Puglia - The Heel of the Boot

Open Group

Polignano a Mare

Lecce

Castel del Monte

Alberobello

The Heel of Italy's Boot

Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal clear waters, enormous groves of olive trees, is ideal for going off the beaten track and exploring a quieter corner of Italy.

Price is based on sharing a double or twin room. Single supplement of £175 applies.

Itinerary/Excursions

Day 01

Fly from Gatwick to Italy. Meet your guide at the airport and head to Bari. Here we will see the impressive San Nicola Basilica and Cathedral, a pilgrimage destination for Christians all over the world. Perched on a cliff above crystal clear waters, Polignano a Mare sits with its origins dating back to 4 BC. The tiny old town combines winding, white-washed streets with beautiful old churches and terraces with panoramic views.

Day 02

Lecce, known as "The Florence of the South", features white and gold limestone streets, perfect for enjoying Southern Italy's simple cuisine. In the city, visit the Roman Amphitheatre and stunning Cathedral. After this you will make your way back to the hotel to enjoy some free time.

Day 03

The extraordinary Sassi Di Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the Palaeolithic period, making it one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world. The empty dwellings of the Sasso Barisano district contrast with the Sasso Caveoso's renovated, atmospheric cave restaurants and hotels. Underground churches, hand-painted frescoes and panoramic viewpoints are just some of the sights to experience.

Day 04

Castel del Monte, a 13th-century citadel built by King Frederick II, is famous for its octagonal design and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Next, visit Trani, with its charming streets, harbour, and waterside promenades. The Romanesque cathedral, completed in 1143, is a stunning example of architecture, set beautifully beside the Adriatic Sea.

Day 05

Visit picture-perfect Alberobello first today, home to the unique trulli and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the narrow pedestrianised streets, little shops, and quaint eateries. This will be followed by free time in Alberobello. You will then continue to Martina Franca, filled with outstanding Baroque architecture, wine bars, and cats napping in sun-drenched streets where you will have free time to explore the area.

Day 06

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your journey home.

Your holiday includes

Return flights and hold luggage
Return transfers at the destination
5 nights at a 4* hotel Sierra Salvana
Welcome drink, breakfast and all evening meals
Guided walking tour of Matera with entry to cave-dwelling museum
Entry to Castel de Monte
Visit to Trani
Bari and Polignano a Mare
Visit to Lecce
Visit to Abeerabello and entry to Trulli
Visit to Martina Franca
Transport as per itinerary
English-speaking tour escort
ATOL protected

Hotel Details

Hotel Sierra Silvana 4*, Selva di Fasano

Located in the green hills of Selva di Fasano in the Itria Valley and Trulli territory in the middle of the three provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto.

It has 124 bright rooms with balcony or garden contained in five dwellings situated in a magnificent Mediterranean Park where there are also four Trulli. Each room has a bathroom with bathtub, hairdryer, minibar, air conditioning, TV and Wi-Fi. There is a welcoming bar with large glass windows and views of the splendid swimming pool as well as an elegant dining room where you can tase quality dishes.

The hotel is in the middle of great artistic and cultural interest, not far from Alberobello (12km), Martina Franca (16km), Ostuni (24km).