Day 1- Bari & Castel del Monte 2/6/19

Today we begin our tour by picking up from Bari and making our way to Castel del Monte. 

This 13th-century castle, or fortress, is situated on a hill in Andria in the Apuglia region. Built as an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner, we will have time to look around and take in all of its history, before making our way to our beautiful and peaceful, agriturismo in Torre Canne for our welcome dinner. (D)

 Day 2 - Polignano al Mare & Torre Canne 3/6/19

After breakfast, we drive up the coast, to Polignano a Mare. A beautiful little town on the edge of the Adriatic sea, often referred to ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. With its crystal clear waters surrounding the cliffsides, you have the opportunity to admire the caves that have been formed & carved out by the sea. Here, we are spoilt to a beautiful seafood lunch, followed by a walk around the cobble stoned streets. Late afternoon we head back to our Agriturismo to relax for the evening. (B,L)

Day 3- White city of Ostuni & cooking class 4/6/19

Known as the ‘White city’, Ostuni is a medieval walled city with whitewashed buildings, perched atop a hill with views of hundreds of olive groves & the Adriatic sea. Today our private tour guide will take us around the small alleyways and arches with a series of levels and staircases, while explaining the history of the area, when it was inhabited during the Stone Age. The city emerged in the early Roman times and is noted for its defensive walls. Following our day trip, we head back to our agriturismo for our authentic cooking class, which we will enjoy for dinner. (B.D)

Day 4- Alberobello & Wine Tasting 5/6/19

Today, after waking up and enjoying breakfast, we are taken to one of the prettiest little towns. We explore the famous town of Alberobello, in the ‘Trulli’ region. A UNESCO World Heritage site, with characteristic conical-roofed houses, which were built of limestone. Today you will be free to wonder through the little streets and do some shopping in the tiny shops inside the trulli. Later, we continue on to our wonderful wine cellar, where we will have a salumi tasting and be introduced to some of the local, home made wines. (B)

Day 5- Lecce 6/6/19

We head further south to Lecce today. Here, we will have a chance to taste test the Olive oils of the region and see this beautiful Baroque city. Situated down at the heel of Italy’s boot, Lecce’s buildings date back to the 17th century. Rich in medieval architecture & richly decorated buildings, we have the opportunity to explore them with our private tour guide. Tonight we take you to the little hilltop town of Cisternino, where you are free to walk around and maybe try the famous meats from the area, cooked in a wood oven, in one of the many restaurants. (B)

Day 6- Sassi di Matera 7/6/18

Today we head west to the beautiful Basilicata region to visit  the famous ‘Sassi di Matera’ Known for the ancient cave dwellings built thousands of years ago during the Paleolithic age, Matera is considered to be the 3rd oldest inhabited site in the world. Now a UNESCO Heritage site, you will be in awe, as our local guide takes us to the dugout caves and shows us where some of the most famous movies were filmed, including the ‘Passion of Christ with Mel Gibson. Later on, we continue to a typical product tasting and early dinner in a 'Grotto Restaurant'.  (B,D)

Day 7- Castellana Grottos 8/6/18

Today we make our way to the gorgeous Castellana Grottos where we meet up with our local guide, who will take us through these beautiful grottos. These grottos are one of the most important attractions in Puglia and are believed to have started forming about 90 million years ago. They are one of the natural wonders of Puglia. After an adventurous day exploring, we head back to relax and later meet up for our included dinner. (B,D)

Day 8- End of Puglia tour 9/6/19

Today, for those leaving us, we say our goodbyes and they will be taken back to Bari. For those of us continuing to Sicily, we start making our way down to Catania where we meet up with our other guests. (B)