Day 1: Rail – UK to Turin or Milan
Check-in at St Pancras or Ebbsfleet for an early morning departure to Paris. In Paris we transfer to the Gare de Lyon station and join our TGV train to Turin or Milan where we spend our first night.

Day 2: Rail – Turin or Milan to Alberobello
Air – UK to Alberobello (Day 1)
Morning transfer to the station where we join the fast train to Bari. Alternatively check in at Stansted Airport for the direct flight to Bari. On arrival we transfer by coach to Alberobello where we check into our traditional Trulli houses, our home for the next four-nights.

Day 3: Alberobello
After breakfast in the Trulli Holiday restaurant enjoy a guided walk through Alberobello, famed for its traditional Trulli houses with distinctive conical roofs and white exterior. Originally built using dry wall construction methods, they could be quickly dismantled to avoid feudal property taxes. Today, the Trulli are seen throughout the region, with the highest concentration in Alberobello, a Unesco World Heritage site since 1996, where many are now treasured and comfortable homes, holiday lets, shops and restaurants. This afternoon there will be an optional excursion to the nearby seaside town of Polignano a Mare (excursion payable locally cost dependent on participants). Dinner included in a local restaurant in Alberobello.

Day 4: Matera
After breakfast we visit Matera. A Unesco site, this remarkable cities’ Sassi (cave-town), built overlooking a spectacular ravine, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and one of Italy’s most interesting and unusual destinations. Often used as backdrop in films, Matera featured in Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ. This afternoon we return to Alberobello for time at leisure.

Day 5: Trani
After breakfast we visit the fishing town of Trani on Puglia’s north east coast. The historic centre with its glossy limestone streets, medieval churches and charming Palace area are a joy to explore, and the pristine harbour side with a wide traffic free promenade, cafés, bars and restaurants is perfect for lunch. We return to Alberobello stopping en route at a local farm to experience the making of the regions famous mozzarella. Evening at leisure in Alberobello.

Day 6: Alberobello – Ostuni – Lecce – Otranto
After breakfast we depart Alberobello and drive south to Otranto. En route we visit pearly white Ostuni. Built over three hills, it has the feel of a town on a Greek Island. We continue to Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, its distinctive baroque architecture is a joy to explore, along with countless museums, designer shops, quaint little bars and cafés and historic squares. From here we continue south into Puglia’s Salento region and our 4-star hotel in Otranto, a pretty seaside town with beaches, azure blue sea and a charming old quarter influenced by periods of Greek, Roman, Turkish and Napoleonic occupation. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7: Coastal Highlights of the Heel of Italy
This morning we join our coach for a stunning journey down the lower eastern coast of Puglia through Santa Cesarea Terme stopping at the picturesque little town of Tricase Porto before reaching the southern most point of the Puglia and the heel of Italy, Santa Maria di Leuca. From here we head north west to Gallipoli, a modern city with a historic centre located on a citadelle-like island that juts out into the Ionian sea. Return to Otranto for dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Otranto
Today is free in Otranto, your Tour Manager will be on hand with ideas for further exploration. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 9: Rail – Alberobello to Turin or Milan
             Air – Alberobello to UK (Day 8)
This morning we depart the hotel after breakfast and travel by coach to Brindisi or Bari to join the flight or train home. The train will arrive in Turin or Milan early evening. Here we check into our hotel. Evening at leisure

Day 10: Rail – Turin or Milan to UK
Morning train from Turin to Paris Gare de Lyon Station and transfer to Gare du Nord station to take the Eurostar to London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet.

Note: Order of excursions subject to change depending on local conditions.

Note: Order of excursions subject to change depending on local conditions.