Puglia & Basilicata

Overview

Discover the spectacular regions of Puglia and Basilicata, where unique landscapes, traditional Trulli houses, and Sassi cave dwellings offer an authentic glimpse into Southern Italy’s rich history and culture.

Highlights

✔ Return flights from Gatwick with British Airways
✔ 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
✔ 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
✔ Travelsphere Tour Manager & Local Guide
✔ Overseas transfers & local transportation
✔ Porterage & Audio Guide included
✔ Wi-Fi onboard your coach

Itinerary

Day 1: UK – Bari

• Depart on your scheduled flight to Bari.
• Transfer to Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri near Alberobello, a perfect base for exploring Puglia and Basilicata.
• Enjoy the hotel’s spa, beautiful gardens, and outdoor swimming pool at your leisure. (D)

Day 2: Alberobello – Masseria Visit

• Visit a masseria (fortified farm) for a tasting of cheese, wine, olive oil, and bread, all locally produced.
• Enjoy a light lunch made from regional ingredients.
• Afternoon at leisure—relax by the pool or explore Alberobello. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Matera – UNESCO Heritage Site

• Full-day excursion to the UNESCO-listed town of Matera.
• Explore the fascinating Sassi cave dwellings, carved into the hillsides and inhabited until the 1950s.
• Free time for lunch with recommendations from your Tour Manager. (B, D)

Day 4: Ostuni or Leisure Day

• Choice of activities:
  • Relax at the hotel’s spa and pool.
  • Take the shuttle service to Alberobello to explore at your own pace.
  • Join an optional excursion to Ostuni, the “White City”, with its winding streets, Gothic cathedral, and stunning views.
  • Sample locally produced olive oil from centuries-old groves. (B, D)

Day 5: Trani & Castel del Monte or Leisure Day

• Choice of activities:
  • Enjoy more time at the hotel or Alberobello.
  • Join an optional excursion to Trani, a coastal town with a busy harbor and an 11th-century cathedral.
  • Visit the magnificent Castel del Monte, a 13th-century octagonal fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. (B, D)

Day 6: Lecce – The Florence of the South

• Explore the beautiful city of Lecce, known for its Baroque architecture.
• Guided tour highlights include:
  • The Roman amphitheater
  • The ornate façade of the Church of Santa Croce
• Free time to wander and soak up the city’s charm. (B, D)

Day 7: Alberobello, Locorotondo & Martina Franca

• Discover Puglia’s famous Trulli houses in the Valley of Itria.
• Visit Alberobello, where the Trulli are decorated with painted symbols.
• Explore Locorotondo, a town arranged in a circular layout.
• Wander through Martina Franca, a town influenced by Moorish architecture, featuring medieval palaces and wrought-iron balconies. (B, D)

Day 8: Bari – UK

• Transfer to Bari Airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)

This immersive journey through Puglia and Basilicata offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and leisure, with unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Let me know if you’d like any refinements! 😊