Puglia - Discover the Heel of Italy

Overview

Puglia - Discover the Heel of Italy

The ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’ boasts the country’s longest coastline, dotted with fairytale towns of trulli houses and Baroque churches, ancient olive groves and beautiful beaches. The remote, sun-drenched gem of Puglia is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets - discover it with us on this splendid holiday, which includes impressive classical sites, the engaging Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello, which has been called the ‘capital of the trulli’ for its distinctive medieval stone dwellings.

What's Included:

  • Return flights
  • VIP door-to-door travel service
  • 7 nights in hotels
  • 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
  • VOX portable audio headset system on excursions

Full Itinerary

Day 1: London - Bari - Lecce

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Bari Airport. On arrival board your coach to Lecce and to your hotel, the Grand Hotel di Lecce or similar, where dinner is included this evening.

Day 2: Lecce - Otranto

This morning you have included a guided tour of Lecce and then you make your way to the most eastern city in Italy, Otranto. You will see the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral that houses a vast mosaic floor dating back to 1166, depicting a multi-coloured ‘Tree of Life’ amongst other scenes of myths and legends. Return to your hotel.

Day 3: Lecce - Ostuni - Cisternino - Selva di Fasano

This morning you travel to Ostuni, a city which has been occupied since the Stone Age and which has a vibrant olive and grape industry. Commonly known as ‘the white town’, Ostuni’s hilltop citadel is encased in white walls and surrounded by white-painted architecture. The 15th century cathedral is discernible for the green, yellow and white slate tiles that encase it and the nearby buildings. Enjoy an olive oil tasting here, before travelling on to Selva di Fasano, with a break to stretch your legs in Cisternino, the historical chalky-white town. Check in to the beautiful Tenuta Monacelle, which will be your base for your explorations for the next three nights - and it benefits from a secluded, peaceful location.

Day 4: Locorotondo - Alberobello

Explore the pretty, white-washed maze of Locorotondo’s historic centre, before you continue to Alberobello (there is a fifteen-minute walk to the town from the coach). A high concentration of trulli - unique circular, conical-roofed, white-washed houses - can be found in and around the town. Visit a winery here for a tasting and light lunch. Finally, drive through the Valley d’Itria, laced with vineyards and olive groves on our return to Matera. This evening you have dinner at a local masseria.

Day 5: Matera

Today you travel to the distinctive and fascinating town of Matera, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, due to the unique cave dwellings that remain there. Monks created this maze of living spaces and churches as they sought refuge from infidels at the end of the first millennium; and miraculously they are still largely intact. After your guided tour of the rock church and caves, which involves steps and walking on uneven ground, enjoy a tasting of the artisanal bread ‘focaccia’ with wine included, before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Selva di Fasano - Castellana Caves - Bari - Ruvo di Puglia - Trani

Journey to the Castellana Caves today, which are a series of limestone caves accidentally discovered in 1938 and are now one of Puglia’s main attractions. A guide will accompany you as you descend to the caves. Travel to the old port city of Bari for lunch (own expense). The Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola is dedicated to St Nicholas, or Father Christmas, built to house his remains which still lie in the crypt. Continue to Ruvo di Puglia, where you may like to visit Ruvo Cathedral, a 13th century cathedral built in a late Romanesque style, or the Jatta Museum, where terracotta figures and pots decorated in mythical scenes give insight to early life in Magna Graecia. You travel on to Trani, and to the Hotel San Paolo Al Convento, which will be your base in this harbour town for the next two nights.

Day 7: Castel Del Monte - Trani

This morning depart for a guided tour of Castel Del Monte, built by Frederick II in the mid-13th century, most probably as a hunting lodge, crowning the medieval hilltop village. Return to Trani for time at leisure to explore the historic centre, stroll the yacht-lined marina and storm the castle of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II at leisure before dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Trani - Bari - London

Today board your coach for the journey to Bari Airport and a scheduled British Airways flight to London Gatwick. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.

Hand Picked By

Heather Muir

Every holiday includes scheduled flights, carefully chosen hotels and a number of meals and excursions; and has the services of a knowledgeable tour manager throughout. The VIP Home Departure Service means that you can close your front door and relax as everything is taken care of.

Heather Muir

Additional Information

  • Date: Various departures for 2024
  • Star Rating: 4
  • Board Basis: Mixed meal plan
  • Duration: 7 nights
  • Departure Airport: London Gatwick
  • Guide Price: From £1,549pp
  • Includes Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
 Enquire Now

Latest from our Travel Experts

Nicole's AMAzing experience on board AmaSerena

Nicole group

I had an amazing opportunity to stay on board AmaWaterways AmaSerena for one night during the CLIA...

Read More
Margaret's Extraordinary Expedition Cruise to Antarctica

Mags intro

“Where? Antarctica … Really? Yes! Wow” …was all I could say to a fact finding...

Read More
Snow, hot chocolate and huskies with Caroline!

Caroline intro

After a bright and early start and a meet up at Bristol Airport, we flew 3 and a half hours to...

Read More