Board your overnight flight and you're off to your exciting Italy Vacation! 
*Flights are not included in the price of this package.  We are happy to arrange them for you.

Whether you arrive in Bari or Brindisi - welcome to Italy! Head to the car rental office to pick up your car, then check in at your private villa in Apulia region for an exciting week of exploration and relax.

After you check in, take some time to explore the beautiful grounds and take in your first view of the Apulian countryside.

*This is just a suggested itinerary. Tours as mentioned below are not included in the basic package price.  We are happy to arrange them for you or customize the package based on your own interests.

Ostuni is a stunning picturesque town, famous for its whitewashed houses and for the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral. Its facade is supporting a 24-ray rose window of rare beauty! The historic center of Ostuni is perched on three hills with spectacular views of the countryside and it is an intricate maze of streets, rich in history, craft shops and traditional restaurants.
Here you may take a private walking tour of the town or enjoy a 12-mile guided tour by e-bike.
 
Continue onto Martina Franca, a town that is melting pot of history and art. Its name may be derived in part from its devotion to Saint Martin, who saved the town from enemy invasions, and in part from a tax exemption (“franchigia” in Italian) that the Prince of Taranto province, Philip of Anjou, offered to the local inhabitants. The town is famous for the sumptuous baroque architecture of the Ducal Palace and the important Basilica of San Martino, with sculptures by Stefano da Putignano and Giuseppe Sammartino. 
 
We may include a visit to an Old Mill in the Ostuni area to taste the flavorful local olive oil.

Tonight, you can either have dinner in town or hire a private chef that will prepare a delicious Italian meal at your villa.

In the morning, you may take a boat excursion along the most suggestive parts of the Apulian coast, with prosecco and fresh fruits aperitif served on board. We may suggest having lunch in Monopoli at one of the water front restaurants. In the afternoon, visit Polignano a Mare, where you’ll have the chance to taste the famous homemade ice-cream.

Today you may visit the town of Alberobello, home to one of the most important monuments of southern Italy, the Trulli! Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the ancient church of St. Anthony and discover the history of these triangular white dwellings.

Then, continue onto Locorotondo with its charming, circular center and characteristic white houses. Its name (“round place”) suggests the characteristic circular form of the town’s historic center. Its origins date to around 1000 A.D., when farmers built a number of simple cottages, including typical “cummerse” (small houses with pitched roofs), on the hill top.

A tasting of cheese, olive oil and wine can be included during this tour.

Today we suggest that you drive to Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South" and enjoy a cooking class. Visit a local market and discover typical local recipes during your hands-on cooking class followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, spend time in Lecce's historic center.
Lecce, in the center of Italy’s heel, is very well known for its baroque architecture. Visit the amazing Duomo square, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe and one of the rare examples of an enclosed square – it gives one the impression of entering a stage. You can also visit the fascinating Basilica of the Holy Cross, la Basilica di Santa Croce (the sight of this church will surely amaze you!) and the Roman Amphitheatre – a glimpse into the history of Lecce, that takes you on a journey back through the centuries.

Today, we suggest that you head to Altamura and visit an old bakery with a demonstration of bread making with bread and “focaccia” tasting.

Afterwards drive over to Matera, known as La Città Sotterranea (The Subterranean City). Matera has gained international fame for its Ancient town, the Sassi di Matera (stones of Matera) where Mel Gibson filmed The Passion of the Christ. The Sassi originated in a prehistoric settlement are thought to be among the first human settlements in Europe. You may enjoy a walking tour to see these Sassi (stones) which began as natural caves and grottoes, and over the centuries were adapted as homes.

Enjoy the day at your leisure.  Explore your villa surroundings on your own, visit the beautiful coastal towns of Otranto and Gallipoli, or feel free to add a private custom activity based on your interests.

Sadly, today you say Arrivederci! to the beautiful Puglia. Make sure you allow enough time to fill up the gas tank, return the car and take care of any final charges (like the GPS rental). Then make your way to the airport. Hopefully you'll have time for one more cappuccino!

We hope you enjoyed this exciting opportunity to stay at a private villa, live like a local and explore the gems of the Apulian region.