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A once overlooked region of Italy, Puglia which is also known as Apulia, sits at the heel of the country. Be charmed by Puglia's baroque towns, white-washed trullo houses, olive groves and orchards, spectacular cliffs, crystal clear waters, unspoilt beaches, plenty of sunshine and excellent cuisine.
Welcome to Italy! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation in Fasano to check in.
Relax, refresh, and enjoy the comforts of your hotel as you settle in to your new surroundings.
Puglia is relatively flat which make it one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. Almost always ruled by outsiders, Puglia was a primarily feudal farming region, and its character today still reflects its relatively humble agricultural past. In fact, this region produces more olive oil than any other in Italy and as well as producing wine, wheat and oats. It is the place of the so called Cucina Povera (the cuisine of poverty) and it is certainly true that this poor area has made the very best of its local produce. There are no rules; recipes have long been improvised from what is available - Pasta made without eggs, bread made from the local durum wheat. The food is some of the best in all of Italy and your time here will highlight what Puglia has to offer.
This morning after breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a day of exploring along the Adriatic Coast.
Begin with a visit to port city of Bari and discover its bustling traditional harbor. Explore the mazelike old town and visit the fish market, see the Ancient walls, and take in the 11th century Basilica of St. Nicola, a key pilgrimage site which holds his remains. As you make your way to the Ferrarese and Mercantile squares, we will peruse the shops. Later, we will see the Norman-Swabian Castle and some shopping down the old alleys, such as Arco Basso. Known as 'orechhiette's street', this area is considered to be the heart of the city and is distinguished by a small tunnel where the pasta is produced fresh daily and left to dry on the countertops.
Next, we will make our way to another town on the Adriatic coast, Poligano a Mare. Famous for it's beaches, such as the white pebble Lama Monachile, which is bordered by a Roman bridge. Notice the 'balconies' overhanging on the sea, creating the ideal cliff diving environment. As you walk through the charming town and along the seaside, immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and old buildings, such as the San Vito Abby with its Romanesque church and 16th century tower.
At the end of the day, your guide will return you to your hotel.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel. If of interest, we can arrange an e-bike tour or an adventurous day by boat.
Today, you will be picked up at your accommodation in Fasano and transferred to your accommodation in Otuni and enjoy a wonderful day of touring enroute.
With your guide, your first stop today will be in the town of Alberobello. Known for it's whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, the architecture is truly unique and give the town an enchanting vibe as you walk through the idyllic, peaceful streets.
We can arrange lunch here today to indulge in a wine tasting experience with 4 local wines, cheeses, cured meats, freislline, and pasta.
Next, we will drive to Locorotondo, which also has its own peculiar houses which are specific to the town. Enjoy the laid back relaxing atmosphere as you peruse the shops and stonewashed streets.
For our final stop, we will visit the heart of the Itria Valley, Martina Franca. This fully walled, ancient jewel of a town is full of elegant palaces, churches, and Baroque architecture. Stroll through the old town, the beautiful park, and take in the many sites such as the delightful Basilica di San Martino, shops in the narrow streets of the Piazza, and treat yourselves to one of the refreshments at one of the many outdoor cafes. Be sure to sample the capocollo, a cured ham that is the pride of the town!
You will be brought to your hotel for check in at the end of the afternoon.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning for a day of touring.
We begin the day with a visit to the hilltop city of Ostuni, The White City, which gains its name from the aesthetically pleasing whitewashed buildings that rise high above the olive groves. During old times, the white buildings, were a practice used as a means of lightening up the dark, labyrinth medieval streets. Initially founded 600 years before Christ, the village has a long and varied history, and traces of each civilization remain scattered throughout the city for visitors to discover. Wander through the narrow back streets, little passages, and flights of steps until you reach the highest part of the town, which is home to the imposing Archbishop's 15th century Concattedrale. The 360 panoramic view from here is truly spectacular and well worth the journey.
Next, we will drive to Lecce, a Baroque city famous for its 17th century monuments and buildings, and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Experience the wonders of the city first hand as you walk the golden sandstone streets, explore hidden piazzas, and sample the incredible and delicious cuisine. The city also boasts it's own large Roman amphitheatre, the astonishing Lecce Cathedral, and the extravagant Basilica di Santa Croce.
In Lecce, enjoy a special, personalized wine paring and food tasting experience with 4 local wines paired with 4 traditional foods for which this region is famous.
As your day of touring comes to an end, your guide will return you to your hotel.
Enjoy a slow breakfast and morning at leisure. After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the Brindisi airport for your departing flight home or onwards.
Formerly a 16th century fortified farmhouse, this luxury, family-run masseria is just a short distance from the crystalline Adriatic sea. Today, it is the home of the Puglian lifestyle at its finest. Masseria Torre Coccaro's whitewashed tower dates back to the 16th century, when it was one in a line of defense of towers protecting the land from the invading Saracens. On the terrace of the tower, you can find the old pigeon tower used for sending messages during the wars. Surrounded by olive groves more than 800 years old, almond trees, carob trees, it has been restored into a 5 star country house. The Hotel has a pool, 2 Restaurants and 2 beach clubs.
Since 1500, Masseria il Frantoio has been a country farm and today is one of the most charming Ostuni hotels immersed in a timeless atmosphere where culture and tradition merge with modernity. Deep in the countryside only few kilometres from the sea, the 16 rooms of the Masseria Il Frantoio of Ostuni are furnished with vintage furniture and modern comforts. Guests will enjoy the onsite restaurant with freshly made bread, pasta, and vegetables from the garden and the excellent selection of wines from the best producers in Ostuni.
Bespoke organization of the trip
Bilingual guide with expert regional knowledge
Regional restaurant recommendations
Accommodation as per the daily summary
Meals as per the daily summary
All transfers on private basis as per the daily summary
All tours on private basis as per the daily summary (unless otherwise stated)
Wine tasting fees
International and domestic airfares
Any entrance tickets not mentioned in the itinerary
All meals and beverages not included in the daily summary
Dinner restaurant reservations (available for a supplement)
Gratuity (at your discretion)
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Rental vehicle hire (if applicable)
Canadian in essence, Ukrainian by birth, she has a true wanderlust spirit, passion and curiosity for vines and dines around the world, one continent at a time.
After completing her studies in Tourism and Hospitality in Canada, Valeria worked in luxury hotels and resorts from Hawaii to Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean. Now she calls Vancouver home, sharing an active lifestyle between hiking, yoga and sailing.
Prior to joining the team, Valeria worked in luxury lifestyle management, benchmarking bespoke concierge service and granting access to the inaccessible. She loves designing unique travel experiences powered by art, wine and culture, wellness, adventure and connection, where strangers become friends and friends become family. Valeria’s favorite saying is Anni, amori, e bicchieri di vino – non si contano mai – “Years, lovers, and glasses of wine should never be counted.” Salud!
