Get off Italy's beaten track and head south to discover incredible scenic beauty along rugged coastlines, seafaring settlers, pristine beaches, and a barrage of historical and archaeological sites. Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions. Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Puglia, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. Please note: The sightseeing tour of Lecce may take place on the morning of day 7. Licence Number 64828. See the citys highlights during guided sightseeing, and then look to your Tour Directors expert suggestions to uncover even more. Cortina dAmpezzo, Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, San Cassiano, Val Badia, Val Gardena, Bolzano, Introduction to Sicily (12 Days) Whether you want to explore Alberobello's concentration of trulli the conical stone houses known nearly only to Puglia Lecce's own brand of Baroque architecture or the whitewashed hill town of Ostuni, they're there to guide you along the way. (7 Days) The reality is even better. Granted, tourism infrastructure in most of these regions is minimal, but that also means no huge tour buses trying to maneuver around historic sites, no money change booths on every corner and no fast food restaurants -- just pure Italian charm. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. Palermo with Monreale, Segesta & Erice, Sciacca & Agrigento, Taormina with Mount Etna & Syracuse, Highlights of Sicily Invite six friends on a tour & earn a free spot. One morning, take a private cooking class in a former palace and learn to make typical Puglian specialties. Andiamo in Italia! Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Travel to Rome and follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City. If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. I'v We really enjoyed the tour, our guide Alexandra was excellent, she went above and beyond any guide that I ever had. Enjoy a panoramic tour with a scenic drive along the Naples waterfront, Pass Castel dellOvo, the seaside castle on a peninsula in the Bay of Naples, Visit the National Archaeological Museum and see relics of Roman history, View the Arch of Trajan and Church of SantIlario, Enter the Church of Santa Sofia and the Museum of Sannio, Stop along the way for a guided tour of the UNESCO-protected Castel del Monte, Step inside the 13th-century structure, which is known as a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, Visit Bari Cathedral, built atop the ruins of an Imperial Byzantine church destroyed in 1156 by William the Wicked, See the Old Town, the castle, Piazza Mercantile, and Piazza Ferrarese, Visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas, which contains the remains of the bishop whose penchant for anonymous gift-giving inspired the legend of Santa Claus, Marvel at the extravagant ornamentation of Lecces churches and monuments, Visit Lecce Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the Roman Amphitheatre, Visit the 9,000-year-old Sassi di Matera cave dwellings, including the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario and the, View Matera Cathedral, Palazzo del Sedile, and the Tramontano Castle, which has sat unfinished since the early 16th century, Soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus, Enter the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, Stop at the ruins of the Forum, once the setting of parades, elections, and trials, Pass by Palatine Hill to see Circus Maximus, the stadium where ancient Romans raced chariots, and the Baths of Caracalla, 24/7 support from our dedicated service team, Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade, Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes. Places we feel connected to and how to see them On the path of Dr Livingstones travels: Botswana Less visited and more rural than other parts of Italy, Puglia (the heel of Italy's boot) is a place where low hills are clad with olive groves (Puglia is Italys single biggest oil producer), and long, sandy beaches are lapped by clear water. Enjoy a free day on the Amalfi Coast or add an excursion. Everything is included in the cost of our weeklong Puglia tour: luxury accommodation, all meals including wine, cookinglessons, excursions, guided tours, transfers, culinary experiencesand entry fees. This unique hotel is located in downtown Lecce. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Puglia at its best. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. ~ P.R., Laguna Niguel, CA, Departures Interested in a career in travel? Amalfi Coast & Capri, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Italy in Style (6 Days) Explore the lands and coastlines where Ulysses once roamed, discover Byzantine monasteries and picturesque towns, and visit isolated villages where ancient Greek dialects are still spoken. Most travelers think that they have Italy covered after visiting Rome, Florence, Venice and maybe a brief sojourn on the Amalfi coastline or in the countryside of Tuscany. Travel + Leisure Lausanne, Interlaken, Lucerne, Lake Como, France & Italy: Best of the Riviera (11 Days) (9 Days) Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Italy in a Week This trip offers an opportunity to encounter Puglian culture, history, art, and cuisine. And, just across the border in the region of Basilicata is Matera with its unusual cave dwellings. Venice, Florence & Tuscany, Rome, Essence of Italy It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis). ~ D.S., Fort Washington, PA, We had experiences and opportunities throughout Italy that we never would have had if we were traveling independently. Sip a farewell drink as you raise a toast to your trip this evening. Our award-winning Puglia tours visit the region'sbest sights while immersing you in theincredible local cuisine, wine and culture. Puglia is also a place to enjoy leisurely walks or long cycle rides across the comfortably flat terrain. This Italy trip was the trip of a lifetime. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. In fact, these destinations, although stunning in themselves, are a fleeting glance at Italy and only provide an introduction to a country that is as diverse as its many regions, people, traditions, and culinary delights. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Puglia, and which use the best local guides. Calabria is the southern most region of Italy, the toe of the Italian boot, whereas Puglia, on the east coast is the country's heel. Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Puglia, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. In Puglia, the fertile countryside produces great quantities of olive oil, tomatoes, artichokes, fennel, peppers, and onions. If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered. Puglia Agriturismo Cooking Class & Dinner. Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges. Highlights of Italy Enjoy a free afternoon in Naples or add an excursion. Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. (11 Days) Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Wall Street Journal Lecce may be the jewel in Puglia's crown, but the region is bursting with undiscovered gems full of amazing food and wine. Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights. Here you will experience a relatively tourist-free Italy, where there are no English fixed-price menus, people are genuinely welcoming and, if you're lucky, there'll be no semblances of the outside world to adulterate your authentic Italian adventure. The New York Times Highlights include daily walks along the Calabrian coastlin and exploring the towns of Reggio di Calabria, Locri and Gerace. The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences: whether its age, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, religion or sexual orientation. +39/335-681-4139; www.experiencepuglia.com) has put together a six-day tour that provides first-time or repeat travelers with a unique Pugliese experience. The reality is even better. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. By browsing this site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. Lake Como, Florence & Tuscany, Rome & Tivoli, Italy for Art Lovers Artisans of Leisure will arrange for you to visit the studio of a renownedpapier-macheartisan. There will also be time to enjoy your luxury resort and its extensive facilities including a beach club, pool, spa and many fine dining options. For information on positions and how to apply, please visit our travel careers website. Palermo, Sciacca & Agrigento, Noto & Syracuse, Taormina & Mount Etna, Essence of Sicily (8 Days) (12 Days) We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter. Enjoy a free day in Lecce or add an excursion. (7 Days) We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and spa. Some hotels were really good, others not so much. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination countrys consulate for your specific entry requirements. Lecce & Otranto, Savelletri di Fasano with Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Cisternino and Locorotondo. Things are a little slower paced, too, an afternoon siesta is taken seriously, with businesses shutting down for several hours, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a single store open on a Sunday. You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads, with some hills and stairs. Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements, Select your preferred style of accommodation, Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists, All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions, The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish, Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one, Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available, Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country. Guidebooks call Lecce the Florence of the South. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide. Nearby, you'll find Museo Nazionale Roman Bring a group, travel free. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a minibar, and laundry center. Both boast incredible scenic beauty along the rugged Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Adriatic coastlines, and seafaring settlers, pristine beaches, and a barrage of historical and archaeological sites. The price includes transport from/to Bari-Palese airport or from the train station; six nights' accommodations; daily breakfasts, six lunches and one dinner; guided tours; entry to the castles, museums and archaeological sites; a cooking course; transportation; hotel taxes and service charges; and tips for the private guide and driver. Encounter cities like Gioia del Colle, Polignano a Mare, Matera, Altamura, Alberobello, and Ostuni. A city of baroque treasures and culinary delights, Lecce has somehow remained unspoilt by tourism. Visit the fishermen's village of Scylla; Cape Vatican on the Gods' Coast; the Pentedattilo, an abandoned village settled by the Greeks; the Aspromonte mountains; the Byzantine churches and monasteries of Gerace; and the Byzantine areas of Consolino and Bivongi. Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Lecce may be the jewel in Puglia's crown, but the region is bursting with undiscovered gems full of amazing food and wine. (10 Days) Celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening. Palermo with Monreale, Segesta & Erice, Sciacca, Agrigento, Noto with Ragusa, Modica & Syracuse, Taormina & Mount Etna, Journey Through Sicily Italian Visits (tel. A local guide leads a tour of Alberobello, where youll explore more of its UNESCO-recognized trulli, the iconic homes with symbols painted onto the roof to bring luck.