More rural and less visited than other parts of Italy, Puglia is a region rich with southern Italian charm, white-washed coastal towns and unique villages.
Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, this 10-day itinerary using private drivers and guides, encompasses Puglia and Basilicata’s well-known highlights as well as regional hidden gems. Visit the coastal jewel of Polignano a Mare, explore the white trulli houses in Alberobello, take boat trip down the Salento coast and discover the architectural gems of Ostuni, Lecce and Matera. You will also discover the less visited side of the region including the Lucan Dolomites, Alta Murgia National Park and Cisternino. As food is such an important part of the Apulian culture, this itinerary includes a private cookery class, street food dinner in Bari, charcuterie tasting at a local farm and several special lunches.
Bari – Matera – Valle d’Itria – Lecce
Trip Highlights
- The picturesque villages of the Lucan Dolomites are rich in traditional Italian charm
- Alberobello is home to trullis – white dry-stone homes with distinctive conical roofs
- Enjoy a private boat tour along the stunning turquoise Salento coast on the heel of Italy
- Discover the cobbled streets, narrow alleys and whitewashed homes of Ostuni
- Take a cookery class where you will learn how to cook authentic Apulian dishes
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Bari
Begin your journey this morning by boarding your international flight to Bari in southern Italy. On arrival you will be met and privately transferred from the airport to your hotel in the city centre. In the afternoon, meet your local guide who will take you to explore Bari, Puglia’s capital. Enjoy a private walking tour where you will visit the city’s main historical buildings including the Teatro Petruzzelli and the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Amble down the picturesque seaside promenade and the famous Via delle Orecchiette where locals prepare handmade pasta to sell to visitors. In the evening enjoy an included street food dinner with typical dishes including focaccia, panzerotto and sgagliozze.
- Dinner
iH Hotels Bari Oriente
Grande Albergo delle Nazioni
Day 2
Bari and Polignano a Mare
Spend the morning at leisure before travelling to Polignano a Mare, a beautiful jewel on the coast of Valle d’Itria. Perched atop a 20-metre high limestone cliff, spend the afternoon wandering through the cobbled streets and admiring the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic from the town’s various viewpoints. You may wish to dine at the unique Grotta Palazzese in the evening, an enchanting restaurant built inside a natural cave.
- Breakfast
iH Hotels Bari Oriente
Grande Albergo delle Nazioni
Day 3
Alta Murgia National Park and Matera
This morning visit Alta Murgia National Park, a limestone plateau scored by deep ravines and sudden sinkholes. Remote and aloof, Alta Murgia offers the perfect setting for Castel del Monte, a breathtaking octagonal citadel. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval castle commissioned by Frederick II in the 13th century offers stunning views of the national park as it sits about 540 metres above sea. After lunch at a local agriturismo, drive to the city of Matera which was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Check in to your hotel in the Sassi di Matera, a district of ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, another UNESCO site. Meet your local guide and embark on a private walking tour of this unique area for the remainder of the afternoon.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Sextantio le Grotte della Civita
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
Day 4
Lucan Dolomites
Today travel to the spectacular Lucan Dolomites and reach the picturesque small village of Castelmezzano, listed among ‘Italy’s most beautiful village’. Home to authentic charms and a medieval urban structure, take some time to explore this hidden gem in the Basilicata region. In the afternoon continue to Pietrapertosa, another stunning village surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. Enjoy a traditional three-course lunch at a local restaurant suspended over a breathtaking valley. Transfer back to Matera and enjoy an evening at leisure.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Sextantio le Grotte della Civita
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
Day 5
Cisternino and Alberobello
After breakfast, travel back to Puglia towards Cisternino where you will visit a family-run farm that produces capocollo, a traditional pork cold cut. Take a guided tour of the farm and learn about the production processes ending with a capocollo tasting and light lunch. In the afternoon continue to Alberobello, another UNESCO World Heritage site which home to the famous trulli. Trulli are typical white dry-stone constructions with a conical roof. Traditionally used as field shelters and storehouses, these unique buildings are still in use today. Walk through the winding alleys exploring this other-worldly town before travelling to your Masseria, a traditional rural lodging, in the heart of Valle d’Itria.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Masseria Montenapoleone
Masseria Torre Maizza
Day 6
Valle d’Itria
Today you will take part in a private cookery class where you will enjoy a hands-on morning learning about traditional Apulian cuisine, often termed ‘la cucina povera’, or ‘food of the poor’. Typical dishes you may make include orecchiette, ‘little ears’ pasta, baccalà alla salentina, baked salted cod with pecorino cheese and fresh tomato and pasticciotto, creamy custard and cherry tarts. Sample your creations for lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure at your Masseria.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Masseria Montenapoleone
Masseria Torre Maizza
Day 7
Ostuni and Lecce
Today you will enjoy a private boat tour down the beautiful coast of Salento. Known for its large number of ravines, fjord holes, caves and turquoise sea, this area holds great biological and historical importance. Depart from the port of Castro Marina and climb the coast to Santa Cesarea whilst admiring the spectacular landscapes. Discover Romanelli cave, a prehistoric site of great interest where Palaeolithic discoveries were found inside. Back on shore, take leisurely lunch before travelling to the picturesque town of Otranto, perched on the water's edge. A private guide will show you the sights of this special place before returning to Lecce for dinner at leisure.
- Breakfast
Suite Hotel Santa Chiara
Risorgimento Resort
Day 8
Salento and Otranto
Today you will enjoy a private boat tour down the beautiful coast of Salento. Known for its large number of ravines, fjord holes, caves and turquoise sea, this area holds great biological and historical importance. Depart from the port of Castro Marina and climb the coast to Santa Cesarea whilst admiring the spectacular landscapes. Discover Romanelli cave, a prehistoric site of great interest where Palaeolithic discoveries were found inside. Back on shore, take leisurely lunch before travelling to the picturesque town of Otranto, perched on the water's edge. A private guide will show you the sights of this special place before returning to Lecce for dinner at leisure.
- Breakfast
Suite Hotel Santa Chiara
Risorgimento Resort
Day 9
Galatina
After breakfast head to Galatina which is famous for the splendid Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, a treasure chest of magnificent painted frescoes. Explore this wonderful piece of architecture before sampling the Apulian sweet treat, pasticciotto, a traditional cake made with pastry and custard. After lunch at leisure, return to Lecce for one final afternoon at leisure in Puglia.
- Breakfast
Suite Hotel Santa Chiara
Risorgimento Resort
Day 10
Brindisi to the UK
After breakfast you will be met from your hotel and be taken to Brindisi airport by private transfer for the flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Historic Rome epitomises the very best of Italy. This great capital home to extraordinary ancient sites, fabulous art, world-class museums and some of the nation’s finest food, offers plenty. Highlights include the Colosseum, Parthenon and the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.
Include a stay in sophisticated Milan. The financial capital of Italy, cosmopolitan Milan is home to one of the country’s finest gothic cathedrals, Leonardo’s da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ and the respected La Scala opera house. For rail lovers, travel from south to north by train.
Discover Bologna, one of the gems of northern Italy which can easily be combined with Florence, Venice, Verona or Milan. Bologna has a strong food culture, make day trips to Modena and Parma, is home to grand architecture and one of the oldest universities in the world.
Venice is a highlight of any visit to Italy and links well with Bologna or Milan. Home to an abundance of instantly recognisable sights, highlights of Venice include Piazza San Marco where you can enjoy traditional Venetian aperitivo, the photogenic Grand Canal, Ponti di Rialto and Bridge of Sighs.
Guide to Price
10 days from £5000 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £5000
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London to many Italian cities including Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pisa and Verona. They also offer flights to the Italian islands Sardinia and Sicily. Regional flights with British Airways are available with a connection at Heathrow. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet also have a wide range of flights available between the UK and Italy. Alternatively take the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient Express between London and Venice, or self-drive is also an option.
Flying Times From UK
Flight times take between 2-4 hours depending on where you are flying into in Italy. It takes two and a half hours to fly between the UK and Rome.
Time Zone
Italy is +1 hour ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
British Citizens do not require a visa for travel to Italy. You should ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity, that you have appropriate travel insurance and correct documentation if planning to drive. Travellers will not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. For more information please visit the UK Government website.
Do’s & Don’ts
When taking photographs, permission should always be asked before taking someone’s picture.
Make sure you pack suitable clothing so that you can dress respectfully for visits to religious venues.
Knees and shoulders should be covered when entering Catholic Churches such as St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City or St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
If you manage to learn a few words in Italian it will be greatly appreciated.
Money
The local currency is the Euro which is easily exchanged before you leave the UK or once in Italy. ATMs are reliable and commonplace throughout the country and nearly all major credit cards are accepted. Some restaurants may include an extra service fee for payments made with a credit or debit card so this is always worth checking first. Changing foreign currency is an easy process in Italy which is possible at banks, hotels and post offices.
Tipping
There is no set rule for tipping in Italy, but 10% for good service is appreciated. In some restaurants service charge is added to your bill automatically so ensure you check this. Tips in cash are preferred.
Food & Drink
Italian food is one of the world’s most loved and accessible cuisines and is very much focused on simplicity, flavours and local produce. Like many destinations, food is very regional in Italy, and each area has its own speciality, many boasting recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. Renowned for its incredible pizza and pasta, Italy also offers dishes which use some of the continent’s best ingredients including Tuscan truffles, fresh seafood from Liguria, cured meat from Parma, Sicilian lemons, buffalo mozzarella from Campania and Modena’s famous balsamic vinegar. Italy is also known for its excellent coffee, and the culture surrounding this, which is ingrained into daily life. Other popular drinks include limoncello, a lemon-based liqueur, the strong spirit of grappa and, of course, wine.
Accommodation
There is an excellent variety of accommodation in Italy ranging from luxurious heritage properties and modern international resorts to boutique city hotels and secluded villas. Throughout all Italian cities there is a huge range of international chain or boutique hotels as well as apartments available, all of which follow European standards. Tuscany and Umbria offer villas with pools in the stunning countryside perfect for family or group holidays. There an abundance of lakeside hotels and apartments in the Italian Lakes whereas Sardinia and Sicily have a wonderful range of beach resorts. There is also specialist accommodation available throughout the country including mountain monasteries, rural farmhouses, ski lodges and local campsites.
Shopping
The Italians are renowned for their fashion and high-end clothes, shoes and bags. Florence, Milan and Rome are excellent places to shop for both Italian and international designers. Traditional craft items such as pottery, jewellery, ornaments and leatherwork can be found at local markets and craft shops throughout the country in both the big cities and more rural villages.Food markets are an excellent way to sample Italian street food and also buy produce including olive oil, truffles, fresh seafood and meat, cheese and vegetables, whereas local wine or spirts can be shipped back to the UK.
Suggested Reading
Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness have excellent guide books on Italy and also offer regional or city variations. For books on the history of Italy try ‘The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples’ by Sir David Gilmore, ‘House of Medici’ by Christopher Hibbert and ‘Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ by Edward Gibbon. ‘The Italians’ by Luigi Barzini deeply explores the Italian character and psyche and for a brilliantly comprehensive A-Z guide on Italian food, try ‘The Oxford Companion to Italian Food’ by Gillian Riley. There are also a number of excellent biographies and fictional reads set in Italy that include:
‘The Merchant of Prato’ by Iris Origo
'Christ Stopped At Eboli' by Carlo Levi
‘The Borgias: Power and Fortune’ by Paul Strathern
‘The Leopard’ by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
‘Death in Venice’ by Thomas Mann
‘A Farewell to Arms’ by Ernest Hemmingway
‘The Land Where Lemons Grow’ by Helena Atlee
‘A Room With a View’ by E. M. Forster
‘Pompei’ by Rober Lustrum
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Italy the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly.We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (https://safertourism.org.uk/) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Looking for something more bespoke?
Our Italy travel consultants can help you create your perfect trip
- Experts in tailor-made holidays
- Honest pricing with no hidden extras
- ABTA and ATOL protected
Our Reviews
What our clients say
I look forward to planning my next trip with you!
JT - Italy - June 2024
We are back from our lovely holiday in Lake Garda, we had a fantastic time and all the bookings ran perfectly. Thank you for your help in arranging everything and I look forward to planning my next trip with you!
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
