Puglia
Guided Tour Mediterranean Holiday in Puglia
Itinerary
Day 1 – TRULLI VILLAGE
Arrive in Brindisi airport. Transport to trulli village resort. The trulli resort in Selve di Fasano is surrounded by cherry groves and lovely walking paths. The pool has an integrated jacuzzi and lovely evening lights. Guests may stay in the trulli (little white houses made of layered stones) or in the more modern rooms where the masserie (farmhouses) used to be. Upon arrival you will enjoy a welcome of local tastings and you will have the day free to enjoy the resort and to rest after your flight. Welcome meal included.
Day 2 – ALBEROBELLO
Guided visit to Alberobello (fairytale village of Trulli, specially constructed, pre-15th century cone-shaped houses) Alberobello is located in central Puglia and is known for the trulli, which is a type of house made of stones by the Turkish prisoners in the late 1600s. They are a marvel to see. The town is very suitable for shopping amongst the trulli. We will also enjoy a tasting of local goods at one of the trulli.
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Day 3 – LE GROTTE DI CASTELLANA and OSTUNI
Morning visit to visit Le Grotte di Castellana (underground caves).
The main cave at the entrance of the 3 kilometer trek was known even in antiquity and, according to the legend, it was the dark place of mystery and magic. It wasn’t until 1938 that an Italian explorer heard about the caves through a small group of kids that used to lower themselves down on a rope and swing around in the large cavern into which enters a huge ray of natural light. The stalactites and stalagmites change colors throughout the passageways and form evocative monuments, ending with the latest discovery – the white cave and treasure room.
Afternoon guided visit to Ostuni (the white city)
The historical center of Ostuni is a citadel built on top of a hill and still fortified with the ancient walls. Ostuni is known as an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” (“La Città Bianca”) for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture.
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Day 4 – MARTINA FRANCA
Guided visit to Martina Franca (the elegant city). The town has a particularly beautiful “old city” surrounded by stone walls with prominent Baroque gates leading to piazzas and winding, tiny streets. The pristine streets and piazza look as though someone came along and cleaned them with a sponge. A stroll through the town boasts the famous doorways to prominent wealthy families and the keys to their secrets.
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.Day 5 – GIOIA DEL COLLE
Gioa del Colle (which means joy of the hills) – day of tastings! In the morning we will visit a Masseria (farmhouse) to see taralli and foccaccia being made (which we can then eat)! Afterward, we will go to Gioa del Colle to visit Federico II’s castle, to see mozzarella being made, (which again we can eat), but this time in the garden of the castle along with homemade pasta). Our day will end at a winery where we can taste the wine directly from the barrels!
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Day 6 – LECCE
Morning departure from resort (~1 hr). Guided visit to Lecce (the Baroque city, largest in Puglia) A guided visit will include the public Roman amphitheatre and the private Roman theatre, several baroque churches including the most famous Santa Croce, the two main piazzas, some interesting local and historical information, as well as lots of free time to shop. Lecce is famous for paper maché dolls and you will see the artisans busy at work as you walk around. Arrival at Gallipoli beach resort after dinner.
.Day 7 - GALLIPOLI
Enjoy the day on the beach resort at the Ionian Sea (massages and spa available at resort). Evening visit to the historical town center of Gallipoli where we will visit an antique underground oil refinery before leaving you on your own to stroll around town. Gallipoli means ‘the beautiful town’ in Greek and it is in the Puglia region on the west coast of Italy off of the Ionian Sea. The historical town center is separate from the main city and is a pleasure to visit. The beaches in Gallipoli are spectacular with fine white sand and clear blue-green waters — one of the loveliest seas of the Mediterranean.
Day 8 – SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Guided visit to Santa Maria de Leuca & its lighthouse (the southern most point of the heel where the two seas meet) & the blue grottos boat tour around the heel/ Evening: relax at resort or revisit Gallipoli town center. Santa Maria de Leuca is a town on the very southernmost tip of Italy’s heel, with the Ionian sea on its west coast and the Adriatic sea on its east coast. It is ideal for visiting the grottos on both coastlines. Santa Maria de Leuca is famous for its lighthouse, next to which is a Sanctuary (or Basilica) built in the 1700s called De Finibus Terrae (End of the Land); this is because this town has the lowest point of the geographical “heel” of the Italian peninsula, which is also where the two seas meet. The basilica was built to commemorate the passage of St. Peter here during his travel to Italy; it lies on the former site of a Roman temple dedicated to Minerva.
Day 9 – CASTRO
Coastal drive to our final destination, stopping at the delightful town of Castro along the way. Castro derives its name from Castrum Minervae (Latin for “Minerva’s castle”), which was an ancient town of the Sallentini. It is also said to have been the place where Aeneas first landed in Italy, the port of which he named Portus Veneris (“Port of Venus”). Part of the town was constructed inside the remains of the castle walls which rest upon the hilltop of this port town.
Day 10 – OTRANTO
Morning guided tour in Otranto Otranto is often called the pearl of Salento. Salento is the southern part of Puglia and Otranto is on the eastern coast of Salento off of the Adriatic Sea. Aside from its beauty, Otranto has much historical significance: it is most remembered for Federico II whose castle is still visitable today; and it is remembered for the invasion of the Turks in 1480: the surviving 800 citizens, known as ‘the martyrs of Otranto’, were beheaded and their skulls can be seen behind glass in the cathedral of the old city center. The cathedral is most noted, however, for the mosaics covering the floors portraying the tree of life, mythological scenes, and a zodiac with the signs of the constellations. Perhaps more than anything else, visitors flock to the many shops in the old city center as well as dine in quaint sidewalk restaurants.
Day 11 – Enjoy Otranto on your own. There are lots of quaint shops and eateries to keep you busy or just relax at the port. Farewell dinner included.
Day 12 – Arrivederci! Transport to the Brindisi airport for your return flight. The itinerary is subject to change to accommodate the weather, festivals, or special needs of the guests – you. If you have a concern or a request, please ask. Aside from not having to travel around in a herd, accommodating requests is another bonus of a private tour.
Prices: $3,900 per person double occupancy, $700 supplement singles
Included:
• airport transfers in a private A/C van (with water, spirits, and snacks)
• 11 nights accommodations (4 and 5 star)
• daily guided tours explaining the art and history along the way
• welcome lunch
• goodbye meal
• drinks and appetizers on the boat
• boat excursion
• all entry tickets
• local specialty tasting in Alberbello
• wine tasting
• mozzarella tasting
• lunch in Gioa del Colle
• ‘un bel divertamento’ (lots of fun!)
• special Marena treats!
• Not included:
• airline ticket (but Marena will help you to find a good ticket)
• meals not mentioned above
• gratuities
• insurance (see website for insurance link)
When to come? July is the very best time to enjoy the sea. Also June and September.
