La Puglia

D01: ARRIVAL IN PUGLIA

The journey begins on Day 1 with an arrival in Puglia via bus transfer from Rome Airport, heading directly to the Gargano Peninsula. You will visit Vieste, the "Pearl of Gargano," and the enchanting hilltop village of Peschici, exploring their historic centers. Dinner will be a local Brodetto, followed by an overnight stay in Peschici.

D02: LAGOONS AND GARGANO NATIONAL PARK - BARI

Day 2 starts with a morning visit to the Lagoons of Varano and Lesina for birdwatching. After lunch, you will explore the Foresta Umbra by hiking in the heart of the Gargano National Park. Before heading to Bari for the overnight stay, you will make a stop in San Giovanni Rotondo, renowned as the place where Padre Pio lived and carried out his ministry.

D03: BARI

Day 3 is dedicated to Bari. You will start at the iconic Basilica di San Nicola, a major pilgrimage site, and the Cathedral di San Sabino. You will explore the old city's alleyways, visit the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and see the famous "Strada delle Orecchiette," where local women hand-make pasta. Lunch includes local street food like focaccia barese. In the afternoon, you will visit modern Bari, including Piazza del Ferrarese, Piazza Mercantile, the Nazario Sauro promenade, and the Petruzzelli Theater.

D04: BARI - PARCO DELL’ALTA MURGIA - CASTEL DEL MONTE (UNESCO HERITAGE) - GRAVINA IN PUGLIA

Day 4 heads to the Alta Murgia National Park to explore Castel del Monte (UNESCO World Heritage), a unique octagonal castle commissioned by Emperor Frederick II. In the afternoon, you will move to Gravina in Puglia, known for its canyons carved by the Gravina River. You will visit the Ponte della Madonna della Stella and the town's fascinating undergrounds. Dinner will feature local pasta and cheeses. Overnight in Gravina.

D05: MATERA (UNESCO World Heritage)

Day 5 takes you to the Basilicata Region to delve into Matera (UNESCO World Heritage), a former European Capital of Culture. You will spend the day wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of the ancient cave dwellings known as the "Sassi," visiting cave houses, Rupestrian churches, and the Matera Cathedral. Overnight will be in a unique cave hotel.

D06: MATERA - LECCE

On Day 6, you will transfer from Matera to Lecce, the "Florence of the South," famous for its Baroque architecture carved from golden-hued Lecce stone. You will take a leisurely stroll through its alleys, visiting the Anfiteatro Romano, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the Duomo, and the Basilica di Santa Croce. You must try the local pastry, the Pasticciotto Leccese. Overnight in Lecce.

D07: OTRANTO - GALLIPOLI

Day 7 is a full day dedicated to the two "pearls" of the Salento area. You will visit Otranto, Italy's easternmost municipality, to see its fortified historic port town, the Cathedral with its mosaic floor, and the Chapel of the Martyrs. After lunch, you will visit Gallipoli, a glamorous fortified town on the west coast, exploring its historic quarter, the Castello Aragonese, the Duomo, and the Church of La Purità. Overnight in Gallipoli.

D08: SANTA MARIA LEUCA

Day 8 is a relaxing day spent on the cliffs and in the crystal-clear waters of Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Dinner and overnight stay will be in Santa Maria Leuca.

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D09: OSTUNI - ALBEROBELLO (UNESCO HERITAGE)

Day 9 involves a drive northward to Ostuni, the iconic "White City" (Città Bianca), perched atop a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Afterwards, you will move on to Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage), famous worldwide for its approximately 1,000 distinctive Trulli. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a typical Trullo.

D10: LOCOROTONDO - POLIGNANO A MARE AND RETURN HOME

Day 10, your final day, includes stops at two stunning panoramic viewpoints before returning home. You will visit Locorotondo for a panoramic view of the Itria Valley and Polignano a Mare to enjoy the spectacular view of the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea from the historic center's balconies. After lunch, you will head to the selected airport for a happy farewell.