8 day Independent Tour
This tour is ideal for the adventurous traveler who has visited Italy before and wants to discover lesser known cities and villages, one who appreciates exceptionally fine Italian cuisine and who is looking for a low cost vacation experience.
Itinerary
DAY 1: U.S.A. / BARI, ITALY
Departure from USA by scheduled air service (airfare not included in quote).
DAY 2: BARI / ALBEROBELLO
Upon arrival at the Bari airport, proceed to Hertz car rental to pick up reserved rental car. Proceed to the town of Alberobello and arrive at your hotel, the 4* Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri. A welcome dinner will be served at the hotel.
DAY 3: CISTERNINO / OSTUNI / MARTINA FRANCA
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Today you’ll drive a short distance to Cisternino for a demonstration on the production of mozzarella cheese. Next, you’ll visit the town of Ostuni, known as the “white town” for its white-washed houses overlooking the sea. Take your time and wander along the narrow streets, exploring the boutiques, the town squares and the imposing churches. On your return trip to Alberobello, stop for a visit to the town of Martina Franca, the village of festivals, also well known for its ceramics. This evening, return to your hotel in time for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: CASTELLANA GROTTE / ALBEROBELLO / LOCOROTONDO
Following breakfast, you’ll proceed to Castellana Grotte for a guided visit of the famous caves, dazzling with white stalactites hanging from the arched roof, stalagmites growing from the floor and a luminous lake shrouded in white curtains. Next, you’ll visit the town of Alberobello, the Trulli capitol of Puglia and a UNESCO world heritage site, to admire the unusual houses in town and throughout the surrounding countryside. Trulli are remarkable and mysterious dwellings unique to Puglia, with their thick, limestone walls and graceful conical roofs, built hundreds of years ago. Continue the short distance to the town of Locorotondo, literally translated as “round place”, named for the shape of its historical center. This evening, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Entrance fees to caves is not included in tour price.
DAY 5: LECCE / CORIGLIANO D’OTRANTO
Following breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and transfer to the town of Lecce to explore this enchanting baroque city. Your destination for this evening is Corigliano d’Otranto and the three-star superior Masseria Appidè, an 18th century farmhouse that has been fully restored while keeping the original architecture in place. This evening, you’ll get an introduction and instruction on the preparation of traditional regional cuisine followed by dinner and overnight at the farmhouse.
DAY 6: GALLIPOLLI
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to the town of Gallipolli, an island linked to the mainland by a bridge originally made by a series of boats. Spend the day admiring the pristine waters of the Ionian Sea or consider an optional visit to a subterranean olive oil mill (from 4 to 10pm). Dinner this evening is on your own but we suggest a taste of local, fresh-caught seafood. Overnight is at Masseria Appidè in Corigliano d’Otranto.
DAY 7: BRINDISI / U.S.A.
Time permitting, breakfast will be served at the hotel. Proceed to the Brindisi airport in time to board your flight back to the States.
Pricing
11/1/2024 – 5/31/2025 + 9/1/2025 ‑10/31/2025
4 Star Moderate First Class Hotels
$2,699 (Single supplement: $699)
6/01/2024 – 8/31/2024
4 Star Moderate First Class Hotels
$3,299 (Single supplement: $999)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
Inclusions:
- 3 nights hotel accommodations at 4* Hotel La Chiuso id Chietri in superior double
- 2 nights hotel accommodations at 4* Masseria Appidè in superior double
- 6 day Budget car rental, category B (manual transmission) Optional upgrades available
- Breakfast daily at the hotels
- Four dinners at the hotels (beverages excluded)
- Mozzarella cheese-making demonstration and tasting
- Local cuisine cooking class at Masseria Appidè
Entrance fees to the Castellana Grotte (Euro 10.00) and Gallipoli Olive limestone mill (Euro 1.50) are not included in package price.