White Cities of Puglia 9714
White Cities of Puglia 9714
White Cities of Puglia 9714
8 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Bari, Italy
Visiting: Bari, Lecce, Gallipoli, Otranto, Matera, Alberobello, Taranto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BPUG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through the White Cities of Puglia, where history and culture blend seamlessly with stunning landscapes. This tour offers a unique exploration of Italy's southern charm, starting with a visit to the La Cutura Botanical Garden, a haven of rare plants and serene beauty. Discover the iconic trullo houses in Alberobello and wander through the ancient streets of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the vibrant local life in Bari's orecchiette street, where traditional pasta is crafted by hand. With comfortable coach travel and accommodations in Lecce and Alberobello, this tour promises an unforgettable Italian adventure, complete with guided tours, local gastronomy, and breathtaking coastal views. Enjoy the expertise of professional tour managers and local guides as you delve into the heart of Puglia's rich heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Bari
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London to Bari. On arrival we transfer to our hotel accommodation, where a welcome dinner is included this evening
Day 2
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we will explore Lecce, a highly attractive town characterised by the warm pink of the local sandstone, so easy to work with that it fostered the rise of a local style (barocco leccese). Rather than the architects, it was the local stonemasons who left their mark on the city, crowding its buildings with ornate and intricate stonework: fanciful cherubs, monsters, flowers, fruits, beauties and beasts. We will meet our local guide at the hotel for a half day guided walking tour of the city, during which we will see many of these fine buildings and visit one in particular, the Basilica de Sante Croce (Cathedral of the Holy Cross). The church has a richly decorated façade, with six smooth columns supporting an entablature with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables. The Basilica also boasts a large rose window. The main portal has a pair of Corinthian columns and the coats of arms of Philip III of Spain, Mary of Enghien and Walter VI of Brienne. Further visits include the Piazza del Duomo & the Roman Amphitheatre. This evening dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 3
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast we head to the ‘Beautiful city’ Gallipoli – a name this town certainly lives up to. We are joined by a local guide for a walking tour of the historic centre which is surrounded by fortified walls and is accessed by a bridge. Here we can explore the narrow laneways home to local gastronomy businesses and craft shops.
This afternoon we embark on a captivating tour of Santa Maria di Leuca, where the turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal villages combine to create an enchanting Mediterranean experience. Santa Maria di Leuca is nestled at the southernmost tip of Italy’s heel and holds a captivating imaginative significance as it marks the poetic culmination of the country, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas merge, offering a breathtaking setting for exploration and contemplation.
Day 4
Location: Otranto
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we visit “La Cutura” Botanical Garden, an old country estate built in the classic rural style of the late 19th century. Today the renowned botanical garden extends for 35 hectares and houses a rich collection of rare plants: succulents and tropicals. A paradise born of stone (Cutura – from “cute”, a dialectal synonym of stone), unique in Italy, rich in flora, a place of knowledge and recreation, where pleasure and nature blend in perfect harmony, in a triumph of scents and colours.
In the early afternoon we enjoy a peaceful walk through the charming centre of Otranto with our local guide. We learn about the coastal town’s history and take in the beautiful landscape surrounding Otranto. We head to Santa Maria Annunziata Cathedral, a living monument to the enduring spirit of the people of Otranto and a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who visit. Later we enjoy a relaxed walk at Orte bay and bauxite caves.
Day 5
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Olimpo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we leave Lecce and head to Matera, the Sassi town, famous for movies like “The Passion of Christ” and the James Bond film ‘’No Time to Die”. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock city of Matera stretches over a steep cliff. We have some free time to wander through the streets of the historic Sasso Caveoso neighbourhood to admire the churches and public squares and don’t forget to snap some photos of the famous cave houses and views of the surrounding valley as you go. Later this afternoon we head to our hotel in the town of Alberobello and this evening we will enjoy dinner in a traditional local restaurant.
Day 6
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Olimpo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of the town of Alberobello to see some of the trullo houses, the cylindrical, whitewashed buildings with grey conical roofs, often joined together in a random, organic manner, that are unique to this part of Italy. In the Monti district there are 1030 trulli, which are among the oldest buildings, still preserving the original features of construction. There are many theories behind the origin of the design. One of the more popular is that due to high taxation on property the people of Puglia created dry wall constructions so that they could be dismantled when inspectors were in the area. The walls are very thick, providing a cool environment in hot weather and insulating against the cold in the winter. The vast majority of trulli have one room under each conical roof; a multi-roomed trullo house has many cones representing a room each, interconnected by passages. Children would sleep in alcoves made in the wall with curtains hung in front. Our local guide will explain the history and construction methods that have been used for countless generations.
In the afternoon we leave for Cisternino to visit an oil mill learning the secrets of olive harvest, olive pressing and olive oil production. The experience ends with olive oil tasting in a very authentic Pugliese environment. Following this, we then head to Castellana Caves for a guided tour of the caves which are hidden beneath the sun-drenched landscapes of Puglia. The mesmerising Castellana Caves are a subterranean wonderland of awe-inspiring beauty and geological marvels. Carved over millions of years by the forces of nature, these vast underground chambers and labyrinthine passages invite visitors on a journey into the heart of the Earth. Descending into the depths of the Castellana Caves, visitors are greeted by a world of stunning natural formations—stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate crystalline structures that shimmer in the soft glow of underground streams and cavernous chambers.
Day 7
Location: Taranto
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Olimpo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we visit Taranto, one of the largest towns of Puglia, where we enjoy a guided walking tour. Taranto is famous for having 2 seas, the Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande which are separated by a revolving bridge. Visit the Aragonese castle, the Greek colony in the Ancient Village and the New Town. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum is included where we can view one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Magna Graecia. Indeed, Taranto was one of the biggest cities of the Greek Empire dating back some 3500 years.
Day 8
Location: Bari
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we leave Alberobello and head to Bari. We explore the city on foot with a local tour guide visiting the most beautiful spots and learn all the city’s stories and secrets. Starting with a walk around Bari’s Old Town, the tour introduces you to standout sights such as the Basilica of St. Nicholas with its sacred crypt, the San Sabino Cathedral and the beautiful squares facing the Adriatic Sea. A stop in the orecchiette street will make your day as we see the locals hand-crafting this regional pasta speciality.
This afternoon we visit Castello Svevo. Perched majestically on the edge of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, it stands as a timeless sentinel, bearing witness to centuries of history and intrigue. This imposing fortress, with its sturdy stone walls and formidable towers, commands attention and admiration from all who behold it, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bari’s past.
Later in the afternoon we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Enjoy seven nights of bed and breakfast accommodation, with four nights at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn in Lecce and three nights at the 4-star Grand Hotel Olimpo in Alberobello, or similar.
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Return flights from London to Bari
The tour includes return flights from London to Bari.
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Meals as per itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary, including a welcome dinner on the first night.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach transportation.
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All sites as outlined in the itinerary
Visits to all sites as outlined in the itinerary are included.
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Services of a professional tour manager and local guides
The services of a professional tour manager and local guides are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Optional activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach transportation, including return flights from London to Bari.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes seven nights of bed and breakfast accommodation, with four nights at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn in Lecce and three nights at the 4-star Grand Hotel Olimpo in Alberobello, or similar.
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What is included in the transportation for the tour?
The tour provides comfortable coach transportation throughout, including return flights from London to Bari.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of a professional tour manager and local guides are included in the tour.
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What unique architectural features can be seen in Alberobello?
In Alberobello, you can see the unique trullo houses, which are cylindrical, whitewashed buildings with grey conical roofs. These structures are unique to this part of Italy and have a fascinating history and construction method.
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What can I expect to see in Matera?
In Matera, you can explore the historic Sasso Caveoso neighborhood, admire the famous cave houses, and enjoy views of the surrounding valley. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock city known for its unique architecture and has been featured in films like 'The Passion of Christ' and 'No Time to Die.'
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What activities are planned in Bari?
In Bari, the tour includes a guided walk around the Old Town, visits to the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the San Sabino Cathedral, and a stop in the orecchiette street to see locals hand-crafting this regional pasta. The tour also includes a visit to Castello Svevo.
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What is special about the visit to La Cutura Botanical Garden?
La Cutura Botanical Garden is an old country estate built in the classic rural style of the late 19th century. It extends for 35 hectares and houses a rich collection of rare plants, including succulents and tropicals, making it a unique place of knowledge and recreation.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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