8 DAYS FACES OF PUGLIA

Transfer: Airport to hotel

You would be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Lecce Walking Tour

Proceed for a tour of Lecce. Visit the magnificent cathedral with its 70 meters high campanile, the Basilica of Santa Croce (the best example of Baroque style in Italy), Piazza Sant'Oronzo where the Via Appia ends and the Roman amphitheatre. Be sure to try some "pasticiototto leccese"!

Optional Activities

• Lecce Street Food Experience (4 hours)
• Gallipoli Seafood Market & Cooking Lesson (4-5 hours)
• Lecce Market & Cooking Lesson (4-5 hours)
• Hike Porto Selvaggio (4-5 hours)
• Salento Yachting (half day or full day)

Galatina and Otranto Excursion (Full Day)

Today, drive 30 mins to the stunning town of Galatina for the guided tour of Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most outstanding monuments of Romanesque and Gothic art in Apulia. The numerous frescoes, practically extended everywhere, contributed to the fame of the Basilica. The frescos depict biblical stories, including the life and passion of Christ and martyrdom of Santa Caterina. You will also get to learn more about the legend of the tarantella dance, renowned throughout the Salento province. Visit Otranto, a charming seaside town known as the jewel of Salento. Enjoy a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets of the mosaics in the world. Have some free time to roam the town.

Afterwards, drive 40 mins to visit Otranto, a charming seaside town known as the jewel of Salento. Enjoy a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets of the mosaics in the world. Have some free time to roam the town before transferring back to Lecce.

Optional Activities

• Otranto Kayak & Snorkeling (5 hours)

Salento Private Wine Tasting in Puglia's Most Renowned Wineries

Drive about 30 mins to one of Puglia's most renowned wineries. Take a fascinating tour with the vineyard expert and be treated to a private wine tasting over-looking the ageing barrels of wine.

Transfer: Road Transfer

Transfer (1hour) to the Otsuni.

Ostuni Walking Tour with Olive Oil Tasting

Travel to the magical "white city" of Ostuni and embark on a guided walking tour of the city's Old Town to admire its signature whitewashed architecture, aristocratic palazzos and ancient fortified walls. Some sights visited include Duomo and Palzzo Vescovile. After that, we will enjoy a tasting of olive oil and typical local products (taralli & almond). Get the opportunity to see how the olive oil is produced in one of the best historical Masseria of the area.

Optional Activities

• Alto Salento Hike (1.5-2 hours)

Gordes and Roussillon Walk

Today transfer to Gordes, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, its golden-stone homes rising in concentric circles up to the renaissance castle that crowns a village hanging almost impossibly atop a rocky crag.

Walk through a countryside sprinkled with aromatic herbs, and dotted with old stone huts. The trails lead to the Cistercian monastery of Senanque and to its famed lavender fields. Built in the 12th century, Senanque abbey is a marvel of Romanesque architecture.

In the afternoon visit the village of Roussillon, its colourful homes ranging from pale yellow to deep red, painted with the ochre pigments from the nearby quarry. We take a walk through the colourful sands before returning to L’Isle sur la Sorgue. (Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours walking, 11 km, +/- 250m elevation gain.)

Return to your hotel in the early evening and enjoy relaxing evening in the guesthouse.

Transfer: Road Transfer

Transfer (40mins) to Monopoli.

Monopoli and Polignano a Mare Coastal Towns Exploration (Half-Day)

Transfer 40mins (45km) to the charming fishing village of Monopoli. We visit the impressive castle of Emperor Charles V and the panoramic sea walls surrounding the historic center. Explore the historic center to see some of the unique churches before proceeding to Polignano a Mare. Visit the dramatic sea caves by boat (on a modern skiff; weather permitting) and then enjoy a walking tour through town. Taste some of the delicious gelato which the town is famous for!

Transfer: Road Transfer

Transfer (30mins) to Castellana Grotte.

Castellana Grotte

Drive to Castellana Grotte, one of the largest network of caves in Europe. The massive caves were created by the underground rivers which filter down through the limestone soil of the Murge hills. Embark on a tour of the caves to see the thousands of huge, coloured stalactites and stalagmites. This grand spectacle reaches a climax at the White Cave, which glistens with calcite crystals.

Note: This tour is conducted as part of a public tour held by Castellana Grotte's resident guides. 

Optional Activities

• Coastal Biking with Olive Oil Experience (3-4 hours)
• Secrets of Puglian Cuisine at a Country Farmhouse (4 hours)
• Dinner at Grotta Palazzese

Matera Private Tour (Half-Day)

Head to Matera for an in-depth visit of this unique and ancient city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was developed among scenic surroundings and the rocks overlooking a deep ravine. Visit of the old town with its most characteristic districts, the "Sassi", carved into the rock.

Optional Activities

• Traditional Bread Making in a Group (Half-Day)
• Winery Tour in a Group (Half-Day)

Matera Private Tour (Half-Day)

Head to Matera for an in-depth visit of this unique and ancient city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was developed among scenic surroundings and the rocks overlooking a deep ravine. Visit of the old town with its most characteristic districts, the "Sassi", carved into the rock.

Optional Activities

• Traditional Bread Making in a Group (Half-Day)
• Winery Tour in a Group (Half-Day)

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Transfer (1hour) to Bari for your flight.

Optional Activities

• Bari Walking Tour (Half-Day)
• Bari, Fishermen & Pasta Ladies (4 hours)