sv puglia 7 day premier guided walking v1.0
TRANSCRIPT
Southern Visions 7 Day Premier Walking Trip
This is a beautiful Southern Visions’ seven (7) day premier, guided walking trip through the region of
Puglia, Italy, which lies in the heel of the boot, along the sun drenched Adriatic Sea. Puglia offers
access to the freshest seafood, crowd-free open spaces, irresistible desserts and pastries, distinct
wines, and the 50 million olive trees that make Puglia the world’s leading producer of Olive Oil. Come
to Puglia and hear the voices of the past call out over the trulli houses…..we promise, once you
discover it, Puglia will leave a lasting impression
Trip Highlights
Matera, Alberobello, Otranto and Lecce Walking Tours
Guided Tour of the Countryside of Montescaglioso
Olive Oil Mozzarella Demonstrations and Tastings
Two (2) Pugliese Cooking Lessons
Private Food and Wine Tasting
Monopoli Market Visit and Botanical Garden Visit
Farewell Party and Dancing
WHAT YOU GET!!!
An outstanding adventure travel
experience
Peace of mind you are with the most
professional travel and tour company
in Puglia
Local, native guides with knowledge of
the secrets and mysteries of the region
6 nights lodging at 4 and 5 star hotels
and resorts
7 breakfasts
5 Dinners
6 Lunches
All luggage transfers
Guest Shuttles
Tour through the majestic botanical
gardens
Professional Olive Oil Tasting and Walk
in the Olive Groves
Professional cooking lesson(s)
Professional Mozzarella Making Demo
and Tasting
Daily snacks and happy hours
Daily professional walking and shuttle
tours
Detailed Maps and Route Notes
€2999.00
€999.00 Single Supplement
We will meet in the lobby of the Hotel Leon d’Oro of Bari (in front of the main station) at 10:00 a.m.
You will find your Guide in a red and orange Southern Visions t-shirt.
We suggest you arrive at least the night before – please check for flights or night trains from Milan,
Rome, and Venice, arriving in Bari between 6 and 8 p.m. the night prior to our first day. (See the end
of itinerary for recommendations on arriving and departing from the area).
Day 1
Matera Walking Tour
Laterria Rizzi Food and Wine Tasting (buffet) for lunch
Dinner and Apertivo at Rivelli Restaurant (inside hotel) www.ristoranterivelli.com Lodging: Palazzo Gattini www.palazzogatini.it
Your adventure begins at 10:00 am when our local SV guide meets you at in the lobby of the Palazzo
Gattini Hotel in the amazing ancient town of Matera perched on a beautiful hillside and gazing upon
hundreds of ancient cave dwellings known as Sassi. Immediately you will be swept from the world you
know to a land given over for gone which has emerged triumphant and beautiful in its pure connection
with the past and how time is once again brought round to reveal there is always a new way of looking
at things. We will then immerse you in depth into the art of flavor and freshness that is Southern Italian
cuisine with a spectacular buffet lunch and wine tasting in one of Matera’s signature restaurants,
Latteria Rizzi. After lunch we will walk you back to your lovely hotel for an afternoon to enjoy yourself
on your own time. You will have time for a look around the area and for an all important afternoon
Italian coffee drink, the Espressino. Be sure to make time to stop by the Laboratorio Ceramica Piero
Colapietro or Pasquale Dilena where we will watch the craftsman make traditional decorative ceramics.
We will meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30 for an apertivo and conversation, before heading to the hotel’s
inviting restaurant, Rivelli Restaurant.
Day 2
Optional Dawn walk to Old Bakery
Morning and Afternoon Activities: Tour the Countryside of Montescaglioso
Late Afternoon visit to local ceramist and Panificio
Lodging: Palazzo Gattini www.palazzogatini.it
You can choose to start your day with a walk at dawn to a local bakery for a tour. Later in the morning,
we will all meet in the hotel lobby and drive out of town for a lovely walking tour through the Italian
countryside. We will walk up to the St. Michael Montescaglioso. On our way up, we will stop at a
farmhouse in Masseria San Felice and have our lunch. Our day of beautiful walks will culminate at the
Abbey di San Michele, before heading back to the hotel by shuttle. There will be a nice period in the
afternoon to hit the pool, have a nap, or visit a local ceramist studio and a Panificio to learn how pane is
made. Dinner is scheduled to be an on your own event to enjoy the evening life at your own leisure. If
you are in the mood for traditional Italian fare, try the antipasti caldi at Trattoria Lucana; or if pizza is
what your heart desires, visit Oi Mari. Be sure to get plenty of rest before another packed day of
activities begins tomorrow!
Day 3
Shuttle Ride to Puglia with lunch and cooking lesson at Masseria Murgia Albenese
Afternoon Walking Tour of Alberobello
Lodging and Dining: Masseria Torre Maizza ***** www.masseriatoreemaizza.com
We begin our day by shuttling to the most famous hotel in Puglia, Masseria Torre Maizza, where along
the way we will experience the beautiful hilltop towns of Puglia whose Greek influence is apparent in
their whitewashed exteriors. The landscape is highlighted by seemingly deserted paths through ancient
olive groves covered with blankets of poppies and surrounded by meticulously built little walls of stone.
We will stop for lunch at Masseria Murgia Albenese for a visceral culinary experience as we receive a
cooking lesson and lunch from the masseria’s staff. Next, we will stop to take a walking tour of
Alberobello, where if you pay special attention, you will hear voices of the past echoing off the 1400+
Trulli (conical roofed homes and businesses), and come to understand why Alberobello is the postcard
capital of Puglia. Finally, we will arrive at the Masseria Torre Maizza where you will be able to relax in
absolute luxury while your dinner is prepared in its renowned kitchen. Welcome!
Day 4
Transfer to Vivai Capitanio Botanical Gardens www.vivaicapitanio.it/capitanio_eng/botanical_garden
Transfers to Monopoli Market, lunch in Polignano
Dining: La Peschiera http://www.peschierahotel.com
Lodging: Masseria Torre Maizza ***** www.masseriatoreemaizza.com
This morning we set out to transfer to Vivai Capitanio to visit the Botanical Gardens, which are set in the
beautiful landscape of Apulia, represented by secular olive trees introduced by the Greeks 2500 years
ago. After the gardens, we will transfer to Monopoli to visit the open air market and do some
sightseeing. We will then move to Polignano to lunch by the sea, and then stretch our legs a bit with a
walk along the north seaside to San Vito – those guests needing a pick me up are invited to stop for a
local coffee at their leisure – take time to enjoy the special seaside air. We will venture back to our
hotel to prepare for a gorgeous dinner by the sea at La Peschiera, known for their fresh seafood,
excellent wine selection and picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea. Today is a day for la dolce vita!
Day 5
Mozzarella and Olive Oil Tastings
Lunch: Masseria Il Frantoio www.masseriailfrantoio.it
Wine Tasting – Masseria Liveli www.masserialiveli.it
Dinner: Da Sergio
Lodging: Otranto –Masseria Montelauro ****www.masseriamontelauro.it
Today is a day of rich, sensory experiences, primarily focusing on tasting the region. After a lovely
farewell breakfast at Torre Maizza we shuttle you to Crovace for one of the freshest mozzarella tastings
in the region. Next, we move to an olive oil tasting at Masseria Il Frantoio – a lovely farmhouse in
Ostuni, which is very proud of their excellent oils bio cultivated from century old trees. We will revel in
our cheese and oil tasting with a beautiful walk through the area, and lunch at the Masseria Il Frantoio,
and savor the Apulian cuisine. Next, we will transfer to Ostuni, La Citta Bianca (the white city) which is a
stunning temple on the hill and gateway to the sea, for sightseeing and an ice cream break. Finally, we
will head toward our hotel, stopping at Masseria Liveli for a wine tasting. We will stay in the beautiful 4
Star Masseria Montelauro two kilometers from the Otranto city center in the peaceful silence of the
countryside. We will bring you into Otranto this evening for an amazing dinner at Da Sergio.
Day 6
Walking Tour: Torre Badisco to Capo d’Otranto
SV Farewell Party with Maneka Folklore Band
Lodging & Dining: Otranto –Masseria Montelauro ****www.masseriamontelauro.it
We will start our day with a transfer out of Otranto for a walking tour from Torre Badisco to Capo
d’Otranto. This hike will allow us to fully experience the diversity of this region, which is one part beach
resort, one part middle-eastern, many parts Italian and every part enjoyable. We will treat ourselves to a
relaxing picnic lunch before you can choose to transfer back to the hotel or to the Otranto to visit the
Cathedral. However you choose to spend your afternoon, be sure to prepare for an amazing farewell
party Southern Italian style with a fabulous local band playing the rousing native rhythms and followed
by a fond farewell dinner from your expert guides.
Day 7
Morning Guided walk of Lecce
Farewell from the Southern Visions Team
We will shuttle you to Lecce, known as the Florence of the south, to a papier-mâché making studio
before enjoying our last lazy cappuccino gathering. We will continue with a professionally guided
walking tour of this amazing architectural gem of a city and the opportunity to continue your journey on
your own. Of course, if you would like to stay longer, Southern Visions will help you extend your stay or
guide you in the right direction home. Always keeping in mind you will be changed for the better after
Puglia, for it is a place that has changed us all.
All tours finish in Lecce where the shuttle will take our guests to the station or to Brindisi airport.
WHAT YOU GET!!!
An outstanding adventure travel experience
Peace of mind you are with the most professional travel and tour company in Puglia
Local, native guides with knowledge of the secrets and mysteries of the region
6 nights lodging at 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts
7 breakfasts
5 Dinners
6 Lunches
All luggage transfers
Guest Shuttles
Tour through the majestic botanical gardens
Professional Olive Oil Tasting and Walk in the Olive Groves
Professional cooking lesson(s)
Professional Mozzarella Making Demo and Tasting
Daily snacks and happy hours
Daily professional walking and shuttle tours
Detailed Maps and Route Notes
€2999.00
€999.00 Single Supplement
ARRIVING AND DEPARTING - LOGISTICS
After reviewing the following information, please inform us of your arrival and departure plans on the
Personal Information Form.
Arrival
We suggest you arrive at least the night before – please check for flights or night trains from Milan,
Rome, and Venice, arriving in Bari between 6 and 8 p.m. the night prior to our first day.
Conclusion of the trip
On the last day of the trip, an SV shuttle is available to the Lecce train station and to Brindisi airport. The
shuttle stops at the rail station, where you can catch an afternoon train for Rome or Milan (if you catch
the train to Milan you can change in Bologna to Florence). To Rome there is one train at noon and one
after 5.00 pm; to Milan there is one train at around 2.00 pm and then one in the evening arriving the
next morning.
Flight arrangements
We recommend flying into Milan or Rome. You can then catch a flight to Bari (airport code: BRI) from
either city. Or, if you don’t mind the longer travel time and the possibility of delays, you can take the
train to Bari. You can see below.
Getting from the Bari airport to the Bari train station
A taxi ride from the airport to the train station takes 25-30 minutes and costs around €20. An Autolinee
Tempesta bus ride to the Bari train station takes approximately 30 minutes and costs €4,15.
Taking the train to Bari from Rome, Milan or Florence
The trip from Rome takes about 5 hours; from Milan it’s about 8 ½ hours; from Florence, expect
approximately 7 ½ hours of travel.
Train travel in Italy
We suggest purchasing rail tickets and making reservations through your own travel agent. For more
information on rail travel in Italy, visit the web www.trenitalia.com. There you can purchase tickets and
book your seat by using your credit card.
You can purchase Italian rail tickets from any train station in Italy, but some very small stations. Many
stations are equipped with automatic ticket machines, from which you can purchase tickets and
reservation coupons for travel in Italy and for principal cross-border routes. The machines accept cash,
credit card and ATM card with your PIN.
If you travel on one of Italy’s faster trains, including Eurocity, Intercity and Eurostar, you’ll be charged a
supplemental fare in addition to the regular ticket price. If you travel on these trains without your
supplemental ticket, you’ll be fined. Eurostar and Intercity trains require a seat reservation for travel at
all times. For travel on intercity trains, reservations are not mandatory; however, you may want to pay
the extra reservation charge for a guaranteed seat, simply for peace of mind. If you know you’ll be
taking the train during a peak local travel period, such as a holiday, you’ll definitely want to make
reservations or you risk standing for your entire trip. Italy’s slower train (Rapido, Espresso, Regionale,
Inter regionale and Locale) don’t require a reservation or a supplement ticket.
Boarding the train
To find your platform, which will be listed at least 10 minutes prior to departure, check the small TV
screens or the larger schedule boards in the main station area. If you are travelling without reservations,
you’ll need to validate your “open” ticket by stamping it at one of the small yellow machines located on
each train platform (the machine stamps the date and the time on the open ticket to prevent multiple
uses). If you forget to stamp your ticket before boarding, tell the on-board ticket inspector immediately
to avoid a supplementary fee.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TRIP
BARI
PALACE HOTEL
Via Lombardi 13
70122 Bari
tel. +39 080 5216551
www.palacehotelbari.it
GRAND HOTEL LEON D’ORO
Piazza Aldo Moro 4
70122 Bari
tel. +39 080 5235040
www.grandhotelleondoro.it
HOTEL VILLA ROMANAZZI
Via Giuseppe Capruzzi 326
70124 Bari
tel. +39 080 5427400
www.villaromanazzi.com
HOTEL ADRIA
Via Zuppetta 10
70121 Bari
tel. +39 080 5246699
www.adriahotelbari.com
HOTEL BOSTON
Via Piccinni 155
70122 Bari
tel. +39 080 5216633
www.bostonbari.it
HOTEL VICTOR
Via Nicolai 71
70122 Bari
tel. +39 080 5216600
www.victorservice.com
MATERA
LA CASA DI LUCIO
Via S. Pietro Caveoso, 66
75100 Matera
Tel. +39 0835 312798
www.lacasadilucio.it
HOTEL SANT’ANGELO
Rione Pianelle - Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
75100 Matera
tel. +39 (0)835 314010
www.hotelsantangelosassi.it
LOCANDA DI SAN MARTINO
Via Fiorentini, 71
75100 Matera tel +39 0835 256600
HOTEL RIDOLA - Albergo in dimora storica
Via Morelli 13
75100 Matera
tel. +39-0835-318811
ALBERGO DEL SEDILE
Recinto Sedile n. 4 - Piazza del Sedile
Matera
tel +39.0835.333436
www.albergodelsedile.it
HOTEL IN PIETRA
Via San Giovanni Vecchio, 22
75100 Matera
tel +39 0835 344040
www.hotelinpietra.it
ALBERGO ITALIA
Via Ridola 5
75100 Matera
tel: 0835 333561, 0835 337689
www.albergoitalia.com
LECCE
Hotel Patria Palace
Piazzetta Riccardi
73100 Lecce (Lecce), Italy
+39 0832 245111
www.patriapalacelecce.com
Hotel delle Palme
Via Di Leuca, 90
73100 Lecce (LE), Italy
+39 0832 347171
www.hoteldellepalmelecce.it
Grand Hotel Tiziano
Viale Porto d'Europa, s/n
73100 Lecce
tel. +390832 272111
www.grandhoteltiziano.it
B&B Palazzo Rollo
Via Vittorio Emanuele II, n°14
Lecce
Tel. +39.328.9540585 - +39.0832.307152
www.palazzorollo.it
FINAL THOUGHTS
Please be sure to note these important contact numbers, should you need assistance before, during, or
after your trip:
Puglia: +39.340.264.4128 or +39.080.416.0030
U.S.A: +1.713-540-0989
All tours operated by Active Cultures LLC