Great Apulia and Matera

Welcome to Bari-Palese int. airport (BRI). Upon 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 you’ll meet your tour guide and other passengers for a walking tour of the picturesque old town and San Nicola’s Basilica followed by dinner at a local restaurant.  

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

This morning, take private walking tour of the center of Trani to see the beautiful Cathedral, the Swabian castle, and the picturesque marina. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head to Poligano a Mare, the amazing village built on the clifftop overlooking the sea. Take a short walking tour of the center followed by some free time to enjoy at your own pace.  

Leave Bari to reach the beautiful UNESCO site of Alberobello.Take a walking tour with a local guide to learn more about Trulli houses and their history. Next, head to a local Masseria to participate in a cheesemaking demonstration and have lunch. After lunch, check in to our 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 leisure.

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

Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, known as the City of Stones to see the “Sassi”: ancient homes carved right into the tufa rock. Explore the narrow streets that wind their way through the Sassi to discover ancient homes and churches carved from stone with a local guide. Enjoy the evening at leisure in one of the most beautiful Italian historical centers, Locorotondo. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.  

Reach Taranto on the Ionio Sea, which 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. Take a walking tour with a local guide through the old town, San Cataldo Basilica, and the 15th-century Aragonese Castle. Then take a mini cruise through “Big Sea” and “Little Sea” overlooking the beautiful old section of the town from the seaside. In the afternoon, visit a local winery for a wine tasting including typical products of the region. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.   

Drive by the small village of Cisternino to visit a local olive oil mill. Next, drive to one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in Apulia, Ostuni, “The white city”, where there will be free time to discover and enjoy the small village at your own pace. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to beautiful Lecce, also known as “The Florence of the South”. On a guided sightseeing tour, see the highlights of this delightful city including the stunning Basilica and its monumental Piazza Del Duomo. Tonight,  discover the flavors of typical regional dishes.

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

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

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