Apulia & Vieste

Itinerary
Day 1 : UK/Bari
Your Apulian experience starts with a four night half board stay in the small village of Felline.

Day 2 - 5 : Discover Apulia
Silver olive groves and sun kissed beaches, lush green forests and historic towns are all hallmarks of the unspoilt southern tip of Italy. Journey across the fertile plains of Apulia and explore two of the area’s gems with your Tour Guide.

Gallipoli -
Take a gentle walk through the twisting whitewashed streets of Gallipoli. Stand in the shade of the Aragonese Castle walls and listen as your Tour Guide shares its history with you. Cross the 16th century bridge to the charming ‘la citta’ and enjoy views out to the Ionian Sea.

Lecce -
Step back to another time in the magnificent town of Lecce. Visit the ruins of the grand amphitheatre, a testament to the Roman Empire, and celebrate the Baroque era amidst the fine 17th century buildings carved from the beautiful pale local stone. Stroll through elegant streets, watch skilled artisans at work and sip an espresso in a cool corner of a piazza.

Optional excursion: Capo Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto -
Why not take the opportunity to discover more of the area in the company of your Tour Guide?

Clinging precariously to a limestone clifftop at the tip of Italy’s heel, Capo Santa Maria di Leuca was once believed to be the very edge of the world. Step into the tiny church and stop to take in the breathtaking views that stretch as far as Albania. At Otranto you’ll hear tales of crusaders, pilgrims and traders, for this was once a thriving port and the last of the Byzantine towns to fall to the Normans. Explore the cathedral and climb to the turrets of the 15th century castle.

Day 6 : Alberobello and Vieste
Sit back and enjoy the journey as you travel north through the Apulian landscape. Nothing epitomises this area more than trulli houses. Made using the most traditional methods, these conical homes are unique to the region. Wander through the charming streets of Alberobello, maybe stepping inside one of the trulli - you will receive a warm welcome from the owner.

Aptly described as the spur on Italy’s boot, the mountainous promontory of the Gargano Peninsula juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The dramatic coastal views as you approach Vieste, your home for the next five nights, are quite breathtaking.

Day 7 - 10 : Explore Vieste and the Gargano Peninsula
Tucked between two sickle-shaped beaches on the eastern edge of the Gargano, lies the delightful town of Vieste. Discover neighbouring towns, vast woodlands and the stunning coastline of the peninsula.

Vieste & Peschici -
Delve into the narrow streets of Vieste, passing through ancient arches and climbing up the steps to the small cathedral, squeezed in between old houses that cling to the hills. The blindingly white village of Peschici appears on the horizon, follow alleyways and steep stairs down from the cliffs to the harbour and look out to the extraordinary views of the bay. Why not sample a simple dish of pasta with broad beans, olive oil and lemon juice accompanied by a glass of chilled local white wine?

Monte Sant’Angelo -
Dedicated to Archangel Saint Michael and venerated by pilgrims for centuries, Monte Sant’Angelo is perhaps the most famous shrine in the Latin West. Your Tour Guide will tell of the legendary appearance of Saint Michael here in AD 490 and show you his footprint in the rock.

Optional excursions -
Further opportunities to explore the area with your Tour Guide will also be available:

Umbrian Forest (optional) -
Walk through shady woodlands of beech and oak, yew and pine and look out for shy roe deer and other wildlife. Dine ‘al fresco’ on an included picnic lunch of tasty local delicacies.

Boat cruise (optional) -
There is no better way to admire the beauty of the Gargano than from the sea. Look up to white villages perched on cliff tops, drift into secluded coves and visit the grottoes and beaches that pepper the dramatic coastline.

Day 11 : Bari/UK
Your exploration of the undiscovered south comes to a close today and you return home.