Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
8 Days Starting in Matera, Italy and ending in Lecce, Italy
Visiting: Matera, Alberobello, Monopoli, Ostuni, Otranto, Lecce
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:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Puglia is the best of Italy crammed into the heel of the boot: twisted olive trees, World Heritage towns, full-bodied primitivo wine, and sun-kissed beaches. Experience it for yourself, spending two nights in the spectacular cave town of Matera, before wandering among the fairytale trulli homes of Alberobello. There’s also time to sample olive oil in a traditional Apulian farm, explore the white city of Ostuni, visit the medieval coastal town of Otranto, and end in baroque Lecce, known as the Florence of the South.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Matera
Our tour starts in Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy, home to extensive cave-dwelling districts, known as the Sassi District. Our hotel is in the heart of the district, a World Heritage site, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across town. After checking in, we enjoy a first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of Matera.If you would like to spend a bit more time to explore this beautiful town or settle into the adventure, speak to your sales representative about adding nights before your trip begins.Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (or similar)
Day 2
Location: Matera
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start our week with a full day in one of the most interesting, distinctive and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. 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 World Heritage site for being the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean, all carved in bare limestone. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk through the cave-dwelling districts and learn about the history of this fascinating place. In the afternoon, we can discover the city at our own pace and perhaps visit the rupestrian churches.Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (or similar)
Day 3 : Drive To Alberobello Via The Fishing Town Of Polignano A Mare; Wine Tasting
Location: Alberobello
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route at the village of Polignano a Mare, which is on the edge of a craggy ravine. We stroll along the whitewashed streets and enjoy superb views of the Adriatic Sea and coastline from a panoramic terrace. Later, we transfer to Alberobello, home to dry-stone dwellings called trulli. Many of these, which run up a series of pretty (but fairly steep) streets, have been turned into artisan shops and restaurants. We enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery before dinner and stay either in traditional trulli or a typical Apulian resort.Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort
Day 4
Location: Monopoli
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Alberobello
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to choose among several local activities. You may choose to take a day trip to the scenic port town of Monopoli or visit the Castellana Caves, the most important and biggest cave system in Italy. At the entrance of the Itria Valley, these caves began to form about 90m years ago. There is a tour that takes you more than 200ft (60m) deep and allows you to see stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils and canyons.Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort
Day 5
Location: Ostuni
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Ostuni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Location: Otranto
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8
Location: Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends in Lecce after breakfast, when we begin our return journeys home. If you wish to spend longer in this endlessly fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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Airport transfers for group flights
Airport transfers are provided for group flights.
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All breakfasts, 1 lunch/cookery class, 1 wine tasting
All breakfasts, one lunch with a cookery class, and one wine tasting are included.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included, featuring stays in traditional buildings, trulli houses, and modern hotels.
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London flights (if booking incl. flights)
Flights from London are included if the booking includes flights.
What's Not Included
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Local city taxes (approx. €15)
Local city taxes, approximately €15, are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included and may incur additional costs.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Accommodation
We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of Apulian architecture. 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 or Apulian resort (nights 3-4)
In Alberobello, we either stay in trulli houses (above) or a traditional resort, depending on the departure. Both provide us with a taste of authentic Apulian hospitality, while also putting us close to the historic centre of town.
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, one lunch/cookery class and one wine tasting
A selection of food on offer includes: bread from the Murge; durum wheat pasta; olives; the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese; cavatelli with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) and parmesan bake; grilled fish and seafood; burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese); plus excellent wines.
This region is a food lover’s paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery class and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes private transfers between destinations, starting from Matera and ending in Lecce. There are stops at various towns and attractions along the way, including Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Ostuni, and Otranto.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations that offer a taste of classic Apulian architecture. This includes two nights in a comfortable three-star hotel in the historic center of Matera, two nights in traditional trulli houses in Alberobello, one night in a four-star hotel in Ostuni, and two nights in a modern hotel near the historic center of Lecce.
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Are there any unique experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several unique experiences such as staying in traditional trulli houses in Alberobello, an olive oil tasting and pasta-making demonstration in a traditional masseria, and a wine tasting at a local winery.
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What activities are available on the free day in Alberobello?
On the free day in Alberobello, you can choose to visit the Castellana Caves, the most important and biggest cave system in Italy, or take a day trip to the scenic port town of Monopoli.
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What can I expect during the visit to Matera?
In Matera, you will have a full day of sightseeing, including a tour of the Sassi District with a knowledgeable local guide. You will learn about the history of this fascinating place and have time to explore the city at your own pace, possibly visiting the rupestrian churches.
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What is included in the meals during the tour?
The tour includes all breakfasts, one lunch with a cookery class, and one wine tasting. The lunch will be part of a cooking demonstration at a traditional masseria.
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What are the transportation arrangements during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers between different locations. For example, you will have a private transfer from Matera to Alberobello, stopping en route at Polignano a Mare, and another transfer from Ostuni to Otranto and then to Lecce.
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What can I do during the free time in Lecce?
During the free time in Lecce, you can enjoy shopping opportunities or visit well-known monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre. In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour of baroque Lecce, where you can admire several architectural gems, including the Basilica di Santa Croce.
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What is the final day of the tour like?
The tour ends in Lecce after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in the city, you can speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Otherwise, you will begin your return journey home.
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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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