The Puglia-Romanesque structure of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas that still guards the remains of its world-famous Saint, is a majestic sight as it towers above a tangle of old medieval palazzos and courtyards. Then there is Castel del Monte, the magnificent castle built by the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II, on a 600 metre-high hill between Murgia and the sea. There is the splendid, archaeological park and museum in the ancient Roman and Mesapian city of Egnazia. The old, coastal, lookout tower that rises above thousand-year-old olive groves surrounding picturesque, fortified farms. The old Roman road, the via Traiana, and the ruins of the amphitheatre and temples dedicated to Mercury and Minerva. All these are a just a taste of Puglia’s traditions and culture that stretch back thousands of year here. Unparalleled baroque masterpieces can be enjoyed in Lecce’s famous Basilica of Santa Croce and main square. There are the master craftsmen at Grottaglie and the distinctive, prehistoric, stone houses, or “trulli” at Alberobello that are dotted amongst century-old olive trees in the valley of Itria. You can also visit the Norman castle at Barletta, and admire the stunningly austere, Puglia-Romanesque architecture of the cathedral that overlooks the sea at Trani.
THE TOUR
1ST DAY
Meet up at the airport with our tour guide and departure for Gargano.
Arrival at hotel with a welcome cocktail and dinner.
2ND DAY
Departure after breakfast for a scenic tour of the Gargano coastline as far as Vieste.
A guided tour of the old town centre of Vieste that is perched on a limestone cliff and is characterized by a beautiful cathedral and breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea.
Lunch in Vieste.
In the afternoon, a scenic tour of the Umbra Forest. The forest, that is part of the Gargano National Park, covers most of the promontory with its splendid oaks, holm-oaks and beech trees. You may even see some fallow deer.
Arrival at San Giovanni Rotondo or Monte Sant’Angelo for a visit to the sanctuaries.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
3RD DAY
Departure after breakfast for a visit to the World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte, the famous octagonal-shaped castle built by Frederick II.
The excursion then continues to Bari for lunch and a tour of the regional capital.
Departure for Ostuni, dinner and overnight stay.
4TH DAY
Breakfast followed by a guided tour of the “white city”.
Lunch in a typical country house.
In the afternoon, visit to a local olive press.
Dinner at hotel and overnight stay.
5TH DAY
Departure after breakfast for a guided tour of Alberobello, and its cone-shaped “trulli” stone houses that are the emblem of Puglia.
This World Heritage Site is a magical experience for both young and old.
In the afternoon, a trip to Polignano a Mare with a guided tour.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
6TH DAY
Departure after breakfast for Lecce with a guided tour and lunch in the old town centre, famous for its splendid, baroque squares and churches and the picturesque hues of its stonework.
Arrival at hotel in Lecce and free afternoon.
Dinner at hotel and overnight stay.
7TH DAY
Departure after breakfast for Santa Maria di Leuca, with its majestic, octagonal lighthouse and the Basilica of the Madonna de Finibus Terrae, followed by a scenic tour along the Salento coastline.
Lunch in a typical restaurant on the way.
Arrival at Otranto, Italy’s easternmost town and a guided tour of its fascinating centre, including the “Aragonese” Castle and the Cathedral of Saint Maria Annunziata, with its splendid sacred-profane floor mosaic of the Tree of Life. The town’s narrow, flower-lined streets are exquisitely charming, too.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
8TH DAY
Checkout, drive to airport and departure.
The tour includes:
– reception at airport;
– travelling and excursions;
– 7 nights in 4 star accommodation including visitors’ tax;
– meals (including drinks) as specified in the programme;
– all site admissions and tours with Italian language guides.
N.B. Tour details may vary and the entire package can be customised on request.
