Puglia’s Coast and Cities
“Also known as the ‘heel of Italy’s boot’, Puglia is a charming region renowned for its nature, history, tradition, flavours and spirituality. Discover the marvels of Puglia through this nine-day itinerary.”
Day 1
Arrival Lido Marini
Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation in Lido Marini, towards the bottom of the ‘heel’ of Italy.
The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure enjoying the beautiful beaches and azure sea.
Day 2
Lecce
Today’s excursion takes you to the baroque capital of Puglia: Lecce. You’ll visit the Roman amphitheatre at the heart of the city, as well as Piazza Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce.
Watch papier-mâché artisans at work in the narrow alleyways, before having lunch in a noble palace while listening to a private concert of baroque music.
Day 3
Otranto – Grotte di Zinzulusa – Santa Maria di Leuca
After breakfast head north to Otranto, a coastal town with sweeping sea views. Here, you’ll visit the castle and the town’s Romanesque cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest mosaics.
After lunch in Otranto, you’ll travel south to the tip of the ‘heel’, stopping at the picturesque Grotte di Zinzulusa, an impressive natural phenomena, before ending your journey in the town of Santa Maria di Leuca.
Day 4
Lido Marini – Savelletri
This morning you’ll leave your hotel for a base in the centre of Puglia. En route, stop at Masseria for a cookery demonstration with an Italian mamma, before checking into your hotel near the archaeological site of Egnazia.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, relaxing by the beach, being pampered in the spa and visiting the beach resort of Savelletri for dinner.
Day 5
Alberobello – Ostuni
Today, you’ll visit the town of Alberobello to see its unique trulli houses, dry stone huts with conical roofs that have been recognised by UNESCO.
Your tour continues with a trip to Ostuni, Puglia’s famous ‘White City’. Perched on a hillside, this town is ideal or wandering through alleyways, archways and stairways, their white walls adorned with bright flowers and colourful doors.
Day 6
Savelletri
Spend today at leisure.
Your Travel Designer can recommend activities to suit your interests prior to departure.
Day 7
Bari – Trani
This morning you’ll transfer to Bari, Puglia’s capital, where you can stroll along the seafront, visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Swabian Castle, and observe the locals making orecchiette, traditional handmade pasta.
In the afternoon, visit the town of Trani to explore the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, an elegant Romanesque structure.
Day 8
Matera
The final stop on your Puglia adventure takes you to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ‘sassi’, grottoes carved out of limestone. Visit peasant dwellings and churches carved in the rocks, and spend the night in one of the city’s cave hotels.
Day 9
Departure
Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.
- Savour lunch in a noble palace while listening to a private baroque concert
- Explore the coast and towns of Puglia, the ‘heel of Italy’
- Learn the secrets of traditional cookery from an Italian mamma
- Discover the famous ‘trulli’ houses of Alberobello and the ‘White City’ of Ostuni
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera and spend the night in one of its famous cave hotels
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
