Puglia & Basilicata: Lecce, Alberobello & Matera

Day 1  Lecce            
Fly to Bari and transfer to your hotel in Lecce. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2  Lecce            
This morning, discover why Lecce is known as the ‘Florence of the South’ on a guided walking tour. Gain a fascinating insight into local life and the area’s history with a knowledgeable guide, as well as sampling some of Lecce’s very best local delicacies along the way.

Day 3  Gallipoli        
Travel to Gallipoli today. Spend time exploring this coastal town with its sandy beaches and seafront promenade. En route back to Lecce, visit a local winery and enjoy tasting some Puglian wines.

Day 4  Lecce to Matera            
Leaving Lecce behind, visit a small, family-run olive oil mill. Enjoy a tasting before heading to Alberobello, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site with a magical atmosphere. Discover how trulli houses were built, their intriguing origins and why many are adorned with Christian, pagan or celestial symbols. Later, head to Matera.

Day 5  Matera            
Begin today with a guided tour of Matera, notable for being one of the first permanently inhabited places in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its heart are the original Sassi cave dwellings, dating back over 9,000 years, which some people astonishingly still live in today.

Day 6  Bari            
Today, head to Bari for a day of exploration. Bari was previously a thriving walled port, even before the Romans arrived. Enjoy a guided tour of the old town and discover its imposing medieval fortress and Basilica di San Nicola – a 900-year-old vaulted crypt.

Day 7 Matera            
Spend the day at leisure in charming Matera. This evening, dine at a local restaurant in the city centre where you can reminisce about your travels.

Day 8  Transfer to Bari and fly home