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THE ESSENCE OF PUGLIA
Lecce, Matera, and Savelletri di Fasano
Puglia is Italy at its most authentic with sun-drenched coastlines, hilltop towns, and food that is unlike anything you have ever tasted. From the turquoise waters of Polignano a Mare to the unique trulli of Alberobello, every town invites you to slow down and savor this authentic region.
Just nearby, Matera stuns with its ancient cave dwellings carved into stone. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, yet somehow still a hidden gem.
Uncover one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, one of our all-time favourite spots!
DAY 1
Welcome to Puglia!
Welcome to Lecce, where golden Baroque architecture meets the relaxed rhythm of southern Italy. Wander sunlit streets, sip espresso in lively piazzas, and soak in the charm of a city that feels both timeless and full of life.
Upon arrival into Brindisi, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel.
The afternoon is at leisure.
Where You Will Stay
Patria Palace (5 star)
La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso (5 star)
Palazzo Maresgallo (historic residence)
DAY 2
Baroque Lecce
Today you will tour your home base of Lecce, the baroque jewel of the Salento province known as the Florence of the South.
Accompanied by your expert local guide, discover the old city, a real open-air museum: from the Roman amphitheatre to outstanding palaces and churches adorned with decorative motifs, the city is just brimming with imposing sites and a vibrant artisanal scene.
You can't leave Lecce without a taste of its gastronomic delicacies: the famous "pasticciotto" and "rustico" leccese. Afterwards return to your hotel where the afternoon is at leisure to stroll the streets of Lecce or head to a nearby beach club.
Where You Will Stay
Patria Palace (5 star)
La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso (5 star)
Palazzo Maresgallo (historic residence)
DAY 3
Exploring the Gems of the Salento Province: Gallipoli, Galatina & Otranto
This morning you are headed to Gallipoli known as the 'Pearl of the Ionian'. Cross the 16th century bridge to visit the historical city center located on a limestone island off of the mainland. Gallipoli is famous for its incredible seafood, so be sure to take the time to also explore the tiny seafood market.
Next make a stop in stunning Galatina to explore the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in where you'll see astonishing frescoes depicting biblical stories. Galatina is also home to the famous "pasticiotto" pasty. You'll also learn more about the legend of the tarantella dance, renowned throughout the Salento province.
Then you will travel to Otranto known as the jewel of Salento. This fortified city, perched on the edge of the clear, blue Adriatic sea is a must-see town when traveling to the heel of the boot. Our guide will lead you on a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets of the historical center before you make your way to the sea wall for panoramic views out to the horizon.
Where You Will Stay
Patria Palace (5 star)
La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso (5 star)
Palazzo Maresgallo (historic residence)
DAY 4
Salento Vineyards
Today we will travel to one of Puglia's renowned wineries, set in the most well-suited terroirs for the cultivation of vines in Italy. Here, the art of wine-making has been handed down from generation to generation, but new and dynamic wine-making techniques are also at work.
Enjoy a walk through the vineyards, discovering the estate and its history, culminating in a generous tasting of their wines, paired with delicious local dishes for lunch.
After your wine tour transfer to Matera, a unique and ancient city located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. It's best known for its remarkable Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings that are carved into the limestone cliffs.
Where You Will Stay
Sextantio Grotte Della Civita (5 star)
Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort (5 star)
Vetera Matera (5 star)
DAY 5
The Sassi of Matera
This morning there will be a visit Matera, a unique and ancient city perched high on a beautiful hillside and only recently seen by foreign eyes. This famed UNESCO World Heritage Site is just across the border from Puglia, in the Basilicata Region and has been the location for a number of recent blockbuster movies, including the latest 007 movie 'No Time to Die'. Our expert guide will lead you on a walking tour of the 'sassi', ancient cave dwellings restored for current use as homes, shops and restaurants.
Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Where You Will Stay
Sextantio Grotte Della Civita (5 star)
Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort (5 star)
Vetera Matera (5 star)
DAY 6
Burrata & Trulli Houses
Today, meet your driver and head towards Alberobello where you will meet your guide.
In Alberobello, the streets are lined with trulli houses: dry-stone houses with conical roofs that dot the landscape in their hundreds. These unique houses are surprisingly ingenious structures, complete with their own rainwater collection and storage. Due to its precious architecture and heritage, the town was granted UNESCO status in 1997.
Burrata is the wildly indulgent cousin of Mozzarella. Dive into the food traditions of the region, as you enjoy an authentic 'zero food miles' experience. The cows live here, are milked here and the cheese is made on site. Not only that, but the farming families have been raising dairy cows here for generations. Enjoy a light tasting of the freshest cheese you will ever taste.
Continue your journey to your next accommodation in Savelletri.
Where You Will Stay
Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza (5 star)
Borgo Egnazia (5 star)
Masseria San Domenico (5 star)
DAY 7
Ostuni & Olive Oil
Today's experience is about so much more than an olive oil tasting - it is a step into the lifeblood of the region, its natural beauty, the people and the traditions.
The olive trees in Puglia are incredibly special. Some are more than one thousand years old and are magnificent natural sculptures, monumental trees bearing the gnarly twist and knots of the passing centuries. You will visit a historic estate, family-owned and immensely passionate about their oil. Enjoy an in-depth tour and taste the extra virgin olive oil with your guide.
Afterwards you will travel to the magical white city of Ostuni. Think white-washed streets and picturesque piazzas, brimming with café culture. Along the city walls you can see the Aragonese towers rising out of the rock and enjoy the stunning views over the sweeping plains of olive trees all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
The citadel is a labyrinth of impossibly-charming alleyways, decked with flower boxes that contrast against the striking white walls and clear blue sky.
This afternoon return to your Masseria or Borgo where the afternoon is at leisure.
Where You Will Stay
Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza (5 star)
Borgo Egnazia (5 star)
Masseria San Domenico (5 star)
DAY 8
Seaside Towns of Polignano and Monopoli
This morning you will head to the town of Monopoli, which has been inhabited since 500 BC. The town takes its name from the early Greek city that was founded here. "Monos Polis" means singularly unique. Like so many towns on the Adriatic, Monopoli's history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castle tell many a story.
Together with our local guide you will delve into the narrow street of the historical town and discover the best sites.
Next you will head to the striking cliff top town of Polignano a Mare. The town of Polignano itself is a real must-see and is also famous for its delicious artisan gelato, so our guide will make a stop at one of the many tempting gelaterie! In addition, the town is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
Where You Will Stay
Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza (5 star)
Borgo Egnazia (5 star)
Masseria San Domenico (5 star)
DAY 9
Farewell
As your unforgettable journey through Puglia and Basilicata comes to a close, your driver will meet you for a private transfer to the airport.