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Apulia, the Heel of Italy - 2021
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- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- Dates
- Cosmos
This regional affordable Italy small group 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 favorite holiday destinations of the Italian people due to its breathtaking landscapes and enchanting coastline with turquoise waters.You’ll visit the 13th-century Castel Del Monte on your way to the beautiful port of Bari. Included in your Italy vacation are a number of surprising stops, including the fascinating Castellana Grotte limestone caves, the conical-roofed 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 above. Your budget-minded vacation in Italy is never short on great food and drink. Learn about regional wines on your visit to a Primitivo wine cellar in Manduria.Before returning to Naples, enjoy a leisurely stay 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 await your return!
Destinations
- Italy
- Europe
Tour Types
- Cosmos escorted tours
- Italy
- Small group tours
- Undiscovered tours
Location: Arrive In Naples, Italy
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 fellow travelers.
Meals: Dinner
Location: Naples–Castel Del Monte–Bari
Guided sightseeing this morning gives you an introduction to the eventful history of this city and its colorful traditions. Depart Naples and travel into Apulia, the legendary “heel” of Italy. Stop at 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: 204 mi/ 328 km
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Bari–Castellana Grotte–Alberobello–Lecce
Head to Castellana Grotte to visit the famous limestone caves. 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
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Lecce. Excursion To Santa Maria Di Leuca & Gallipoli
On your included excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Apulia, discover oriental 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: 130 mi/ 210 km
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Lecce–Manduria–Ostuni–Fasano
On to Manduria, situated in the rural wine-growing region. Visit a wine cellar and get to taste some of the typical Primitivo. Next stop is Ostuni, only 42 miles from Greece, but 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: 109 mi/ 175 km
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Location: Fasano
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.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Location: Fasano–Naples
Puglia is famous for its olive trees and, this morning, you’ll visit a traditional olive mill to 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
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Location: Naples
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
-
Meals
-7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners
Prices for sole occupancy are available on request
Touring with Cosmos
A forward-thinking young Italian named Antonio Mantegazza started it all back in 1928, when he purchased a rowboat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano in Switzerland. Big things come from small beginnings and as Antonio grew his business their sister company Globus was born, and from that came Cosmos in 1961.
Across the decades there were some questionable brochure covers as well as fashion choices, but most of all it was fantastic holidays at great prices. And while they’ve ditched the flares and polo necks, they’re still determined to give you superb holidays at the best prices.
They want to take you on your best holidays, full of memorable experiences and pinch-yourself moments in thrilling destinations around the world. Whether you’re cruising down a jungle river in Thailand, standing on a lava field in Iceland, or stargazing in the deserts of Western USA, they want to place you in these perfect settings.>
Cosmos offer a huge selection of tours, from classic, platinum or small group escorted tours, to private groups and single centre tours. Travel with like-minded people and get the best access to the must-see sights, and the local favourites you might have missed. Touring is a great way to see the world: they'll take away the admin and organisation headaches of your holiday, and all you have to do is soak up all the history, culture and experiences.
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