Italy’s Best-Kept Secret – Explore Beautiful Puglia with Jen

Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia, the stunning heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal gem of Polignano a Mare. After arriving at Bari airport, you’ll be whisked away to your hotel with a private group transfer.

In the evening, meet your host Jen, local leader/guide, and fellow travelers at a welcome meeting. If you have some free time before then, explore the town’s picturesque beaches, hidden coves, and fascinating caves. Hungry? Visit a cornetteria for a delicious Italian croissant.

In the evening, we’ll be introduced you to the amazing flavors of Puglia’s cuisine with a 3-course welcome dinner, drinks included.

Accommodation:
San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel and Spa (4 stars) or similar

Meals:
Dinner

Included Activities:
Polignano a Mare – Welcome Dinner

Today, leave the coastline behind as you journey inland to the charming town of Alberobello by private vehicle. Nestled among serene olive groves, Alberobello is renowned for its distinctive beehive-shaped trulli, limestone dwellings dating back to the 14th century. The origins of these unique structures are unclear, though one theory suggests they were built to be easily dismantled to evade feudal taxes. Regardless of their purpose, the trulli are a captivating sight, making the Apulia region truly one of a kind.

Join a local guide for an in-depth tour of Alberobello, exploring the old town quarters of Rione Monti, filled with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola, where trulli still serve as family homes. Your guide will highlight the different shapes of spires and the religious and mystical symbols adorning the roofs. Don’t miss the Church of Sant’Antonio, an impressive cathedral built in the trulli style. Afterward, return to Polignano a Mare for a leisurely afternoon. Your leader will have plenty of recommendations for dinner spots tonight.

Accommodation:
San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel and Spa (1 night)

Meals:
Breakfast

Begin your day with a visit to a local olive oil producer on a farm with roots stretching back to Roman times, where some olive trees are nearly 3,000 years old. Discover the evolution of olive oil production techniques over the centuries, sample some exquisite olive oil, and savor an included lunch featuring regional specialties. Next, explore the picturesque city of Ostuni, known for its whitewashed streets and a stunning mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture.

Afterward, head to the tranquil town of Nardo, where you’ll check into your beautiful accommodation. In the afternoon, join a local expert for a walking tour through Nardo’s enchanting old town. Discover grand palazzos, many of which were once residences of the region’s nobility, and learn about the town’s fine museums—ideal for further exploration later. Don’t miss a visit to Piazza Salandra, considered one of southern Italy’s most beautiful Baroque squares. This evening, consider joining the locals for a passeggiata, a cherished tradition of an early evening stroll.

Accommodation:
Relais Monastero Santa Chiara (4 star) or similar

Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch at Olive Oil Mill & Farmhouse

Included Activities:
Ostuni – Olive Oil Tasting
Nardo – Walking Tour

Today’s adventure takes you to the stunning city of Lecce, renowned for its intricate Baroque architecture, vibrant university scene, and ancient Roman ruins. Explore the city’s charming narrow streets with a local guide who will unveil hidden corners and share fascinating insights about Lecce’s history.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to delve into the city at your own pace. Later, return to Nardo where you might choose to relax at the nearby beach, just 15 minutes away, or join a pasta-making or wine-tasting class at your hotel.

Accommodation:
Relais Monastero Santa Chiara (4 star) or similar

Meals:
Breakfast

Today we travel onward to Matera, an ancient city perched atop a rocky outcrop. En route, make a stop at a local winery to enjoy a wine tasting session and a delightful lunch. Matera is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. While you’ll delve into the city’s iconic sassi houses in depth tomorrow, spend your evening strolling through Matera to discover its historic churches, traditional restaurants, and layers of fascinating history.

Accommodation:
La Suite Hotel & Spa (5 star) or similar

Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch

Today, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring old town of Matera, renowned for its sassi—over 3,000 stone houses carved from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back to the 8th century. With the guidance of a local expert, navigate a maze of staircases and alleyways through limestone ravines, exploring ancient sassi houses along the way.

Until the late 1950s, the sassi were known as the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the harsh living conditions endured by residents, a consequence of rapid population growth. The government intervened, relocating 15,000 inhabitants, but today the sassi are undergoing significant restoration. Some homes now feature exhibits that recreate their historical interiors. You’ll also visit an ancient underground neighborhood, which includes houses, streets, cisterns, and churches.

Accommodation:
La Suite Hotel & Spa (5 star) or similar

Meals:
Breakfast

Included Activities:
Matera – Ipogeo Underground Cistern
Matera – Guided Walking Tour

Start your day with a drive to Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most renowned archaeological sites—the ruins of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a local guide to explore this ancient Roman trading hub, which was covered by ash and remained hidden until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Wander through well-preserved villas, temples, theaters, markets, and chariot-rutted streets as your guide brings the vibrant past of Pompeii to life. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Roman Forum, basilica, temples, public baths, and the small Odeon theater designed for musical performances.

In the afternoon, travel to the lively city of Naples. Here, gather with your group for a farewell dinner and reflect on the highlights of your journey.

Accommodation:
Palazzo Salgar (4 star) or similar

Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner

Included Activities:
Pompeii – Walking Tour with Local Guide
Pompeii – Archaeological Site

Our Puglian adventure sadly concludes after breakfast this morning. Wake up early and take the time to check out a few more sites if you can, before sharing amazing memories and future travel plans with your new travel buddies on your group transfer to the airport for departure.

Meals:
Breakfast