Puglia and Basilicata

Puglia & Basilicata: Italy’s Hidden Heel

Overview

Known as “the heel of Italy”, Puglia offers remote coastlines, ancient towns, and a sun-soaked countryside. Neighboring Basilicata is more rugged and rustic, known for its cave dwellings and layered history. Greek, Roman, and Norman influences are still visible across both regions—particularly in their diverse architecture, cathedrals, and archaeological treasures.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Bari • Transfer to Fasano

• Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bari with easyJet
• Transfer to Casale Del Murgese, Fasano for a 5-night stay
  Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Altamura • Matera

• Morning visit to Altamura to see its Romanesque cathedral
• Continue to the UNESCO-listed town of Matera
  • Explore the Sassi Caveoso & Sassi Barisano districts
  • Visit:
    • Casa Grotta – a typical cave dwelling
    • Rupestrian Churches
    • Crypt of the Original Sin – featuring stunning frescoes
      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Castel del Monte • Trani

• Full-day excursion:
  • Visit the iconic Castel del Monte – an octagonal 13th-century fortress
  • Head to Trani, a coastal port known for:
    • Its elegant cathedral
    • Sweet Moscato wine
      Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Alberobello • Martina Franca • Locorotondo

• Drive through the scenic Itria Valley
• Visit Alberobello – famous for its traditional trulli houses (UNESCO-listed)
• Continue to Martina Franca – baroque town with opulent palaces and churches
• End the day in Locorotondo with local product tastings among the trulli
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Bari • Polignano a Mare

• Morning exploration of Bari’s old town, including:
  • St. Sabin Cathedral
  • St. Nicholas Basilica
• Afternoon visit to Polignano a Mare, a clifftop town overlooking the Adriatic
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Ostuni • Lecce

• Travel south, stopping in Ostuni to visit the cathedral
• Visit a masseria for olive oil tasting
• Continue to Lecce for a short city tour, including the cathedral
• Check in to the Patria Palace, Lecce for 2 nights
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Galatina • Otranto • Lecce

• Visit Galatina, known for:
  • The church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria with stunning medieval frescoes
• Continue to Otranto, a coastal town of Greek origin
• Return to Lecce for:
  • A visit to Palazzo Morisco (14th century)
  • Aperitif in the gardens overlooking the Roman theatre
• Afternoon at leisure
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London
  Meals: Breakfast