• Leisurely exploration of Puglia

• Wonderful Norman architecture at Trani & its surroundings

• Visit to spectacular Matera in nearby Basilicata

• Stay in Lecce - the jewel of the Salento

• Excellent food and wine

• Explore the pretty towns of the Valle d’Itria & Salento

• Comfortable 5* hotels in Martina Franca in the Valle d’Itria & the heart of historic Lecce

Puglia in ancient times was known as Apulia. Like much of southern Italy and Sicily it was ‘discovered’ by the Greeks who founded several coastal settlements. These were absorbed into the Roman world through conquest in late Republican times. With the end of the Roman Empire, Apulia had to fend for itself, highly prized not just for its agricultural riches of olives, wheat and wine but above all for its ports. These provided access for those who wished to travel to the East. Then there were those who came from the East to invade, primarily the Byzantines and the Arabs; and eventually from the north, the Normans, the first of the many non-Italian dynasties to establish their ‘kingdoms’ in the peninsula's heel.

Whilst warlords, tyrants, nobles and monarchs came and went, the rich land of Puglia played a major part in the wider struggle between popes and emperors which convulsed much of Italy in those times. Who controlled Puglia and from where? In brief answer, no one who lived locally. The Norman de Hauteville dynasty and their German Hohenstaufen successors were both based in Palermo. The French House of Anjou and the ‘Spanish’ Houses of Aragon, Habsburg and Bourbon-Parma were based mostly in Naples. This template of foreign domination from afar is reflected in the buildings and cuisines imported via these dynasties, their viceroys and aristocratic families who settled in Puglia.

Our late September visit captures Puglia at its best where we enjoy superb wine, food and some of the south’s loveliest towns; Martina Franca, Trani, Otranto, Ostuni, Alberobello, Lecce and fascinating Matera in nearby Basilicata.

We shall be based in two comfortable hotels. The 5* Relais Villa San Martino is a restored nineteenth century masseria, just three kilometres to the south of historic Martina Franca. Facilities include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and restaurant. In Lecce we stay at the 5* Patria Palace Hotel, ideally situated in the heart of the historic centre where all that we shall see is just a glorious passeggiata away. The pace of the visit will be gentle with free time to explore independently.

Day 1: Saturday 20 September – We fly from Gatwick to Bari arriving late afternoon. We transfer to Martina Franca and check into the 5* Relais Villa San Martino for a four-night stay. After some time to rest, we have dinner in our hotel - wine, water & coffee are included with all group lunches and dinners.

Day 2: Sunday 21 September – This morning we drive the very short distance into Martina Franca, its historic centre full of Baroque enthusiasm with a large cathedral and ducal palace, both of which we shall visit. We continue northwards across the Valle D’Itria to the area of Puglia known as the Murge, introducing us to the famous limestone structures known as trulli houses. Alberobello is the best place to view these curious constructions of un-mortared limestone with conical roofs where we will enjoy a group lunch. On our return to Martina Franca, we pause in the charming Locorotondo and stroll through this pretty town. This evening will be free. 

Day 3: Monday 22 September – This morning we travel northwards along the Adriatic coast to Trani, an important port from where many a Crusader set off for the East. After a coffee break, our walk through this charming port features small churches and medieval palaces of great charm. We end our morning with a visit to Trani’s beautifully articulated cathedral. We have our group lunch in one of Trani’s most renowned fish restaurants. In the afternoon we drive through the countryside to visit the enigmatic Castel del Monte, the most important Norman castle in Puglia. Built for Frederick II in 1240, it is unique both in terms of its octagonal plan and its detailing. We return to the hotel where the evening will be at leisure.

Day 4: Tuesday 23 September – Neighbouring Basilicata, Matera is unique and well worth a visit. It was used by both Pier Paolo Pasolini and Mel Gibson as ‘Jerusalem’ for their respective films on The Passion of Christ. The houses and churches hewn from the natural rock, I Sassi, together with the later more conventional churches and palaces, are a ‘must see’. Following lunch (not included) and a visit to the local picture gallery, we return to our hotel. In the evening, we dine in the old town of Martina Franca.

Day 5: Wednesday 24 September –We make a leisurely start and depart with our luggage to the nearby town of Ostuni, standing proud on a hill, a whitewashed gem. We visit the fine local cathedral after which we have a group lunch. In the afternoon, we drive into the Salento and briefly visit the small Abbey of Santa Maria Cerrate, thought to be erected by King Tancred de Hauteville in the twelfth century. We continue to Lecce and check into our second hotel, the 5* Patria Palace for a three-night stay. This evening will be free. 

Day 6: Thursday 25 September – Today is devoted to the great architectural jewel of Puglia, Lecce. The beauty of this town cannot be described in words – it is more than just a renaissance and baroque ‘set piece’ – it cannot be missed! We spend the morning visiting a selection of its finest churches and monuments. Lunch is not included. Afternoons and evenings in Lecce are dominated by shopping, eating, drinking and hectic socialising, too good a theatrical opportunity to miss - your afternoon and evening will be free.

Day 7: Friday 26 September – From Lecce we drive down to the heel of Italy to the coastal town of Otranto and enroute, we visit Galatina. In one of the town’s churches the finest cycle of frescoes in southern Italy lie utterly unvisited – a ‘mini Assisi’, most likely painted by artists from Umbria. We continue to Otranto where you will be free to have lunch, not included. Otranto is a lovely sea-side town dominated by those twins of medieval power, a fine castle and a cathedral. We return to Lecce and our final group dinner will be in a local restaurant.

Day 8: Saturday 27 September – We depart Lecce one final time and drive along the Adriatic coastline to Conversano. Its cathedral marries Romanesque and Gothic forms well, whilst nearby the small picture gallery houses some interesting paintings, both of which we shall visit. Following a final, festive group lunch, we drive the short distance to Bari Airport for an early evening departure to London Gatwick.

Price £2995 Without flights £2760 Deposit £400 per person

Single Supplement £643 (Deluxe Double/Twin Room for Sole Use)

Hotels

5* Relais Villa San Martino, Martina Franca (Deluxe Room) 4 nights inc breakfast

5* Patria Palace Hotel, Lecce (Deluxe Design Room) 3 nights inc breakfast

Flights British Airways

Outward:          BA2606 Depart London Gatwick (South Terminal) 1340 arrive Bari 1730

Return:             BA2607 Depart Bari 1815 arrive London Gatwick (South Terminal) 2005

Price includes 3 dinners & 4 lunches with wine, water & coffee, all local transfers, entry fees & gratuities, services of James Hill

Not included Travel to/from Gatwick, 4 dinners & 3 lunches