Itinerary
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Day One: Benvenuto!
A morning arrival at Bari Airport allows you to make the most of this deliciously short break in Italy. You will be transferred by private car to your hotel in Lecce’s historical centre where you will have a short while to relax. In the afternoon, a chef will join you to explain the local specialities of the area, as well as take you shopping at a local market for fresh produce for your dinner. You will proceed to a cooking school where you will be expertly guided in creating a traditional meal, and, with the assistance of a sommelier, you will be able to find the perfect wine match for your creation.
Overnight in Lecce
We offer a variety of hotel classes to suit different budgets. You can choose the style that’s right for you.
Select from Classic, Premium or Deluxe when booking, and click hotel name below for more details.
Classic - Hotel Eos
Premium - Suite Hotel Santa Chiara
Deluxe - Hotel Patria Palace
Meals included: Dinner
Day Two: Seaside and Countryside
Spend a wonderful day discovering the enchanting town of Otranto, starting off with a morning guided tour of this typical Mediterranean village with its splendid domes and mosaics. The exploration continues as you head to the countryside for a visit to a traditional Masseria (a rather large farm complex or homestead) dating back to the 1600s. The owner will show you around the estate and olive mill and guide you through the maze of olive trees and vineyards. A light lunch with wine degustation provides a welcome conclusion to the afternoon.
Overnight in Lecce
Classic - Hotel Eos
Premium - Suite Hotel Santa Chiara
Deluxe - Hotel Patria Palace
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Three: Inland intrigue - Altamura and Matera
After breakfast you bid farewell to the coastal town of Lecce and head inland to the countryside. Altamura is the first stop, where rural heritage and historical roots meet to show you an example of the real essence of local living. An expert local guide will lead you through the narrow alleys to discover the secrets of this village. A stop at an ancient bakery is a must, where you’ll be able to witness and participate in the production of Pane di Altamura, the famous local bread. In the afternoon you proceed to Matera, the 3rd oldest city in the world and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the famous Sassi di Matera, where communities of yesteryear lived.
Overnight in Matera
Classic - Hotel Basiliani
Premium - Corte San Pietro
Deluxe - Sant’ Angelo Luxury Resort
Meals included: Breakfast
Day Four: Arrivederci
Transfer back to Bari Airport for your flight home with foodie memories to last a lifetime and perhaps partially formed plans to return to the gastronomic paradise of Italy.
Meals included: Breakfast
What's included:
- Private English-speaking guides unless stated otherwise
- Private transfers and internal flights unless stated otherwise
- Meals as listed
- Mandatory taxes and service fees
- Entrance tickets and permits unless stated otherwise
What's not included:
- International flights to/from experience:
call 0208 251 0425 for AX specially negotiated flight rates - Tips for guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff
- Any visa, customs, airport taxes or similar charges before or after the tour
- We cannot guarantee the included hotel breakfast for early departures
- Drinks during meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses, such as laundry
SUITABILITY FOR FAMILIES : Suitable for families with adult kids.
If you intend to travel solo, contact us on 0208 251 0425
GETTING THERE
Typical return Economy Flights from London to Bari are 3 hours in length and around £150
Experience start point: Bari
End point: Bari
Ready to book