Discovery of Puglia

We depart Bari to begin our full-day journey and visit a vineyard in Basilicata wine country. The vineyard’s stunning Crypt of the Original Sin has frescoes dating back to the ninth century and we will have a short guided tour of the crypt. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch with locally-sourced food paired with wine produced at the vineyard. Following lunch, we arrive in the heart of the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera and start our walking tour. We will explore the narrow streets that wind their way through the Sassi to discover the ancient homes and churches carved from tufa rock. After our tour, we have a one-hour drive to Alberobello where you will spend the next two nights sleeping in a traditional “trullo”. The Trulli of Alberobello, thanks to their unique characteristics and historical significance, are one of Puglia’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy a free evening to relax or explore Alberobello at night. Your tour leader will recommend restaurants to savor more regional specialties and wine. Included Meals: Lunch with Wine

After breakfast, we meet our expert local guide to start our in-depth walking tour of Alberobello followed by some free time to explore, shop, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we have a short drive to the underground wonder of the Castellana Caves where we will take a two-hour guided walk through the natural rock formations. Return to Alberobello. Group dinner at a trattoria to enjoy traditional Murgia cuisine and wine. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Alberobello for a short drive to Martina Franca to visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Cathedral. We then have another short drive to a local masseria (farm) where we enjoy a cheese tasting with lunch. After lunch, we transfer to Lecce, the artistic and cultural capital of Puglia. Upon arrival in Lecce, we settle into our centrally located hotel before meeting our expert local guide for a walking tour to discover the architecture, culture, and history of Lecce. Lecce will be our base for the next three nights. Free night to relax and dine on your own. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Today we drive to Otranto, the heel of the Italian boot, and visit a cathedral famous for its magnificent Tree of Life mosaics. Enjoy a stroll around Otranto with some free time to explore or shop for local handicrafts. We then drive to a restaurant renowned for serving fresh seasonal local produce to complement wines from their own vineyard. Return to Lecce and free time to further explore the historical center of Lecce on your own. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

In the morning we drive to one of Puglia’s hidden gems in Galatina: the extraordinary 14th-century Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Afterwards, we drive for 30 minutes and arrive in Gallipoli, “beautiful town” in Greek, where we visit a stunning cathedral and the Frantoio Ipogeo – an ancient underground olive mill carved from stone. Enjoy an included lunch in Gallipoli’s historical center at an osteria that specializes in seafood. Return to Lecce and enjoy a free evening to dine and drink at your own pace. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We depart Lecce today and drive to Ostuni, “La Città Bianca,” one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in all of Italy. Stroll through a maze of narrow streets with a visit to a small museum exhibiting the 25,000-year-old fossilized remains of Delia, “La Donna di Ostuni.” We then arrive at a restaurant located in a 15th-century Aragonese donjon with panoramic views for a gourmet lunch. In the afternoon we visit a family-run olive oil business to learn more about olive oil production in the Puglia region. Here we have an opportunity to taste different types of olive oil and purchase local products at their small shop. Afterwards, we drive to Polignano a Mare and visit the charming historical center. We will try the famous coffee invented here, Caffè Speciale di Polignano a Mare, and view a statue of Domenico Modugno, the composer and singer of Volare. Short drive to Bari and check in to our hotel. Free evening to further explore the nearby bars and eateries. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Castel del Monte for a guided tour of the Swabian Castle. Known for its octagonal shape, the Castel del Monte is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Short drive to Trani to visit the Cathedral of Trani, built on the edge of the sea, and an option to have lunch at a restaurant. We then return to our hotel in Bari. Farewell group dinner at a restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious hearty meal and raise one last toast to our Puglian adventure. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning take breakfast at your leisure. Your tour leader can assist you with additional tours, post-tour accommodation, and transfers. Included Meal: Breakfast