Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
8 Days Starting in Matera and ending in Lecce
Visiting: Italy
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ADE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 18
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Puglia, known for its whitewashed hill towns, traditional farmland, fine cuisine, and the sweeping Mediterranean coastline is the southern heel of Italy, and until recently, its best kept secret. With a focus on art, architecture, traditions, and local cuisine, this trip explores the region’s highlights. From Matera, a UNESCO listed town carved into bare limestone rock, where centuries-old caves are still inhabited, we travel to the elegant white city of Ostuni and on to the medieval coastal town of Otranto and Baroque Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’.
Highlights
Itinerary
Fly to Bari and transfer to Matera, one the most interesting, distinctive
and memorable towns in Italy.Â
Day 2
We start our week with a full day in one the most interesting, distinctive
and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. Nestled on a hill,
overlooking an impressive canyon in the neighbouring region of Basilicata,
Matera has only recently gained the deserved spotlight. In 1993 the town was
made a UNESCO World Heritage site, for being the most outstanding, intact
example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, all carved in
bare limestone rock. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk
through the town’s famous cave-dwelling districts and learn of the history
of this fascinating place. In the afternoon we have time to discover the city
at our own pace and visit the world-famous rupestrian churches. Overnight in
Matera.
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Day 3
In the morning we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route
for a visit to the lovely village of Polignano a Mare, located on the edge of
a spectacular craggy ravine. There will be time to stroll along the
charming, white-washed streets and enjoy superb views of the beautiful
Adriatic Sea and coastline from one of the panoramic terraces. Later, we
transfer to the charming town of Alberobello, known for its dry stone
dwellings called 'trulli'. Before dinner we will also enjoy a wine tasting
at a local winery. Overnight in Alberobello in a traditional 'trullo'.
Day 4
Today is free to choose amogst the several activities available locally. You
may choose to take a day-trip to the charming fishing village of Monopoli or
visit the impressive Castellana Caves, Italy’s most important and biggest
cave system. Located at the entrance of the Itria Valley, these caves began
to form about 90 million years ago. There is tour that takes you to more 60
meters depth and allows to explore an amazing scenario made of stalactites,
stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils and canyons. Overnight
in Alberobello.
Day 5
In the morning we take a private transfer to the white city of Ostuni. On the
way, we stop and visit an ancient masseria (traditional Apullian farm) where
we enjoy some olive oil tasting. For lunch we visit another typical masseria
surrounded by olive trees, some of which are more than a thousand years old.
Here, we take part in a fun cooking class followed by a delicious lunch. In
the afternoon there will be more free time to visit Ostuni. Overnight in
Ostuni.
Day 6
Today we transfer to pretty Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy. The day
will be spent exploring the town’s mediaeval centre and its pretty
architecture, views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches which make
it one of Puglia's most interesting and picturesque towns. We will also visit
the delightful Romanesque cathedral, dating back to 1088 and boasting
extensive 12th century floor mosaics. After lunch we have the opportunity to
join our tour leader for an optional gentle coastal walk following the
Salento picturesque coves and creeks (approx. 3hrs walking, 8 km). Those who
prefer not to take part in this activity may decide to continue exploring the
town at their own pace, or perhaps to relax in one Otranto’s beaches,
famous for the picture-perfect clear water (seasonal). Late afternoon
transfer to Lecce, where we stay overnight.
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Day 7
In the morning we enjoy a guided visit of Lecce, arguably one of the best and
most distinctive Baroque cities in Europe. Most of the buildings here are
built in the soft local stone, with pretty decorations and cherubs covering
facades and doorways. During our walking tour we will have time to admire
several architectonic gems, including the top Baroque monument in town: the
extravagant Basilica di Santa Croce, ornamented with strange beasts and
allegories. Lecce is also famous for a centenary tradition of papier-mâché
(chewed paper) and you have the option to visit a local laboratory at the end
of the tour. The rest of the day is free to enjoy some shopping opportunities
or visit other famous monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre. Overnight in
Lecce. Â
Day 8
Transfer to Bari and fly to London.
What's Included
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Airport transfers for group flights
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All breakfasts, 1 lunch/cookery class, 1 wine tastingÂ
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All accommodation
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London flights (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
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Local city taxes (approx. €15)
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodationÂ
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Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of classic Apulian architecture. We spend two nights in a comfortable three-star hotel in the historic centre of Matera, two nights in authentic trulli houses (dry-stone dwellings) in Alberobello, one night in a four-star hotel in Ostuni, and two nights in a modern hotel near the historic centre of Lecce.
Below are the hotels normally used:
Matera: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (nights 1-2)
Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi (above) took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace. Alternatively, we stay in Le Dodici Lune, where 10 rooms are carved into the old city walls. Right in the Sassi district, it’s an excellent place to stay if you want to explore.
Alberobello: Trulli houses (nights 3-4)
Trulli are the symbol of Alberobello (perhaps all of Puglia) so a chance to stay in one of these traditional dwellings is often a highlight for our travellers. They don’t offer the same type of facilities or luxuries as you’d get at a hotel but do offer an insight into these old Unesco-listed buildings. We have a trio of accommodations we use depending on availability, namely Trulli Holiday, Trulli e Puglia or Charming Trulli.
Ostuni: Hotel La Terra (night 5)
In the White City, we stay in Hotel La Terra. La Terra (above) takes over a 13th-century building in the historic centre. This unique property offers a bar and restaurant on site but is also close to all of the sights that Ostuni has to offer.
Lecce: Eos Hotel (nights 6-7)
Our final two nights are spent at this contemporary 30-room hotel. It has a bar for a pre-dinner drink or final night toast and the main Lecce highlights (plus some excellent bars and restaurants) are around a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.
Food
All breakfasts, 1 lunch/cookery class, and 1 wine tastingÂ
In Puglia, you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to
the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on
offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta
delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce made with turnip-tops or fresh
tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and
parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream
cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the
abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for
vegetarians! On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste the best
local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery
class, and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.