Puglia is probably the most surprising of Italy’s regions. The Illyric and Italic civilizations initially inhabited this area as early as 40,000 years ago; however, the Greeks, beginning in the 8th Century BC, created the first large settlements along the coast. The area was variously controlled by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Ostragoths, Spanish, Turkish and French. This amalgamation of cultures offers visitors a region replete with generous people, exceptional food and wine, as well as a veritable mosaic of artistic, architectural, and religious influences.
Our small group exploration of the region includes visits to Ostuni, Alberobello, Leece, and Gallipoli, to name only a few. Also included is a full day visit to the city of Matera in the province of Basilicata. For the first few days of the tour, guests will enjoy accommodations at a gorgeous, luxury masseria where wine and olive oil are produced. On the first Saturday of the tour, our guests move to an incredible luxury villa not far from Lecce.
Itinerary
Please note this itinerary indicates a typical tour with us. Some dates and destinations are subject to change to support the highest quality tour possible.
- Day One: Arrival Brindisi/Bari Airport and transfer to five-star winery estate for check in. Remainder of the day at your leisure. Group dinner at winery.
- Day Two: Guided visit to Ostuni and Alberobello.
- Day Three: Guided visit to Matera.
- Day Four: Guided visit to Taranto.
- Day Five: Depart the winery and transfer to a splendid villa near the city of Tricase, south of Lecce. We will stop for a visit to the city of Grottaglie en route to the villa and visit with ceramic producers. Lunch will be enjoyed in the city before continuing to the villa.
- Day Six: Guided excursion to Gallipoli with lunch.
- Day Seven: Guided excursion to the city of Otranto located on the eastern shore of Puglia’s “heel”.
- Day Eight: Guided excursion to Lecce.
- Day Nine: Guided excursion to the Baroque city of Galatina.
- Day Ten: Return to Gallipoli to board a beautiful yacht and enjoy a day at sea, including an easy cruise along the coast and a circumnavigation of Isola Sant’Andrea.
- Day Eleven: Open morning with lunch served at the villa. Early afternoon transfer to the southernmost point of Puglia’s ‘heel’, Capo Santa Mari di Leuca. Return to the villa for dinner this evening.
- Day Twelve: Departures from Brindisi/Bari.
Details
Included Services
- Meet-and-greet/Departure private transfers
- Luxury Accommodations in Basilicata
- Luxury villa accommodations in Puglia
- Private dedicated guides for all sites visited
- Private dedicated transportation throughout the tour with our group
- Bilingual staff
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