Puglia, Italy - The Heel of the Boot
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart for Brindisi, Puglia.
Arrive in Brindisi. Transfer to your hotel in Lecce for a four-night stay. Enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Enjoy a walking tour of historic Lecce. See Santa Croce, Palazzo Celestine, Church of the Rosary, Palazzo Adorno, the Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta and the Roman Amphitheatre.
We first visit a winery to taste the local wines, with a light lunch in the Lecce area. Then we proceed to Gallipoli and explore its delightful historic centre.
Begin with the port town of Otranto’s historic centre and beautiful sea views. Visit the cathedral’s Chapel of 800 Martyrs, crypt, and one of the largest mosaics in the world. Finish at Santa Maria di Leuca at Puglia’s southern tip for views of where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet.
Visit an old olive mill in Cisternino before proceeding to Ostuni, the “White City” overlooking acres of seaside olive groves. Tour the old centre’s Gothic Roman cathedral before checking into your hotel for a three-night stay in the Valle d’Itria area.
Step foot in Castellana Grotto’s ancient caverns, then head to Alberobello’s famous trulli village for an exclusive tour of these unique homes. After, enjoy free time to wander the village.
Discover Martina Franca— a lovely Baroque town with palaces and decorated churches. Enjoy a fresh lunch of regional products.
Visit the famous archaeological ruins of Egnazia. Later, walk among Monopoli’s medieval fortifications, castles, and Baroque cathedral. Next, take in the fantastic views of Polignano a Mare, picturesque seaside city and birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno. Continue to Bari for a three-night stay.
Explore Bari’s modern yet timelessly historic centre, including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Norman-Swabian Castle. Experience the waterfront, historic buildings, shops and cafes at your leisure. Stop in “Orecchiette Street” where the local women will show how they make the typical pasta.
Visit the magnificent city of Matera’s Romanesque cathedral and Barisan Sasso. Stop in the charming town of Altamura and visit its 13th-century cathedral and a cozy local bakery.
Travel along the scenic coast to the sophisticated seaside town of Trani, known as the Pearl of Puglia. Continue to Gargano Peninsula for a two-night stay.
Explore the Gargano promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Weather permitting, enjoy a boat cruise among the backdrop of storybook villages, crystal-blue waters and dramatic cliffs.
Visit one of Christianity’s oldest churches in Monte Sant’Angelo. Proceed to Barletta area for two nights and see the 11th-century fortress, cathedral and Cellar of the Challenge.
Explore the octagonal Castel del Monte, a 13th-century citadel. After, learn about cheese production in the Andria region, famous for soft mozzarella, ricotta and burrata cheeses. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
It’s arrivederci to Italy as we depart for home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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