8-Night Wild Secret Charms of Puglia

Day 2

Accommodation

Boutique Spa Hotel - Polignano a Mare, Puglia Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Exciting Naples - Breathtaking Bari - Polignano a Mare Region

After breakfast, we’ll board the coach and traverse the road less travelled to the first stop of our journey: Bari. Whilst we’re here, we’ll uncover the city’s seaside charms and rich history with a local guide, seeking sights such as ladies making pasta by hand along narrow streets and opulent opera theatres in the modern French district. Following the tour, we’ll head to our hotel in the Polignano a Mare region where you can spend the evening relaxing at your leisure. Breakfast is included.

Bari Trivia:
Q. What could I see only in Bari?
A. Some people pass over Bari in their hurry to get to Lecce, but it is worth a stop. There is a superb food scene in Bari, and the old town is a must. Basilica di San Nicola was one of the first Norman churches built in southern Italy, dating from the 12th century. It was constructed to hold the bones of St. Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus. The bones were stolen from Turkey by local fishermen in 1087. Today it’s an important place of pilgrimage, and a perfect example of architecture of the day.

Overnight Location

Polignano a Mare, Puglia Region

On the Map: Polignano a Mare is a town on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast, just 20 miles north of Bari, in the Puglia region.

The town is known for beaches like the white-pebble Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, which is bordered by a Roman bridge. The Ponte dei Lapilli is a cove nestled at the bottom of a cliff. The Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali displays photography and paintings. Overlooking the sea, San Vito Abbey has a Romanesque church and a 16th-century tower.

Day 3

Accommodation

Boutique Spa Hotel - Polignano a Mare, Puglia Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Breathtaking Bari - Fascinating Andria - Polignano a Mare Region

Today, we’ll make tracks to Andria – home to the 13th-century citadel and castle, Castel del Monte aka ‘Castle of the Mountain’. While we’re here, a local expert will reveal how mozzarella and burrata are made – and we’ll have the chance to taste both delicious cheeses before we return to the comforts of our hotel on the outskirts of Polignano. Here, we’ll have the rest of the evening to enjoy the vibrant small town’s restaurant scene or relax beside the hotel’s pool. Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

Polignano a Mare, Puglia Region

On the Map: Polignano a Mare is a town on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast, just 20 miles north of Bari, in the Puglia region.

The town is known for beaches like the white-pebble Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, which is bordered by a Roman bridge. The Ponte dei Lapilli is a cove nestled at the bottom of a cliff. The Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali displays photography and paintings. Overlooking the sea, San Vito Abbey has a Romanesque church and a 16th-century tower.

Day 4

Accommodation

Historic Heart of Town Guesthouse - Lecce, Basilicata Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. Reception is open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily except Sunday.

Daily Itinerary

Polignano a Mare Region - Castellana Caves - Sun-Kissed Lecce

Our first stop of the day will be a visit to the spellbinding Castellana Caves. This expansive cave system boasts a unique landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over 2 million years. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace – visiting the breathtaking Grotta Bianca is a must! Onwards to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its charming cone-topped trulli. After learning more about the limestone buildings on a locally guided walking tour, we’ll move back to Lecce. The evening is yours to leisurely explore the city or unwind at the hotel. Breakfast is included.

Included Sightseeing

Alberobello, Puglia Region

Alberobello is a town in Italy's Apulia region known for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. These trulli are found in the hilltop Rione Monti district, with the 18th-century Trullo Sovrano being a notable example. The Museo del Territorio Casa Pezzolla displays furniture and tools depicting life in the trulli centuries ago. Since 1996, the trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight Location

Lecce, Basilicata Region

On the Map: In southeastern Italy, Leece lies on the Salentina peninsula, the heel of Italy. It is east of Taranto, and built on the site of the ancient Roman town of Lupiae. Because of the Baroque architectural monuments in the city, Lecce is often called, “The Florence of the South.” Due to its geographical position, it was tossed back and forth between the Byzantines, Lombards, and the Saracens after the fall of the Roman Empire. It then became a Norman stronghold and finally passed into the hands of the kings of Naples. 

Lecce’s extraordinary remains include a 4th century underground burial chamber, a Roman amphitheater, and numerous ruins of eras past. Its most unique architecture is called pietra leccese. These buildings are pale yellow limestone. A great cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the Church of Niccolo e Cataldo were created in this fashion. Bari, a town of 93,000 people, is the perfect blend of ease, beauty, a youthful university atmosphere, and a gorgeous old town.

Day 5

Accommodation

Historic Heart of Town Guesthouse - Lecce, Basilicata Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. Reception is open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily except Sunday.

Daily Itinerary

Sun-Kissed Lecce

We have a full day in splendid Lecce. To begin, we’ll spend the morning on an in-depth walking tour. From resplendent church facades to intricately detailed gargoyles, our local guide will take us around the exquisite Baroque architecture that gives the city its distinctive character. The remainder of the day is ours to explore. Breakfast is included.

Lecce Trivia:
Q. Why do people love Lecce?
A.  People love Lecce because… what’s not to love!? Stylish, hip, Baroque, lively, fashionable, elegant, and delicious. Go to the 1st century BC Roman Amphitheater on Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Enjoy a highly-decorative Baroque style that flourished in the 1600s. The Museo Provinciale contains objects dating from the Bronze Age, and the extravagant Basilica di Santa Croce is a riot of decorations, with 17 altars inside. Fall in love with Lecce—it’s easy to do.

Overnight Location

Lecce, Basilicata Region

On the Map: In southeastern Italy, Leece lies on the Salentina peninsula, the heel of Italy. It is east of Taranto, and built on the site of the ancient Roman town of Lupiae. Because of the Baroque architectural monuments in the city, Lecce is often called, “The Florence of the South.” Due to its geographical position, it was tossed back and forth between the Byzantines, Lombards, and the Saracens after the fall of the Roman Empire. It then became a Norman stronghold and finally passed into the hands of the kings of Naples. 

Lecce’s extraordinary remains include a 4th century underground burial chamber, a Roman amphitheater, and numerous ruins of eras past. Its most unique architecture is called pietra leccese. These buildings are pale yellow limestone. A great cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the Church of Niccolo e Cataldo were created in this fashion. Bari, a town of 93,000 people, is the perfect blend of ease, beauty, a youthful university atmosphere, and a gorgeous old town.

Day 6

Accommodation

Elegant 4-Star Resort - Martina Franca, Basilicata Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10:30am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Sun-Kissed Lecce - Baroque Martina Franca - Itria Valley

Today, we’ll make our way into the stunning Manduria region. We’ll savour a tasting of the area’s famous Primitivo wine – a unique blend that draws its intense flavours and deep colours from local indigenous grapes. Following that, we’ll move on to the striking town of Martina Franca where we’ll relish some time to ourselves, before travelling to Itria Valley. This evening, we’ll clink glasses over an included meal and share stories of our day. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Martina Franca Trivia: 
Q. What makes Martina Franca Special? 
A. Martina Franca was founded in 1310 by Prince Filippo D’Angio and you can still experience its medieval past in Old Town. Amble through lovely cobblestone streets and lush piazzas. The weather here is glorious—sit outside in a café and relax. Martina Franca offers a picture-perfect Italian town to explore. The most unusual things in this town are the Baroque churches; their style is called Barocco Martuinese. They are like walking past, and inside, wedding cakes. Keep walking, and just a short stroll from the city gate is the other part of town. This is filled with charming neighborhoods and homes that are completely whitewashed. Inhale the heavenly scents coming from kitchens. 

Overnight Location

Martina Franca, Basilicata Region

On the Map: Martina Franca is a town in the Puglia regione in southwestern Italy. Located in the fertile Itria Valley, it is close to Bari and Brindisi. There are also numerous small hamlets nearby. The Itria Valley has ancient Apulian small, round houses made of stone with conical roofs; an exceptional number of olive orchards used for producing olive oil; and vineyards that produce high-quality white wine, including Locorotondo DOC and Martina Franca DOC.

Martina Franca has a very well-preserved, colorful old town that is surrounded by stone walls with amazing Baroque gates leading to piazzas and narrow, winding streets. Piazza Roma is the largest square in the old town and it faces a 17th century Palazzo Ducale. Light-filled piazzas and intricate iron work on balconies make this town a joy to explore.

Day 7

Accommodation

Elegant 4-Star Resort - Martina Franca, Basilicata Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10:30am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Itria Valley - Ostuni - Itria Valley

Our journey continues to Ostuni – also known as the ‘White City’ thanks to its collection of white-washed buildings. Upon our arrival, we’ll learn the secrets behind some traditional cuisine at a cooking demonstration and savour our sumptuous creations for lunch. Stomachs full, the afternoon is to be enjoyed at your leisure. Get lost along the narrow streets in the Old Town, take in the beauty of Otsuni Cathedral, or wander through the bustling Piazza della Libertá - Otsuni’s largest square. Later, we’ll return to our hotel in Itria Valley for the evening. Breakfast and Lunch are included.

Overnight Location

Martina Franca, Basilicata Region

On the Map: Martina Franca is a town in the Puglia regione in southwestern Italy. Located in the fertile Itria Valley, it is close to Bari and Brindisi. There are also numerous small hamlets nearby. The Itria Valley has ancient Apulian small, round houses made of stone with conical roofs; an exceptional number of olive orchards used for producing olive oil; and vineyards that produce high-quality white wine, including Locorotondo DOC and Martina Franca DOC.

Martina Franca has a very well-preserved, colorful old town that is surrounded by stone walls with amazing Baroque gates leading to piazzas and narrow, winding streets. Piazza Roma is the largest square in the old town and it faces a 17th century Palazzo Ducale. Light-filled piazzas and intricate iron work on balconies make this town a joy to explore.

Day 8

Accommodation

Breathtaking Panoramic View Hotel - Matera, Basilicata Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Itria Valley - Mesmerizing Matera

Today, we’ll drive to Matera – the jewel of the Basilicata region. Here, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the ancient Sassi cave dwellings with our local guide who’ll provide a fascinating insight into Matera’s extraordinary history. Later, we’ll enjoy some relaxation time at our hotel, before coming together for tonight’s final group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Matera Trivia: 
Q. What is the Sassi District of Matera? 
A. The Sassi in Matera is a continuation of the first human settlements in Italy. The Old City, which has been carefully excavated layer by layer, resembles Jerusalem enough that it has been used as a stand-in for that ancient city in movies. Walk through the district, and you’ll see caves that were made into churches. Visit the Casagrotta Museum for houses that look the same way cave homes did 500 years ago. There is a one-bedroom earthen cave, complete with a fireplace, children's beds, tools, a kitchen, and a room for the pony or goat. 

Overnight Location

Matera, Basilicata Region

On the map: Matera Is a city in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. The original settlement lies in two canyons that were carved by the Gravina River. This area, called the Sassi Matera, is a maze of cave dwellings that were carved into the ancient river canyon, a system used since prehistoric times. Known as la città sotterranea (the underground city), the Sassi and the park of the Rupestrian Churches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Due to its geographical location, as is the case with many settlements in this area, Matera was occupied by the Romans, Longobards, Byzantines, Saracens, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, and Bourbons. Matera is one of the most extraordinary cities in southern Italy. There are few places that include cave dwellings, quiet residential neighborhoods, various eras of churches, streets with steps, and pavements that twist downward to green piazzas, and all formed with blindingly light limestone.

Day 9

Daily Itinerary

Mesmerizing Matera - Altamura - Exciting Naples

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to beautiful Matera as we hit the road once more. Our morning takes us to the medieval streets of Altamura which we’ll explore with a local guide. We’ll take part in a bread tasting session at a quaint bakery to round off our visit. Coming full circle this afternoon – our tour will end in Naples. Breakfast is included.

Note: As you'll be arriving late in the day to Naples, please ask your Authentic Destination Expert about extending your stay for a night, so there is zero stress about arriving at the airport in time for your flight home!

Depart From

Depart from Naples International Airport, Campania Region

Return to Naples International Airport (NAP) at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure.