An excellent trip. The pace of the trip is perfect. A week flew by and we felt we had been all over the Puglia region. So much to do and see in such a short space of time and yet we managed to relax and get some free time in too. The food was outstanding, the wine was delightful, the people were a pleasure to be around. Every stage of the trip was enjoyable and slightly different.
Food toursLocal culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Matera, Lecce, Salento, Alberobe
Matera, Lecce, Salento, Alberobello, Grotte Di Castellana, Ostuni, Otranto
Discover Otranto in a walking tour of 2 hours.
Gateway to the East , built on the sea .
The city tour will take you to discover the Norman Cathedral , consecrated in 1088, a work of Count Roger I adorned later (about 1163), by Bishop Jonathas , with a mosaic floor , It has a rose window and side portal of 1481. The interior , a basilica with ship and two aisles , contains columns said to come from a temple of Minerva and a fine mosaic pavement of 1166 , with interesting representations of the months , Old Testament subjects and others . Bones and relics of the Martyrs of Otranto , who perished in the 15th-century siege surround the high altar . The church Has a crypt supported by forty-two marble columns . The same Count Roger founded a Basilian monastery Also here , Which , under Abbot Nicetas , Became a place of study , the ITS library was nearly all bought by Bessarion .
After seeing the cathedral you will visit the Church of St. Peter and Castle , reinforced by Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt by Alphonso II of Naples in 1485-1498 . It has an irregular plan with five sides , with a moat running along the Entire perimeter . In origin it had a single entrance , reachable through a draw- bridge. Towers features three cylindrical ones and a bastion called Punta Diamante ( "Diamond 's Head "). The entrance sports the coat of arms of Emperor Charles V.
It was a great trip. The tour leader was fantastic and the itinerary so interesting. I like holidays to be a discovery and it certainly was. The food in Italy is also gorgeous.
Food tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Take in the highlights of picturesque Puglia on this 8-day journey through southern Italy. Begin with a guided walking tour of Bari and marvel at the UNESCO-listed Castel del Monte. Wander through the charming port town of Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', and explore the fascinating cave dwellings of Matera. Admire the iconic conical Trulli houses in Alberobello and enjoy time at leisure in the whitewashed hill towns of Locorotondo and Ostuni. Explore Lecce, often called the 'Florence of the South', and visit the elegant village of Martina Franca. On your return to Bari, stop at the coastal citadel of Monopoli to round off this unforgettable Italian adventure.