Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

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8 Days From

$2695

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:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ADE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 18

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2695

NB: Prices correct on 09-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Puglia, the heel of Italy, where cultural wonders and breathtaking landscapes await. Begin in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, exploring its ancient cave dwellings. Stay in traditional trulli houses in Alberobello, and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Discover the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni, with an olive oil tasting and a pasta-making demonstration in a traditional masseria. Visit the historic town of Otranto, with its stunning beaches and Romanesque cathedral, before ending your adventure in the baroque city of Lecce. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.

Highlights

  • Experience Puglia’s highlights with a group of like-minded cultural adventurers

  • Begin in the extraordinary cave town of Matera – a spectacular opening to the adventure

  • Wander among the trulli houses of Alberobello, staying in one for two nights

  • Enjoy seafront restaurants and coastal views in Otranto

  • Sample classic Apulian produce with an olive oil tasting and pasta-making demo at a farmhouse

  • Finish in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its magnificent baroque buildings

Itinerary

Expand All

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 the 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 the most interesting, distinctive and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. Nestled 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 UNESCO World Heritage site, for being the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, all carved in bare limestone rock. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk through the town’s famous cave-dwelling districts and learn of the history of this fascinating place. In the afternoon we have time to discover the city at our own pace and visit the world-famous rupestrian churches. Overnight in Matera.

Day 3

Location: Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route for a visit to the lovely village of Polignano a Mare, located on the edge of a spectacular craggy ravine. There will be time to stroll along the charming, white-washed streets and enjoy superb views of the beautiful Adriatic Sea and coastline from one of the panoramic terraces. Later, we transfer to the charming town of Alberobello, known for its dry stone dwellings called 'trulli'. Before dinner we will also enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Overnight in Alberobello in a traditional 'trullo'.

Day 4

Location: Monopoli

Accommodation Name: Overnight in Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to choose amogst the several activities available locally. You may choose to take a day-trip to the charming fishing village of Monopoli or visit the impressive Castellana Caves, Italy’s most important and biggest cave system. Located at the entrance of the Itria Valley, these caves began to form about 90 million years ago. There is tour that takes you to more 60 meters depth and allows to explore an amazing scenario made of stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils and canyons. Overnight in Alberobello.

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

  • Airport transfers for group flights

    Airport transfers are provided for group flights.

  • All breakfasts, 1 lunch/cookery class, 1 wine tasting

    All breakfasts, one lunch with a cookery class, and one wine tasting are included.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included, featuring stays in traditional buildings, trulli houses, and modern hotels.

  • London flights (if booking incl. flights)

    Flights from London are included if the booking includes flights.

What's Not Included

  • Local city taxes (approx. €15)

    Local city taxes, approximately €15, are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is not included and may incur additional costs.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

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.

Accommodation

We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of classic Apulian architecture. We spend two nights in a comfortable three-star hotel in the historic centre of Matera, two nights in authentic trulli houses (dry-stone dwellings) in Alberobello, one night in a four-star hotel in Ostuni, and two nights in a modern hotel near the historic centre of Lecce.

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.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Puglia

An interesting introduction to a region of Italy often overlooked. There was so much to see and do, plus staying in a trulli house in Alberobello was an amazing experience. The food was superb and the wine amazing.

Unspoilt part of Italy at its best

Well planned itinerary and plenty of free time. Very beautiful part of Italy not generally frequented by a lot of British tourists, compared to other Italian towns, and well worth visiting. You wont be disappointed. Excellent food, as you would expect.

Wonderful trip in Puglia

I loved every minute of this very diverse tour. Every day was different and very interesting, our group leader Fabrizio was awesome and the individual group participants were lovely and lots of fun. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Puglia: Discover the heel of Italy

We would definitely recommend this holiday; the choice of hotels was superb. There was such a wide variety of things to see and the area is very beautiful.

Discover the Heel of Italy

A pleasant and rewarding few days in one of the lesser-visited parts of Italy. Gentle visits to picturesque towns and villages taking in the cuisine and culture were ideal for a group of 11 ranging in age from about 40 into the mid 70s. Travelling in May avoided the blistering heat which followed throughout the summer. There was plenty of free time in which the group could do their own thing. Accommodation was excellent throughout, particularly the Trulli of Alberobello, and caves of Matera.

A taste of a lesser known region of Italy

This trip gave a flavour of the region of Puglia in more ways than one... Staying in four different locations across the week, we learned about the importance of olives and wine in the region with visits to a an olive grove for olive oil tasting and a factory for wine tasting, and were encouraged to try local specialities by our leader who at group meals ordered a range of typical dishes so that we could try a variety. Although not specifically a food tour, food has to be a major part of any trip to Italy...

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy - ADE (20)

We had a wonderful week in a part of Italy that was new to us.

Varied tour of a fascinating region

The region was rewarding and not very touristy. Towns were full of atmosphere. Some enjoyable walks. Hotels were close to centres. Not too much coach travel and enough free time. Warm and friendly guide. But quite a bit of walking so Might be difficult for those even with some mobility problems and not all accommodation great. Free day a bit problematic as limited public transport and a day in arivabello not all that interesting. But guide helped and we went to two nice towns so not insuperable. Local food and wine was good. Recommended but be prepared to walk

Puglia May 2022

Pleased to visit an area previously unknown to me. We experienced unseasonably hot weather (some days 35 degrees in May) which made walking the streets of some cities difficult. The free day at Monopoli we agreed to be shortened in order that some time could be spent viewing our base Alberobello. I was surprised not to have dedicated transport which led to some timing issues and having to walk to the meeting point. Overall a tour of varieties of cities/sea side/olive groves with some good recommendations of where to eat.

Trullis, Olive trees and Negative Architecture

Very good exposure to the cave dwellings, trullis and olive groves in the Puglia region. Marinella was an excellent guide who provided us with the background and context in a clear and simple manner. She also took care to introduce us to the variety of foods available in the region - which we may have missed out on if this care was not taken.

Read all 31 reviews

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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