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, so perhaps make the most of the hotel’s elegant rooftop swimming pool which offers lovely views over Lecce.            

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. This afternoon is free to continue exploring Lecce at your leisure. Soak up the ambience of its streets, relaxed cafés and refined boutiques whilst taking in its magnificent baroque architecture. This evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.            

Day 3  Gallipoli        
Travel to Gallipoli today. Spend time exploring this coastal town with its sandy beaches and sea-front promenade. Admire the wonderful views out to the Ionian Sea, as well as wandering the quaint old town and historic centre. En route back to Lecce, visit a local winery and enjoy tasting some Puglian wines.

Day 4  Alberobello to Matera            
Leaving Lecce behind, visit a small, family run olive oil mill and find out more about Puglia’s olive oil production. Enjoy a tasting, before heading to Alberobello, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site with a magical atmosphere. Enjoy time to explore, 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 as one of the first permanently inhabited places in Italy and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its heart are the original sassi cave dwellings dating back over 9,000 years, which astonishingly some people still live in today. This afternoon, opt to relax at the hotel or continue exploring Matera further – perhaps visit the 13th Century Romanesque cathedral.    

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. This afternoon is free to continue exploring Bari before heading back to Matera.        

Day 7 Matera            
Today is at leisure in charming Matera. Amble through ancient alleyways and enjoy a coffee whilst soaking up the ambiance. Later, dine at a local restaurant in the city centre where you can reminisce on your travels.      

Day 8  Transfer to Bari and fly home