Experience Apulia (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Bari, Lecce, Matera, Alberobello and the Trulli
Rates are intended as total per person in a double occupancy room (two people maximum per room). Please enter the total number of people (multiples of 2) you wish to book in the calendar/booking fields. For single or triple occupancy room, or to check for discounted rates on multiple rooms booking, please inquire via email to info@ciaoitalytours.com
FOOD AND FUN IN THE HEEL OF ITALY! Travel across the heel of Italy’s boot, from Lecce to Bari, tasting local products and seeing picturesque landscapes along the way.
DAY 1: Benvenuti a Bari
Meet your driver at the Bari Airport and transfer to the Masseria, or hotel, located in Valle d’Itria, where you’ll be welcomed with a drink and tour. That evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
DAY 2: The Trulli of Alberobello
Today, it’s off to the fairytale town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique cone-shaped buildings called “trulli.” The best way to experience the town is to get lost in its cluster of white, dry stone huts. Next, visit the beautifully Baroque town of Martina Franca and tour a local winery, sampling some vintages while you’re at it.
DAY 3: Castel del Monte and Trani
Castel del Monte, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its octagonal shape perched atop the highest hill of the Murgia region. Explore the town with a local guide before stopping in the slow food city of Trani for a delicious meal at an excellent seafood restaurant overlooking the sea. Be sure to also check out the magnificent Swabian fortress and the wonderful Romanesque cathedral.
DAY 4: Apulia Culinary Experience
Learn about and prepare some of Puglia’s main dishes in a cooking class run by locals in a casual and friendly environment. From the typical Apulian pasta “orecchiette” (little ears) to local oils and wines, your taste buds and mind will be happy by the end of the day.
DAY 5: Cheese, Wine, and Lecce
Start the day at a caseficio, where local mozzarella is made. Taste a variety of special cheeses, along with homemade breads, jams, and salads. Next, head to a museum about the Primitivo wine of Manduria, which showcases the antique methods and equipment used to make wine years ago. Join a Sommelier to taste four wines along with a light lunch. Finally, arrive in Lecce, dubbed the “Florence of the South,” for a guided walking tour of its Baroque churches, noble palaces, and the Roman amphitheater, as well as a tasting of the typical little cake called “Pasticciotto.”
DAY 6: The Caves of Matera
One of the most unique towns in all of Italy, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera is built into the sides of a canyon. Chosen as the shooting location of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” the homes and businesses here are caves that wind their way up the hill. Enjoy lunch in a bakery in Altamura to taste the specialty bread called Pane di Altamura, along with a glass of fantastic red wine.
DAY 7: Arrivederci Italia!
Bid farewell to your group as you transfer to the local airport or train station.
- 6 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast at Masseria Montenapoleone or similar based on availability
- Private luxury car/van at your disposal for entire tour
- Tour guide at your disposal for entire tour
- 5 dinners (all except Day 5) in local restaurants, including drinks
- 2 wine tastings (Days 2 and 5)
- Mozzarella tasting (Day 5), Cooking Class (Day 4), Seafood Lunch (Day 3)
- Guided tours and visits as per itinerary