puglia - italy

Puglia a lesser known area of Italy, has a laid back charm which is entwined with its colourful history of 30,000 years. One of the richest archaeological regions in Italy, colonised by so many, each leaving its distinctive mark. Historically it has produced much of Italy’s fish, pasta, wine and olive oil from the centuries old farmland stretching out amongst the white washed hills and towns. 

Taster Tours

Lecce referred to as the ‘ Florence of the south’ is known for its baroque architecture and the Santa Croce basilica. The winding streets and numerous courtyards are great to explore and brim with ancient remains and opportunities to enjoy the food and hospitality of this old town. Alberobello is a village where you see a bountiful supply of the traditional Trulli local houses .... stone built with conical roofs. Small museums demonstrate their origins and traditional ways of living, alongside quaint courtyards, churches, small cafes . Make your own picnic lunch from the wonderful food and aromas emitted and displayed in the local delicatessens. Matera a remarkable and unique ancient town, with UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s history goes back more than 30,000 years and is one of the oldest  Continuously inhabitated settlements in history. Full of charm, incredible views, light and colours, a feast for the eyes which helps with the demands of walking up and down those steps.

The narrow lanes abound with dwellings carved into the rocks, which tumble down the hillside. Crammed with churches, frescos and opportunities to see the way of life of days gone by. Bari is an old town, a medieval fortress and a pilgrimage site, based on a craggy coast of sandy coves. A maze of narrow streets and the Basilica di San Nicola with its 900 year old vaulted crypt,the resting place of Saint Nicholas...better known as Father Christmas. Vieste is an ideal low key coastal holiday town from which to rest and make forays into the local area. Charming small bays abound along the meandering coastline in which to chill, swim and laze. Visit the crusader church of Monte Sant’ Angelo, standing proud in a gorgeous hill top village, with incredible views of the surrounding forest. Peschici is a quaint old walled town in Apulia, the white washed houses clinging to the cliffs, with a sandy beach at its base on which to laze. Cafes and bars surround the square and also appear in the unexpected nooks and crannies of characterful winding streets which meander down to the beach.

Time to Linger

Less developed than other parts of Italy, the pace of life provides the opportunity to stroll, linger and appreciate all this area has to offer, with its fresh local produce and crafts. A treat for the senses. Local entrepreneurs entertain on the streets with their skills of making fresh pasta, particularly orecchiette, the famous ear shaped pasta shells .  Bakeries and delicatessants have a wonderful array of aromas and tempting foods . Family owned bars and restaurants are tucked into atmospheric streets, squares and caves, serving tasty local dishes and wines. Time doesn’t stand still but it does sloooooow down!