Embark on a magical journey through these enchanting regions of Italy, where the "heel of the Italian boot" beckons with allure and wonder.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the splendor of Polignano al Mare, where the vista unfolds before you in a breathtaking display of nature's majesty. Lose yourself in the whimsical charm of the trulli houses in Alberobello, a joyful architectural wonder that will transport you to a fairytale world.
As you wander through the whitewashed towns of Locorotondo and Otranto, time seems to stand still, offering a glimpse into a simpler, more serene era. The ancient allure of Lecce will captivate your senses, while the mystical caves of Matera create a landscape unlike any other - a true testament to the wonders of Mother Nature.
Join us on this extraordinary journey to what was once known as “Finibus Terra” or “The End of the Earth”. The magic of Italy's high heel will surely leave you spellbound…
Dear valued guest,
Thank you very much for choosing Keyrow Tours, a family company specializing in small group travel for over 20 years.
Our aim is to provide a unique and authentic experience of Italy, that exceeds personal hopes and expectations. We believe that we achieve that goal by focusing on immersive cultural experiences, such as local food and wine tastings, hands-on cooking classes, guided tours of historical sites, and interactions with locals. Of course we visit the main attractions on all of our trips, but we especially love to explore off-the-beaten-path places that capture the essence of Italy and our imagination.
Thank you again for choosing Keyrow Tours. We are delighted to host this extraordinary trip with you. Our time together will be recreational, educational, and experiential…with memories to last a lifetime. Please contact us with any questions, and know that we remain at your service. "Andiamo!" ("Let's Go!").
With kind regards,
Paolo C. Carman, Founder
Keyrow Tours offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience in Puglia and Basilicata, with charming and diverse accommodations.
- In Polignano, guests will stay in two properties with apartment rooms of varying shapes and sizes.
- In Alberobello, our accommodations are located in four neighboring buildings, each providing a cozy and intimate setting.
- Matera offers luxurious hotel rooms often located in caves (that's right!), adding a touch of magic to the stay.
Keyrow Tours prides itself on fairness and equality. While every room at every location differs, we strive to provide an equitable balance throughout the journey. If one guest has an extremely special room at one location, someone else might have a more special room at the next. Ultimately, all of our historical accommodations are comfortable and safe places to relax after exploring the wonders of the surrounding regions. We appreciate your understanding and thank you in advance.
Prior to your trip, each guest will receive an email invitation to download our digital itinerary onto your smartphones or computers. That version of the itinerary will be more detailed than the website version that you are viewing at this time. It will eventually include flight information, departure times, meeting points, helpful tips on what to pack, information about money, hotel contact information, and more.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
Centrally located historic hotels (double room occupancy)
All ground and sea transportation
to museums and special events such as cooking classes and wine tastings
Daily
daily exquisite traditional main meals with local wine
with your personal Keyrow host
optional
In conjunction with Uni-World/Jetaway Travel, Keyrow Tours is pleased to make all flight arrangements, including primary flights originating anywhere in the United States and international flights. We we will depart from a major international airport located on the east coast of the United States [usually JFK (NY) or Philadelphia (PA)] and fly into Bari with one international layover. Transportation to and from your primary airport of departure is each person’s responsibility.
Paolo Carman is the founder, owner and director of Keyrow Tours, a family-run company which offers creative excursions for intimate sized groups.
Paolo has earned post-graduate degrees in Spirituality and Canon Law from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (Italy). Having worked for the Vatican's Scavi Office for over 25 years, he shared the extraordinary archeological excavations beneath St. Peter's Basilica with guests from all over the world. Paolo has traveled extensively through 27 countries on 5 continents, and is now thrilled to pass on his love of history, cuisine and culture by hosting Keyrow guests in regions throughout Italy. He makes his home in a Central NY farmhouse dating back to the Civil War, along with his wife, Heather, the kitten gang and a host of native wildlife. Facilitating a powerful and transformational experience for Keyrow guests is a continuation of his lifelong commitment to serving others.
“I think a dream like this never comes back…I painted my hands and my face blue… Then, suddenly, I was kidnapped by the wind … and I began to fly in the infinite sky.”
~ Domenico Modugno
Polignano al Mare
Perched dramatically atop limestone cliffs, Polignano al Mare offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea below. Its whitewashed buildings, winding alleys, and flower-filled balconies create a picturesque, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The town has ancient origins, dating back to Roman times, and its charming old town overlooks breathtaking sea caves and rocky coves. Known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil beauty, Polignano is a hidden gem where history and nature collide in perfect harmony.
Polignano Al Mare is a gorgeous town in the Puglia Region. Since there are no hotels located in the historical center, the group will be lodging in centrally located apartments... all within 5 minutes of each other. Expect some stairs, and more importantly expect a beautiful and magical town that we will call "home" for three nights. Upon arrival, we will get everyone situated in their accommodations and pick a meeting time to regather.
Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, Polignano al Mare is home to some of Puglia’s loveliest natural breathtaking vistas. Ringed by dramatic cliffs, the Lama Monachile Beach— also known as Cala Porte—is one of the most coveted and photographed beaches in the region. Being a seaside town, the village naturally focuses on agriculture and fishing. Lovely sights await you in this sleepy fishing town of Polignano a Mare.
The pride and joy of Polignano, Domenico Modugno was a famous Italian singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, and even a member of the Italian Parliament, and was, of course, born in Polignano. Maybe, if you strain your ears, you can almost make out the familiar tunes of his 1958 international hit song, “Nel blu dipinto di blu” (otherwise know as “Volare”).
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”
– Anonymous
The medieval castle "Castel del Monte" (Italian for 'Castle of the Mount') proudly overlooks the comune of Andria. Built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, the castle is built in an octagonal shape, with each of the eight corners sporting an octagonal tower. This important castle was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996, and it is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Southern Italy.
As the capital of Puglia, Bari is a bustling port city with a captivating mix of history, culture, and coastal beauty. Its medieval old town, with its narrow, winding streets and stone buildings, offers a glimpse into its Roman and Byzantine past. The Basilica di San Nicola, housing the relics of Saint Nicholas, draws pilgrims from around the world. Bari’s stunning seafront promenade and lively markets provide a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day vibrancy, making it an unforgettable Mediterranean destination.
While less well-known than Basilica di San Nicola, the Cathedral of San Sabino is Bari’s main church. Originally built in the Byzantine style in the 11th century, it was destroyed in 1156 and rebuilt again in 1170; its Romanesque style makes it one of the best examples of the period’s architecture in all of Puglia.
Commissioned in 1089 to house the stolen relics of St. Nicholas of Myra, this stunning, white-limestone church might just be the symbol of Bari. Its crypt today still contains the remains of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, travelers and children. Yep, he’s the original Santa Claus!...making it an important destination for pilgrims.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles”
– Tim Cahill
Monopoli
Nestled on the Adriatic coast, Monopoli is a coastal haven with a rich history and vibrant charm. The town’s medieval quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic churches, and peaceful squares, all set against the sparkling blue backdrop of the sea. With its origins dating back to the 5th century BC, Monopoli was once an important port city. Today, it invites visitors to explore its ancient walls, scenic harbor, and charming beaches that reflect the Mediterranean’s timeless allure.
The white-washed old town of Monopoli has been inhabited since 500 BC, and takes its name from its early Greek origins: “Monos Polis” means a “singularly unique city”… and that is truly the case! The city still has that special, hard-to-find feeling that has faded from other big tourist destinations.
Monopoli is a port city and like many of the towns in this part of Puglia, the historic center is dotted with white-washed buildings, contrasting perfectly with the bright blue Puglia skies.
The 16th-century Castle of Charles V. Built on a promontory that juts out into the sea, the Castle of Charles V was built in 1525 as part of the fortifications around Monopoli. The landmark is such a part of the landscape that no trip to the city is complete without stopping to admire the fortress walls.
The traditional blue-and-red boats used in this part of Puglia are known as gozzo. The boats traditionally had oars and were used for fishing along the coast. You can still find the traditional gozzi bobbing in porta vecchia, the scenic old harbor in Monopoli. Today the boats are used by fishermen in the shallow waters nearby to catch octopus and other local fish.
Construction of the cathedral in Monopoli began in 1107 but legend has it that they had to stop building the church after running out of roof beams. Miraculously, a raft carrying an image of the Virgin Mary drifted into the harbor and the boards from the raft were used to finish the roof. You can still find a piece of wood from the miraculous raft in the front of the church…
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Sail away from the safe harbor: Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
~ Mark Twain
Check-in at our accommodations is later in the day. Therefore our luggage will remain with our drivers while we tour the wonders and beauty of Alberobello...
Alberbello is a unique, picturesque destination that is famous for its unusual disctricts of trulli or its white-washed conical-roofed houses. The trulli are small dwellings built from local limestone, and these are traditional and simple types of structures dot the landscape around this part of Puglia.
The story behind Alberobello is a typically Italian one: its design was to fiddle taxes and fool the authorities. A local feudal lord moved his peasant workers here to clear a beautiful woodland and cultivate the land. In fact, the name Alberobello means “beautiful trees”.
So, in order to wriggle around laws and taxes, it was important that Alberobello didn't achieve the class of being an inhabited settlement. So until 1797, when Alberobello was finally given a 'town' status, the people had to live in trulli, which could be dismantled in a hurry when the tax man came for inspection…
We are staying in three fabulous private locations, all within a 5 minute walk from each other.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
"Life for the Italians was what it was, no more and no less, an interlude between meals."
~ Abraham Verghese in "Cutting for Stone"
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow”
– Anita Desai
Famous for its extraordinary caves, Castellana Grotte is a town where nature’s wonders take center stage. The Castellana Caves, with their spectacular limestone formations, have been attracting explorers since their discovery in 1938. Beneath the surface, visitors can wander through vast chambers and tunnels, experiencing a subterranean world of dazzling stalactites and stalagmites. Above ground, the town is equally charming, with its quaint streets, old churches, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Locorotondo is a charming hilltop town renowned for its circular layout and whitewashed buildings that gleam under the Italian sun. Set amidst rolling vineyards, its narrow streets are lined with stunning examples of traditional architecture, and its panoramic views of the Itria Valley are simply breathtaking. With a history dating back to the 14th century, Locorotondo’s peaceful atmosphere, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage make it a quintessential Puglian destination.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy.”
Giuseppe Verde
Matera is a city like no other, with its ancient "Sassi" cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to prehistoric times, and its stone-carved homes and churches evoke a sense of timelessness. The city’s dramatic landscapes and unique architecture have made it one of the most visually striking places in Italy. Matera's rich history, including its use as a film set for many historical epics, adds to its charm as one of the most distinctive and captivating cities in the world.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“For us to go to Italy and to penetrate into Italy is like a most fascinating act of selfdiscovery – back, back down the old ways of time. Strange and wonderful chords awake in us, and vibrate again after many hundreds of years of complete forgetfulness.”
~ D.H. Lawrence
The Sassi di Matera are two districts (Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano) of the Italian city of Matera, located in the region of Basilicata. They are well-known for their ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period.
The "Sassi" are certainly one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. And were awarded World Heritage Site status in 1993. Matera itself was part of the film set Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”, and more recently the James Bond film, “No Time to Die” released in 2019.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”
~Jack Kerouac
Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is a Baroque masterpiece that dazzles with its ornate architecture and charming streets. Located in the heart of Salento, the city’s stunning churches, palaces, and piazzas are a testament to its artistic heritage. Lecce’s rich history, which spans Roman, Byzantine, and Norman influences, is reflected in its cobblestone streets and grand facades. Surrounded by olive groves and the turquoise sea, Lecce is a city where every corner reveals a new architectural gem.
Otranto, a historic town on the Adriatic coast, is a charming blend of medieval history and seaside beauty. Its ancient walls, imposing castle, and cobbled streets tell stories of centuries past, while its crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches reflect the town’s coastal allure. Otranto’s 11th-century cathedral, with its intricate mosaics, is a must-see, offering a glimpse into its long history as a vital port and cultural hub of the region. Surrounded by olive groves and rugged cliffs, Otranto is a town where history and nature beautifully intertwine.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of the everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.”
~ Freya Stark
Salento is a stunning peninsula that stretches between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, offering a beautiful mix of crystal-clear beaches, ancient olive groves, and charming towns. With its deep history and rich cultural heritage, Salento has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries. The region’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, hidden coves, and picturesque fishing villages. From the baroque splendor of Lecce to the peaceful charm of its countryside, Salento is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and Mediterranean allure.
A brief stop to stretch our legs in Santa Cesarea Terme. Situated on the coast at the entrance of the Strait of Otranto, on a part of the coast which comes down to the sea, the town of Santa Cesarea is one of the largest centers for thermal baths in the Salento. The city includes many sulphurous grottos such as the four cisterns of Feidida, Solfurea, Gattula and Solfatura whose waters at different temperature ranges have encouraged the town's development into a spa
Tricase Porto, located in the last part of the “serre salentine” (a sort of small hills in Salento), and dominated by the watchtower, is a seaside village of the town of Tricase.
The coastline is mostly low and rocky, rich with caves and small sandy and public coves. Next to the natural coves, there are two tourist ports, an old and a modern one, from which it is possible to leave to explore the coast by boat.
A hamlet of Castrignano del Capo, in the Province of Lecce, Santa Maria di Leuca is the southernmost point in Salento, striking the visitor’s eye for its colors and unreal silence. At the center of it all is the Church, the original Santa Maria: first a sanctuary, today it is the Basilica of Santa Maria De finibus terrae (at the end of the earth).
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”
– Ibn Battuta
Once upon a time, in the picturesque countryside of Southern Italy, a small group of strangers found themselves embarking on a journey together through the quaint towns of Polignano, Monopoli, Bari, Alberobello, Matera, Otranto, and Salento.
As they wandered through cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings, the strangers quickly realized that their shared sense of wonder and excitement brought them closer together. They marveled at the beauty of the Adriatic Sea in Polignano, danced under the stars at a local festa in Monopoli, and shared stories over hearty meals of orecchiette in Bari.
In Alberobello, they were enchanted by the fairytale-like trulli houses, and in Matera, they explored ancient caves and grottoes, feeling a deep connection to the history of the region. In Otranto, they walked along the rugged cliffs and dipped their toes in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, feeling a sense of peace and serenity wash over them.
Finally, in Salento, they basked in the warmth of the sun, sipping on local wine and indulging in fresh seafood as they reflected on the bonds they had formed and the memories they had created together. Though they came from different walks of life, the strangers had found a sense of belonging in each other, their hearts forever intertwined with the magic of Southern Italy.
