The Heel of the Boot

Arrival at Brindisi Airport and private coach transfer to your hotel in Selva di Fasano, a peaceful location surrounded by ancient olive trees, dry stone walls, and typical Apulian farmhouses. Room allocation and first taste of local cuisine at the hotel restaurant.

Ostuni, known as the “White City” for its chalk-painted houses, rises on three hills offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The old town features narrow alleys, stairways, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, blending Gothic and Romanesque styles. The atmosphere evokes the soul of the Mediterranean.Locorotondo, with its circular old town and unique cummerse houses with sloped roofs, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The group will enjoy an olive oil experience in a traditional masseria or oil mill, including a tasting session with explanations about the production process and local bread pairings.

The day is dedicated to Bari, regional capital and crossroads of history and culture. A guided tour through Bari Vecchia, the old town, reveals bustling alleys, ancient courtyards, and a vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, an important pilgrimage site for Catholics and Orthodox alike, housing the saint's relics. Entrance included. Next, explore the Cathedral of San Sabino, another Romanesque masterpiece. Stroll along the monumental seafront or enjoy traditional “focaccia barese” near the Norman-Swabian Castle.

Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” glows with golden stone façades and ornate baroque details. The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Basilica of Santa Croce, a triumph of Lecce baroque. In Piazza Sant’Oronzo, ancient Roman remains blend seamlessly with 18th-century architecture.In the afternoon, the journey continues to Gallipoli, the “beautiful city,” located on an island linked by a bridge to the mainland. Its historic core is a labyrinth of churches, noble palaces, and fishermen’s homes. Free time for a walk along the seafront or to explore the vibrant fish market.

A full day is devoted to Matera, UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture in 2019. The Sassi—ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone—tell a tale of resilience and adaptation. The visit includes a guided tour through a cave house, a rock-hewn church, and panoramic paths overlooking the ravine.Matera is a city where spirituality and landscape intertwine. Free time to enjoy local products such as Pane di Matera, or simply absorb the silence and vistas from the Civita district.

In the heart of the Murge plateau, Castel del Monte stands as a mysterious and perfectly symmetrical octagonal fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. It defies traditional architecture with its symbolic structure and lack of defensive elements. Entrance and shuttle service are included. The guided visit explores the castle’s historical, philosophical, and astronomical meanings. Afterward, time for photography and a peaceful walk in the surrounding natural reserve fish market.

Alberobello is the symbol of the Itria Valley, with its fairy-tale trulli, conical-roofed houses recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided walk through the Rione Monti includes entry to a traditional furnished trullo for a look into past rural life. Next is Martina Franca, a baroque gem known for its elegant old town and the Basilica of Saint Martin. Enjoy a short break for coffee in Piazza Plebiscito. To finish the day, we visit a vineyard for a tour and wine tasting.

Check out of hotel and transfer to Carovigno en-route to Brindisi airport for a farewell lunch.