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HIGHLIGHTS

A quick look about this trip!

DURATION

7 DAYS

COMFORT

LANGUAGE

RATING

Rambling green hills and seaside landscapes
Treading gently on mosaic masterpieces
Relishing lunch in an ancient olive mill

ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP

Primary:	Walking Tour
Other:	Canyoning, Historical Sites, castle, sightseeing, Local Markets, cooking, art, sculpture, churches, agricultural, Local Food

$3995USD

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TRIP MAP

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Apulia - Walking in Italy’s Rustic South

When we ask our Italian guides where they'd most like to take our friends who think they already know Italy, we get one response: Apulia.

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TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP ITINERARY
NUTS & BOLTS
REVIEWS

Italian guides use their hands, to paint a vista of gnarled olive trees silhouetted against a lapis lazuli sea. To express the amazing sunlight. To sketch the saw-toothed skyline of a village comprised entirely of "trulli"—the conical stone roofs unique to the region. You should see a good Italian describe the food you'll find—pasta from the locally grown wheat, sea-fresh fish, peppery olive oil. The Italians love the heel of their boot and it's easy to see why. Especially since it's also a land where as likely to find a Baroque city as a family of shepherds tending 500 sheep. Best of all, Apulia (pronounced ah-pooh-lya) passes the most important Classic Journeys test—it offers fine leisurely walking...elegant accommodations ...and a glimpse into a region and culture that's not quite like any you've encountered before.

Day 1: Bari

We meet at our luxurious hotel, the finest in Bari. Located in the most elegant section of the city, it is also adjacent to the historic center. Bari has been an important crossroads since ancient Greece, and this afternoon we enjoy a lovely walk from our hotel through the historic center, along its picturesque small lanes and past charming historic buildings, including the Church of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of the city. Later in the afternoon, we have a chance to visit some of the fashionable shops before we return to the hotel for some time to relax. This evening we enjoy a special welcome dinner. Overnight: Bari Meals: D

Day 2: Altamura / Matera

We leave Bari for Altamura this morning, passing through the famed countryside to reach a working farm. In this land, the farmers live a very simple life. Their houses are draped with tomato vines that are hung out to dry and then covered in olive oil infused with oregano. Many of them still carry their bread to the communal oven to bake.

Arriving at the farm, we meet our hosts: mother, father and six children. The family tends to a flock of over 500 sheep, and every afternoon they return from the fields to make cheese-fresh and seasoned-that they keep in the cellar and share with us. They also have dozens of pigs, from 8 to 400 pounds, from which they create special delicacies. After an exploration of the farm, we visit their large country kitchen, drinking homemade wines and preparing our lunch with the owners during a wonderful informal cooking instruction that might include local specialties like homemade orecchiette pasta, stuffed peppers, and pecorino cheese.

After lunch, we enjoy an energetic walk through the lovely countryside, before we journey to Matera and check in to our charming hotel, located in the historic center of the city. The evening and dinner is free to spend as you'd like. If you are still hungry after lunch, there are some fine restaurants for a light bite. Overnight: Matera Meals: B, L

Day 3: Matera

A morning exploration on foot in Matera offers us the chance to visit this very unique and historic city, which has been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The town is built into a canyon with a dry river bed running through it. One side of the canyon is completely wild; on the other side sits the old city. Thousands of houses and some churches have been excavated in the soft tufa sandstone where people have lived in caves since prehistoric times. Many of the homes have been restored and we visit one of them that has been converted into a little museum where many of the tools, furniture and kitchen have been kept as they were over 200 years ago.

We break midday for a light lunch and then continue exploring the fascinating site, including a church full of frescoes built right into the rocks. Late afternoon, after a short ride to the wild side of the canyon we explore on foot the historic caves and enjoy the lovely views of the medieval city, before we return to our hotel for a chance to relax. The hotel, owned by a local family and constructed by combining several of the restored cliffside homes in the historic center of town, has beautiful views of the city. Our delicious dinner features local specialties. Overnight: Matera Meals: B, D

Day 4: Alberobello / Lecce

This morning starts with a lovely drive to Alberobello, a picturesque village where the houses have special roofs, built with thousands of pieces of limestone placed together one by one in a cone shape, without using concrete. On the top of each roof is a keystone holding the entire roof in place. The look of the village is unique and fantastic, as if from a fairy tale book. We walk through the village with a nice opportunity to explore on our own many of the charming little shops built right inside the "trulli" stone huts, and then continue on to a "masseria fortificata" (a walled farm). The farm is about 400 years old and carefully restored by the last member of an ancient wealthy family. We explore the many charming corners of the property, including the old central courtyard, the fruit gardens (walled to keep out the ancient invaders), the private chapel, and the huge granary built in a Byzantine church that has been on the property for over 1000 years.

Midday, our hostess welcomes us to lunch served in a picturesque setting in the room where the old oil presses are kept along with the ancient country tools. After lunch, we walk through the olive tree plantation with trees that date from 400 to 600 years old and enjoy spectacularly scenic views across the rolling countryside to the blue sea. Also along the walk our vistas include lovely Ostuni, known as the "white town" because of the color of its houses. The town, which has existed since Roman times, is located on the top of the hill. The medieval architecture of the village makes it a very lovely backdrop to our walk.

Late in the afternoon, we drive to Lecce and check into our 5 star hotel. Master artisans restored the hotel, which is located in a beautifully renovated 16th century palace in the heart of the Baroque district, close to many intriguing shops and the center square. Dinner is on your own this evening, and you can enjoy it at the hotel or in one of several fine nearby restaurants. After dinner, you may want to wander around the central square, surrounded by palaces lit at night and providing an unforgettable ambiance. Overnight: Lecce Meals: B, L

Day 5: Otranto / Lecce

A morning drive leads us to Otranto, the most eastern point in Italy. The small town is full of history and art, including the massive castle and cathedral with a huge mosaic covering the entire floor of the church, which many consider to be the largest mosaic in the world. Midmorning, we start out on a beautiful walk through the rocky and wild landscape, halfway between the green hills and blue sea, with no other people around for miles. Our walk culminates at a lovely agriturismo where our hosts are waiting for us with a special lunch.

Following lunch, we return to Lecce for an afternoon visit of the town. Lecce is the most scenic of the towns in Apulia and is called the Florence of the South. The entire historical center of the city is packed with palaces and churches built in Baroque style, rich with decorations and sculptures carved from the famous stone of Lecce that is soft and light and gives an incredible look to the facades, especially when illuminated at night. As part of our walk, we also see the almost completely intact Roman amphitheater. Dinner tonight is on your own to try any of the wonderful local eateries. Overnight: Lecce Meals: B, L

Day 6: Galatina / Gallipoli

After breakfast, we journey to Galatina for a short visit to the church of Santa Caterina, built in the 13th century in the Florentine style and full of frescoes. We also visit Gallipoli, a small lovely town with a gracious old center and a famous fish market full of life and with every kind of seafood imaginable. While here, we enjoy a fascinating journey underground to explore an old "frantoio," an historic press used to produce the olive oil that was of the highest demand throughout all of Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Our lunch takes place at the beautiful farmhouse of a landscape architect and his wife who have restored it in excellent taste and care. The same wealthy family owns many acres surrounding the house and we enjoy a walk through the olive groves to another family member's home. A famous collector of plants, flowers, medicinal herbs and small trees for the last 40 years, he has them all on display in his ultra-modern greenhouse. The home and greenhouse are often photographed and shown in architectural and other specialty magazines. With our host, we wander through the property listening to fascinating stories about its history and the varieties of plants grown there.

Later in the afternoon, we drive back to Lecce for some time to relax at the hotel and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner in the hotel's elegant restaurant featuring the delicious fresh ingredients and excellent local wines that we've enjoyed during our week together. Overnight: Lecce Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Lecce / Brindisi

On our final day, we have time to relax at the hotel, stroll through the town and explore on your own the beautiful workshops and maybe even stop for another ice cream in the old center. Late morning we drive to the Brindisi airport for departures to Rome or Milan. Meals: B

Overall Rating	Guide Rating	Accommodation Rating	Itinerary Rating	Value Rating

Penelope H., Centennial, CO

"As we drove into Matera, just as the sun was setting and the lights of the sassi were twinkling, Sergio told us to imagine that we were in a time machine being transported back 2000 years. And then we rounded the corner and took in the breathtaking view. It was magical."

Overall Rating	Guide Rating	Accommodation Rating	Itinerary Rating	Value Rating

TRIP INCLUDES

First class accommodations
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners and 1 cooking instruction
Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip, handle behind-the-scenes logistics and are there to help with anything from haggling for a rug to buying a tube of toothpaste
Support vehicle(s)
Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
Gratuities for hotels, meals and baggage
Trip literature
All land transportation during the trip, whether by bus or boat

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Did you know that you can customize this trip?

Customizing a trip is a great way to:

Change anything about the itinerary you don't like.
Change the size of the group or make this a private tour.
Change the duration or departure date of the trip.
Because we use the local operator, this customization usually won't cost you extra!

Customize the Brochure

<center>
        <h1 style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px; color: #604c3d;">Apulia - Walking in Italy’s Rustic South</h1>
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    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; color: #928164;">When we ask our Italian guides where they'd most like to take our friends who think they already know Italy, we get one response: Apulia.</div>

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                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">DURATION</div>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'alice'; font-size: 18px; color: #7a9ebf; padding-top: 10px;">7 <span style="font-size: 10px;">DAYS</span></div>
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                        <div style="font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; margin-top: 20px;" id="Div1">
                            <ul><li>Rambling green hills and seaside landscapes<li>Treading gently on mosaic masterpieces<li>Relishing lunch in an ancient olive mill</li></li></li></ul>
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	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
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                        <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: #604c3d; text-align: center;">ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP</div>
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                            <tr>
                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Primary:</span></td>
                                <td><a href="/search/for/Walking%20Tour/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Walking Tour</a></td>
                            </tr>
                            
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                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Other:</span></td>
                                <td><a href="/search/for/Canyoning/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Canyoning</a>, <a href="/search/for/Historical%20Sites/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Historical Sites</a>, <a href="/search/for/castle/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">castle</a>, <a href="/search/for/sightseeing/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">sightseeing</a>, <a href="/search/for/Local%20Markets/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Local Markets</a>, <a href="/search/for/cooking/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">cooking</a>, <a href="/search/for/art/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">art</a>, <a href="/search/for/sculpture/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">sculpture</a>, <a href="/search/for/churches/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">churches</a>, <a href="/search/for/agricultural/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">agricultural</a>, <a href="/search/for/Local%20Food/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Local Food</a></td>
                            </tr>
                            
                        </table>
                    </div>

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                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 1: Bari
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        We meet at our luxurious hotel, the finest in Bari. Located in the most elegant
section of the city, it is also adjacent to the historic center. Bari has been an
important crossroads since ancient Greece, and this afternoon we enjoy a
lovely walk from our hotel through the historic center, along its picturesque
small lanes and past charming historic buildings, including the Church of St.
Nicholas, the patron saint of the city. Later in the afternoon, we have a chance
to visit some of the fashionable shops before we return to the hotel for some
time to relax. This evening we enjoy a special welcome dinner.
Overnight: Bari Meals: D
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
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	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
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	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 2: Altamura / Matera 
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        We leave Bari for Altamura this morning, passing through the famed
countryside to reach a working farm. In this land, the farmers live a very
simple life. Their houses are draped with tomato vines that are hung out to dry
and then covered in olive oil infused with oregano. Many of them still carry
their bread to the communal oven to bake. <div><br></div><div>Arriving at the farm, we meet our hosts: mother, father and six children. The
family tends to a flock of over 500 sheep, and every afternoon they return
from the fields to make cheese-fresh and seasoned-that they keep in the cellar
and share with us. They also have dozens of pigs, from 8 to 400 pounds, from
which they create special delicacies. After an exploration of the farm, we visit
their large country kitchen, drinking homemade wines and preparing our lunch
with the owners during a wonderful informal cooking instruction that might
include local specialties like homemade orecchiette pasta, stuffed peppers, and
pecorino cheese. </div><div><br></div><div>After lunch, we enjoy an energetic walk through the lovely countryside,
before we journey to Matera and check in to our charming hotel, located in the
historic center of the city. The evening and dinner is free to spend as you'd
like. If you are still hungry after lunch, there are some fine restaurants for a
light bite.
Overnight: Matera Meals: B, L</div>
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
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	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 3: Matera
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        A morning exploration on foot in Matera offers us the chance to visit this very
unique and historic city, which has been designated by UNESCO as a world
heritage site. The town is built into a canyon with a dry river bed running through it. One side of the canyon is completely wild; on the other side sits the
old city. Thousands of houses and some churches have been excavated in the
soft tufa sandstone where people have lived in caves since prehistoric times.
Many of the homes have been restored and we visit one of them that has been
converted into a little museum where many of the tools, furniture and kitchen
have been kept as they were over 200 years ago. <div><br></div><div>We break midday for a light lunch and then continue exploring the fascinating
site, including a church full of frescoes built right into the rocks. Late
afternoon, after a short ride to the wild side of the canyon we explore on foot
the historic caves and enjoy the lovely views of the medieval city, before we
return to our hotel for a chance to relax. The hotel, owned by a local family
and constructed by combining several of the restored cliffside homes in the
historic center of town, has beautiful views of the city. Our delicious dinner
features local specialties.
Overnight: Matera Meals: B, D</div>
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 4: Alberobello /  Lecce
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        This morning starts with a lovely drive to Alberobello, a picturesque village
where the houses have special roofs, built with thousands of pieces of
limestone placed together one by one in a cone shape, without using concrete.
On the top of each roof is a keystone holding the entire roof in place. The look
of the village is unique and fantastic, as if from a fairy tale book. We walk
through the village with a nice opportunity to explore on our own many of the
charming little shops built right inside the "trulli" stone huts, and then
continue on to a "masseria fortificata" (a walled farm). The farm is about 400
years old and carefully restored by the last member of an ancient wealthy
family. We explore the many charming corners of the property, including the
old central courtyard, the fruit gardens (walled to keep out the ancient
invaders), the private chapel, and the huge granary built in a Byzantine church
that has been on the property for over 1000 years. <div><br></div><div>Midday, our hostess welcomes us to lunch served in a picturesque setting in
the room where the old oil presses are kept along with the ancient country
tools. After lunch, we walk through the olive tree plantation with trees that
date from 400 to 600 years old and enjoy spectacularly scenic views across the
rolling countryside to the blue sea. Also along the walk our vistas include
lovely Ostuni, known as the "white town" because of the color of its houses.
The town, which has existed since Roman times, is located on the top of the
hill. The medieval architecture of the village makes it a very lovely backdrop
to our walk. </div><div><br></div><div>Late in the afternoon, we drive to Lecce and check into our 5 star hotel.
Master artisans restored the hotel, which is located in a beautifully renovated
16th century palace in the heart of the Baroque district, close to many
intriguing shops and the center square. Dinner is on your own this evening,
and you can enjoy it at the hotel or in one of several fine nearby restaurants.
After dinner, you may want to wander around the central square, surrounded
by palaces lit at night and providing an unforgettable ambiance.
Overnight: Lecce Meals: B, L</div>
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                                        Day 5: Otranto / Lecce
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                                        A morning drive leads us to Otranto, the most eastern point in Italy. The small
town is full of history and art, including the massive castle and cathedral with
a huge mosaic covering the entire floor of the church, which many consider to
be the largest mosaic in the world. Midmorning, we start out on a beautiful
walk through the rocky and wild landscape, halfway between the green hills
and blue sea, with no other people around for miles. Our walk culminates at a
lovely agriturismo where our hosts are waiting for us with a special lunch. <div><br></div><div>Following lunch, we return to Lecce for an afternoon visit of the town. Lecce
is the most scenic of the towns in Apulia and is called the Florence of the
South. The entire historical center of the city is packed with palaces and
churches built in Baroque style, rich with decorations and sculptures carved
from the famous stone of Lecce that is soft and light and gives an incredible
look to the facades, especially when illuminated at night. As part of our walk,
we also see the almost completely intact Roman amphitheater. Dinner tonight
is on your own to try any of the wonderful local eateries.
Overnight: Lecce Meals: B, L</div>
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                                        Day 6: Galatina / Gallipoli
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                                        After breakfast, we journey to Galatina for a short visit to the church of Santa
Caterina, built in the 13th century in the Florentine style and full of frescoes.
We also visit Gallipoli, a small lovely town with a gracious old center and a
famous fish market full of life and with every kind of seafood imaginable.
While here, we enjoy a fascinating journey underground to explore an old
"frantoio," an historic press used to produce the olive oil that was of the
highest demand throughout all of Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. <div><br></div><div>Our lunch takes place at the beautiful farmhouse of a landscape architect and
his wife who have restored it in excellent taste and care. The same wealthy
family owns many acres surrounding the house and we enjoy a walk through
the olive groves to another family member's home. A famous collector of
plants, flowers, medicinal herbs and small trees for the last 40 years, he has
them all on display in his ultra-modern greenhouse. The home and greenhouse
are often photographed and shown in architectural and other specialty
magazines. With our host, we wander through the property listening to
fascinating stories about its history and the varieties of plants grown there. </div><div><br></div><div>Later in the afternoon, we drive back to Lecce for some time to relax at the
hotel and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner in the hotel's elegant restaurant
featuring the delicious fresh ingredients and excellent local wines that we've
enjoyed during our week together.
Overnight: Lecce Meals: B, L, D</div>
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                                        Day 7: Lecce / Brindisi
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                                        On our final day, we have time to relax at the hotel, stroll through the town
and explore on your own the beautiful workshops and maybe even stop for
another ice cream in the old center. Late morning we drive to the Brindisi
airport for departures to Rome or Milan.
Meals: B
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