Explore Puglia: The Heel of Italy's Boot

Day 1  Polignano a Mare  
Arrive into Bari airport to pick up your car and take a short drive down the coast to Polignano a Mare, known for its dazzling waterfront. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a delicious dish of regional Italian pasta.  

Day 2  Matera and Alberobello
Today, enjoy an escorted tour, to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Matera as well as the fairy-tale-like town of Alberobello, in addition to making a few scenic stops along the way. Your tour will include a stroll through Matera’s magical alleyways, courtyards and viewpoints. Observe Matera’s unique 9000-year-old architecture with a visit to some of its impressive cave churches, impressively built into the stone, rather than from it. Your visit to the enchanting town of Alberobello will be absorbed by discovering the famous Trulli buildings, with their incredible limestone bases and conical roofs.  

Day 3  Polignano a Mare  
Spend the day in Polignano a Mare, wandering through historic, winding streets and perhaps stumbling across gorgeous courtyards or upon quaint, old churches with grand architecture, perfect for wandering into for respite from the midday heat. Roam sandy beaches and cliff-sided coves, and stumble upon ethereal caves and natural swimming pools. Perhaps opt for a boat ride, gliding through the crystal-clear waters or hike along the clifftops and down to the shoreline, taking in sweeping views of the charming, white-washed old town and sparkling sea. Cap off your beach day with a cooling, creamy gelato, as you sunbathe under the warm Mediterranean sun.  

Days 4-6  Ostuni  
Head across to the beautiful town of Ostuni, known as the ‘white city’. Enjoy authentic pizza in Piazza della Libertà, with a view of the remarkable Spire of St Oronzo, and head out to see a magnificent panorama of the city at Vittorio Emmanuel Corso II Viewpoint - a perfect spot to watch the sun set. Witness the beauty of Ostuni’s hill-top old town, being sure to take a photo of the famous blue and green coloured door before finding the Church of St Francis of Assisi, featuring beautiful ornately carved entrance doors.  

Day 7-9  Lecce  
After sampling traditional culinary delights such as the caffe Leccese and Leccese pasticiotto, begin your Leccian adventure with a private Lecce walking tour. Discover the astounding Baroque architectural style of Lecce, featuring soft, local sandstone, and shown through spectacularly carved facades, apparent in Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Pass by some of Lecce’s fascinating Roman age sites, before ending the tour at the impressive Basilica di Santa Croce. During your stay, why not embrace la dolce vita and opt for a Puglian wine-tasting experience at one of the idyllic surrounding vineyards?  

Days 10-12  Otranto  
During your time in Otranto, enjoy a plethora of marine-based activities such as snorkelling, sailing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. As you wander along the coastline stumble upon beautiful orchards, olive groves and breath-taking viewpoints. Sumptuous seafront dining options are plentiful along Otranto’s coastline, which you will find as you enjoy the peaceful walk along the waterfront promenade. Within the old town, discover the imposing ancient structures of Otranto Castle and Otranto Cathedral. Perhaps spend the afternoon taking part in a Puglia cooking class, learning the secrets of delicious southern Italian cuisine from a local before tucking into your mouth-watering creations.  

Days 13-14  Gallipoli  
Get your bearings in Gallipoli and explore the atmospheric old town with its 13^th Century fortress and castle. Take your pick of the many dazzling nearby beaches for a day of lounging on the soft sand with the soundscape of waves lapping onto the shore. With Gallipoli’s fantastic array of churches and impressive cathedral, astounding architecture lies wherever you turn your head. Perhaps opt for a sailing excursion to gain a waterside perspective of the rugged Puglian coastline, feeling the cool sea breeze or maybe for a snorkelling tour, swimming among the colourful marine-life. End your trip in style by heading out to discover the famous nightlife of Gallipoli, cheersing with a shot of local amaretto.

Day 15  Gallipoli
As your marvellous Southern Italian adventure comes to an end, head back to Brindisi airport to drop off the car and make your onward flight.