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Home > Italy > 8 DAYS FACES OF PUGLIA

8 DAYS FACES OF PUGLIA

LECCE, INTRIA VALLEY, MATERA

Gourmet & Wine, History & Culture

Highlights

  • Explore one of Italy’s most authentic regions without tourist crowds
  • Immerse in local gastronomy, from award-winning wines, the highly sought after olive oil, sample local focaccia or meet a burrata maker
  • Uncover UNESCO-listed treasures as you explore the sassi of Matera and over 1,000 well-preserved trulli houses in Alberobello
  • Optional soft adventures include hiking, biking and kayaking

Immerse yourself in Puglia’s authentic and unspoilt culture as your journey through the length of the Italian heel.

This nine-day itinerary has been specially curated to take you on a sensory adventure through the south-eastern most region of Italy. Culture meets cuisine as you visit UNESCO world heritage sites, immerse yourself in baroque towns, white-washed trullo houses, olive groves and orchards, not forgetting plenty of the blue sea and stunning coastal towns! And indulge in Slow Food, fresh frutti di mare, and ruby-red wines that have been cultivated in the region for centuries. End your trip in Basilicata’s most famous site, the cave town of Matera.

From

SGD 6,180 Per person

8 Days 7 Nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrival In Brindisi / Lecce

Arrival In Brindisi / Lecce
Lecce
N.A.

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)

Day 02 Lecce / Galatina / Otranto / Lecce

Lecce / Galatina / Otranto / Lecce
Lecce
Breakfast included

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)

Day 03 Lecce / Itria Valley

Lecce / Itria Valley
Itria Valley
Breakfast included

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)

Day 04 Itria Valley

Itria Valley
Itria Valley
Breakfast included

Itria Valley Excursion – Alberobello, Locorotondo & Martina Franca (Full Day)

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. Continue to Martina Franca and visit the workshops of local artisans and get a hands-on lesson in ceramics painting or leather working.

Optional Activities

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

Day 05 Itria Valley / Polignano a Mare / Castellana Grotte / Itria Valley

Itria Valley / Polignano a Mare / Castellana Grotte / Itria Valley
Itria Valley
Breakfast included

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 Private Tour (Half-Day)

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 private 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.

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

Day 06 Itria Valley / Matera

Itria Valley / Matera
Matera
Breakfast included

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

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

Day 07 Matera / Craco / Matera

Matera / Craco / Matera
Matera
Breakfast included

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, a few famous movies being The Passion of the Christ, Quantum of Solace as well as an upcoming movie for Wonder Woman.

Optional Activities

  • Hike Matera Gorges
  • Cave Church Dining

Day 08 Matera / Departure From Bari

Matera / Departure From Bari
N.A.
Breakfast included

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Transfer (1hour) to Bari for your flight.

Optional Activities

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

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative cost per person

Min. 2 pax
From S$9,190
Min. 4 pax
From S$6,180

Mantatelure • Don Ferrante • Palazzo Viceconte

Lecce

Lecce

Mantatelure

The boutique guesthouse Mantatelurè is a restored, historic residence dating back to 1550. With only 6 elegant rooms and suites on offer, each room has its own unique charm and individuality and provides for an unforgettable stay. (Rooms: 6)

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Intria Valley

Intria Valley

Don Ferrante

Don Ferrante is a boutique hotel ideally located in Monopoli old town. With just 10 rooms, this whitewashed Puglian retreat charms guests into a slower pace of life. Linger on the terrace over fresh Mediterranean fare, slink into the dinky rooftop pool and soak up those dazzling Adriatic views. (Opened in 2011; Rooms 10)

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Matera

Matera

Palazzo Viceconte

An early 17th century historic Palazzo in the heart of the ancient city of Matera. The 14 rooms of the hotel have a warm atmosphere and are decorated in beautiful rich colours and adorned with high quality furnishings. (Rooms: 14)

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Category 2

Indicative cost per person

Min. 2 pax
From S$11,690
Min. 4 pax
From S$8,690

Risorgimento Resort • Masseria Torre Maizza • Palazzo Gattini

Lecce

Lecce

Risorgimento Resort

A former historic mansion in 1400, the Risorgimento Resort is now a five-star luxury hotel with 47 rooms and suites of contemporary design. The strong connection with our land is its essence of luxury, the rooms inspire you with colours and shapes of our land and gourmet tastes are inspired by Salento flavours. (Refurbished in 2007; Rooms 47)

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Itria Valley

Itria Valley

Masseria Torre Maizza

This authentic Puglian hideaway is beautifully nestled amongst ancient olive groves on the Italian Adriatic coast. The renovated 16th century masseria offers Olga Polizzi-designed rooms and suites with thoughtful design accents that blends local heritage with contemporary luxury. The hideaway also features a nine-hole executive golf course, a private beach club and an indulgent spa.

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Matera

Matera

Palazzo Gattini

This luxury hotel is located in the Matera Sassi area, with only 20 stylish rooms. Sleep under stone ceilings and soak up the historic atmosphere at every turn yet enjoying the modern comforts.

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Category 3

Indicative cost per person

Min. 2 pax
From S$16,280
Min. 4 pax
From S$13,280

La Fiermontina • Borgo Egnazia • Palazzo Gattini

Lecce

Lecce

La Fiermontina

La Fiermontina Luxury Home is an elegant luxury hotel that combines art and design in a structure with a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

Itria Valley

Itria Valley

Borgo Egnazia

Borgo Egnazia is like a breathing tale of Puglia, spoken by the ancient culture of the land and by the sheer beauty of its nonpareil architecture. It?s a place where you meet yourself. Situated only 8 km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. (Opened: 2009; Rooms: 185)

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Matera

Matera

Palazzo Gattini

This luxury hotel is located in the Matera Sassi area, with only 20 stylish rooms. Sleep under stone ceilings and soak up the historic atmosphere at every turn yet enjoying the modern comforts.

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COST INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation as stated on twin sharing basis
  • Meals as stated
  • Tours as stated in private basis by English speaking guide
  • Transfers as stated

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International airfare and airport taxes
  • Optional experiences
  • Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)
  • Personal expenses such as spa, laundry and bar bills

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