HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Sampling amazing local artisan products – cheeses, olives, salamis, wine and more
- Learning about Puglia’s rich history
- Walking tours in Trani, Bari, Polignano, Alberobello, and Ostuni
- Dining at Michelin Star as well as typical restaurants
- Cooking typical, Puglian food with a local chef
- Exploring the beautiful Puglian towns of Castel del Monte, Matera and Lecce
Day 1: ARRIVAL TO PUGLIA, ITALY
Arrival in Bari or Brindisi Airport and transfer to your seafront hotel in Trani, where you’ll be welcomed with a drink. Tonight, dine al fresco in a local restaurant.
Meals: -/-/D
Accommodation: Trani Hotel
Day 2: TRANI, ANDRIA VISITS, & WINE TASTING
This morning we will visit a local market to fully act like locals, truly a genuine experience!
Your day in Andria continues with a visit to the Museum of Confetto with the sweetest tasting ever, then we fully appreciate why this town is renowned to be the hometown to the delicious burrata (made from mozzarella and cream) we’ll enjoy in a diary farm, along with a special lunch based with their range of dairy foods.
Return to hotel.
In the afternoon transfer to a magnificent wine estate owned by the Antinori’s family. Crossing the, approximately, 130 vine yard hectares, we approach the farm that reminds us of the typical “masserie” of the Murgia with its structure and brilliant white tufaceous walls.
After a tour of the cellar, you’ll taste some of the wines just before a delightful dinner at a renowned Trattoria (beverages not included).
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Trani Hotel
Day 3: TRANI TO POLIGNANO A MARE
Visit the beautiful coastal town of Trani, once the most important political-administrative centre of all of Southern Italy and as such was granted the title of main town in the region. This title was later revoked in favour of Bari by Murat and Bonaparte. We’ll visit the characteristic old town, hosting a Jewish quarter, its great harbour and its stunning Cathedral set right on the seafront.
Transfer to an authentic underground olive oil mill with an opportunity to learn some valuable facts on the medieval peasant culture by walking through olive groves, caves and country roads. The Puglia region has over 50 millions olive trees and it’s the leading producer of extra-virgin olive oil in Italy and the biggest single production region in the world. We enjoy the opportunity to sample delicious produce along with some other local delicacies.
Check-in at your seafront hotel in Polignano a Mare
Guided walk to admire the impressive panoramas from the seaside terraces overhanging the magnificent limestone rocks. The walk provides an unparalleled view over the blue-green Adriatic, and why not, indulge yourself with a tasty gelato or granita, pride of the locals. Light dinner at a contemporary seafood restaurant.
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Polignano a Mare
Day 4: POLIGNANO a MARE & BARI
This morning we will experience Polignano from the water as we tour around the shoreline and its caves. After a dip in the ocean and a light lunch on-board you will have time to explore this magical haven.
(In the event of bad weather, this morning will be free time and then we will meet for an included seafood lunch at an iconic restaurant).
Your day continues with a guided visit of Bari, Puglia’s prosperous seaside capital, with tangled streets and the charming old town reveal Romanesque churches, the riotous market and the elegant medieval piazzas, the beautiful St. Nicola’s Basilica, home of Saint Nicolas, one of the most beloved saint in the whole world and father of the legend of Santa Claus; guided walk to other remarkable historical attractions, seaside promenade and busy pedestrian shopping area.
We’ll finally experience the whole range of the local street food – panzerotti, focaccia, sgagliozze and popizze.
Meals: B/-/D
Accommodation: Polignano a Mare
Day 5: MATERA, CISTERNINO + FORNELLO DINNER
After breakfast, check out of the hotel. We drive to the first destination today which is Matera in the Basilicata region. It is another astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site: this city has gained international fame for its ancient town, the “Sassi di Matera” (meaning “stones of Matera”). The Sassi originated from a prehistoric (troglodyte) settlement, and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. Because of the ancient and unique scenery in and around the Sassi, it has been used by filmmakers as the setting for ancient Jerusalem. A good number of famous biblical period motion pictures were filmed in Matera, amongst which Mel Gibson’s blockbuster “The Passion of the Christ”.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon move to Cisternino, one of the pearls of the Itria Valley, that boasts a small, utterly charming old town center with its whitewashed houses, narrow, shady streets, historic churches and elegant central piazza that has remained virtually intact for centuries. You don’t need to go to a restaurant to eat in Cisternino, however, as the town is famous for its barbecuing butchers! All you have to do is choose your meat – maybe the local specialty, bombette, little meat parcels filled with mince, ham and cheese – and take a seat outside with a carafe of local wine. The butcher will then barbecue your chosen goodies and bring them out to you when ready. A truly local (and delicious) eating experience!
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Polignano a Mare
Day 6: ALBEROBELLOS & COOKING CLASS
After breakfast, check out. Early transfer toward Alberobello, the World Heritage Site of fairy-tale trulli – traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs, constructions specific to this region.
Visit the wine museum and the adjacent winery, with tasting of their premium wines and local snacks.
Hard work in the afternoon: you’ll be involved in a cookery course in which you’ll learn how to make fresh pasta in a charming 1600’ masseria (farmhouse) immersed in a wonderful expanse of olive trees. And your dinner today will be based on your efforts!
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Ostuni Hotel
Day 7: OSTUNI & FOOD MARKET & LECCE
Morning stroll in Ostuni, regarded as an architectural jewel, commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture. Get lost in the hundred alleys, amongst workshops and Baroque churches. Following experience a visit of the local market to fully act like locals, truly a genuine experience!
Transfer to Lecce, commonly nicknamed “The Florence of the South” because of its countless Baroque beauties, with its lovely centro storico (historic centre) and Roman ruins; treat yourself to local delicacies like puccia (flat bread filled with your choice of salami and everything else!) and pasticciotto (sweet cake filled with lemon custard).
Back to your Relais, then dinner tonight is at its Michelin Star restaurant (beverages not included).
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Ostuni Hotel
Day 8: DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast. Farewell meeting and transfer to Bari/Brindisi airport.
Flights back home or ask to extend your stay!
Meals: B/-/-
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
Transfers vehicle from/to Bari and/or Brindisi airport
Private vehicle and driver available throughout the tour
7 lodgings in b&b service in 4-5 stars hotels (suite rooms except in Polignano, upgrade available)
6 special dinners with typical menu in selected restaurants, beverages included (except where indicated)
1 private cooking class with dinner
5 food and wine tastings in wineries, artisan shops and street food
1 dinner in a 1 Michelin starred restaurants
All luggage transfers
8 days of professional, local guides with knowledge of the secrets and stories of the region
Sightseeing as per itinerary
All applicable taxes
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
International flights (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
Mandatory travel medical insurance and optional cancellation insurance (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
Items of a personal nature
Extra beverages at meals (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Entrances or activities not mentioned above
Meals, beverages not mentioned above
Photography equipment
*IMPORTANT NOTES:
– Though we will do our best to follow this itinerary as closely as possible, it is subject to change due to factors beyond our control
HOTELS: TBD
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to reasons beyond our control, activities, restaurants, hotels, and sites are subject to change without notice.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date to Canada. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Please click HERE for our T & C
Date: Available upon request
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to reserve your place. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more booking information and we will be happy to send you and invoice where you can pay by Credit Card or e-Transfer.
Final Payment
Full payment is due 60 prior to departure and can be paid by cheque, credit card, or e-Transfer.
