Fly from London to Bari Airport, then transfer to the small seaside village of Savelletri where you will stay for seven nights in the 4-star Hotel Sorgente. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner with the group this evening.
(D)
The Heart of Puglia
Italy
7 nights 3 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookFrom the iconic, whitewashed trulli houses of Alberobello to the ancient stone cave dwellings of Matera, staying in Savelletri, this week-long tour will take you to some of the most captivating spots in Puglia and Basilicata, with the opal blues of the Adriatic for a backdrop
Overview
Book now
Overview
Roman, Norman and Byzantine influences come together in Puglia, Italy’s postcard-pretty heel, and this seven-night tour combines its most enchanting highlights. You’ll start in ancient district of Bari then continue to the UNESCO-listed town of Alberobello, famous for its white-washed trulli houses.
From here, travel to the medieval White City of Ostuni and take part in a cooking class, before you head towards the Adriatic coast. The coastal town of Monopoli awaits with its colourful waterfront and olde-worlde architecture, and there’s time for the beach in the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare, too.
Journey on into the Basilicata region to witness Matera – the legendary city known for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings, hewn into the rock and inhabited for millennia. Round off your trip with a visit to the Castellana Caves, where crystal-covered stalactites and stalagmites glitter out from a series of underground chambers.
Highlights
- Enjoy a walking tour of Bari
- Visit UNESCO listed Alberobello
- Partake in a cookery lesson in Ostuni
- Explore the streets of Monopoli
- See the UNESCO Site of Matera
- Discover Castellana Caves
Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel to the seaside village of Savelletri to stay for 7 nights
Day 2 - Spend the day exploring Bari and Alberobello
After breakfast, depart for Bari and spend the day exploring the fascinating old city with free time to stop for lunch. Afterwards, continue on to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This idyllic town is known for its iconic whitewashed, cone-shaped trulli houses, built from local limestone. You’ll have some free time to explore the town and its flower-bedecked, cobblestone streets.
(B)
Day 3 - Head out on a day trip to Ostuni and take part in a cooking demonstration
Head out on a daytrip to Ostuni this morning. Known as the White City for its glowing whitewashed houses, this postcard-pretty hilltop town is home to medieval architecture and a 15th-century cathedral. Take part in a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to make orecchiette pasta and braciola (a rich, tomato-based roulade). Enjoy lunch, before free time to wander the city’s charming streets. Later return to the hotel.
(B, L)
Day 4 - Explore the coastal towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare
Venture off on a scenic drive to the coastal town of Monopoli this morning. Set on the Adriatic Sea, it’s home to a colourful harbour and charming old town. Afterwards, drive on to the nearby town of Polignano a Mare, with spectacular coastal views along the way. Relax or go for a swim at Lama Monachile beach, where crystal-clear water sits between towering cliffs, and don’t miss the local gelato. Return to your hotel.
(B)
Day 5 - Visit Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings
Leave the Bari province today as you travel to Matera, in the Basilicata region. This atmospheric city is famous for its ancient cave dwellings (known as Sassi), carved into the limestone cliffs and used as homes until the 1950s. Featured in Mel Gibson’s film, ‘The Passion of the Christ’, they’re now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of its two districts (Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveoso), where several of its dwellings have been turned into modern homes and boutique hotels, lining a labyrinth of alleys. Afterwards, return to the hotel.
(B)
Day 6 - Enjoy exploring the Castellana Caves
Enjoy a half-day excursion to the Grotte di Castellana (Castellana Caves) this morning. One of Puglia’s most striking natural attractions, these limestone caves are filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll be given a guided tour of its chambers, exploring around two miles of underground paths as you visit the likes of the White Cave, known for its dazzling white alabaster formations. Afterwards, return to your hotel; the rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.
(B)
Day 7 - Spend the day at leisure
Today is yours to spend as you wish enjoying the hotel or simply strolling through Savelletri.
(B)
Day 8 - Travel to the airport for your return flight
Transfer to Bari Airport this morning for your flight home.
(B)
Accommodation
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
Hotel La Sorgente - Puglia
The Hotel Sorgente boasts an excellent position on the seafront of Savelletri’s small village and is only a few minutes walk from the main street with several shops and restaurants. This modern 4-star hotel offers superb views across the Mediterranean Sea or surrounding hills. This hotel is an excellent base from which to explore Puglia; the restaurant offers typical Apulian cuisine, and there's a swimming pool right on the water's edge. All rooms are air-conditioned with a TV and minibar.
- Travel Guide -
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
Similar Tours
Treasures & Secrets of Sicily
13 May 25, 27 May 25 and 5 more
A heady blend of ancient sites, stunning scenery, charming towns and glorious churches, this is our ‘grand tour’ of Sicily, its highlights varying from Aeolian Isles to UNESCO sites, Mount Etna to Marsala wine, and the Scicli film locations of Inspector Montalbano
From £3895 pp
incl Flight
Trulli & Sassi
30 Apr 25, 14 May 25 and 4 more
From Bari’s historic Adriatic port to a sublimely different enclave of Italy, this enchanting tour takes you to Lecce’s lavishly adorned baroque buildings, to mystical Matera’s ancient ‘sassi’ cave dwellings, and to the unique cone-topped ‘trulli’ houses of Alberobello
From £2395 pp
incl Flight
Tales of Tuscany
14 May 25, 4 Jun 25 and 2 more
Based in the beautiful spa resort of Montecatini, this tour takes in the treasure trove of art that forms resplendent Florence, the hidden gem of medieval Pistoia, and a Puccini concert in the place of his birth, Lucca
From £1195 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
Dates & Prices
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
London Gatwick Airport from £ 1895
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Stay Extra Nights...
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.