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Our tour starts in Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts, the /sassi/. Our hotel is located in the heart of Matera Sassi UNESCO site, just a few steps from the town's most famous attractions, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across the town. After checking in we enjoy a first glimpse of Matera's enchanting alleys and unique architecture.
We start our week with a full day in one of 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. * *
In the morning we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route for a visit to the village of Polignano a Mare, located on the edge of a craggy ravine. There will be time to stroll along the 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 town of Alberobello, known for its dry-stone dwellings called 'trulli'. Before dinner, we will also enjoy wine tasting at a local winery. Overnight in Alberobello in a traditional 'trullo'.
Today is free to choose amongst the several activities available locally. You may choose to take a day-trip to the fishing village of Monopoli or visit the 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 a tour that takes you to more than 60 meters depth and allows you to explore stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils, and canyons. Overnight in Alberobello.
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 cooking class followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon there will be more free time to visit Ostuni. Overnight in Ostuni.
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 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 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 of Otranto’s beaches, famous for the picture-perfect clear water (seasonal). Late afternoon transfer to Lecce, where we stay overnight. * *
In the morning we enjoy a guided visit to 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 architectural gems, including the best Baroque monument in town: the 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.
* 7 nights 3 and 4-star hotels
* 8 days land only / 8 days flight inclusive
* Group normally 6-18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by air-conditioned private minibus
All breakfasts, 1 lunch/cookery class, and 1 wine tasting
In Puglia, you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to
the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on
offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta
delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce made with turnip-tops or fresh
tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and
parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream
cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the
abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for
vegetarians! On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste the best
local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery
class, and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.
* 7 nights 3 and 4-star hotels
* 8 days land only / 8 days flight inclusive
* Group normally 6-18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by air-conditioned private minibus
Grade: 1 (Leisurely) This is a busy week where you can enjoy some real
Italian hospitality and sightseeing on foot in the best towns and areas of
Puglia. All the transfers will be by private air conditioned vehicle. This
trip also includes one optional coastal walk (max. 3hrs). Although the
distances covered during the sightseeing are not too long, the days can feel
busy and you will be climbing a lot of steps, sometimes uneven, in Matera
and Ostuni during the sightseeing. Please note that Puglia can be very hot,
reaching high 30s in the summer. Overall this trip is suitable for all people
who are in good health and fitness.
Hotels and Trulli houses
All hotels on this trip have been specially selected for their location,
character and comfort. We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings
which give a real taste of the typical Apulian architecture. We spend 2
nights in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Matera's historic centre, 2 nights
in authentic Trulli houses (dry stone dwellings) in Alberobello, 1 night in
a 4-star hotel in Ostuni, and 2 nights in a modern hotel located in
proximity of Lecce’s historic centre.
List of hotels normally used:
* Hotel Sassi, Matera
* Trulli houses, Alberobello (Trulli e Puglia ,Trulli Holidays or La Corte
dell’Astore )
* Hotel La Terra or Sant Eligio Relais or Hotel Palace, Ostuni
* Eos Hotel or Hotel President, Lecce
A local leader will be with the group throughout the week. However, due to
Italian legislation, tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in some
cities, museums and churches. A local licenced guide will accompany the group
in Matera. On the other days you will be able to sightsee with your tour
leader or at your own pace.
All breakfasts, 1 lunch/cookery class, and 1 wine tasting
In Puglia, you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to
the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on
offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta
delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce made with turnip-tops or fresh
tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and
parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream
cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the
abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for
vegetarians! On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste the best
local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery
class, and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.
A private air-conditioned minibus will be used for all transfers during the
week.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Alitalia
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Matera and ending in Lecce*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Matera in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
From Bari Airport it's possible to take public transport onward to Matera.
Alternatively, if you prefer to travel in more comfort, Exodus can arrange a
private arrival transfer prior to departure. Please contact us if you wish to
request it.
The Puglia region of Southern Italy enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate
with all year round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure that the
green is never too far off. Although Puglia covers a large area it is long
and narrow - not more than 30km across. This means that you're never far from
the sea which has a moderating effect on the weather. Please note that Puglia
can be very hot, reaching high 30s in the summer.
Comfortable walking shoes, small daypack for camera, guidebook, sun cream,
hat, sunglasses, waterproofs.
Water bottle: while mineral water is available at the hotels and shops,
it’s safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable
water bottles and keep hydrated during the day.
swimwear and beach towel
For the meals not included, allow €10 for lunch and from €15-25 for
dinners. We recommend to budget about €250-300 spending money for the week,
depending on the standard of the restaurant chosen.
LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for
non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will
be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee
varies depending on the hotel category, the season, and the number of days of
stay. It is usually between €1 and €3 per person per night. For this
trip, please allow approx. €10-15 for the week.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of
our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help
and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the
service received. For this trip, we recommend to budget approx. €15-20 per
person for the leader.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation
* Visas or vaccinations
* Local city taxes (approx. €15)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.