Day 1 - PICK UP & ALBEROBELLO

Today we commence our tour by picking you up from Bari and making our way to one of the prettiest little fairy-tale towns, Alberobello, a Unesco Heritage & Cultural town of Trulli. The town comprises mainly of small trulli, which are still the residential homes of local inhabitants. Designated a World Heritage site, it is characterised by ancient Apulian small, round white-washed homes of dry stone with conical roofs. As you explore the tiny boutique stores, small cobbled stoned streets, you will notice that around every corner, you will find yet another surprise. Make sure you relax in a cafe and take it all in. 

Later on, we continue on to our wonderful Masseria(farmhouse) for our included dinner. (D)

Day 2: OSTUNI & OLIVE OIL FARM & MONOPOLI

This morning, we wake up fresh & ready to explore the white-washed town of Ostuni, with its narrow white alleyways, as we walk along the low archways. We meet up with our guide, and walk along the tiny streets & walk up flights of stairs, which usually lead to someone’s front porch. Ostuni is an architectural jewel, commonly referred to as the White Town, or La Citta Bianca in Italian. The brightness of its whitewashed houses, a series of levels, staircases, small roads, alleys, arches, make Ostuni a truly special intimate town. Try some fresh burrata or taralli for lunch and then, onto a local, olive oil tasting farm “frantoio”, where you will get to see some of their thousand year old olive trees and taste this liquid gold. This afternoon we return to our masseria, relax and then make our way to dinner in Monopoli at a local trattoria with a passegiata around the piazzas & boardwalk. (B,D)

Day 3: MARTINA FRANCA  & POLIGNANO A MARE
Today we visit the iconic Itria Valley town of Martina Franca, located in central Puglia. Martina Franca is the second most beloved baroque city gem in the region with its elegant old town. Until the reunification of Italy in 1861, Martina Franca was a fully walled town, with 24 towers and four gates. As it evolved to cater for more modern requirements, however, some of these towers were removed and other access roads were constructed. However, the four Renaissance and Baroque gates still exist, effectively delineating the old town from the more modern 19th century part, which also has some lovely architecture and parks. Our private guide will walk us through & explain all the history behind this beautiful town.

Grab a light lunch, before we continue on to the coast to another spectacular town of Puglia, Polignano a Mare. A beautiful little town on the edge of the Adriatic sea, often referred to the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. With its crystal clear waters surrounding the cliff sides, you have the opportunity to admire the caves that have been formed & carved out by the sea. Here, we are spoilt to a beautiful seafood dinner, followed by a walk around the cobble stoned streets. (B,D)

Day 4: MATERA
Discover the most suggestive corners of the famous, Sassi di Matera, UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture 2019. Known for the ancient cave dwellings built thousands of years ago during the Paleolithic age, Matera is considered to be the 3rd oldest inhabited site in the world. Now a UNESCO Heritage site, you will be in awe, as our local guide(I have a contact) takes us to the dugout caves and shows us where some of the most famous movies were filmed, including the ‘Passion of Christ with Mel Gibson. Later on, we continue to a typical product tasting and early dinner in a 'Grotto Restaurant'.  (B,D)

Day 5: COOKING CLASS + LECCE

This morning we grab our apron and immerse in the local cuisine making Focaccia and Orecchiette with the Mums of Puglia. During the class, we taste the local wines and get to know some interesting information about the Salento Wine Region, taste great foods and dance Pizzica Pizzica folk music in the picturesque Piazzetta di Paese (the square of the village). If you appreciate Italian culture, art, cuisine, wine, lifestyle, the dolce vita, then this is the right place for you.

Later we return to our hotel for a bit of leisure time, before discovering Lecce, city of Barocco this evening. Lecce enchants us with its timeless architecture and ancient exuberance. It is the heart of Salento, a place where time constraints do not exist, or rather, a city in which time seems to have stopped. Lecce’s lovely baroque character creates a masterpiece with everything glistening in shades of honey and cream. Together, with our guide, we will take in the Lecce lifestyle and cultural highlights as we walk through its palazzi, its beautiful churches and the amazing studios of the artisans, who call Lecce home. We will recommend somewhere for Dinner, in the old town of Lecce for you. (B,L)

Day 6: CHEESE FARM + OTRANTO

Today we meet our guide who will introduce us to Otranto, an UNESCO World Cultural Site. On the way there, we will stop at a Cheese Factory tasting the local products. Otranto is a natural bridge between East and West and one of the very important maritime centers of Italy that has a natural point of trade with Greece. The town still retains its appearance of the ancient market towns that are washed by the Mediterranean. While walking around the town, the ancient walls and the Aragonese Castle can be admired. Another masterpiece is the Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta, consecrated in 1088, with its huge rose window. The interior of this cathedral has columns which are said to come from a temple of Minerva and a fine mosaic pavement of 1166. It is one of the largest mosaics in the world and depicts the “tree of life” with interesting representations Old Testament subjects. The Cathedral has a crypt supported by 42 marble columns.

Our lunch today, will be enjoyed at a lovely restaurant. 

You are free this evening in Lecce for dinner, so you can experience those romantic dining spots that appeal to you the most. (B,L)

Day 7: THE SALENTO PENINSULA OF GALATINA, GALLIPOLI AND WINE
After breakfast today, we will discover the charming southern area of Salento, south of Lecce on the Ionian coast. A day to enjoy and take in the charm of the small town and uncrowded streets of Galatina, with its Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, also known as the Assisi of the South because of its wondrous frescoes. We will experience Gallipoli for lunch and enjoy a walk in its fascinating old town. This beautiful seaside fishing village is a real gem with its labyrinth of alleys, a few century-old churches, the beauty of turquoise water and scenic views of its fishermen hard at work. On the way back to Lecce you’ll stop at a Boutique Winery for an Aperitivo tasting. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner in an authentic trattoria. (B,D)

DAY 8: ARRIVERDERCI PUGLIA

It has been a week filled with the delicacies and delights of Puglia. We leave our hotel today and transfer you back to Bari airport. We hope you enjoyed every moment and hope to see you again soon. (B)