Pleasures of Puglia
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
Alberobello, Bari, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Gioia di Colli, Lecce, Otranto & More!
We have fallen in love with Puglia, and on Pleasures of Puglia, you’ll find out why. In case you’re not familiar with Puglia, it’s the region that features endless green rows of olive trees, white sand beaches, and red soil, or as the locals say, “terra.” Puglia combines this Italian-flag-colored landscape with a cuisine full of exotic influences and some mouth-watering, up & coming wines. It is one thing to describe Puglia, but it’s another to experience it. One of the best tours of Southern Italy, come discover the Pleasures of Puglia with us!
PRICING
Pricing will be based on the number of participants, room occupancy, time of year and any substantial revisions made to the above itinerary. Itinerary and activities subject to change based on time of year and availability.
PLEASURES of PUGLIA ITINERARY
DAY 1: SAVELLETRI
Arrival in Bari, private transfer from airport to your 5-star accommodations in a “masseria.” After settling in, we will enjoy a special Welcome aperitivo (appetizers and drinks) on top of a historic tower with panoramic views and then a Light Dinner. (D)
DAY 2: PALERMO
Today we will explore the unique Val D’Itria with its white-washed villages and trulli homes. We will visit Alberobello, Martina Franca and Locorotondo, and enjoy a traditional Pugliese lunch in the countryside surrounded by thousand-year-old olive trees.
This evening we leave free for you to enjoy on your own or for you to catch up with the time adjustment before we head on to our next destination! (B, L)
DAY 3: SAVELLETRI
Bari is one of Italy’s underrated cities with an incredible historic center and cosmopolitan downtown. We have a guided tour of the city in the morning, and then head to the lovely seaside village of Polignano a Mare for some “pesce crudo” (Italian sushi!).
Late afternoon will be free to relax and enjoy the resort. That evening, we head to a wonderful, old olive oil mill and masseria for a special dinner under the stars.(B, L, D)
DAY 4: SAVELLETRI
This will be a very active day! We will begin with a leisurely bike ride through the old stone roads and olive groves of the Val D’itria to the blue-green waters of the Adriatic and visit the ancient ruins of Egnazia before reaching whitewashed Ostuni. We’ll also stop along the way for a picnic under the olive trees.
That evening you will be free to enjoy on your own at the hotel spa (perfect after a day of exercise) and/or on of its several restaurants.
DAY 5: SAVELLETRI
Today will be devoted to the tastings of Puglia’s famous (and fabulous) olive oil and its up and coming wines such as Primitivo, Negromara and Grillo. We will visit a centuries-old frantoio (olive oil mill) and also one of the regions most famous wineries.
That evening we will dine “seaside” at the hotel’s beach club. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: LECCE
Today we head south along some of the finest coastline in Italy and to a lovely 4-star resort as our second “home base.” Along the way we will stop in Otranto, a seaside town with a charming historical center surrounded by a fortress and ramparts. plus the Cathedral of Otranto, famous for its mosaics. You have time here to shop (fabulous handmade linens and leather sandals) and enjoy lunch on your own.
In late afternoon we will arrive at our accommodations, have some time to settle in and then enjoy a light dinner. (B, D)
DAY 7: LECCE
This is a wonderfully full day of food and history, an almost perfect day in our opinion. It includes caffe (of course!), a walking tour of Lecce (known as the “Florence of Puglia”) and its fabulous markets, and an authentic Pugliese cooking class.
That night we will enjoy one final “celebratory” dinner together.
DAY 8: LECCE to ???
Our fun Pugliese experience together ends to day (although there is so much more to see and we can recommend what!). Airport transfers to Brindisi or Bari. BUON VIAGGIO!
What’s Included:
Includes: 7 nights accommodations in 4 & 5-star accommodations; meals as indicated above with B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, private airport transfers and transportation during tour; private guided tours, all wine and olive oil tastings as mentioned, your BVI travel host, gratuities.
Not included: Airfare to/from Italy, travel insurance, meals and beverages other than those mentioned above, laundry, personal spending money, room upgrades and extras (such a mini-bar, internet access if applicable, phone calls, etc.), gratuities to your BVI Travel Host.
Please refer to our terms & conditions for complete details on reservations, payments, cancellations and liability.
