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Italy Puglia man overlooking town
Matera to Lecce

Puglia Cultural Walking Adventure

7 DaysStarting at $6,695

Overview

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.

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Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Highlights

• Gather at your hotel situated among olive groves, then enjoy a scenic stroll through the nearby ancient Roman ruins and prehistoric cave dwellings.

• From cliff-side lodgings in Matera, explore nearby Alberobello — a local landmark and the largest collection of conically roofed trulli — a must-see.

• Walk through cinematic countryside to spend time with owners of a 17th century working farm.

• Visit a family of shepherds near Altamura where our hosts invite us into their kitchen to prepare and eat a typical local lunch of homemade orecchiette pasta, stuffed peppers and pecorino cheese.

• Amble in countryside known for its shimmering silver-leaf olive trees.

• Explore Lecce, the "Florence of the South," from our home, a 16th-century palace.

• Marvel at one of the world's largest mosaic floors, not far away in Otranto's cathedral.

• Journey on foot to visit architect friends and see their stunning renovation of an ancient farmhouse.

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Map

  • Starting Point:

    Lecce – 1:00 pm – Lobby of hotel in Lecce
  • Ending Point:

    Brindisi – 1:30 pm – Brindisi airport

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.
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Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Patria Palace Hotel

Originally a princely palace built in the 17th century, this prestigious 5-star hotel has been restored, preserving its original beauty while adding every modern comfort. Each of the hotel rooms is personalized with original fresco paintings.

Palazzo Gattini

For more than six centuries, this impeccably restored 5-star palazzo-hotel was the home of Matera’s oldest noble family. Gorgeous rooms offer views of the city. From rooftop terrace to the vaulted stone spa, it’s an experience in regal hospitality.

Borgo Egnazia

A whitewashed seaside compound, this chic property is designed as a Mediterranean village. Elegant rooms decorated in shades of white amplify Puglia’s sun. The property offers indoor and outdoor pools, a terrific spa and a range of dining options.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa is an enchanting 5-star property located in Matera, one of the world’s oldest cities. The luxurious rooms have been expertly designed in the ancient caves and enhanced with modern amenities for an unforgettable stay.

Masseria San Domenico

Masseria San Domenico is a 5-star hotel restored from a stunning 14th-century fortified farmhouse. Located by the sea and surrounded by beautiful gardens and olive groves, this luxurious property offers boutique-style accommodations with modern amenities.

What’s Included

  • Award-winning boutique hotels that provide you unlimited access to the people and places, culture and history you came to experience
  • All breakfasts, 4 lunches (1 cooking instruction), 3 dinners
  • Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip and handle behind-the-scenes logistics
  • Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
  • Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
  • All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Perfect Pairings Dinners

  • A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.

Privileged Access Events

  • One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.

Wine on Us

  • In many regions, we uncork wonderful local wines at every dinner, compliments of Classic Journeys.

Invisible Check-In

  • When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.

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