Fantasy of Puglia | 6 Days

DAY 1:                                   BARI

Make your own way to the tour hotel in Bari (this hotel will be mentioned on your voucher). Meet the Tour Leader in your hotel in Bari, the main city of Puglia. In the afternoon you’ll reach its historical centre, known as “Bari Vecchia”, and learn interesting information about Bari’s past as well as the history of its main monuments. Walk down little alleys and find yourself in tiny little squares inside the walls, until you reach the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, that contains the relics of Saint Nicholas, and the Castello Svevo (or Swabian Castle) built in the XII century by Norman King Roger II and later restored by Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire. From inside the castle one can enjoy a beautiful view (entrances not included). After the visit, Piazza Mercantile is worth a visit: the Colonna della giustizia (or Column of justice) stands out right in the middle. It is thought to have been used as a pillory. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight is in Bari. (D)

DAY 2:                                   BARI – TRANI – CASTEL DEL MONTE – ALBEROBELLO

After breakfast, depart for Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’, the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of South­ern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter, and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the af­ternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most ac­claimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a har­monious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Continue to Alberobello: a UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)

DAY 3:                                   ALBEROBELLO – MATERA – ALBEROBELLO 

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years, that are part of the historic centre of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 4:                                   ALBEROBELLO – LOCOROTONDO – OSTUNI – LECCE  

Breakfast in hotel. Leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees. Free time at your disposal to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expenses). In the late afternoon, get again on board of the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region.  Overnight Lecce. (B, D)

DAY 5:                                   LECCE – OTRANTO – LECCE

After breakfast, enjoy a 3 hour guided visit of the city of Lecce. Learn the history of Lecce, visit the old town centre, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. After the tour, depart for Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your pace. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst the others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. Wan­der around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. In the early evening, reach Supersano where you will have dinner at the “Masseria L’Uliveto”. Visit this ancient farm, learn about the history and culture of Puglia. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce. Overnight in Lecce.  (B, D)

DAY 6:                                  LECCE

After breakfast, the tour concludes. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

BARI: Hotel Excelsior Bari

ALBEROBELLO: Hotel Olimpo

​LECCE: Delle Palme

Includes:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation in 4 stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Visit of Bari, Matera, and Lecce with local expert guide

–          Entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte 

–          Porterage service included only on our escorted tours in Puglia

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.