Puglia’s Coast and Cities

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.