Puglia & Basilicata

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: UK - Bari

  Fly from London to Bari and transfer to Otranto. Stay at the Tenuta Centoporte (or similar) for 3 nights. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.

• Day 2: Otranto - Gallipoli

  This morning, explore Otranto, a port town situated on the ancient Greek site of Hydrus. In the afternoon, sample Puglian wine before proceeding to visit the picturesque coastal town of Gallipoli, which according to legend was founded by an ancient ruler of Crete.

• Day 3: Lecce

  Travel north and tour Lecce, one of Italy’s best preserved baroque cities. Visit the Duomo and admire the ornate 17th-century interior before enjoying an aperitif at one of the city’s historic palazzos. After returning to your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

• Day 4: Ostuni - Alberobello

  Begin the day in Ostuni with a tour of the cathedral before visiting a typical oil mill and dairy to sample local cheeses, olive oil and antipasti. In the afternoon, drive to Alberobello and enjoy a tour of this UNESCO-listed town, famous for its trulli – traditional conical dwellings. Continue to trullo-styled Masseria Caselli (or similar) for 4 nights.

• Day 5: Altamura & Matera

  Drive to Altamura to visit the celebrated Romanesque cathedral. While there, visit a local bakery and taste freshly baked focaccia. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera. The Sassi district is divided into two parts: the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano, each with countless churches and distinctive features. The tour includes a visit to the typical Sassi dwelling of Casa Grotta, a Rupestrian church, and the Crypt of the Original Sin with its magnificent frescoes. For the next two evenings, a return transfer to the nearest village is arranged to enjoy a dinner at leisure.

• Day 6: Trani - Castel del Monte

  Begin the day with a visit to Trani, a whitewashed port city of Jewish origin. Enjoy light lunch in a typical agriturismo eatery overlooking Castel del Monte, then continue to the renowned fortress itself. Built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who ruled much of southern Italy in the 13th century, this octagonal fortress is a masterpiece of medieval architecture set high on an isolated hill.

• Day 7: Bari - Polignano a Mare

  This morning, visit Bari, the capital of Puglia. Explore the old town quarter including St Sabin Cathedral and St Nicholas Basilica. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the charming seaside town of Polignano a Mare. Return to your hotel for a farewell dinner.

• Day 8: Bari - UK

  Transfer to Bari airport and fly to London.