Puglia – A Land of Conquest

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 14 OCTOBER 2023

Puglia, the ‘heel’ of Italy, is an ancient land that is highly fertile despite its harsh limestone landscape typical of the Mezzogiorno. It was this remote corner of the peninsula that the Normans conquered in the 11th century, dominating the entire south of Italy and the island of Sicily by the mid-12th century. As they established themselves and their influence grew, great churches appeared on the horizons, built in a hybrid style combining architectural influences from France, Ancient Rome and Lombardy. For the first half of the tour we are based in the pretty town of Martina Franca in the rolling hills of the Valle d’Itria, a region of vineyards, olive groves and trulli, the distinctive bee-hive shaped houses unique to central Puglia. We then relocate to the magnificent Baroque town of Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’.

Alberobello

the itinerary

We fly from London to Bari and transfer to the Baroque town of Martina Franca where we stay for three nights. Our hotel is the privately owned 4* Villa San Martino which sits amongst mature gardens and is a short drive from the town centre.

This morning we drive to Alberobello, a UNESCO Site famous for its countless examples of trulli – the conical-roofed stone houses unique to this region. We will also visit the spectacular limestone Castellana Caves, Italy’s longest natural subterranean network that forms a series of interlinked galleries.

We visit Matera, an extraordinary town built on the edge of a steep ravine whose side is pockmarked with caves. People were still living in them as late as the 1950s, when the last residents were moved out. In 1993 Matera became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a number of the caves have been restored and are now open to the public.

After leaving Martina Franca, we stop for an olive oil tasting before visiting the whitewashed hilltop town of Ostuni with beautiful views out to the sea. This afternoon we will check into the centrally located 4* Patria Palace in Lecce where we stay for the remainder of the tour.

This morning we will have a guided walking tour of Lecce, one of the best preserved Baroque towns in Italy with rich honey coloured buildings. We will also see the Basilica Santa Croce and the Roman theatre.

TOUR LEADER

STEPHEN NELSON

Stephen Nelson is an artist who divides his time between London and Italy. He has exhibited internationally and recent exhibitions include the Royal Academy summer show and Skin Falls Apart at Francesco Pantaleone Gallery, Palermo. Stephen has taught throughout France, Italy and Mexico, but his speciality is southern Italy “the Mezzogiorno” – particularily the regions of Basilicata, Campania, Puglia and Sicily.

DAY 6

We visit the beautiful coastal town of Otranto, situated on the most eastern peninsula of Italy. We will have a guided walking tour of the city and see the 15th century Castello Aragonese and also the beautiful Norman Cathedral, home to spectacular 12th century mosaics.

We will leave for the airport for the flight back to London.

DAY 7

Matera

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 14 October £2,398 £398

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Gatwick 13.30, arrive Bari 17.20 Depart Bari 12.30, arrive Gatwick 14.25 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Four dinners • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described • The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer