Forming the ‘heel of Italy’, Puglia offers everything from Adriatic-coast fishing ports to remote hamlets and its signature ‘trulli’– unique cone-roofed cottages. Yet aside from these draws, it’s also home to rustic cuisine, a simple lifestyle and robust wines, making it a place not just to explore but to immerse yourself in.
Relax at the splendid 4-star Chiusa di Chietri near Alberobello, the city of trulli, for seven nights, with no change of hotels needed, making this the perfect spot to enjoy and explore this wonderful region.
Departure dates available: 16 October 2024
(WAIT LIST – please email hello@magaritours.com)
On this 7-night tour we base ourselves near Alberobello, the city of trulli, and visit not just highlights like Lecce and Matera, but some of Puglia’s hidden and most authentic gems. Discover quiet villages and medieval harbours, visit agritourism farms to watch bread and mozzarella being made, and enjoy classic Apulian cuisine at family-run restaurants along the way – bellissimo!
On arrival at Bari airport, where we are met by our guide, we set off for an afternoon’s exploration of Trani, an enchanting fishing port overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Famous as a departure point for the Crusades during the Middle Ages, this historic town hems a picture-postcard harbourfront, which provides the setting for our lunch. We take a seat at a portside seafood restaurant and enjoy an authentic local meal as we watch the fishing boats come in. Afterward, we continue to Alberobello, our base for seven nights, and famous for its ‘trulli’: whitewashed houses with conical roofs. After checking in at the 4-star Grand Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri, we enjoy a welcome drink and nibbles, followed by a light dinner.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a guided walk of Alberobello, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved trulli. We stroll around the historical Rione Monti district, home to around 1,000 of these unique dwellings, and learn about their roots as field shelters. Next, we travel to the rural Aglio-Piccola, a family-run Apulian ‘masseria’ farm, which specialises in making its own delicious dairy and bakery produce. After watching the family prepare mozzarella and focaccia to generations-old recipes, we visit the family-owned Cantina Masseria Torricella winery for a tour and tasting. This afternoon brings another walking tour with a local guide. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is free for you to experience this lovely part of southern Italy as you wish. You may want to delve further into Alberobello: wandering its cobbled streets to see more of its trulli, visiting its evocative churches and sampling the rustic home-cooking offered in its restaurants. Alternatively, relax at your hotel, enjoying its swimming pools and spa, and perhaps heading into Alberobello for a spot of people-watching over coffee or lunch.
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning we drive to the UNESCO-listed historic town of Matera, perched dramatically on a outcrop. Dating back 10,000 years, this magical place took a starring role in films such as The Passion of the Christ, Ben Hur and 2021’s Bond film, No Time to Die. We will admire some of its stone churches and explore its Sassi quarter, famous for its Palaeolithic cave dwellings, which were inhabited until the 1950s. We also enjoy a bread-making session to discover the art behind the town’s traditional bread. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
We wind through the green hills of the Valle D’Itria, passing olive groves and trulli villages, to discover the pretty village of Locorotondo before visiting hilltop Ostuni, dubbed the ‘white town’ for its shining white buildings. Enjoy a short guided walk around the centre, and admire the far-reaching views to the Adriatic. During our return to Alberobello, we call at a medieval masseria to sample local olive oil. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
First off, we make the short drive to Polignano, a delightful coastal town occupying a promontory surrounded by the Adriatic. We explore here and absorb the sea views before continuing to seaside Monopoli, whose centro storico offers a castle and white houses, squares, and churches wedged against a photogenic harbourside. Our time here is capped off with a tasty lunch at an authentic seafood eatery just steps from the sea. This evening we enjoy a light dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to Italy’s ‘Florence of the South’–Lecce. This stunning city mixes baroque architecture with a buzzy atmosphere that makes it truly enjoyable to explore. We take a guided walk around the elegant centre, alive with street cafes and shops, and admire treasures like the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza Duomo and the city’s hidden Roman remains. Our explorations end with free time for you to have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
We transfer to Bari airport for our lunchtime flight home.
The immaculate 4-star La Chiusa di Chietri sits in its own olive grove just a 5-minute drive from central Alberobello. While its architecture is modern and sleek, this well-run, privately owned hotel offers a true and traditional flavour of Puglia – warm hospitality, authentic cuisine and attentive service from friendly, local staff.
The hotel offers modern rooms with satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, air-conditioning and private bathroom, with most also offering garden views. During leisure time, guests can relax by the outdoor pool in the summer, stroll in the olive tree-filled grounds, enjoy the luxurious indoor pool and wellness treatments at the spa, and savour freshly prepared, local dishes at the restaurant. A shuttle also runs into Alberobello – the perfect finishing touch.
Return flights London Gatwick to Bari
LGW-BRI Dep 07:20 Arr 11:10
BRI-LGW Dep 12:00 Arr 13:50
7 nights in the 4 star Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
Itinerary and handpicked highlights as stated above
Services of a local, experienced English speaking Tour Manager
All coach transportation as stated in itinerary above
Extras
Departing 16th October 2024
(WAIT LIST – please email hello@magaritours.com)
Twin from £1995 per person
Single Supplement £350
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