London Gatwick & Manchester Departures

Dates Available May to October 2020 - Prices From £1199 to £1508 Per Person

(Prices are based on 2 adults sharing)

Call 01226 345381 to Book 

• ​Return flights from Gatwick with British Airways
• 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
• 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch 7 dinners 
• Tour Manager and Local Guide 
• Overseas transfers and other transportation 
• Porterage 
• Audio Guide
• Wi-fi on board your coach

DAY 1 UK/BARI: Depart on your scheduled flight to Bari today. On arrival, we will transfer you to the 4-star Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri near Alberobello. This is the ideal base from which to explore the regions of Puglia and Basilicata. It also boasts wonderful features including a lovely spa, beautiful gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. Between your sightseeing you can use these facilities at your leisure.

DAY 2 ALBEROBELLO: Today you'll visit a masseria, or fortified farm, to try out the delicacies that make up the Apulian diet, from cheese and wine to olive oil and bread. Many of the ingredients that appear in your light lunch will have been grown or produced right here, giving you a truly authentic flavour of the region. After this we're going to head back to the hotel and you can spend the afternoon just as you wish. Maybe you'll choose to simply relax by the pool.

DAY 3 MATERA: You've a full day of exploration to look forward to today on a trip to the UNESCO-listed town of Matera. Here, your Local Guide will tell you all about the 'Sassi' houses you'll see – incredible cave dwellings carved into the hillsides. They were inhabited right up until the 1950s and as one of Basilicata's most famous sites, they offer a fascinating window on the past. 
During a break in sightseeing your Tour Manager and Local Guide will be able to point you in the right direction if you fancy a spot of lunch.

DAY 4 OSTUNI: How you spend today is entirely up to you. If relaxation is on your agenda, why not laze by your hotel's pool, or book yourself into the spa for a treatment or two. If you want to explore at your own pace, there's a shuttle service into Alberobello. 
Another alternative is an optional excursion to the pretty town of Ostuni. With your Tour Manager take a stroll along its maze of narrow streets, lined with whitewashed houses which sit beneath an imposing Gothic cathedral.
There's also the chance today to sample the olive oil that is produced in this region in an abundance of olive groves. Some of the trees here are hundreds of years old.

DAY 5 LECCE: After breakfast we'll head off to explore the attractive city of Lecce. Together with your knowledgeable Local Guide you'll uncover a new treasure around every corner as you stroll along streets lined with extravagant Baroque architecture. A couple of real highlights to keep an eye out for are the ancient Roman amphitheatre and the Church of Santa Croce. Spend some time looking closely at its ornate façade, which is adorned with intricately carved statues.

DAY 6 CASTEL DEL MONTE & TRANI: You have a choice to make today. You can spend more time enjoying the facilities at your hotel or maybe head into Alberobello for more sightseeing. 
If you would like to see more of the region, an alternative is an optional day of exploration in the coastal town of Trani in the north of Puglia. Here you'll see fishermen at work in the busy harbour and have the chance to admire the simplicity of its 11^th century cathedral. 
In complete contrast is the grand Castel del Monte, which you'll also visit. This gleaming castle is made from pale stone and can be seen from miles around. As you stand at its base, cast your eyes upwards and take in this octagonal masterpiece which was built in the 13^th century by Emperor Frederick II. 

DAY 7 ALBEROBELLO, LOCOROTONDO & MARTINA FRANCA: You're going to see Puglia's unique and quirky-looking Trulli houses on an included day out. As we drive into the Valley of Itria, these whitewashed cylindrical buildings with conical grey roofs can be seen in large numbers. Our first stop is Alberobello, where you'll see the Trulli are decorated with painted symbols on their roofs. Then, in Locorotondo you'll see the buildings are arranged in a circular pattern. 
Finally, we reach Martina Franca, in the heart of the valley, where Moorish influences have created a town of medieval palaces and churches. The houses here are adorned with wrought-iron balconies which might put you more in mind of Andalucia in Spain than Italy.

DAY 8 BARI/UK: ​Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.​

OSTUNI AND OLIVE OIL FROM £45: Join our excursion to Ostuni, a pretty town peppered with gleaming centuries-old whitewashed buildings. It is spread over three hills and surrounded by olive groves, boasting a magnificent Gothic cathedral, a lovely place for a leisurely stroll. Make your way through narrow streets spanned by elegant archways or maybe take a seat in a café and just enjoy the views. The local museum houses some interesting artefacts and there are plenty of tempting shops if you want to pick up a souvenir.

A visit will also be made to a local olive oil producer where you’ll see first-hand how the oil is produced and then get to sample the final product. Three Quarter Day - Moderate Walking - Local Culture & Scenery

TRANI AND CASTEL DEL MONTE FROM £49: You’re sure to be charmed by the picturesque coastal town of Trani, a lovely place to explore, wander or just relax. Watch fishermen at work in the busy harbour or take a stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter to the cathedral, which occupies a spectacular spot at the water’s edge. Later, visit the 13th century Castel del Monte, one of Italy’s finest castles, built by Emperor Frederick II. In contrast to Trani’s simple cathedral, this masterpiece of architecture which resembles a crown – probably a symbol of Frederick’s power – is visible from afar thanks to its isolated hilltop position. Full Day - Moderate Walking - Must See

PREBOOKABLE PACKAGE FROM £86: You can save money and enhance your holiday with this Prebookable excursion package... 

Trani and Castel del Monte / Ostuni and Olive Oil