Puglia and Basilicata: The Enchanting Heel of Italy
- Puglia & Basilicata - Italy
Puglia and Basilicata: A Journey Through Apulia’s History, Flavors, and Relaxation.
An eight-day tour through Puglia and Basilicata offers the perfect blend of wine, food, and relaxation for an unforgettable experience. These regions, steeped in history and tradition, present a harmonious mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, inviting you to discover their many souls.
Apulia: The Enchanting Heel of Italy
Also known as "Le Puglie," this region captures multiple souls within its boundaries. Apulia, the historical spur of the Italian Boot, stretches lengthwise along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, offering a landscape suspended between nature and history. It is a region that can be explored all year round, brimming with prehistoric settlements, the grandeur of Magna Graecia, the Imperial Age, and the Renaissance. Visitors will marvel at its Baroque splendor, particularly in Lecce and Salento.
The southern coastline is adorned with castles reminders of a time when both peril and commerce reached these shores. Among Apulia’s most iconic sites is Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its trulli, unique stone houses with conical roofs built entirely without mortar. This architectural marvel offers visitors a glimpse into ancient craftsmanship and traditions that still define the region today.
Another unmissable destination is Castel del Monte in Andria, a masterpiece of medieval architecture commissioned by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the 13th century. Its octagonal design reflects both mathematical precision and symbolic significance, with eight sides, eight towers, and eight rooms on each floor an embodiment of perfection.
Apulian Cuisine: Simplicity and Flavor
Apulian cuisine is a triumph of simplicity. Defined as "cucina povera," it celebrates humble yet abundant ingredients such as durum wheat, fresh vegetables, and olive oil. These elements come together to create authentic dishes bursting with flavor.
Homemade pasta reigns supreme, with recchietelle also called orecchiette, small ear-shaped pasta serving as the region's culinary symbol. Unexpected combinations like strascinati with cabbage and fried bacon or spaghetti with string beans, tomatoes, and cacioricotta cheese reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of Apulian cooking.
For seafood lovers, Apulia’s long coastline offers an endless bounty of fresh catches, while the hearty inland cuisine satisfies with rich meats and rustic flavors. Those with a sweet tooth will be enchanted by dried fruits, honey, mulled wine, candied delights, and decadent chocolates.
Wines That Tell a Story
An image, a sound, a flavor an instant can awaken a symphony of memories, emotions, and traditions. In Apulia, five distinct wine territories weave tales of ancient vines and sun-soaked landscapes. Rooted in native grape varieties like Primitivo and Negroamaro, these wines are bold, expressive, and alive with the spirit of the land. Each glass carries centuries of tradition, the artistry of passionate winemakers, and the essence of Apulia’s untamed beauty.
Here, wine is more than a drink. It is a connection to the soul of the land, to the people who have shaped it, and to the stories whispered on every breeze that rolls through the vineyards.
An Unforgettable Eight-Day Experience
On our exclusive eight-day tour of Puglia and Basilicata, an expert guide and sommelier will accompany you through the most captivating sights and flavors of these enchanting regions. From the iconic trulli of Alberobello to the aromatic vineyards producing Apulia's prized wines, every day promises discovery, indulgence, and beauty.
Explore Apulia’s historical treasures, savor its simple yet exquisite cuisine, and experience the unparalleled flavors of its wines. Discover the magic of Apulia and Basilicata a journey through the heart of southern Italy where history, culture, and flavors come together to create memories that will last a lifetime..
Example Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Alberobello.
- Arrival: Begin your journey with a warm welcome at Bari Airport.
- Hotel Check-In: Transfer to your hotel resort in Alberobello. Settle in and relax after your travels.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional meal at a local trattoria.
- Alberobello Tour: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello with a private guided tour. Admire its iconic trulli and picturesque streets.
- Welcome Dinner: Indulge in a delightful meal paired with local wines, offering a perfect introduction to the Puglia and Basilicata regions through their rich winemaking traditions.
Day 2: Locorotondo and Ostuni
- Morning Experience: After breakfast, enjoy a unique experience such as a horse-drawn carriage excursion or falconry with hawks and eagles.
- Lunch: Return for lunch at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.
- Locorotondo Tour: Visit one of Puglia’s prettiest towns. Stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets with a local guide.
- Ostuni Tour: Explore the "White City" with its panoramic views over the olive groves. Every corner offers breathtaking views, poetry, and history.
- Dinner: Conclude the day with a meal at a modern yet traditional restaurant near the cathedral in Ostuni.
Day 3: Wine Resort and Taranto
- Morning Departure: After breakfast and check-out, travel to the province of Taranto.
- Hotel Check-In: Arrive at your wine resort, where you’ll relax before starting the day’s activities.
- Winery Tour: Visit the resort’s winery, where the winemaking process will be explained, including a tour of the fields and cellars. Enjoy a wine tasting paired with a local lunch.
- Taranto Tour: Explore the fascinating coastal city of Taranto, known for its blend of historic charm and naval importance. Stroll through the ancient streets with a knowledgeable guide.
- Dinner: Savor a seafood dinner near Taranto's old port, featuring the freshest catches of the Mediterranean.
Day 4: Matera
- Morning Relax: Spend the morning at the hotel at the pool.
- Lunch and Relaxation: Enjoy a tasting lunch after your relaxation at the pool.
- Matera Tour: Depart for Matera in the afternoon. Explore the city’s stunning "Sassi" (stone dwellings) and Rupestrian Churches with a private guide. Learn why Matera has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a European Capital of Culture.
- Dinner: Conclude the day with a modern yet traditional dining experience in Matera.
Day 5: Manduria Wines
- Morning Winery Visit: After breakfast and check-out, travel to Manduria, the home of Primitivo wine.
- Hotel Check-In: Relax and enjoy a glass of wine before beginning your winery experience.
- Winery Tour and Lunch: Visit the historic winery to learn about the production of Primitivo wine. Enjoy a tasting paired with a delicious lunch.
- Relaxation at the Hotel: Spend some time unwinding by the pool or indulging in the hotel’s spa facilities.
- Afternoon Winery Visit: Continue to a modern yet traditional winery, where biodynamic practices and innovative winemaking techniques are showcased.
- Dinner: Enjoy a gourmet meal paired with exceptional wines from the region.
Day 6: Lecce
- Morning Departure: After breakfast, head to Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South.”
- Guided Tour: Discover Lecce’s baroque architecture and rich history on a private tour. Admire its limestone churches and palaces, which showcase the city’s artistic legacy.
- Lunch: Dine at a popular trattoria known for its authentic Puglian cuisine.
- Afternoon Relaxation: Return to the hotel to unwind at the pool or spa.
- Dinner: Enjoy a tasting dinner featuring the best local dishes and wines.
Day 7: Monopoli and Polignano al Mare
- Morning Departure: After breakfast and check-out, travel to Monopoli, a historic town on the Adriatic coast.
- Monopoli Tour: Explore this charming seaside town, known for its ancient harbor and blend of cultures from centuries past.
- Lunch: Savor a meal at a trattoria in the heart of Monopoli.
- Polignano al Mare Tour: Visit the stunning cliffside town of Polignano al Mare, known for its breathtaking views and pristine beaches. Learn about its history on a guided tour.
- Dinner: Conclude the day with a gourmet meal overlooking the sea.
Day 8: Boat Tour and Departure
- Morning Boat Tour: Embark on a private half-day boat tour along the Adriatic coast. Relax and enjoy lunch on board.
- Afternoon Relaxation: Return to the hotel to spend your final hours at the spa, pool, or beach.
- Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel or a local gourmet restaurant.
Day 9: Return to Bari
- Morning Transfer: After breakfast, transfer to Bari Airport for your departure.
Meeting Point: Bari Airport
Tour Duration: 8 days, 9 nights
Group Size: Minimum of 2 people
What's Included
- Wine tastings at all wineries.
- Luxury hotel accommodations.
- Daily lunches and dinners.
- Guided tours in key destinations.
- Private transportation with a driver.
- Expert guide and sommelier throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
Gratuities
Minimum Participants: Tours run with a minimum of 2 people. Should the minimum not be reached for the day you selected, you will have the option to:
- Pay an additional fee for.
- Change your date to another day.
- Receive a full refund.
Seasonal Menus: As we only use fresh, seasonal ingredients, the menu will vary depending on what is available on the day of your tour.
Dietary Preferences: Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies or preferences to ensure your experience is tailored to your needs.
