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Exploring Italy Food & Wine Tours

Pretty Little Puglia

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - White-washed wonder

Day 1: Fly into Brindisi airport which is just 35km from the white washed town of Ostuni. You can either get a taxi, train or rent a car and start your adventure. This place is still somewhat of a hidden gem in Puglia, and it’s defensive walls and cute cobbled alleyways make it a great starting point for our Pretty Little Puglia tour. You could be excused for thinking that you are in Santorni, with the sparkling sapphire sea and faded-white little buildings against the streaming sunshine. Enjoy your first night out on the town! Be sure to tuck into some super fresh seafood.

Day 2 - Under your own steam

Today you are free to explore Ostuni old town at your leisure. For budding photographers, expect photo opportunities around every corner! Or, if you’re feeling like putting your feet up on the beach, why not head to one of the nearby beach clubs for the afternoon? We can make plenty of restaurant recommendations for this evening.

Day 3 - Magical Trullis

After breakfast you will head onto the famous trulli town of Alberobello, for a taste of traditional life! You will experience a unique and authentic stay in a local trulli, for the ultimate romantic getaway. These properties are small and cosy, but offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else! Settle in to your home-away-from-home this evening.

Day 4 - Explore more

This morning you will be met by your private driver and taken on a tour of the magical trulli town of Alberobello , also a Unesco World Heritage site. You will be taken on an informative tour of this ancient town, stopping for a delicious wine tasting in enoteca with light lunch.

Day 5 - Monopoli - more than a game!

Today you will head onto the picture-perfect neighbouring medieval port town of Monopoli on the Adriatic Sea, where you will be spending the next couple of nights. Be sure to check out the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral. To help you get your bearings, you will be taken on a guided tour of the historic centre along the coast, with lots of tips and recommendations for your time here. The tour takes about 2 hours, and the rest of the day is free for you to set up camp in a water-front bar with a cocktail in hand!

Day 6 - Do it for the gram...

After breakfast this morning, we would recommend you visit the highly instagrammable Polignano a Mare, known for its beautiful white pebbled beaches, the most iconic one being the Cala Porto beach. It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this! Think white washed houses, limestone cliffs and azure waters. For a dining experience you won’t forget, try the Grotta Palazzese! A restaurant within a waterfront cave…

Day 7 - A spectacular city of stone

Next stop is the UNESCO town of Matera, an ancient cave settlement which will take your breath away! This town is technically in the region of Basilicata (fun trivia eh!). You will be staying in the most unique hotel, nestled in the cave-side overlooking the twinkling lights of the town and limestone rooftops. The views are amazing! We have arranged a walking tour of the Sassi area of this UNESCO World Heritage Site this afternoon, so that you can get a real feel for this special place and it’s wealth of history. There are plenty of food and watering holes on your doorstep. There is also a nearby spa if you are in need of a pamper, which can be booked as an extra.

Day 8 - A step back in time

Today is at leisure to explore spectacular Matera under your own steam. Discover grottos carved out of limestone on the edge of an impressive ravine. Pack a good pair of walking shoes as cars can’t get around the old town, and there are many steep staircases and winding passages. It’s rather a maze, in the best possible way! Prepare for a surreal experience, as you dine in caves, enjoy your aperitivo in caves and even admire some modern sculptures in a cave museum. Take some time out to learn about the history and get a taste for life in the 18th Century.

Day 9 - The bright lights of Lecce

Today you will continue south towards the beautiful city of Lecce, famed for its impressive baroque architecture. Make sure you visit the Piazza del Duomo and the Cattedrale di Lecce which has a double facade and a bell tower. Your hotel is slap bang in the centre of all the old town and all the good stuff! Enjoy this prime real estate and former palace.There are many award winning restaurants here too, so prepare to feast like royalty! We can arrange a special romantic private dinner in a palace, if this is a special occasion trip (for extra cost). Don’t forget cocktail and aperitivo hour, the city comes alive at night!

Day 10 - Baroque brilliance

You may wish to explore the delights of Lecce today, meandering through narrow streets, stumbling upon hidden piazzas, or spending the afternoon in the sun sipping an aperol spritz. There are excellent wine bars too.  Alternatively, you might fancy a day trip to the coastal towns of Ortranto or Gallipoli. Both of these pretty seaside towns offer a great day out from Lecce, with some lovely lunch options too.

Day 11 - Home time

After enjoying a typical almond iced-coffee in a charming piazza this morning, you will head back to Brindisi airport for your flight home. We hope you had a fun-filled and action-packed introduction to the prettiest villages, towns and cities in Puglia!

What's included?

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £1,000 per person (based on 2 adults  sharing)
  • Accommodation B&B board
  • Excursions and activities as mentioned above
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
  • Please note that this price does not include flights, car hire, transfers (unless stated) and any extra meals unless specified in the itinerary.
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What do you picture when you think of Puglia?

Likelihood is, if you haven’t already been, you may be drawing a bit of a blank. Possibly mustering up a fairly generic beach scene. Well, you’re not entirely wrong, Puglia is located in the sunny heel of Italy’s boot, and is a crowd-pleaser for those seeking sun, sea and sand. However, there is also rich history to this southern belle, which has created a wonderfully diverse landscape. On this 11-day tour, you will experience the most picturesque parts of Puglia, including much of it’s dazzling Mediterranean coastline. With a two-night teaser in each location, you’ll get a taste for what sun-kissed Puglia is all about.

This journey will take you through hilltop towns, white-washed narrow streets, UNESCO heritage sites, ancient farmland, medieval settlements, traditional trulli villages and the grand baroque ‘Florence of the South’. All this, packed between the glittering Adriatic and Ionian sea. What are you waiting for?

Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont, a region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, sits at the foot of the Alps. It’s known for sophisticated cuisine and wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
Alba, Piedmont
Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont, Italy, in the province of Cuneo. It is considered the capital of the UNESCO Human Heritage hilly area of Langhe, and is famous for its white truffle, peach and wine production.
Turin Airport
The drive from Turin Airport to Alba, takes a little over an hour and relatively scenic route. We can either arrange car hire at the airport or a private transfer.
Milan–Malpensa Airport
Milan–Malpensa Airport is the largest international airport for the Milan metropolitan area in northern Italy. The drive from Milan Malpensa airport to Alba, takes just under two hours. There are regular flights from the UK with a number of budget airlines.
Milan Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo airport offers another option in the area, with regular flights departing from London with Ryan Air. More
Milan Linate Airport
Milan Linate Airport is the secondary international airport of Milan, the second-largest city of Italy, behind Malpensa Airport. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Linate airport to Alba. We reccomend you flights to this airport with Easy Jet and British Airways. More
Villa d'Amelia
A C19th converted farmhouse, with affable staff, Michelin-starred food and laid-back atmosphere Located in Piedmont's wine producing region and a Fleewinter go-to option! More
La Villa Hotel
This impeccably restored C17th B&B boasts beautiful gardens and pool, a wonderfully seasonal restaurant "La Vie" and exceptional hospitality from Chris, Nicola and their team. A perfect off-the-beaten-track spot to unwind and enjoy all that the Langhe has to offer. More
Tenuta Bricchi
An incredibly unique B&B nestled in 11-hectares of hazelnuts groves and vineyards. This small, family-run farmhouse, with its indoor heated pool and all the little luxuries that the hosts Danilo and Sara offer, is certainly the place from which to explore the Langhe region year-round. More
Corte Gondina
Hidden behind a humble doorway in the heart of La Morra, you will find this beautifully restored guesthouse, with sprawling gardens and peaceful pool area. La Morra is home to several superb restaurants, making Corte Gondina a perfect base for culinary delights and ample exploration! More
Palazzo Finati
A small B&B, conveniently nestled in the heart of the popular Alba, Palazzo Finati is a wonderful option for those looking to explore the rich art and culture of the region. About a 10-minute walk from the train station, this 9-bedroom B&B ensures a hassle-free stay. More
Nice Airport
Flying into Nice airport is a good option for those wanting to explore the Ligurian coastline...
Genoa Aiport
Genoa airport is a good option for those wanting to exploring parts of Piedmont and Liguria.
Brindisi Airport
The most convenient airport for those wanting to explore the southern Salento region of Puglia. With frequent direct flights from the UK.
Bari airport
Bari airport is a great option for those wanting to explore Puglia, with frequent, direct flights from the UK.
Lecce
This baroque splendour of a city, pack a real punch! Otherwise know as 'the Florence of the South'...
Monopoli
A pretty seaside town on the Adriatic coast.
Ostuni
A famous white-washed walled city on Puglia's dazzling coastline.
Otranto
A picturesque historic town with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Alberobello
An iconic Puglian town know for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.
Fasano
A town in the province of Brindisi.
Gallipoli
An ancient island city in the southern part of Puglia.
Oria
A medieval hilltop town, offering visitors a unique view.
Gargano National Park
Occupying more than 120,000 hectares, the Gargano National Park is as beautiful as it is fascinating with its ancient forests and islands bathed in crystal-clear waters.
It is a sub-peninsula of the Italian Peninsula, sometimes described as the "heel" of the Italian "boot".
Polignano a mare
Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, little Polignano a Mare is home to some of Puglia's loveliest beaches.
Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastline.
Umbria
This lush and rugged part of Italy is known for its medieval hill towns, dense forests and local cuisine, particularly foraged truffles and wines.
Tuscany
Quintessential romantic Italy; rolling vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages and hamlets and grand cities.
Lazio
Lazio is a central Italian region bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its principal city, Rome, is Italy’s capital and was at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.
Bologna
Home to the oldest university in Europe and a thriving food and wine scene, Bologna is a characterful and fascinating city to explore.
Modena
Perhaps best known for its 'Black Gold' (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena), Modena also offers pretty pastel-coloured streets, fantastic restaurants and the 'motor valley' (home to super cars including Ferrari and Lamborghini).
Parma
Along with parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, the charming city of Parma is also well known for its exciting arts and music scene and striking historic architecture.
Forlimpopoli
This lovely little town is an important part of the region's food heritage. Casa Artusi is a wonderful cookery school offering various classes and courses, and the annual Festa Artusiana is a must-see!
Emilia-Romagna
Home to the 'food and motor valley', this beautiful region stretches from the Adriatic sea up through peaceful countryside and rolling hills, with Bologna as its lively capital city.
Liguria
The 'Italian Riviera' is a narrow crescent-shaped region hugging the coast to the north-west of Italy. The port city of Genoa is its capital, whose medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Genoa
Genoa, the historical capital city of Liguria, is the largest historical centre in Europe. Its painted palaces on Via Garibaldi date back to the 15th Century.
Borgomaro
Borgomaro is the main town at the bottom of the Maro valley, in the north-west region of Liguria. The mountain setting and surrounding landscape is a must for keen hikers.
Sestri Levante
The pretty coastal town consists of two bays, named Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairy Tales (so named after writer Hans Christian Andersen).
Portofino
Glitzy Portofino has a slightly more exclusive feel then some of the region's other more rustic neighbours. High-end boutiques and seafood restaurants overlook the harbour.
Santa Margherita
Portofino's next door neighbour, this pretty fishing village is a great spot for hiking as well as relaxing by the sea.
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Journey in to Bologna city from the airport in under 30 minutes.
Genoa Airport (GOA)
Located more or less in the centre of the region, the beautiful towns and villages of Liguria can be reached in less than 2 hours from Genoa airport.
Alassio
A bustling colourful coastal town with wonderful scenic views.

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