Colors of Puglia

Day 1: Arrival, Dinner. (D)

will pick up the tour group at 3:00 pm from Bari airport. From there you will We be taken to the hotel where you will get settled. We’ll kick off our colorful week with a welcome dinner at our hotel.

Your accommodations for this glorious tour are more than just a pivot point! Your lodging is an experience unto itself. Nestled deep within the heart of Puglia, this Masseria celebrates the history,, the agriculture, the simple elegance that is the very essence of this delightful and diverse regional culture.

Dinner at the Masseria

Day 2: Monopoli, Polignano, Savelletri  (B,L,D)

After you’ve enjoyed breakfast we will convene at your hotel at 9:00 am to begin our full day of immersion in the Colors of Puglia.

The first stop along our way is the tranquil coastal town of Polignano a Mare. A stroll through the old centre of Polignano a Mare, which rests high atop a limestone cliff, 65 feet above the Adriatic Sea, will surely leave you awestruck. The views are spectacular, said to be among the very best in Italy. The crystal clear cerulean sea shines in brilliance against the stark white and gradient grey of the limestone. On our visit to Polignano a Mare also includes a boat tour of this stunning coastline.

We’ll take a stroll through the town of Monopoli, a picturesque seaside village that is known for the stunning Baroque Monopoli Cathedral, which features a lofty bell tower.  Monopoli is also the location of two rather notable homes, the 16th-century Castle of Carlo V, a heavily fortified structure, complete with a stone portal, and the Palazzo Palmieri, unique for it’s frescoed exterior, built by a wealthy family in the latter 1700’s.

Lunchtime will find us in Savelletri, a quiet beach resort and fishing village along the emerald coast of the Adriatic Sea. This laid-back village is the quintessential fishing hamlet and the ideal spot for a mid-day pause. Seafood lovers are sure to delight in the day’s choicest catch.

Once back at the Masseria, you will have some down time before dinner.

Day 3: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Winery (B, D)

Today we visit the town of Alberobello. As we walk along paths trod for centuries, we’ll stop to view the remarkable Trulli, unique cone-roofed houses with quite a colorful back story. The homes, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, were erected completely without mortar. Dating back to the 15th century, these buildings were constructed of dry stone, ironically, so that they could be easily demolished. They remain today, an example of the diverse architecture abundant in the region of Puglia.

Next, we will enjoy some free time for lunch or a stroll around the pretty little town of Locorotondo. We’ll stop to tour a winery. Our tour is so much more than a simple narration of the process of winemaking. These proud vintners will share with us their knowledge of the grapes that fill their vineyard, and tantalize us with a taste of the finished product.

We'll have dinner at the Masseria or at a local restaurant.

Day 4: A Day trip to Matera (B, D)

After a fortifying breakfast we will gather to embark on a color-FULL day! Wear your comfortable shoes!

Matera is known for the delectable bread, baked in communal wood-fired ovens, which speak to the overwhelming sense of community and camaraderie in this lively region. We’ll follow our noses to one of the most famous bakeries in the region, where we’ll sample some the famous local bread bread.

But, as the saying goes, man cannot live by bread alone, so we’ll tour this fascinating and ancient city. There are two neighborhoods of ancient stone dwellings, or sassi, as they are known, carved right into the rock. These communities enabled ancient dwellers to share resources while living side-by-side. These remarkable neighborhoods date back to 15,000 B.C. (The Paleolithic Period) and are the second oldest continuously inhabited community in history. Many famous movies were filmed in Matera, including 2004’s The Passion of The Christ.

After our busy day we will return to our hotel and have dinner.

Day 5:  Cheese farm, Cisternino (B, L, D)

In contrast to yesterday’s event-filled itinerary, today will be more easy going. Our morning departure will be a bit later than the previous days’. enjoy the grounds of the Masseria, seat by the pool, read a book or enjoy the spa.  We will convene at 1:30 and make our way to a cheese farm. There we will be hosted for a luscious lunch of cheese-tasting. Of course we will be enlightened in the art of this ancient practice, and our friendly hosts and cheese artisans will guide us through every turn in the process.

After lunch, we will continue to discover the beauty of Puglia and visit Ostuni, the enchanting "White City." Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Ostuni is famous for its maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed buildings, and stunning panoramic views. As we stroll through its historic center, you'll admire the charming piazzas, elegant Baroque churches, and lively local shops. 

Next, it’s on to another local gem in Puglia, Cisternino! Houses, whitewashed and dazzling in the Southern Italy sunshine, dot the shady streets, stately public squares, (piazza), and churches of historical note. 

 We will be fortunate to partake in a local dining experience called Fornello Pronto. This Cisternino tradition involves the butcher in the preparation of your dinner. We will select our food, and the butcher will grill it according to our preference. We can choose to await our delicious dinner in the way of the locals, with a jug of wine shared among friends.

Day 6: Lecce, Cooking class (B, D)

By now you appreciate the Puglia notion of beauty, as you find each town a breathtaking example of art, architecture, and an overall atmosphere of friendship, amicizia. It’s no different today as we journey to Lecce. Lecce is known as “The Florence of the South”, due to the heavy presence of rich Baroque architecture.

Strolling the streets of Lecce is akin to a walk through history. First conquered by the Romans in 3rd century B.C. this lively city was ruled by more than a few who saw it’s worth. Churches and grand structures display many different influential periods of art, and architecture, the most extravagant being the church of Santa Croce.

It’s not all ancient-or even not-so-ancient-history in Lecce. There are streets filled with stores selling many of the goods and products for which Lecce is recognized. There are also museums, and more than a few wine bars. You'll have free time for shopping, dining and exploring.

In the afternoon we will be fortunate to have a cooking class.

Day 7: Departure

Early group departure to Bari airport.

The time has come to say “ciao” and “until we meet again” as our tour of The Colors of Puglia has come to an end. But rest assured this bejeweled kaleidoscope of one of Italy’s most vibrant regions will remain in your heart for many years to come.