

Walking tour with a local guide to visit the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

Lecce:

Guided tour through the center city, see the Basilica and its monumental Piazza del Duomo

Suggested attire:

Comfortable shoes are important for walking on the uneven surfaces. Attire for Italian Churches: No shorts, skirts, tank tops, or bare shoulders for men or women are permitted. Bermuda shorts are permitted

GO UP