8 DAYS FACES OF PUGLIA

Transfer: Airport to hotel

You would be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Lecce Walking Tour

Proceed for a tour of Lecce. Visit the magnificent cathedral with its 70 meters high campanile, the Basilica of Santa Croce (the best example of Baroque style in Italy), Piazza Sant'Oronzo where the Via Appia ends and the Roman amphitheatre. Be sure to try some "pasticiototto leccese"!

Optional Activities

• Lecce Street Food Experience (4 hours)
• Gallipoli Seafood Market & Cooking Lesson (4-5 hours)
• Lecce Market & Cooking Lesson (4-5 hours)
• Hike Porto Selvaggio (4-5 hours)
• Salento Yachting (half day or full day)

Galatina and Otranto Excursion (Full Day)

Today, drive 30 mins to the stunning town of Galatina for the guided tour of Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most outstanding monuments of Romanesque and Gothic art in Apulia. The numerous frescoes, practically extended everywhere, contributed to the fame of the Basilica. The frescos depict biblical stories, including the life and passion of Christ and martyrdom of Santa Caterina. You will also get to learn more about the legend of the tarantella dance, renowned throughout the Salento province. Visit Otranto, a charming seaside town known as the jewel of Salento. Enjoy a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets of the mosaics in the world. Have some free time to roam the town.

Afterwards, drive 40 mins to visit Otranto, a charming seaside town known as the jewel of Salento. Enjoy a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets of the mosaics in the world. Have some free time to roam the town before transferring back to Lecce.

Optional Activities

• Otranto Kayak & Snorkeling (5 hours)

Salento Private Wine Tasting in Puglia's Most Renowned Wineries

Drive about 30 mins to one of Puglia's most renowned wineries. Take a fascinating tour with the vineyard expert and be treated to a private wine tasting over-looking the ageing barrels of wine.

Transfer: Road Transfer

Transfer (1hour) to the Otsuni.

Ostuni Walking Tour with Olive Oil Tasting

Travel to the magical "white city" of Ostuni and embark on a guided walking tour of the city's Old Town to admire its signature whitewashed architecture, aristocratic palazzos and ancient fortified walls. Some sights visited include Duomo and Palzzo Vescovile. After that, we will enjoy a tasting of olive oil and typical local products (taralli & almond). Get the opportunity to see how the olive oil is produced in one of the best historical Masseria of the area.

Optional Activities

• Alto Salento Hike (1.5-2 hours)

Itria Valley Excursion – Alberobello & Locorotondo

Today, you are off to discover the secrets of cheese making in the ancient traditions of Puglia. Meet a local cheese artisan and learn about the art of making fresh burrata and get to try your hand at twisting the knots of the mozzarella! Next we go in search of Puglia’s famous trulli houses. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, you will get to see a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses.

Afterwards, transfer 20 mins (10km) to Locorotondo and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the atmospheric alleyways bedecked with geraniums and citrus plants, with external stone staircases and beautiful balconies that can be found around just about every corner. We begin our walk today at the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the life and soul of the old town, and continue past the beautiful palazzo that now houses the library. We then head to the Palazzo Morelli, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture.

Optional Activities

• Bike & Dine in Trullo Country
• Puglian Gastronomy in a Vintage Car

Transfer: Road Transfer

Transfer (40mins) to Monopoli.

Monopoli and Polignano a Mare Coastal Towns Exploration (Half-Day)

Transfer 40mins (45km) to the charming fishing village of Monopoli. We visit the impressive castle of Emperor Charles V and the panoramic sea walls surrounding the historic center. Explore the historic center to see some of the unique churches before proceeding to Polignano a Mare. Visit the dramatic sea caves by boat (on a modern skiff; weather permitting) and then enjoy a walking tour through town. Taste some of the delicious gelato which the town is famous for!

Transfer: Road Transfer

Transfer (30mins) to Castellana Grotte.

Castellana Grotte

Drive to Castellana Grotte, one of the largest network of caves in Europe. The massive caves were created by the underground rivers which filter down through the limestone soil of the Murge hills. Embark on a tour of the caves to see the thousands of huge, coloured stalactites and stalagmites. This grand spectacle reaches a climax at the White Cave, which glistens with calcite crystals.

Note: This tour is conducted as part of a public tour held by Castellana Grotte's resident guides. 

Optional Activities

• Coastal Biking with Olive Oil Experience (3-4 hours)
• Secrets of Puglian Cuisine at a Country Farmhouse (4 hours)
• Dinner at Grotta Palazzese

Matera Private Tour (Half-Day)

Head to Matera for an in-depth visit of this unique and ancient city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was developed among scenic surroundings and the rocks overlooking a deep ravine. Visit of the old town with its most characteristic districts, the "Sassi", carved into the rock.

Optional Activities

• Traditional Bread Making in a Group (Half-Day)
• Winery Tour in a Group (Half-Day)

Tour of the Abandoned Town of Craco

After breakfast, embark on a tour to the atmospheric abandoned old town of Craco (1hour, 60km). The abandonment has even made Craco a popular filming location, with a few famous movies being The Passion of the Christ, Quantum of Solace, and Wonder Woman.

Note: Due to limitations by cultural institutions, this will be a public tour and guests will be provided with an English-language audio guide. 

Optional Activities

• Hike Matera Gorges
• Cave Church Dining

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Transfer (1hour) to Bari for your flight.

Optional Activities

• Bari Walking Tour (Half-Day)
• Bari, Fishermen & Pasta Ladies (4 hours)