EUROPE TC JOURNEYS
Luxury Italian Escape: Uncover Puglia’s Southern Charms
7 days | 2 adults
Trip highlights
- Discover the golden Baroque streets of Lecce, celebrated as the ‘Florence of the South’.
- Stay in a unique cave dwelling within Matera’s ancient Sassi district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the enchanting town of Alberobello with its iconic cone-roofed trulli houses.
- Unwind on the pristine Adriatic coast with a luxurious beachfront hotel stay.
- Indulge in Puglia's rich culinary traditions, from local markets to expert-led cookery classes.
Uncover the essence of ‘La Dolce Vita’ on this seven-day journey through Puglia, combining cultural discovery, timeless charm, and beachside bliss. Take in the region’s treasures, from the golden Baroque streets of Lecce to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera and the sun-kissed coastline of the Adriatic. Along the way, savour authentic cuisine, wander through picturesque villages, and immerse yourself in the traditions that make Southern Italy truly unforgettable.
Days 1-2: Lecce
Begin your adventure in Lecce, settling into La Fiermontina hotel in the heart of the city. Set within the peaceful grounds of a centuries-old olive grove, this refined haven is filled with exquisite art pieces and boasts a serene outdoor pool – the perfect base from which to explore the ‘Baroque Pearl of Southern Italy’.
Step out to find yourself surrounded by breathtaking basilicas and palazzi, intricately carved from the region’s distinctive honey-coloured stone. Soak up the atmosphere of bustling piazzas, where bakeries send sweet notes through the air and the chatter of locals drifts from ornate balconies. Uncover Lecce’s secrets as you stroll down cobbled lanes towards the iconic Basilica di Santa Croce, seeking out independent galleries and lively trattorie tucked around hidden corners. Relish the opportunity to savour culinary treasures with a hands-on cooking class or private gastronomy tour and, if curiosity beckons, venture to the picturesque coastal towns of the Salento peninsula – the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot.
Days 3-4: Matera
Your next stop is Matera, Italy’s spellbinding ‘City of Caves’. Here, you’ll check into the Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort: a unique property built directly into the ancient Sassi cave dwellings, with views that sweep out over a maze of rooftops. Staying here is an unforgettable experience, offering a direct connection to the millennia of history etched into the stone.
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleyways and quiet courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where every facade seems to whisper stories from the past. For a deeper insight and a striking contrast, consider a private tour that also includes the nearby town of Alberobello. Admire its legendary trulli houses, famous for their conical roofs and whitewashed walls, before returning to your Matera hideaway for a delectable meal in one of its many candlelit osterias.
Days 5-7: Torre Canne
The final part of your Italian escape takes you to the clear waters of Torre Canne, where you’ll enjoy three leisurely nights at Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel. Every detail of this sophisticated beachfront oasis is designed for relaxation: wake to sunbeams glimmering on the Adriatic, take a barefoot stroll on powdery sands, or slip into the spa for a restorative massage.
If the urge to explore further arises, make your way to the patchwork of villages and countryside nearby. Farmers’ markets brim with just-picked produce, olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see, and cobblestone streets wind through towns waiting to be discovered. If you fancy something more active, cycle coastal paths or join a wine tasting in a sun-dappled vineyard. This is pure Italian escapism, and a blissful conclusion to your Puglia adventure.
