Puglia & Basilicata

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Bari Fasano

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bari with easyJet and transfer to Fasano. Stay at the Casale Del Murgese for 5 nights. (D)

Day 2: Altamura Matera

Morning drive to Altamura to visit the celebrated Romanesque cathedral. Continue to the Unesco world heritage site of Matera. The Sassi district is divided into two parts, the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano, each with countless churches and their own distinctive features. The tour includes a visit to Casa Grotta, a typical Sassi dwelling, the Rupestrian churches and the Crypt of the Original Sin and its magnificent frescoes. (B, D)

Day 3: Castel del Monte Tran

Full-day excursion with a visit to Castel del Monte. This octagonal fortress built in the 13th century and isolated on a hill 540 metres above sea level is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Continue to Trani, a whitewashed port of Jewish origin, famous for its exquisite cathedral as well as its sweet Moscato wine. (B)

Day 4: Alberobello Martina Franca Locorotondo

Drive through the Itria valley to Alberobello. Morning city tour of the Unesco-listed town, famous for its traditional conical trulli dwellings. Afternoon excursion to visit Martina Franca, a small town with elegant palaces and monumental churches, typical of baroque architecture. Visit the hamlet of Locorotondo and enjoy tastings of typical products among the trulli houses. (B)

Day 5: Bari Polignano a Mare

Morning visit to the capital of Apulia, Bari. Explore the old town quarter including St Sabin Cathedral and St Nicholas Basilica. Afternoon excursion to the charming sea town of Polignano a Mare. (B)

Day 6: Ostuni Lecce

In the morning travel south to Lecce via Ostuni for a tour of the cathedral and a visit to a masseria (fortified farmhouse) for olive oil tastings. Continue to Lecce for a short city tour, including entrance to the cathedral. Stay at the Patria Palace for 2 nights. (B)

Day 7: Galatina Otranto Lecce

Morning visit to Galatina, renowned for its exquisite church of Santa Caterina dAlessandria with its medieval frescoes. Continue to Otranto, a town of Greek origin situated on the site of ancient Hydrus. Return to Lecce to visit the 14th-century Palazzo Morisco. Enjoy an aperitif in the gardens overlooking the Roman theatre. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)