Riviera Travel Puglia, Lecce And Vieste – Undiscovered Italy

– 7nts in 4* accommodation
– Return flights and transfers
– Programme of daily tours and visits
– Selected Meals: Daily breakfast and 7 meals
– Services of an expert tour manager
– Checked luggage

– Visit Alberobello’s unique trulli houses
– Learn how to make pasta
– Guided tour of Bari’s old town

Day 1 – Arrival in Lecce
Take a flight to Italy. On arrival, transfer by coach to Lecce where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 2 – Tour of Lecce
Today’s walking tour begins at the city’s imposing Porta Napoli gate. Here you’ll meet a local guide who will take you through the vibrant Jewish quarter to the Basilica di Santa Croce. The tour then continues through the old town, seeing the picturesque Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazza Duomo. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish.

In the evening, dine at an excellent restaurant.

Day 3 – Olive Oil Mill & Alberobello
Puglia is renowned for its olive oil production and today, visit a family run mill and enjoy a tasting. As you continue driving through the countryside, you’ll begin to notice the unique whitewashed stone huts, called trulli. Visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll be able to explore and discover the origins of these dwellings. Then you’ll continue to Matero where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 4 – Matera
This morning, have a guided tour of Matera, one of the first permanently inhabited places in Italy. At the heart of the city are the original cave dwellings, where people still live. This afternoon, return to the hotel to relax or explore further and take advantage of the later shuttle service back to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy regional cuisine at a restaurant in the Old Town.

Day 5 – Bari
Tour this historic city’s old town, where you’ll find a medieval fortress, a Romanesque cathedral and the Basilica di San Nicola, resting place of Saint Nicholas. Later on in the day, call as the fishing port of Trani then continue on the Gargano peninsular coastal road. Arrive in the town of Vieste where you’ll stay for three nights.

Day 6 – Free day in Vieste
Phoenician in origin, Vieste is one of Italy’s most attractive coastal towns, and an ideal place to relax for a day. You may choose to explore or walk along the beach or just relax in the hotel.

Day 7 – Peschici & Rustic Lunch
This morning, drive to the nearby village of Peschici. You’ll have time to wander around before continuing on to a rural restaurant where you’ll enjoy a light lunch of rural specialities. While you’re here, discover the art of hand making pasta before returning to Vieste for a afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 – Return flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

This Signature Tour includes everything from the Classic Tour as well as the following:

Day 2:
– Explore Lecce like a local through an insightful expert’s eyes stopping to enjoy typical specialities along the way then soaking up the authentic ambience of a traditional café over a real Italian coffee

Day 3:
– Visit a beautiful traditional Puglian farmhouse for a delicious lunch showcasing the region’s most typical dishes with fresh ingredients sourced directly from the farm.

Day 6:
– Relax on a cruise along the dramatic shores of the Gargano National Park, soaking up the spectacular sea views over a refreshing drink and antipasti

Plus, enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group of 25 or fewer guests.

For dates and prices, please enquire or call 0800 707 6229

Hilton Garden Inn, Lecce

This modern hotel is located in a residential area approximately a 20-minute walk from the Old Town and features a restaurant, bar, outside terrace and spa.

MH Matera Hotel, Matera

This contemporary hotel is located in the quiet Borgo Venusio area, a short coach or bus ride from the centre of Matera, with its intricate cave dwelling system only accessible on foot. The hotel is set in landscaped gardens with views over the surrounding countryside.

Palace Hotel, Vieste

The Palace Hotel Vieste, located in the atmospheric old town, is a tasteful conversion of a 15th Century noble’s house in to a lovely classic hotel. With high ceilings and plaster coving throughout creating a wonderful atmosphere of yesteryear, coupled with the comforts of an elegant and modern hotel.

Hotel Degli Aranci, Vieste

The Hotel Degli Aranci boasts a homely atmosphere thanks to the genuine warmth of its staff. The rooms are simply furnished and air conditioned. There is free use of the hotel’s private beach plus two sunbeds and an umbrella (June to September) per room.

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
• Language: Italian
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Country: Italy

Itinerary Information

Please note, on some dates this tour may operate in a different order, staying in Matera first, followed by Lecce and Vieste. You will experience the same tours and visits.

Visa Information

UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy however must have a valid passport.

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and on number of hotel stops and traffic.