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Puglia & Basilicata: The Lands Between the Seas

Puglia 6 nights Price from £2,398 per person
Departs: 20 Apr 2024, 12 Oct 2024
Departs: 20 Apr 2024

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Puglia, the ‘heel’ of Italy, is an ancient land that is highly fertile despite its harsh limestone landscape typical of the Mezzogiorno. It was this remote corner of the peninsula that the Normans conquered in the 11th century, dominating the entire south of Italy and the island of Sicily by the mid-12th century. As they established themselves and their influence grew, great churches appeared on the horizons, built in a hybrid style combining architectural influences from France, Ancient Rome and Lombardy. For the first half of the tour we are based in the pretty town of Martina Franca in the rolling hills of the Valle d’Itria, a region of vineyards, olive groves and trulli, the distinctive bee-hive shaped houses unique to central Puglia. We then relocate to the magnificent Baroque town of Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’.

What's included

...when you travel with Kirker

  • Return flights
  • Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast
  • Four Dinners
  • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described
  • The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Fly to Bari

    We fly from London to Bari and transfer to the Baroque town of Martina Franca where we stay for three nights. Our hotel is the privately owned 4 star Villa San Martino which sits amongst mature gardens and is a short drive from the town centre.
  • Day 2 - Alberobello

    This morning we drive to Alberobello, a UNESCO Site famous for its countless examples of trulli – the conical − roofed stone houses unique to this region. We will also visit the spectacular limestone Castellana Caves, Italy's longest natural subterranean network that forms a series of interlinked galleries.
  • Day 3 - Matera

    We visit Matera, an extraordinary town built on the edge of a steep ravine whose side is pockmarked with caves. People were still living in them as late as the 1950s, when the last residents were moved out. In 1993 Matera became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a number of the caves have been restored and are now open to the public.
  • Day 4 - Ostuni

    After leaving Martina Franca, we stop for an olive oil tasting before visiting the whitewashed hilltop town of Ostuni with beautiful views out to the sea. This afternoon we will check into the centrally located 4* Risorgimento Resort in Lecce where we stay for the remainder of the tour.
  • Day 5 - Lecce

    This morning we will have a guided walking tour of Lecce, one of the best preserved Baroque towns in Italy with rich honey coloured buildings. We will also see the Basilica Santa Croce and the Roman theatre.
  • Day 6 - Otranto

    We visit the beautiful coastal town of Otranto, situated on the most eastern peninsula of Italy. We will have a guided walking tour of the city and see the 15th century Castello Aragonese and also the beautiful Norman Cathedral home to spectacular 12th century mosaics.
  • Day 7 - Flight back

    We will leave for the airport for the flight back to London.

Flight Details

Flights with British Airways:

Depart Gatwick 13:30, arrive Bari 17:20
Depart Bari 12:30, arrive Gatwick 14:25

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

Departure Dates and Prices

2023

14 Oct 2023

Status Closed

Price from£2398

Single Supp.£398

Call 020 7593 2284

2024

20 Apr 2024

Status Available

Price from£2570

Single Supp.£398

Book Now Enquire

12 Oct 2024

Status Available

Price from£2570

Single Supp.£398

Book Now Enquire

Included Hotels

Puglia, Italy, Europe

This small, privately-owned hotel is located a few minutes’ by taxi from the old town and sits amongst mature gardens.

Puglia, Italy, Europe

Behind a historic Baroque façade, this contemporary property offers excellent service in the heart of Lecce. Within a few minutes you will reach the Roman theatre and the Piazza Duomo’s bell tower whilst passing a host of beautiful ‘secret’ gardens viewed through palace portals.

 

Stephen Nelson

Tour Leader

More Info

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To make an enquiry please speak to one of our experts on 020 7593 2288, or enquire online

Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.

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