Bari • Lecce • Torre dell'Orso • Puglia
Trips in 2027 - $6,599.00
Trip Itinerary ~ 11 Days
Day 1: Fly from USA to Bari, Italy.
Day 2: Upon arrival, check into your hotel. After settling in, head to a local trattoria for lunch, where you can begin sampling the region's cuisine. In the afternoon, explore Bari Vecchia (Old Town), starting with a visit to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, a revered religious site. Continue to the Bari Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Lungomare Promenade, enjoying the sea views and vibrant atmosphere. Finish the day with dinner at Torre a Mare. Dinner and overnight in Bari.
Day 3: After breakfast, visit the Castello Normanno-Svevo, a historic castle that offers insights into the region's past. After lunch, visit the Petruzzelli Theatre, one of the most important opera houses in Italy. Following the theatre visit, take a walking tour of the Murat district, a bustling area known for its shops and cafes. Dinner and overnight in Bari.
Day 4: Begin the day with a hands-on cooking class at Apulia Food Academy. You'll learn to prepare classic Apulian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. After the class, enjoy a lunch featuring the dishes you created. Spend the afternoon exploring Bari at your own pace, perhaps visiting local markets or enjoying a coffee at a café. Dinner and overnight in Bari.
Day 5: In the morning, check out of your hotel in Bari and travel to the fantastic beach of Gallipoli for a free day (Corte dei Simonari is a great place for lunch/dinner). Dinner and overnight in Lecce.
Day 6: Visit Lecce's historic center, the Roman Amphitheater and the stunning Piazza del Duomo. Cooking class at The Awaiting Table Cookery School. Here, you'll dive into the culinary traditions of Lecce, preparing and then enjoying a lunch of your own making.Dinner and overnight in Lecce.
Day 7: Spend the morning visiting more of Lecce’s historical and architectural gems, including the Church of Saints Niccolò and Cataldo. For lunch, choose a local eatery to enjoy more of Lecce's regional dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Faggiano Museum, a fascinating archaeological museum located in a historic house. Dinner and overnight in Lecce.
Day 8: Start the day with an early departure from Lecce to Cantine Menhir in Minervino di Lecce. Begin with a guided tour of the vineyards, focusing on grape varieties used for white wine such as Fiano and Verdeca. Then explore the cellars where the wines are aged and learn about the winemaking process. Participate in a tasting session of their white wines. After lunch, spend some time exploring the beautiful grounds of Castello Monaci, visiting the olive groves or relaxing in the garden areas. Return to the tasting room for another session focusing on different white wine varieties or blends. Participate in an interactive workshop, such as a wine blending session or a sensory analysis class, to deepen your understanding of white wines. Depart from Cantine Menhir and head to Masseria Altemura in Torre Santa Susanna. Begin with a guided tour of the masseria, including the vineyards, production areas, and aging cellars. Participate in an exclusive tasting session of their premium wines, focusing on their white wine selection. Enjoy the serene environment of the masseria, possibly accompanied by light appetizers paired with the wines. Return to Lecce, dinner and overnight in Lecce.
Day 9: In the morning, travel to Torre dell'Orso, approximately 30 minutes from Lecce. Enjoy a day at the beach, known for its wide sandy shores and turquoise waters. Have lunch at a local beachside trattoria, sampling more regional dishes. Spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the nearby Grotta della Poesia, a stunning natural pool. Return to Lecce in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: After breakfast, head to Punta Prosciutto, one of Puglia's most beautiful and pristine beaches, located about an hour from Lecce. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, and soaking up the sun. For lunch, enjoy a picnic on the beach or visit a nearby restaurant. In the late afternoon, return to Lecce dinner and overnight in Lecce.
Day 11: Fly back home.
