The charms of the Puglia countryside are rustic and welcoming with locals eager to bring you into their homes, onto their farms, and through the rows and rows of vines of their wineries. Cities radiate with Baroque architecture set against the backdrop of rolling hills and the sapphire waters of the Adriatic Sea. Your 7-day Italy itinerary will offer a perfect week and in-depth exploration of Puglia, from sampling the celebrated cuisine to traversing the fairytale homes known as trulli....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Savelletri – Arrive in the Rustic Charms of Puglia with the Day at Leisure
The white cliffs of the Puglian coastline glisten against the sapphire waters of the Adriatic Sea. The Norman walls of Castello Svevo were erected over the foundations of a Roman fortress, and the Norman towers contrast against the bastions and moat that were added to the structure in the 16th century while the region was under Spanish control. Cafes set out tables and chairs along the cobbled lanes of Old Town and the esplanade that overlooks the marina. In the morning, the city fills with the aroma of caramelized sugar topping fresh brioche while in the afternoon and evening, the scent of grilled calamari or marlin topped with vibrant lemon juice sweeps through the narrow lanes.
Your flight will land at Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, where your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival. You can take your time to wander the streets of the city if you wish and enjoy the relaxed ambiance that fills the historical architecture with gatherings of students scattered around from the university. For a unique view of the city, make your way to the Basilica di San Nicola, one of the first Norman churches erected in Southern Italy. The mixture of traditional Puglian and Romanesque architecture styles offers a dramatic façade, and the 12th-century edifice contains the relics of St. Nicholas, where were brought from Turkey in the 11th century. The nave has hints of frankincense that lead into the vaulted crypt below, where the remains of St. Nicholas reside.
Move next to the splendors of your accommodation located outside the town of Savelletri. Olive groves shade the estate that offers the warmth of traditional rustic Puglia with the modern luxuries you will settle easily into. The former olive mill provides unparalleled views of the countryside, from the blossoming wildflowers to the herbaceous aroma of the olive trees. The golden sands of the hotel’s private beach glisten in the fading sunlight and welcome you to the enchanting seclusion of Puglia.
What's Included:
Day 2
Savelletri – Tour Monopoli Market and a Mozzarella Making Demonstration
Day 3
Savelletri – Visit Enchanting Alberobello before a Pasta Making Course
Day 4
Savelletri – Enjoy Archeological Sites in Egnazi and the Beaches of Savelletri
Day 5
Savelletri – Traverse the Village of Fasano and the Historical Streets of Lecce
Day 6
Savelletri – Relish a Day at Leisure to Indulge in the Beauty of Puglia
Day 7
Savelletri – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Experience the celebrated flavor and traditional production of Puglian mozzarella cheese during a private instruction at a dairy farm
- Witness the daily life of Puglia while wandering through a local morning market in the charming town of Monopoli
- Traverse the Baroque facades and the opulent décor of Lecce before partaking in a paper-mache class, the traditional art found in the city
- Bask in the treasured flavors of regional wine on a wine tour that will bring crisp rose, floral whites, and robust reds
- Revel in the seaside ambiance and warm sunlight at the favored beaches of Puglia, which overlook the Adriatic Sea
- Sample the delicious tastes of the region during a private pasta making course, where you learn how to make flavorful dishes including orecchiette
- View the stunning whitewashed walls and conical pointed rooftops of the trulli in Alberobello
- Visit local butchers in the town of Cisternino known for offering advice and cooking tips
Detailed Description
From the creamy texture of mozzarella cheese to scaling the Norman walls of a historical castle, your customizable Italy itinerary will immerse you in the daily life of Puglia. Your journey will begin with your arrival at Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, and your private transfer will meet you at customs and escort you to your stunning resort-style accommodation that is situated in a villa outside the town of Savelletri. You could spend more time in Bari for an introduction into the relaxed pace of Southern Italy before enjoying the remaining day at leisure at your hotel.
The next day, you will stroll through the narrow medieval lanes of Monopoli to view the coastal town and visit the marketplace. Travel to a nearby dairy farm for a private tour of the grounds and a demonstration of how to make perfect mozzarella cheese. Wake the next day and venture to the town of Alberobello to wander amongst the hilly streets decorated with trulli, the whitewashed homes with conical roofs reminiscent of storybook structures. Meet your instructor in the afternoon for a private cooking course that will teach you the art of Puglian cuisine, including orecchiette.
Your guide will greet you after breakfast the next day to lead you on a private tour of the archeological site at Egnazi before you take to the sands along the beaches outside of Savelletri. The next day, you can visit the streets of Fasano and traverse the stunning Baroque architecture at Lecce. Enjoy a private paper-mache demonstration to learn the delicate art associated with the city. The next day will be at your leisure to relish the beauty of the landscape and culture around Puglia. Visit the Grotto de Castellana or enjoy a wine tasting tour to discover the unique flavors of the regional wines. Conclude as your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you to the Bari airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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