Benvenuti in Puglia!

Upon arrival at Bari International Airport or Bari Train Station, you'll be greeted and whisked away in a reserved private transfer to your charming boutique hotel in the heart of Lecce. The journey to this stunning Baroque city takes approximately two hours.

Alternatively, for travelers who will already be in Italy before the tour starts, we can also arrange transfers from the Lecce or Bari train stations. (Please note that transfers can only be guaranteed for those arriving on the designated arrival day)

Once in Lecce, settle into our gorgeous Boutique Hotel, perfectly located in the historic center! In the afternoon, join us for a delightful welcome drink at the hotel, where we’ll gather for a brief introduction to the exciting journey ahead.

Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Lecce’s vibrant historic center, soaking in the lively atmosphere and breathtaking architecture. Savor a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant in the evening! 

After breakfast, meet our expert guide at the hotel for a full day exploring Lecce, the “Florence of Southern Italy” and a Baroque masterpiece. Visit iconic landmarks like Piazza Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza Sant’Oronzo, with a stop to enjoy traditional caffè leccese and local pastries.

After exploring this enchanting city, get ready to savour a private lunch in a local restaurant reserved just for our group. After this memorable meal, you will have free time at leisure in the afternoon, soaking in the lively atmosphere of Lecce’s vibrant movida of restaurants and bars.

Stefano, your tour leader, will recommend his favorite local restaurants and rooftop bars for an enchanting evening in Lecce.

After breakfast, we will head to the fascinating Grecìa Salentina.

The Grecìa Salentina—accent on the ì—is a cluster of twelve towns in the heart of Salento: Calimera, Carpignano Salentino, Castrignano de' Greci, Corigliano d’Otranto, Cutrofiano, Martano, Martignano, Melpignano, Sogliano Cavour, Soleto, Sternatia, and Zollino.

Here, among sunlit streets and ancient stones, survives Griko, a Neo-Greek dialect spoken mainly by the elderly. More than a language, Griko is a legacy of the Greeks and later the Byzantines who settled in Salento during the Norman advance, carrying with them traditions shaped by Greek Orthodoxy.

Since the 1990s, these villages have joined forces to protect and promote their unique heritage—language, culture, and identity—honoring it with quiet perseverance and pride.

We will explore two villages (Martano and Carpignano) and meet with the local Griko people before having a traditional lunch in a local restaurant.

After a meaningful morning meeting with locals, we will head back to Lecce, where we will enjoy a free afternoon before meeting at the hotel's lobby for a very special experience!

Get dressed up!

Tonight, we will visit a noble residence from the 1700s in Lecce and enjoy an elegant private dinner in its palace court. 

After breakfast, check out and depart for Ostuni. 

En route, visit a stunning Masseria (farmhouse), an authentic 17th-century estate renowned for its cheese production. Pietro, the owner, will guide you through the entire process—from the cowshed to the dairy—showcasing the creation of Mozzarella, Burrata, Stracciatella, and other Apulian cheeses. Explore the aging cellar and trullo filled with Caciocavalli and Canestrati. 

End with a rich Apulian-flavored tasting of cheese, cured meats, fresh produce, and baked goods!

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ostuni, the “White City,” famous for its medieval old town with whitewashed houses and winding alleyways leading to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption!

Later, transfer to the Itria Valley for check-in to your new home for the next 4 nights!

After breakfast, transfer to the countryside of Fasano to visit a historic 18th-century Masseria. Rosaria, the warm and welcoming owner, will guide you through the ancient olive groves and the medieval underground oil mill. Conclude with a tasting of their exceptional EVO oil and discover what sets artisanal production apart from store-bought varieties.

Next, head to Monopoli, a picturesque seaside town with whitewashed streets, ancient walls, and landmarks like the Basilica of Maria Santissima della Madia, the Church of Purgatory, and Charles V Castle.

After enjoying a seafood-based light lunch, you will have time to stroll along the charming port and soak in the coastal beauty of this uniquely lovely little town.

Return to the Masseria in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Enjoy a relaxing day at the Masseria or take part in optional excursions in the surrounding area (details to be organized later).

In the afternoon, transfer to Cisternino, a charming rural village recognized as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant or macelleria (butcher shop) featuring the famous meat bombette.

After breakfast, transfer to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European Capital of Culture 2019. Embark on a guided tour through the Sassi of Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

Discover how humans have harmonized with nature over millennia, carving homes and churches into the stone. Explore the Rioni Sassi—Barisano and Caveoso—featuring Rupestrian Churches, Case Grotta (cave dwellings)!

Enjoy a hands-on bread-making workshop in a historic Sassi house, where you'll learn about the tradition of Matera’s famous bread—after the hanfs-on workshop, enjoying a rich tasting of local focaccia, bread, salami and cheese along with local wine!

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to enjoy Matera, exploring its fascinating roads, indulging in unique artisanal boutiques, and gelato strolls! Experience this unforgettable day in one of the world's most captivating, ancient cities. 

After returning to your Masseria, enjoy a delicious dinner before saying "Buona Notte" to your new friends!

After breakfast at the Masseria, transfer to Martina Franca, the elegant "Living Room" of the Itria Valley. This Baroque city is home to the stunning Basilica of San Martino and charming houses with traditional wrought-iron balconies.

Next, head to Locorotondo, a hilltop village known for its whitewashed houses (Cummerse) that shimmer in the Apulian sunlight. Listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, it offers a picturesque stroll and a delicious lunch.

Return to the Masseria for some relaxation. Enjoy the Masseria's beautiful bar by the pool, before an unforgettable farewell evening where a hands-on pasta-making workshop and a delightful dinner featuring local products await you!

Let’s celebrate an unforgettable week in Puglia!

Salute!

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia and a historic trade hub with the East. Depending on your plans, we’ll drop you off at Bari Train Station or Bari International Airport (BRI).

Let us know if you’re extending your stay in Italy—I for Italia will gladly assist with your travel plans.

Arrivederci in Puglia!