PUGLIA, A PENINSULAR GARDEN
Gateway to the East, the land of the sun and the sea, with charming
folklore, history and culture. Its ancient origins, Paleolithic Mesolithic, Greek and Roman, have all had an impact on this beautiful
land. Constantly caressed by the warm rays the sun, its many churches, Domes, Cathedrals and Castles make it a magic place where
nature and art find the perfect balance.
Day 1: Rome
Morning arrival in Rome. Meet and greet with the guide and head
for the city centre for a first panoramic tour. Hotel check in. In the
afternoon, guided tour of ancient Rome: the Palatine, the Roman
Forum, the Coliseum, the Baths of Caracalla. Time at disposal. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Rome
Buffet breakfast. Full day at leisure for your personal discovery of
Rome. Possibility to visit the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, St. Stone.
Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain.
Typical dinner and show in Trastevere. Overnight.
Day 3: Bari
Buffet breakfast and head towards Bari. Hotel checkin (Hotel is located in the famous “trulli”, in a beautiful oasis surrounded by olive
trees, aromatic plants and vineyards, in the very heart of the Valle
d’Itria). Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Taranto
Buffet breakfast and departure to Taranto, right on the edge of the
Ionian Coast. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, which just
re-opened its doors to the public after 8 years of renovation: throughout its 25 rooms, discover the historical and cultural heritage of
Taranto, with its greek era and the Classic period. This museum
houses archaeological piecies of exceptional value, vases, terracotta and ceramics, as well as precious mosaics.
Lunch in an old Manor House on the waterfront. Afternoon transfer
to Grottaglie where the famous pottery is made. The city consists
entirely of small factories producing wonderful and unique pieces.
In the late afternoon, return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Alberobello
Buffet breakfast and departure to Alberobello. Afternoon visit and
walk among the 1500 “Trulli”,small conical buildings which together form this typical small town by the white look, which seems to
10
come out from a Walt Disney movie, or a fairy tale. Alberobello is
part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Lunch in a typical Restaurant. Continue to Martina Franca: well located on the highest step
of the Murgia dei Trulli, Martina is especially famous for its old town,
one of the most remarkable examples of Baroque Art. Short stop at
the famous gourmet bakery of Martina Franca, to taste the famous
ice cream or the typical almond cakes. In the late afternoon, return
to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Lecce
Buffet breakfast and departure to Lecce, guided tour of this old
baroque city, where everything seems to have been created to
catch the eye. Lecce sculptures delight visitors, as they enchanted
Goethe, but you will also see: The Cathedral, the Bishop and the
Seminar, the Basilica, the Theatre.
Lunch in a typical restaurant and continue to Otranto; tour of this
beautiful old town, “with its feet in the water”, known for its famous
Cathedral with a mosaic floor dating 1163, which represents the
tree of Life, the history of the world. Walk by the ancient city wall to
catch the spectacular view of the city’s little harbour. By late afternoon, return hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Castellana Caves - Polignano a Mare
Buffet breakfast and departure to visit the Castellana Caves, a
real masterpiece of nature, 70 meters deep. Lunch in a typical restaurant. After lunch, visit the “Masseria Fortificata”, an Old Manor
House with an olive-oil production museum. (tasting). Continue to
Polignano a Mare, a lovely little town perched on the rocks. By late
afternoon, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Ostuni - Cisternino
Buffet breakfast and head to the “white city” of Ostuni, which resembles some Eastern towns. Lunch in a typical restaurant with
traditional recipes. After lunch, continue the visit and make a stop
in Cisternino, another picturesque old town. Wine tasting in a local
vineyard. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Castel del Monte - Bari
Buffet breakfast and depart to Castel del Monte, an octagonal castle, architectural gem and masterpiece of stunning pink marble,
placed on the top of a high hill, overlooking the north plain leading
to Bari. We will be told about all the mysteries of its construction,
and the esoteric meanings hidden behind it. Continue to Bari, one
Italy
of the most important cities in southern Italy for trade and economy.
Visit the old town, rich in history and traditions, like the Christian
Basilica St. Nicolas, built in Romanesque – Pugliese style in 1120,
which every year hosts thousands of pilgrims coming to pray at the
foot of the Saint’s relics.
Visit the splendid Romanesque Cathedral, and finally arrive at the
Piccinni Theatre. Hotel check in. Preparations for the evening at the
Opera Petruzzelli Theatre: This theatre is a an important symbol of
Southern culture in Italy. Unfortunately, during the night between
26 and 27 October 1991, it was completely destroyed by a fire.
On 21 November 2002, the Ministry of Culture, the Messeni family
which owns the Nemagna theatre, the City of Bari, The Province of
Bari and the Puglia Region, all signed an agreement to finance the
reconstruction of the theatre, which has been reopened on September 7, 2009. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Bari
Buffet breakfast and morning at leisure in Bari. Airport Transfer. End
of services.
Price per person (minimum 20/25)
Single supplement (per person)
€ 1.725
€ 414
The price includes:
• Bus GT. available throughout the tour.
• Driver services + driver’s accomodation + meals.
• Tour leader throughout the tour.
• 02 nights HB. hotel *** Rome suburb.
• Folk evening in a typical restaurant in Rome.
• 02 half day of sightseeing in Rome.
• 07 nights HB. Hotel **** in Puglia.
• Guided tours as per programme.
• Meals and tastings as specified in the programme.
• Non stop assistance through our special 24/7 hotline.
The price does not include:
• Drinks.
• Meals not mentioned in the programme.
• Entrance fees.
• Tips to guides, drivers, hotel staff.
11