Overview
This itinerary was designed and created by Jesse Andrews, the owner of Italy Vacation Specialists who lead cycling tours in Puglia from 2005-2009 and knows every aspect of the region.
It's a journey into the heart of Puglia, with our local English-speaking driver guides and wonderful local operators, will lead you with a lasting impression of Puglia, which we hope will have you coming back to stay longer and discover much more!
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Bari: Private Transfer to Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni, Polignano a Mare
1
Where we Visit :
Bari,
Polignano a Mare,
Meeting Location :
Airport
Upon arrival in Bari, we will be there to meet you at the airport to begin your fantastic adventure through the region of Puglia, the 'heel' of the Italian peninsula! Driving south from Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, we will venture along a very beautiful coastal road dotted by small towns and summer resorts.
Puglia is known as the 'Maldives' of Italy for the long stretches of white sand, particularly in the southern end of the region, so make sure to bring your swimsuits and get ready to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean sea!
Dinner and overnight at the beautiful roof-top terrace at Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni in Polignano a Mare at their fantastic sea-view sea-view facing restaurant unlike any you have ever seen before.
Relax in total paradise!
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner
Day
2
Free Day in Polignano a Mare (Optional Dining Experience at Grotta Palazzese)
2
Where we Visit :
Polignano a Mare,
Polignano a Mare,
Enjoy a leisurely and incredible buffet breakfast this morning and then, take your time to enjoy the beaches, stores, art-galleries, cafes or bars alive in the alley ways, piazzas and streets and coves of Polignano a Mare.One of the most famous restaurants in Italy, the Grotta Palazzese is located in Polignano a Mare and should you wish, we will set you up with a reservation at your preferred time. We recommend a later lunch, when you can really see the water. Note, however that the cost per person starts at 150 EURO and this does not include alcohol.
The restaurant 2 years ago suffered some bad publicity from food poisoning, which some of our clients also suffered from, for this reason we always recommend the Covo Dei Saraceni restaurant as the best alternative, however for those of you who have this place on your bucket list and don't want to miss it, we always hope this establishment the best and know they will be getting better and doing more for their clients now that they are open again!
We also provide optional private boating experiences, though Polignano from the beach, the cliffs or the sea is truly spectacular we want this day to be one where you fall in LOVE with the Pugliese lifestyle and just take things at leisure.
No matter what you decide to do, this day is really for you to enjoy this beautiful town, the beaches and fine dining establishments at your leisure!
Overnight in Polignano a Mare!
Meals :
Breakfast
Day
3
Into Puglia's Magnificent Countryside: The Itria Valley
3
Where we Visit :
Alberobello,
Ostuni,
Otranto
On our way south to the region of Salento (southern Puglia) today, we take you through an incredible valley known as the 'Itria Valley' where we will stop in Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Ostuni on our way south to the Salento region!This valley is dotted by olive groves, beautiful 'trulli' which seem like houses out of a fairy-tale, lovely vineyards and various farms.
Today, on our way south we will stop at a local farm and you can taste some local products on our way south.
Upon arrival at the hotel this evening, you will be greeted with a magical coast at the Hotel Belvedere and have the possibility to take a walk to the Cave of Poetry, or just sit on the beach enjoying the crystal clear waters and sunset.
Overnight & Dinner at the 'Belvedere Salento'.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Tasting
Day
4
Beach Day in Torre Dell'Orso or Optional Otranto Coast Small Group Boat tour
4
Where we Visit :
Otranto,
Torre dell' Orso,
After a long drive through the incredible countryside yesterday, we advise you to take things easy this morning and enjoy a fantastic buffet breakfast and swim at the roof-top pool.There are beautiful sea-side walks along beautiful white sand beaches and gorgeous coastal towns to explore.
Depending on what you feel like, we can also arrange a private boat tour (which would be an additional cost) from Otranto or the hotel, though we advise a day of leisure and perhaps a lovely dinner in Otranto, which has a lively historic center which offers lots of fun dinner and lounge activities late into the evening.
Overnight at Hotel Belvedere.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch
Day
5
Morning tour of Lecce with Lunch: Afternoon Free Beach Time
5
Where we Visit :
Lecce,
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel this morning we will head the Lecce, one of southern Italy's most beautiful cities famous for the Greek and Roman ruins as well as the wonderful Baroque architecture which seems to sparkle like gold in the mid-day sun.Here, you will enjoy a brief walking tour with our local guide who can show you some of the highlights of this city's culture, art works and architecture, not to mention introducing you to some of the best local coffee, foods, wines and many other fun aspects of this city that you wouldn't discover on your own!
Light lunch in Lecce and then return to the hotel in the afternoon for free time at the beach and overnight.
Dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch
Day
6
Otranto - Monopoli - Bari
6
Where we Visit :
Monopoli,
Monopoli,
After breakfast this morning we will head north back to Bari where you will enjoy your final last night in Puglia's capital city of Bari, a glorious sea-side town. En-route, we will stop in Monopoli, which is a fun and interesting sea-side town that may make a great base for lunch. We can modify this as per your desires en-route.Enjoy your final evening in a sea-front facing hotel on the sea.side promenade.
This evening, we will take you into the historic center of Bari where you will enjoy the rich night life and culture of this unique southern-Italian city, which is so unique and beautiful, you can't help but to feel alive walking through the streets here.
Dinner in Bari and overnight at the hotel.
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner
Day
7
Private Transfer to Bari Airport or Rail
7
Where we Visit :
Bari,
After buffet breakfast at your hotel this morning, depending on the time of your flight or train, we will be there to meet you at the hotel and privately transfer you to meet the next leg of your journey.Time to say 'Arrivaderci Puglia' and see you soon!
Meals :
Breakfast
Map
Inclusions/Exclusions
Tour Highlights and What's Included
- English speaking professional tour guide
- Excellent Photo Opportunities
- Gelato stop
- Great Smiles
- Hotel Pick up and Drop Off
- Market Tour
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Our Concierge Service
- Private transfers throughout
- Road Tolls
- Special Attention for Lovers~!
- Specialized and Personal Service
- Tastings of local products
- The Most Fun Possible!!!! :)
- Translation Services
- Transportation in luxury vehicle
- Welcome cocktail
- Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
- Wine Tastings
- Winery Visits
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages During Meals
- Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Gratuities of any type
- Local City Hotel Tax Paid Directly to Hotel
- Optional excursions during your tour
- Travel Insurance
Pricing & Availability
Please contact us today by either phone or email for assistance with this booking.
Email : team@italyvacationspecialists.com
Toll Free : 1-866-779-2565
Featured Properties
Hotel Belvedere
Set in Torre dell’Orso the Hotel began life in 1965 thanks to the intuition of a local entrepreneur who captured the beauty of a unique location dominating the charming bay of the beautiful marina, an authentic pearl of the Salento coast....
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Hotel Covo dei Saraceni
In Polignano a Mare, Covo dei Saraceni is on a panoramic cliff-top location above a pebble beach. This 4-star hotel features a traditional restaurant and air-conditioned rooms and suites.....
View Hotel Details Book Now
Palace Hotel Bari
From 1956 The Palace Hotel has been hosting various personalities from politics and entertainment and still nowadays it is the hotel preferred by members of culture, show, music as well as national and international business....
View Hotel Details Book Now
