Apulia, the Heel of Italy
Apulia, the Heel of Italy
Apulia, the Heel of Italy
8 Days Starting and ending in Naples, Italy
Visiting: Naples, Castel del Monte, Bari, Castellana Grotte, Alberobello, Lecce, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Manduria, Ostuni, Fasano, Matera, Altamura
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6270-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This regional affordable Italy discovery vacation begins and ends in Naples. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Naples provides visitors a wealth of folklore, history, and a rich culture of the ages. After a guided sightseeing tour of the city, you’ll be on your way to the Apulia region—the “heel of the boot” of Italy and one of the renowned holiday destinations of the Italian people thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and enchanting coastline with turquoise waters. Among the highlights of this Italy vacation you can look forward to the visit of the 13th-century Castel Del Monte on your way to the beautiful port of Bari. Unveil other surprising treasures, including the fascinating Castellana Grotte limestone caves, the conical-roofed Trulli houses of Alberobello, and Lecce’s Baroque architecture. You’ll also enjoy an excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca with its art nouveau beach huts, and Gallipoli’s underground olive press and winding streets. Your budget-minded vacation in Italy is never short on great food and drink, including the chance to learn about regional specialities on your visit to a Primitivo wine cellar in Manduria and an olive oil tasting session in the countryside. Before returning to Naples, relax for two nights in Fasano—surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Your affordable Italy tour of the Apulia region of Italy ends where it began—in Naples—where authentic Napoli pizza and espresso coffee await your return!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Naples, Italy
Location: Naples
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Naples
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring Naples, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Naples - Castel Del Monte - Bari
Location: Naples, Castel del Monte, Bari
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Bari
Meals Included: Breakfast
The guided sightseeing tour this morning gives you an introduction to the eventful history of this city and its vibrant traditions. Depart Naples and travel into Apulia, the legendary “heel” of Italy. Stop to visit Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 13th century by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, and renowned for its unique octagonal shape. Continue to the Adriatic coastline for an orientation tour of the beautiful port city of Bari. Today’s Distance: 177 mi/ 285 km
Day 3 : Bari - Castellana Grotte - Alberobello - Lecce
Location: Bari, Castellana Grotte, Alberobello, Lecce
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eos in Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience the famous limestone caves of Castellana Grotte. This impressive system is a wonderland of captivating stalactites, stalagmites, and crystallized mineral deposits. Next stop is Alberobello, renowned for its distinct conical-roofed “Trulli” houses. Follow the coastline to lovely Lecce, the “Florence of the South.” Today’s Distance: 107 mi/ 173 km
Day 4 : Lecce. Excursion To Santa Maria Di Leuca & Gallipoli
Location: Lecce, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eos in Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your included excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Apulia, discover art nouveau villas and beach huts from the early 20th century. On to Gallipoli, an ancient Greek city built on an island in the Ionian Sea. Enjoy the Old Town with its quaint ambiance, winding streets, and inviting squares. Discover Frantoio Ipogeo, an underground olive press buried in the tufa rock. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, workers pressed Gallipoli’s olive oil, and used it to light the city’s oil lamps. Return to Lecce. Time to marvel at its opulent Baroque buildings. Today’s Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km
Day 5 : Lecce - Manduria - Ostuni - Fasano
Location: Lecce, Manduria, Ostuni, Fasano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sierra Silvana in Selva di Fasano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On to Manduria, situated in the rural wine-growing region. Visit a wine cellar and get to taste some of the typical Primitivo wine. Next stop is Ostuni, only 42 miles from Greece, characterized by its flat-roofed, white, Greek-looking town centre. Overnight in Fasano, a peaceful town surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, not far from the Adriatic Sea. Today’s Distance: 75 mi/ 120 km
Day 6 : Fasano
Location: Fasano, Matera, Altamura
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sierra Silvana in Selva di Fasano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is free to do as you like. Maybe join the optional excursion to Matera and Altamura. The impressive “rock city” of Matera is home to the prehistoric sassi cave dwellings, while a guided tour of Altamura reveals the amazing stone-clad city, with free time afterwards to stroll through the Old Town on your own.
Day 7 : Fasano - Naples
Location: Fasano, Naples
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Naples
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Puglia is famous for its olive trees and, this morning, you’ll visit a traditional olive mill. Taste some genuine olive oil, enjoy a light lunch, and stroll around the groves. Later, travel back to Naples for a chance to treat yourself to a real espresso coffee shot or the most authentic pizza. Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km
Day 8 : Naples
Location: Naples
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
The tour includes a fully guided experience with a knowledgeable tour director.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided as detailed in the itinerary, including stays at Holiday Inn Naples, B&B Hotel Bari, Eos in Lecce, and Sierra Silvana in Selva di Fasano.
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Transport
Travel in comfort with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.
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Excursions
Included excursions to Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, and a traditional olive mill in Puglia.
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Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours in Naples, Castel del Monte, Bari, Castellana Grotte, Alberobello, Lecce, Manduria, and Ostuni.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
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International Travel
International travel to and from Italy is not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions, such as the trip to Matera and Altamura, are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Castel del Monte|Historic Centre of Naples|The Trulli of Alberobello
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 1 lunch; 3 dinners
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Naples is located in the Centro Direzionale business district, offering air-conditioned rooms with views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. B&B Hotel Bari features large rooms with balconies and modern amenities. Eos in Lecce offers 30 air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and minibar. Sierra Silvana in Selva di Fasano has 120 rooms in a Mediterranean garden, including 7 trulli houses.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at the Holiday Inn Naples, B&B Hotel Bari, Eos in Lecce, and Sierra Silvana in Selva di Fasano. These hotels offer amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, satellite TV, minibars, and Mediterranean gardens.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfasts daily, one lunch, and three dinners.
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What are some of the key highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include visiting the 13th-century Castel Del Monte, exploring the Castellana Grotte limestone caves, seeing the conical-roofed Trulli houses of Alberobello, and admiring Lecce’s Baroque architecture.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time on the first day to start exploring Naples and on the sixth day in Fasano to join optional excursions or explore on your own.
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What unique experiences does this tour offer?
Unique experiences include visiting a traditional olive mill in Puglia, tasting genuine olive oil, and enjoying a light lunch while strolling around the olive groves. You will also visit a wine cellar in Manduria to taste some typical Primitivo wine.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Naples, Italy.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, on the sixth day, there is an optional excursion to Matera and Altamura, where you can explore the prehistoric sassi cave dwellings and the stone-clad city of Altamura.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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