Puglia - The Heel of the Boot

Open Group

Ostuni

Locortondo

Bari

Polignano a Mare

Lecce

Gallipoli

Matera

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 £205 applies.

Itinerary/Excursions

Day 01

Flly to Italy. Meet your guide at the airport and check-in to your hotel.

Day 02

Today, visit the white town of Ostuni with wonderful vistas abound from all angles, the best of which offer 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Then head to Locorotondo, a green stretch of countryside dotted with the famous whitewashed cone-roofed trulli houses. You will then enjoy an Apulian olive oil tasting, and learn about this staple Italian product.

Day 03

Bari is the first stop of the day, combining seaside charm and historical appeal. 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 04

Lecce is nicknamed "The Florence of the South", and as you stroll through the limestone streets of white and gold, it is easy to see why. Embrace the slower paced life of Southern Italy (as well as the simple but tasty food!). In Lecce, the Roman Ampitheatre dating back to 1BC is in the middle of town, and the magnificent Cathedral and architecture as simply stunning. The wonderfully beautiful coastal town of Gallipo shelters churches like St. Agatha’s Cathedral, with its ornate facade. Gallipoli translates to "beautiful city" in Greek, and living up to its name the old town centre sits on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. The island heart of Gallipoli is home to numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi, and a labryrinthe of winding, narrow streets lead to the sea front with views of long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Day 05

The extraordinary Sassi Di Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the Palaeolithic period, making them 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 06

Castel del Monte is a 13th-century citadel and castle situated on a hill in Andria, built during the 1240s by King Frederick II. Famous for its bold octagonal plan, in 1996, Castel del Monte was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Continue to Trani with its networks of attractive streets, pretty harbour and its waterside promenades. The cathedral, completed in 1143 and dedicated to St Nicholas the pilgrim, is a fabulous example of Romanesque architecture whose creamy white limestone and lofty proportions emphasise its stunning location beside the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea.

Day 07

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. Continue to Martina Franca, filled with outstanding Baroque architecture, wine bars, and cats napping in sun drenched streets. Head to Grottaglie, famous for handmade ceramics, to see how the ceramics are made - maybe even come away with a souvenir!

Day 08

Check out of the hotel and fly home.

Your holiday includes

Return flights
Return transfers at destination
7 nights at a 4* hotel
Breakfast and all evening meals
Porterage
Visit to Olive Oil Mill with tasting
Guided walking tour of Matera
Entry to cave dwelling museum in Matera
Entry to Castel de Monte
Visit to ceramic workshop
Transport as per itinerary
English-speaking tour escorts and guides
Private coach travel
ATOL protection

Hotel Details

Mare Nostrum Hotel 4* or similar

Immersed in the lush nature that frames the hotel, the majesty of its arches and neutral shades of the traditional Apulian tuff and sea view encourage a relaxing stay. Located a short walk away from the beautiful Savelettri village, and just 200 metres from the coast. The hotel has a restaurant, and stunning sea view bar, and each room has a view of either the sea or the hills which are characterised by centuries old olive trees. Every room has all of the amenities to create a comfortable stay, and are decorated to a modern and high standard.