Puglia, Italy

We depart for Puglia (Brindisi) with a change of planes in Rome.

Upon arrival in Brindisi we transfer to our hotel in Lecce for a 3-night stay. This evening is our Welcome Dinner.

Today we enjoy a walking tour of historic Lecce. We will see Santa Croce, Church of the Rosary and Palazzo Celestine. Later we visit a farm in Galatina to sample some of the region`s finest local wine and enjoy a light lunch.

This wonderfully scenic day begins at the port town of Otranto, known for its historic center and beautiful sea views. We visit the Cathedral with its Chapel of 800 Martyrs, the crypt and one of the largest mosaics in the world. We finish at Santa Maria di Leuca at the southern tip of Puglia for views of where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet.

We visit Cisternino to see an old olive mill, then proceed to the “White City” of Ostuni perched on a hill overlooking acres of olive groves that roll out toward the sea. We will see the old center with its Gothic Roman Cathedral before checking in to our hotel in this region for a 3-night stay.

We first visit the Castellana Grotto (cave) with its unique stalactites and stalagmites. We then continue to the town of Alberobello to see the famous UNESCO Trulli Village - a symbol of Puglia. There will be a tour of these unique homes followed by some free time to wander in the village.

Today we discover Martina Franca - a lovely baroque town with palaces and beautifully decorated churches. Our visit will be followed by a special lunch featuring regional products and local hospitality.

This morning we visit the archeological area of Egnzia - one of the most important harbour towns on the coast, then proceed to medieval Monopoli, stretching along a jagged coastline and steeped in history and tradition. The city has fortifications of walls and castles, churches and a magnificent baroque Cathedral. Next is the seaside city of Polignano a Mare, known for its picturesque balconies and also the birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno, who sang the universally known song "Volare". We continue to Bari for a 3-night stay.

Today we discover the city of Bari. Although modern in many aspects it maintains its historic center with the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral and the Norman-Swabian Castle. After a walking tour there will be a free afternoon to explore the waterfront, historic buildings, many shops and cafes.

Today we visit the magnificent UNESCO city of Matera, starting with the upper part of the Civita dominated by the spectacular Romanesque Cathedral, and then visit the lower section and the Barisan Sasso. Later we stop in Altamura, an amazing city of monuments, to visit a traditional bakery before returning to Bari.

We travel along the coast to the marine town of Molfetta, then proceed to the sophisticated seaside town of Trani, known as the “Pearl of Puglia”.

We explore the Gargano promontory that sticks out into the Adriatic Sea (the "spur" on the Italian "boot"), passing picture-book seaside villages and breathtaking scenery of blue waters and unique cliffs. Later we’ll enjoy a boat cruise for even more spectacular views (weather permitting).

We first visit one of the oldest churches in Christianity in Monte Sant’Angelo, and then proceed to the coastal town of Barletta where we will see the Castle, the Cathedral and Cellar of the Challenge. Barletta will be our home for the final two nights of the tour.

Today we visit the UNESCO site of Castel del Monte - a 13th-century citadel and castle of unique octagonal construction. We then learn of cheese production in the Andria region, famous for the soft mozzarella, ricotta and burrata cheeses. This evening is our Farewell Dinner.

We fly home from Bari (via Rome).