Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
$1116
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive tour through the enchanting region of Apulia and Lecce in Italy. This 8-day journey begins in the picturesque town of Alberobello, renowned for its unique Trulli houses, and takes you through the stunning landscapes and historic sites of Puglia. Explore the Baroque splendor of Lecce, often called the "Rome of the South," and the charming coastal town of Otranto with its ancient cathedral. Discover the fascinating cave dwellings of Matera, the majestic Castel del Monte, and the seaside allure of Bari. With comfortable 4-star accommodations and a rental car included, this tour offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Bari Or Brindisi / Car Hire Pick-Up – Alberobello (70Km – 1Hr)
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ramapendula or similar 4*
Arrival at Bari or Brindisi airports, pick-up the car hire and drive to Alberobello.
Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 2 : Alberobello – Castellana Caves – Polignano A Mare – Alberobello (70Km – 1Hr)
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ramapendula or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit of the city of “Trulli”, a typical form of rural construction as appropriate, temporary or seasonal houses in the fields or permanent houses for small farmers and agricultural workers. Here you will find all types of Trulli: from the twin Trullo with two vaults, to the Trullo Sovrano, the biggest one of the city, to the Church of St. Antonio built with the methods used for the Trulli. After lunch you will head to Castellana Caves. The path to visit the caves grows to an average depth of 70 meters along two roads: 1 km (50 minutes) and 3 km (2 hours). The caves open to the public are very different in size and shape. Stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, columns and precious crystals everywhere. We will continue to Polignano a Mare, where, according to the time of your arrival, we advise you to rent a boat along the coast to visit the caves. The old town too is very interesting. Do not miss to taste the homemade ice cream of Polignano. Return to Alberobello.
Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 3 : Alberobello – Trani – Castel Del Monte – Bari – Alberobello (250Km – 4Hrs)
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ramapendula or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. You will go north to reach Trani to visit the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, built between 1056 and 1186, with its magnificent portal framed by friezes and carved representations, the seaside and the historic centre with its fascinating palaces of the 5th century and its gothic and baroque churches. We will continue to a jewel of Puglia: Castel del Monte. Built on the orders of Federico II in 1240, Castel del Monte was a representative building and probably a hunting residence, testimony of the power and grandeur of the emperor. It is the most visited monument-museum of Puglia, included in the UNESCO heritage since 1996. We will arrive in Bari for lunch. In the afternoon the visit will be dedicated to the city: la Basilica di San Nicola, a church built in the 12th century to preserve the relics of San Nicola of Myra. The Cathedral of Bari, dedicated to San Sabino, bishop of Canosa. Continuing with the visit, you will see the Norman-Swabian castle, a fortress from the 12th century built by Roger the Norman and rebuilt by Federico II of Swabia. On-site, admire the Gallery of plaster-cast. During this visit, visit also the Justice column of Piazza Mercantile, with the inscription “Guardian of Justice”. It is said that that the debtors who did not pay were attached to this column. Also, go past the old walls of Aragona and through the historic centre of the city. Return to Alberobello.
Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 4 : Alberobello – Altamura – Matera – Alberobello (150Km – 2.5Hrs)
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ramapendula or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Altamura, well known for the production of bread. The “pane di Altamura” is a product of bakery obtained from remoulding durum wheat semolina, very famous throughout Italy. We will arrive in Matera, the city where time has stopped, named Capital of the European Culture in 2019. The visit will start, without any doubts, with the Sassi, which represent the old quarters of the city of Matera. They form a system of housing called “la Gravina”. Formerly the heart of the peasant civilization, today restructured and ennobled, these old neighbourhoods are now rehabilitated and dazzle the eyes of visitors with their beauty. Declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1993, the Sassi offer to the eyes of the visitor a unique scenario, testimony of the past. We suggest you see the majestic Church of San Pietro Barisano, the churches of Santa Maria di Idris and San Giovanni. The church of Santa Barbara is a true jewel of rock art in Matera, rich in precious frescoes. To understand the social aspect of Matera’s past you have to visit the cave houses: Casalnuovo and Vico Solitario. Return to Alberobello.
Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 5 : Alberobello – Martina Franca – Ostuni – Otranto (165Km – 2.5Hrs)
Location: Otranto
Accommodation Name: Palazzo Papaoleo Hotel or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Alberobello for Martina Franca, passing through the Valley of Itria, the Valley of the Trulli. The old city of Martina Franca presents itself to the visitors in a spectacular labyrinth of narrow streets, its white houses and charming streets. You just have to walk in the streets of the historic centre, which seem “hidden”, designed against possible invasions. Admire its doors, including the majestic Porta Saint Etienne. We will head to Ostuni, known as the White City for the typical and blinding (especially during summer) white colour of its houses. Get lost in the narrow streets and stairs of the historic centre. We will arrive in Otranto, a city which has been attacked several times in the past by Saracen and Turkish pirates. Otranto is geographically the most easterly point in Italy, almost 75 km from the coast of Albania.
Overnight in Otranto.
Day 6 : Otranto – Santa Maria Di Leuca – Gallipoli – Otranto (175Km – 2.5Hrs)
Location: Otranto
Accommodation Name: Palazzo Papaoleo Hotel or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Otranto: the Cathedral of Annunziata and the Aragonese Castle. Than departure to Santa Maria di Leuca, by way of Maglie where we can stop at the archaeological sites with its Dolmens and Menhirs. Leuca is the “heel” of the Italian “boot”. In the afternoon drive to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast: on the road we can visit the Natural Park of Punta Pizzo and continue along the coast to stop on the beaches, like those of Baia Verde. In the city of Gallipoli you will see a good testimony of Apulia Baroque, which has its triumph in Lecce. The Basilica of Sant’Agata, the Basilica of St. Francesco (the ten altars inside are superb), the Tafuri Palace and the Greek Fountain which, presumably, dates from the 3rd century BC. Return in the evening to Otranto.
Overnight in Otranto.
Day 7 : Otranto – Lecce (40Km – 45Min)
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: Art Hotel & Park or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave early in the morning to reach Lecce, with its historic centre, one of the most beautiful cities of the Italian Art. The Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica of the Holy Cross and its Palace of the Celestini, all the Gates of the Old City, are the greatest examples of Baroque in Italy with those of Rome. And without forgetting the Roman remains like the Amphitheatre in the central Piazza St. Oronzo.
Overnight in Lecce.
Day 8 : Lecce – Departure Bari Or Brindisi / Car Hire Drop-Off (185Km – 2Hrs / 65Km – 45Min)
Location: Brindisi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delivery of the car at the Bari Airport or Brindisi Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights' accommodation in superior hotel categories.
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Meals
7 breakfasts included.
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Car Hire
8-day car hire with pick-up and drop-off from Bari or Brindisi Airports, unlimited mileage, all insurances (SCDW, PAI, TP), tax, domestic one-way fee (except to/from Sardinia or Sicily), airport and railway surcharge, road tax (VRF), additional driver, and a grace period of 29 minutes.
What's Not Included
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Tour Guide
Tour guide services are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included.
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City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
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Fuel & Refuelling Charge
Fuel and refuelling charge (approx. €20 + IVA 22%) are not included.
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Admin Fee
Admin fee (€50 + tax) in case of car damage, traffic fine, etc., is not included.
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No Show Fee
No show fee is not included.
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Delivery and Collection
Delivery and collection charges are not included.
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Young Driver Insurance
Insurance 'young' for all clients between 23 and 25 years is not included.
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Windscreen Protection
Windscreen protection (WDW) and Road Side Safety Net (RSN) are not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for traveling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
- Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees
- Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as specific route is taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc.
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- In many hotels in Italy, the triple rooms are double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-4 Alberobello
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Ramapendula or similar 4*
Day 5-6 Otranto
- Superior Hotel Category = Palazzo Papaoleo Hotel or similar 4*
Day 7 Lecce
- Superior Hotel Category = Art Hotel & Park or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group B = Lancia Ypsilon
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes 8-day car hire with pick-up and drop-off from Bari or Brindisi Airports, unlimited mileage, and all necessary insurances.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation in superior 4-star hotels, including Hotel Ramapendula in Alberobello, Palazzo Papaoleo Hotel in Otranto, and Art Hotel & Park in Lecce.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-4 Alberobello
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Ramapendula or similar 4*
Day 5-6 Otranto
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vittoria or similar 4*
Day 7 Lecce
- Superior Hotel Category = Art Hotel & Park or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group B = Lancia Ypsilon
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights' accommodation in superior hotel categories. Specifically, you will stay at Hotel Ramapendula or a similar 4-star hotel in Alberobello for the first four nights, Palazzo Papaoleo Hotel or a similar 4-star hotel in Otranto for the next two nights, and Art Hotel & Park or a similar 4-star hotel in Lecce for the final night. ...more ...less
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What kind of car is provided for the self-drive tour?
The car provided for the self-drive tour is a Lancia Ypsilon from Car Group B. The car hire includes 8 days of rental with unlimited mileage, all insurances (SCDW, PAI, TP), tax, domestic one-way fee (except to/from Sardinia or Sicily), airport and railway surcharge, road tax (VRF), an additional driver, and a 29-minute grace period. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights of the tour include visiting the Baroque architecture and music festival in Martina Franca, exploring the Baroque masterpiece of Lecce, seeing the unique Trulli houses in Alberobello, visiting the Romanesque cathedral in Trani, exploring the cave-dwelling districts in Matera, admiring the mosaic floor in the Cathedral of Otranto, and enjoying the seaside charm and historical appeal of Bari. ...more ...less
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include a tour guide, entrance fees, visa fees, domestic and international flights, drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise), optional tours, city tax (payable on the spot), any visits not mentioned in the program, porterage and gratuities, personal expenditures, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, camera/video camera fees, and travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents. ...more ...less
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What should I wear and bring for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Italy. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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What are the requirements for car hire?
The car hire requirements include fuel and refueling charges (approximately €20 + IVA 22%), an admin fee (€50 + tax) in case of car damage or traffic fines, a no-show fee, delivery and collection fees, insurance for clients between 23 and 25 years old, and windscreen protection (WDW) and roadside safety net (RSN).
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What happens if there are changes in the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances?
The tour operator reserves the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, or security reasons. Please note that the driving times and distances are estimated and can vary due to various circumstances such as specific routes taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, and road conditions.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Low Deposit
Tui Italia requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tui italia charges.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
8 Days Starting in Alberobello, Italy and ending in Brindisi, Italy
Visiting: Alberobello, Matera, Otranto, Lecce, Brindisi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
645552
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided