Puglia - The Undiscovered Gem of Southern Italy

Polignano a Mare

ITINERARY

DISCOVERING THE HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ITALY – Among Olive Trees, the Sea, and Charming Towns

Olives, wine, food for the gods, and a well-kept secret—this is how one could briefly describe the province of Puglia. Rich history has been written here as well, evidenced by numerous monuments aged over 2,000 years old.

Not as frequently visited as other Italian tourist destinations, yet among the most beautiful regions on the Apennine Peninsula, Puglia is a picturesque area located in the heel of Italy’s boot. Known for its rich cultural heritage, charming coastal towns, and endless olive groves, it is surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, offering an abundance of crystal-clear beaches and turquoise coves—perfect for relaxation and exploration. Stone towns such as Alberobello with its iconic trulli houses, the historic Lecce, also known as the "Florence of the South," and the scenic Ostuni are just some of the many stunning, authentic places that captivate visitors with their unique architecture and timeless Mediterranean charm.

Day 1

Flight to Bari (for specific departure dates and locations, please contact us). Before checking into the hotel, we head to the historic city center, where we take a stroll along the waterfront with stunning views of the old harbor, admire the 11th-century castle, and visit the 12th-century Basilica of St. Nicholas, which has attracted millions of pilgrims for centuries due to its relics. We also explore the old town - Bari Vecchia - a labyrinth of narrow stone streets where locals still handcraft orecchiette, a pasta typical of Puglia, right in front of their homes. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, we head south. Driving past vast olive groves and lesser-known yet popular seaside gems like Polignano, we stop briefly to admire this coastal town, famous for its restaurants built into seaside caves. We then continue to Alberobello, home to the unique trulli - limestone houses built without mortar or cement. These cone-shaped structures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are those in Locorotondo, another town filled with such distinctive buildings.

Before reaching our destination for the day, we make a short stop in Ostuni, known as the White City, where the majority of houses are whitewashed with lime to reflect heat, creating its striking appearance. The day ends in Lecce, where we stay for two nights. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

This city, with around 100,000 residents, is relatively unknown to many, but we’ll see why it’s called the “Florence of the South.” In the city center, we’ll find the well-preserved Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century, a popular spot among locals, especially on summer evenings. There's also Oronzo Square with its column and statue of the city's patron saint, the Cathedral of Santa Maria from the 12th century, and the Basilica of Santa Croce, built in the 14th century—all within a ten-minute walking radius. In between, there are countless bars, restaurants, and pastry shops.

Olive oil and wine production are key pillars of the local economy, so for lunch, we’ll visit a nearby Italian farm to sample delicacies that inspire entire books. The evening is free for you to explore the city on your own. Take part in the passeggiata, the Italian tradition of an evening stroll through town. Overnight stay.

Day 4

After breakfast at the hotel, we head westward. On our way to Matera, we make a brief stop in Taranto, a city founded by refugees from Sparta in the 8th century BC. It was once home to 300,000 inhabitants 2,500 years ago.

Our main destination, however, is Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world. Until recently, people still lived in caves carved into the canyon walls. Many of these dwellings remain preserved, offering a unique glimpse into life in such an environment. We’ll enjoy a guided tour to fully explore this fascinating place. Dinner and overnight stay follow.

Day 5

After breakfast, our journey takes us north to Altamura, an archaeological town named after the still-visible remnants of its megalithic walls. Altamura is renowned throughout Italy as the place where the best bread is baked. We'll stop to taste this famous bread and visit the Romanesque cathedral from the 12th century.

Next, we head to Castel del Monte, an intriguing and unusual 13th-century castle. This octagonal fortress fascinates historians and mathematicians alike, as its purpose remains a mystery.

From there, we return to the coast to visit Barletta, a city worth exploring. Highlights include its massive castle, from where Crusaders departed for the Holy Land, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore from the 13th century, and the colossal Colossus of Barletta, a 4-meter bronze statue from Roman times.

After our visit, we check into our hotel and enjoy dinner.

Day 6

On our final day, after breakfast, we head home.