Hidden Puglia & Basilicata

Discover one of Italy's best-kept travel secrets brimming with rich cultural heritage, undiscovered towns and white sandy beaches, all lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Head to Puglia, the heal of Italy, for timeless beauty and a more relaxed pace of life. Discover a less-trodden region, celebrated for its rustic, traditional cuisine, sun-bleached beaches, and tumbling olive groves. Breathe in a scenically and culturally blessed land, rich in ancient influences. Wind your way through a maze of Trulli, whitewashed towns and quaint fishing villages while also stumbling upon historic remains from Greek, Roman and Norman rulers. Finally, cross the border into Basilicata to be greeted by the ethereal and unforgettable cave dwellings. Explore all of this at a mellow pace against the backdrop of the rugged Adriatic coast. This is southern Italy!

Begin your getaway easing into Polignano a Mare, the pearl of the Adriatic, and a characteristic Mediterranean fishing village that stands dramatically on a rocky cliff. Explore its centro storico, bask on its infamous craggy beach and slowly savour its exceptional gelato. Discover the hill-top "White City" of Ostuni, a tumble of whitewashed buildings with a fortified ancient citadel and a fascinating Cathedral and Bishop's Palace. Take time to visit a local organic olive oil producer, offering you a private tour of the farm and a delicious tasting of one of the region’s most sought-after exports. Then, wander the trulli-lined streets of Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site like no other place in the world.

Head south to Lecce, otherwise known as the ‘Florence of the south’ and Puglia's cultural capital. Find yourselves in a Baroque masterpiece, built in the local soft and creamy limestone where locals gorge on strong espresso shots and creamy pasticcioti. Serendipitously wander through the atmospheric backstreets and famous landmarks to stumble upon the stunning Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman amphitheatre, and ancient treasures at Museo Faggiano, an archaeological site guarded beneath a private home.

Puglia produces almost 20% of Italy’s wine. Take a day trip to explore the vineyards of Salento and learn about the fabulous wines created by the Negroamaro, Primitivo and Bombino Nero grapes that dominate the region’s wine making. Continue south to step further back in time exploring Otranto, an ancient port and former Greek colony with a turbulent history. Move through the ages marvelling at the Byzantine Chiesa di San Pietro, the 11th century cathedral and 15th century Aragones castle before sitting back to relax on the golden sands of Spiaggia dei Gradoni.

Complete your trip, crossing the border into Basilicata, and visiting the otherworldly ancient town of Matera. With an incredible history and a deep sense of Italian authenticity defined by its cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and a warm hospitality, Matera is a must. Explore the ancient city and almost biblical landscape, where Sassi have been carved from the rock and lived in since the Palaeolithic era. Marvel at its extraordinary blend of Rupestrian churches, magnificent baroque palaces, humble cave dwellings, crypts and ancient streets. Is it any wonder that this World Heritage Site has been selected as the striking backdrop for many famous films as well as being crowned European capital of culture 2019?

Draw your trip to a close relaxing in a leafy piazza relishing in the divine and simple pleasure of rustic cooking, washed down with a local DOC Primitivo. This is the mezzogiorno, this is southern Italy!

At a glance

• Discover one of the country's best-kept travel secrets. Puglia is brimming with rich cultural heritage, undiscovered towns and white sandy beaches, all lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
• Experience iconic trulli (conical stone houses) and ancient remains as well as the ethereal sassi (cave dwellings) in neighbouring Basilicata.
• Take your time journeying through the surreal Puglia rocky landscapes and hilltop towns clinging to the coastline softened by swathes of green olive groves and vineyards.
• Savour Puglia’s great regional produce and traditional delicacies all washed down with the most excellent local DOC wines.
• Unwind in grand palazzi and exclusive masserie (old farmhouses) set amongst ancient almond and olive groves.

All of our itineraries are designed around you, so please remember that this is just a suggestion which can be tailored into something completely bespoke to you and your preferences.

Call us today on +44 (0)1646 405060 to start planning your holiday.