When we ask our Italian guides where they'd most like to take our friends who think they know Italy on a walking tour we get one response: Puglia. And then they use their hands. To paint a vista of gnarled olive trees silhouetted against a lapis lazuli sea. To express the amazing sunlight. To sketch the saw-toothed skyline of a village comprised entirely of "trulli"—the conical stone roofs unique to the region. You should see a good Italian describe the food you'll find—pasta from the locally grown wheat, sea-fresh fish, peppery olive oil. The Italians love the heel of their boot and it's easy to see why. Especially since it's also a land where you're as likely to find a Baroque city as a family of shepherds tending 500 sheep. Best of all, Puglia passes the most important Classic Journeys test—it offers fine leisurely walking…elegant accommodations …and a glimpse into a region and culture that's not quite like any you've encountered before.

DAY 1 - BORGO EGNAZIA (BRINDISI)
We gather at Borgo Egnazia (1 night) and take a lovely stroll through the nearby ancient Roman ruins and prehistoric cave dwellings before settling into our luxurious hotel.

DAYS 2-3 - MATERA
Matera (2 nights) is a UNESCO world heritage site; an ancient city strung the length of a canyon. From our cliff-side lodgings, we explore nearby Alberobello—a local landmark and the largest collection of conically roofed trulli—a must-see. Later, we'll visit a 17th century working farm and enjoy a walk through the lovely countryside.

Apulia is one of Italy's most beautifully rural provinces, and we experience that firsthand with a visit to a prosperous family of shepherds near Altamura. Our hosts invite us into their kitchen to prepare and eat a typical local lunch of homemade orecchiette pasta, stuffed peppers and pecorino cheese. Later, we amble in countryside known for its shimmering silver-leaf olive trees.

DAYS 4-7 - LECCE / BRINDISI
A 16th-century palace in Lecce, the "Florence of the South," is our gracious home for three nights. One of the world's largest mosaic floors is not far away in Otranto's cathedral, so of course we visit. We'll also journey to the frescoes of Galatina…the amazing fish markets of Gallipoli…and journey on foot to visit architect friends and see their stunning renovation of an ancient farmhouse. The last morning is reserved for shopping and strolling before we end in Brindisi for departures to Rome or Milan.