Carpeted with laden olive trees and dotted with ancient settlements, Puglia surely presents Italian countryside at its most rustic and idyllic. Sprawling over the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot, unspoilt Puglia is blessed with a vast coastline, baroque towns and its own distinct identity. If you can tear yourself away from the sparkling turquoise waters, Puglia offers a wealth of historic riches – from splendid Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello – a unique and immaculately preserved town filled with rustic trulli (rotund whitewashed huts with conical roofs).
A taste of authentic Italy
based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 35 passengers travelling in a specific month
April, May, June, September, October
Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri,
Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Apulian Murgia, the luxurious Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri offers stylish guest rooms combining Puglian tradition with modern comfort and spectacular views of the countryside. Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and spa facilities, picturesque seating areas and a restaurant featuring Apulian cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
Explore the quaint streets of Alberobello, home to the unique trulli – over 1,500 round white houses with cone-shaped roofs. The districts of Rione Monti and Aja Piccola date back to the 14th century, and are built using a prehistoric dry-stone technique. Tipped with white, these whimsical constructions create the look of a fairytale town dusted with sugar.
Another historic town with unique architecture, the tranquil town of Locorotondo is a visual delight. Seeing fewer tourists than neighbouring Alberobello, its round and ancient centre (for which the town is named) is the perfect place to explore – and to enjoy a glass of the wine which Locorotondo is also famous for. Dotted with trulli dwellings, the creamy buildings shimmer in the sun, and reveal why Locorotondo is widely considered to be one of the prettiest towns in Italy.
The lovely city of Lecce with its buzzing atmosphere is often referred to as the ‘Florence of the South’ and is known for its magnificent baroque architecture, Roman remains, elegant centre with street cafes and shops. Treasures include Lecce’s breathtaking landmark, the 17th century Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, a magnificent Baroque styled building with elaborate façade and ornate interior design complete with a towering clock tower.
The ancient city of Matera is home to the Sassi grottos, which have been sheltering human inhabitants for an incredible 7,000 years. These extraordinary cave dwellings form an underground city cut into the limestone of the landscape, and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A striking octagonal tower, Castel del Monte is visible for miles around thanks to its hilltop position. To this day, however, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains something of a mystery. Despite being part of the landscape since it was built in the 13th century, the unique geometric fortress does not appear to have had any defensive purpose.
Team Comments:
“When you’re in Puglia, you know you couldn’t be anywhere else – it is so unique.” (Jo)
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