Puglia & Basilicata: Lecce, Alberobello & Matera for Solo Travellers

Day 1  Lecce      
Fly to Lecce and get transferred to your hotel on arrival. known as the ‘Florence of the South’ for good reason – its architecture is outstanding and around every corner are buildings of beauty and interest waiting to be discovered.      

Day 2  Lecce      
Start your day with a walking tour, beginning at the imposing Porta Napoli gate. From there, explore the vibrant Jewish quarter before taking in the Basilica di Santa Croce. A remarkable example of creativity, this Baroque church has an intricate facade. The tour continues through the Old Town, rich with history to the picturesque Piazza Sant’Oronzo, a bustling square set on the site of a partially exposed Roman amphitheatre. Continue down shop-lined streets to the elegant Piazza Duomo, where Lecce’s cathedral awaits. Built in 1144, its imposing exterior is only matched by its breath-taking interior featuring 12 side chapels containing paintings by a variety of artists.      

Day 3  Gallipoli      
Today, head further south to Gallipoli, known as 'Città Bella' or 'beautiful city'. It has twin souls: part fun, coastal town with sandy beaches, part historic centre with a quaint old town encased in defensive walls, with a robust 13th-century fortress. With free time to explore you could wander the labyrinthine streets stumbling on impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi - a testament to the wealth of its Golden Age. Later, stop at a local winery. Italy is known as the ‘Land of Wine’ - with over 4,000 years of winemaking experience it’s ingrained within the culture – your visit is the perfect place to find out why.  

Day 4  Lecce to Matera    
Begin today with a visit to a family run olive oil mill for which this region is renowned. Continuing your journey, arrive in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the signature whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that create an otherworldly feel. End your day in Matera, your home for four nights.    

Day 5  Matera      
This morning, take a guided tour of Matera, home to one of the first permanently inhabited places in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Sassi Cave Houses. These troglodyte cave dwellings, dating back over 9,000 years, are located at the heart of Matera - astonishingly, people still live in them today. This afternoon is at leisure for you to visit more of the historic buildings that line the streets or simply unwind by the pool.

Day 6  Bari      
Venture out on a guided tour of the Old Town and discover the imposing medieval fortress, the massive Romanesque cathedral with its 11th-century frescoes and for opera lovers, the magnificent Teatro Petruzzelli. Finally finish your tour at the focal point of the city, Basilica di San Nicola, whose 900-year-old vaulted crypt is the final resting place of Saint Nicholas (Father Christmas).    

Day 7  Matera      
Today is free to explore Matera at your own pace. Perhaps visit the underground of Matera or sit and enjoy a coffee whilst soaking up the ambience. This evening you will have one last meal with your group at a local restaurant to reminisce about your wonderful experience.  

Day 8  Fly home