Caves, Coast & Culture in Puglia

Lecce, Matera, Fasano

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This example itinerary from

$6,600pp

9 days

Highlights

Jump on a Vespa and drive up the coastline to visit different beaches
Cycle through the olive groves in the Puglian countryside
Taste new wines at Salento’s many wineries
See all the pointed trulli houses on a daytrip to Alberobello
Stay in the unique town of Matera, in an atmospheric hotel with rooms carved out of the rock

What’s Included

8 nights Bed & Breakfast
Choice of daily local experiences
Private boat excursion
9 days car rental
International Economy class flights
All domestic transfers 

Example Itinerary

Day 1-4 Day 4-6 Day 6-9

Day 1-4

LECCE, Italy

Marvel at the baroque architecture in Lecce’s signature sand colour
Find the hidden amphitheatre, nestled behind a little alleyway

A cream limestone town that existed during the Trojan War, with as much history as Rome, Lecce is a baroque masterpiece.

Begin your journey in Lecce and spend three nights at La Fiermontina, a boutique hotel flaunting minimalist interiors looking out onto manicured lawns, ancient city walls and a swimming pool. Only a 10-minute stroll from the heart of Lecce, the hotel is the perfect base to self-explore the baroque city, or organise a walking tour. With a few days to play with, explore the coastline by Vespa Tour, cycle or hike through the countryside and along the coast. Travel the Salento Riviera Coast to Coast – the most comfortable option is a personalised tour by car. Marvel at the picturesque, colourful towns of the Salento Peninsula. You’ll also be taken to Leuca, the southernmost point where the Adriatic meets the Ionian.

Day 4-6

MATERA, Italy

Wander through the winding streets to find abandoned cave houses
Try Matera’s own distinctive bread, filled with roasted aubergines

Made up of a complex of cave dwellings carved into the hillside, this long-forgotten town of Matera has to be seen to be believed.

Next stop, set your compass inland to Matera and spend two nights at Sextantio Grotte Della Civita Matera, a romantic, boutique hotel set within prehistoric caves and a UNESCO World Heritage setting. Begin your day with an early morning bread and mozzarella gastronomic tour – visit a typical bakery, taste local produce and watch mozzarella being made by hand. The following day, do a guided tour of Matara with local private guides, either by foot or bicycle. Stop-offs involve cave dwellings, the museum of farming history and local churches.

Day 6-9

FASANO, Italy

Board a private yacht to day trip along the coast and stop for a dip in the sea
Visit a traditional masseria farm to see and taste freshly made olive oil

The Puglian coastline stretches for miles so there’s always a spot of beach to stop and enjoy the sea from.

The last leg involves travelling along the Adriatic coast to Fasano, and spending three nights at Masseria Torre Maizza, an exquisite Italian coastal hotel bound by a golf course and a private beach club. This setting promises the tranquillity of yoga sessions, aromatic infused full-body massages, and beach relaxation, all on your doorstep. When in Italy, of course don’t forget to explore the local products – choose an afternoon to either tour a gold production in Taranto and a jewellery workshop, or visit a historic olive oil estate. Alternatively, spend a whole day aboard a chartered luxury yacht, sailing along the Adriatic coast from one picturesque town to the next.

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The Fishers

Our family are hooked on Italy and Molly‘s passion and knowledge means she keeps finding us something new. The latest trip was in the Dolomites – Rosa Alpina is the dream. Officially our favourite hotel ever. We’re going to Puglia next but we have to wait until next year for that!