Best of Apulia region - 9 days (Small Group)

Arrive in Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia, and meet your tour guide at the hotel at 2 pm. Embark on a fascinating exploration of Bari's historical center, Bari Vecchia, where you'll delve into the city's rich past and marvel at its main monuments. Wander through narrow alleys and quaint squares, visit the revered Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the 12th-century Swabian Castle, and enjoy stunning views from the castle's interior. End your day at the Piazza Mercantile, home to the intriguing Column of Justice. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel before retiring for the night.

After breakfast, set off for Trani, the 'Pearl of Puglia', a charming medieval town 53 kilometers south of Bari. Admire its Jewish district and the stunning Cathedral, built from a unique light pink calcareous tuff. In the afternoon, visit the enigmatic Castel Del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique geometric design. Continue to Alberobello, the 'City of Trulli', another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll marvel at the traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs. Spend the night in a dream hotel, a 'scattered hotel', and experience sleeping in a trullo. Dinner is included.

After breakfast, a bus will take you to Matera, the 'City of Stones', in the border region of Basilicata. As the European Capital of Culture 2019 and a UNESCO Heritage site, Matera is home to ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period. Wander through a labyrinth of quaint alleys and admire the sassi from various perspectives. Don't miss the visit to Matera Cathedral. Return to Alberobello in the evening for dinner and another night in the trullo.

After breakfast, travel to Locorotondo, one of Italy's most beautiful hamlets, known for its circular shape. Next, visit Ostuni, the 'White City', perched on a hill and built by the Normans. Enjoy some free time to explore the historical center, indulge in local delicacies, and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, head to Lecce, the heart of the Salento area, for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Lecce, often referred to as the 'Southern Florence' for its artistic and cultural vibrancy. Visit a variety of religious and secular monuments before heading to Otranto for lunch. Explore this historic city, a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences, and visit the Cathedral that houses the bones of 813 martyrs. End your day with a visit to 'Masseria le Stanzie' in Supersano, where you'll learn about Puglia's gastronomy history and enjoy a delicious dinner. Overnight stay is in Lecce.

Day 6 is dedicated to Gallipoli, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning wild beaches. Explore the city center, the walls, and the port, and enjoy some free time to discover the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, return to Lecce and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay is in Lecce.

After breakfast, return to Bari via the 'Murge plateau', taking in the unique landscape. Stop at Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village filled with churches, noble buildings, and picturesque squares. Enjoy some free time before continuing through the Valle d'Itria, a rural area dotted with olive trees and vineyards. Savor a lunch in a masseria, a large farm where food and excellent extra virgin olive oil are produced from organic farming. After a tasting of these products, a short drive will take you back to Bari for the night.

After breakfast, visit two of Puglia's most prominent coastal towns: Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. Start in Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea, where you can lose yourself in the intricate little streets. Then, head to Polignano a Mare, the hometown of Domenico Modugno, the co-writer of the world-famous song 'Volare'. Built on a cliff, Polignano offers stunning views of coves, small bays, and inlets. Enjoy some free time for shopping or an aperitivo in the main square before returning to Bari for the night.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before concluding your unforgettable journey through Puglia. You have the option to book extra nights if you wish to extend your stay. We hope to see you again on your next visit. Arrivederci!