LECCE
Explore ancient cave dwellings, vineyards, olive groves, unique trulli, and stunning Baroque churches in this vibrant region of southern Italy.
Puglia, the heel of Italy, is a region of fertile land and hard limestone landscapes whose history reaches from antiquity through Norman rule to the Baroque. For this tour we divide our stay between Matera and Lecce, allowing time to explore cave dwellings, vineyards, olive groves, trulli and the churches of Lecce and Otranto. The combination gives a fuller picture of southern Italy’s variety. It is a region of strong contrasts held together by light, stone and long continuity.
MATERA
A UNESCO site with ancient cave dwellings and rock churches, offering a unique blend of history and stunning landscapes, best explored on foot.
Crypt of Original Sin, Matera
A rock-cut church near Matera, famed for vivid 8th-9th century frescoes, offers rare insight into early medieval religious art in southern Italy.
Trulli of Alberobello
Distinctive limestone dwellings with conical roofs, built without mortar, offer a unique architectural experience and insight into local traditions.
Ostuni
A hilltop town with narrow lanes and whitewashed buildings, offering stunning views of olive groves and the Adriatic, plus vibrant festivals year-round.
LECCE
Explore ancient cave dwellings, vineyards, olive groves, unique trulli, and stunning Baroque churches in this vibrant region of southern Italy.
OTRANTO
A coastal gem with a scenic seafront, featuring a 15th-century castle and a cathedral renowned for its 12th-century floor mosaics.