Heritage of Southern Italy – Puglia & Basilicata

Price

from £2155 /pp

was £2313
Flights included
Dates Available

June 2026 - October 2027
Duration

8 days
Depart From

3 airports
Excursions & Visits

8 included
Meals

15 included
Ways to pay

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £227.50 per month.

Heritage of Southern Italy – Puglia & Basilicata

Enjoy a unique introduction to life in glorious Puglia with intimate excursions to some of Italy’s finest southern cities and a seven-night stay at a traditional masseria.

Discover the best of the Italian south with an experience-led exploration of Puglia and Basilicata alongside no more than 24 other travellers. Starting with a flight to Brindisi or Bari, you’ll enjoy an immersive stay at an original masseria (farm estate), which seamlessly combines modern amenities with traditional Apulian hospitality. Set across manicured grounds in the heart of rural Carovigno, this exquisite four-star hotel perfectly sets the tone for a week’s exploration in the Italian countryside. Your first included excursion introduces the region’s exquisite baroque heart, Lecce. Soak up the city’s ancient Roman heritage with a guided walk around the old town and marvel at its imposing duomo (cathedral), before heading to a local palazzo for a private tour and drinks courtesy of a local host.

UNESCO-listed Matera is next, and you’ll have ample time to explore the city’s impressive Sassi districts, with their unique rock-cut dwellings, winding streets and carved churches. A full-day tour of three popular Apulian spots follows, starting with an underground excursion into the stalactite-lined Castellana Grotto, where a guide will introduce you to the region’s remarkable natural heritage. Take in trulli-town Alberobello, with its famous conical huts, before heading to one of Locorotondo’s finest vineyards for a tasting of local labels. Those looking for a few extra wish-list moments can enjoy an optional tour of Bari, Puglia’s provincial capital, which will showcase the ancient landmarks of the city’s old town. Mark your final morning in Puglia with an optional cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare some of the region’s most popular dishes, before lunch in the company of your fellow travellers.

Detailed close-up of the ornate façade of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce

Explore Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’, and admire its elegant baroque landmarks

A panoramic view of the historic stone town of Matera, Italy, with ancient buildings stacked on a hillside under a partly cloudy blue sky

Discover the UNESCO-listed wonders of Matera's Sassi districts, from ancient cave-dwellings to magnificent rock-hewn churches

Traditional whitewashed, cone-roofed houses, lined along a narrow street in Alberobello, Puglia

Spend time amongst Alberobello’s traditional, conical trulli houses and uncover the history behind the design

Interior view of Castellana Grotto cave with illuminated stalactites and stalagmite

Witness Puglia’s prehistoric rock formations as you delve beneath the surface at the impressive Castellana Grotto

After arriving in charming Puglia this morning, meet your friendly local tour manager and board a coach for the short transfer through the countryside to your four-star hotel. This magnificent property, set within a secluded masseria, offers unique insight into the traditional lifestyles and landscapes of Puglia, and is flanked by olive groves and Adriatic vistas.

Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps with an evening on the sun deck or some time in the Jacuzzi as the sun sets over Puglia. Head to the hotel’s restaurant later this evening for dinner.

Your first full day in Carovigno will be free, and after breakfast at the hotel, you can spend it as you see fit.

If you’d like to explore the local area, a regular shuttle bus service offers easy access to the nearby towns. There’s also a golf course within walking distance of the masseria, which features pitching and putting greens enclosed by striking coastal views and shaded olive trees.

Those who’d prefer a relaxed day’s activity can instead make themselves comfortable with a cocktail on the hotel’s sun terrace or perhaps take a dip in the swimming pool.

This evening, return to the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast this morning, head out on your first small-group excursion to baroque Lecce, and soak up the atmosphere of this historic trading centre, where elegant buildings and marbled courtyards reflect the town’s past importance. Explore the old town, which surrounds the ruins of a great Roman amphitheatre, one of several Roman remnants in the city.

Your next stop will be the magnificent Duomo of Lecce, the crown jewel of the city’s Cathedral Square. Marvel at the building’s extravagant exteriors before heading inside for a closer look at its exquisite baroque décor, marble altar and pillar-lined cloisters.

At the end of a day of sightseeing, you’ll enjoy a taste of life in modern Lecce with drinks, courtesy of a friendly local host, at one of the city’s historic houses, Palazzo Morisco. Nestled behind Lecce’s grand Duomo, this palatial building was built and renovated across the centuries by members of Lecce’s noble families. The house features remarkable period furniture and a vast library, one of the richest in Southern Italy. Here, your host will introduce you to the palazzo’s exquisite grounds, the finer details of its history and the conservation projects which protect buildings like it to this day. Afterwards, enjoy a taste of traditional Apulian hospitality with an evening’s drinks with your host.

Today, drive through Puglia’s bucolic countryside to neighbouring Basilicata, where you’ll discover Matera. This enthralling town is a cultured oasis in an otherwise sparsely populated landscape and is famed for the extraordinary stone-cut dwellings which protrude from its surrounding cliffs.

Arriving in Matera in time for lunch (payable locally), you’ll have the opportunity to discover the history of this fascinating place, with its chiese rupestri (rock-hewn churches), and wander through its ancient streets and colourful piazzas. This maze of ancient cave-dwellings was inhabited as recently as 40 years ago and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the evening, head back into Puglia for dinner at the masseria.

A memorable full-day tour awaits today, and you’ll pass through the Apulian countryside after breakfast to a handful of the region’s most unique spots. Your first stop this morning will be the extraordinary caves at Castellana, an underground network of towering stalagmites and stalactites formed over the centuries. This subterranean grotto spans almost 3,400 meters in its entirety, and your expert guide will help you discover each of its major chambers as you descend deeper beneath the ground.

Afterwards, return to the surface and continue to your second stop, delightful Alberobello. Here, hundreds of the whitewashed buildings with their tapered roofs cluster together to create one of Italy’s most arresting sights. Learn more about the town’s iconic conical trulli huts with some time to explore under your own steam.

Rounding out today’s tour will be the majestic, circular hill town of Locorotondo. Surrounded by vineyards, which are famed for their crisp white wines, the town showcases Puglia’s wine-making traditions, and you'll visit a local cellar for the opportunity to taste the town’s finest vintages, as well as some other regional specialities.

This evening, head back to the hotel for dinner.

This morning, get ready for a fascinating day’s sightseeing with breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a scenic journey to the Apulian capital, Bari. This delightful city, one of the largest centres in Southern Italy, is made up of bustling harbours, ornate buildings and picturesque secluded coves.

Start the day in Bari Vecchia, the city’s marvellous old town, which is presided over by an imposing Norman-Swabian castle, Castello Svevo. Here, you can admire the castle’s magnificent stone walls, many of which are almost 1,000 years old, before heading to pretty Piazza del Ferrarese. This popular square, backed by one of Bari Vecchia’s two ports, was named after a local merchant and is lined with charming al fresco cafés and elegant baroque shopfronts. Make a final stop at the 10th-century Basilica San Nicola, a popular pilgrimage spot for Orthodox Christians and Catholics alike, before completing the day’s activity with some time at leisure in Bari.

This evening, return to the hotel for dinner.

This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to head to a nearby Masseria to take part in an optional cooking class, highlighting some of Carovigno’s most popular dishes. Here, under the expert guidance of the Masseria’s chef, you’ll try your hand at creating authentic Apulian dishes with an individual cooking station and the freshest local ingredients. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional regional lunch, partly comprised of the plates you create, and reflect on a memorable week’s exploration in southern Italy.

Those who’d prefer a more leisurely final morning in Puglia will be free to spend it as they see fit back at Masseria Caselli, perhaps with a round or two on the hotel’s nearby golf course.

Ancient Roman ruins in the city centre of Lecce, Puglia, Italy, with weathered stone arches and columns surrounded by historic buildings under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds

A sunny, leafy courtyard in Carovigno, Puglia with historic stone buildings

A Roman amphitheatre with stone seating in Sant'Oronzo Square, Lecce, under a clear blue sky, surrounded by modern buildings and event chairs on the ground

Experience true Apulian hospitality with a seven-night stay at an authentic masseria

Visit vineyard-laden Locorotondo and learn about the town’s wine-making heritage with a tasting session at a nearby winery

Join a memorable optional excursion to the Apulian capital, Bari, and marvel at its old town highlights

Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Masseria Caselli, Carovigno
Seven breakfasts, one lunch and seven dinners
Welcome drinks
Tour of Lecce with drinks at a local palazzo
Visit to Matera
Trip to Castellana Grotto
Excursion to Alberobello and Locorotondo
Local cooking masterclass at a nearby masseria
Return flights to Brindisi
Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Small-group excursions (maximum group size of 24)

Dates & Prices

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.

Departure point	Departure date		Price (per person)	Availability
London Gatwick	June 2026 - October 2027		from £1912.00 pp	7 dates available
London Gatwick	10 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 18 Jun 2026 Thursday	Late Escape	from £1912.00 was £2389.00	Only 3 places left!
London Gatwick	07 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 15 Oct 2026 Thursday	Late Escape	from £2014.00 was £2119.00
London Gatwick	15 Apr 2027 Thursday 8 days 23 Apr 2027 Friday		from £2175.00 was £2289.00
London Gatwick	06 May 2027 Thursday 8 days 14 May 2027 Friday		from £2285.00 was £2405.00
London Gatwick	03 Jun 2027 Thursday 8 days 11 Jun 2027 Friday		from £2185.00 was £2299.00
London Gatwick	09 Sep 2027 Thursday 8 days 17 Sep 2027 Friday		from £2261.00 was £2379.00
London Gatwick	21 Oct 2027 Thursday 8 days 29 Oct 2027 Friday		from £2204.00 was £2319.00
London Stansted	June 2026 - October 2027		from £1724.00 pp	7 dates available
London Stansted	10 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 18 Jun 2026 Thursday	Late Escape	from £1724.00 was £2155.00	Only 3 places left!
London Stansted	07 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 15 Oct 2026 Thursday	Late Escape	from £2004.00 was £2109.00
London Stansted	15 Apr 2027 Thursday 8 days 23 Apr 2027 Friday		from £2238.00 was £2355.00
London Stansted	06 May 2027 Thursday 8 days 14 May 2027 Friday		from £2014.00 was £2119.00
London Stansted	03 Jun 2027 Thursday 8 days 11 Jun 2027 Friday		from £2076.00 was £2185.00
London Stansted	09 Sep 2027 Thursday 8 days 17 Sep 2027 Friday		from £2109.00 was £2219.00
London Stansted	21 Oct 2027 Thursday 8 days 29 Oct 2027 Friday		from £2095.00 was £2205.00
Manchester	June 2026 - October 2027		from £2056.00 pp	7 dates available
Manchester	10 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 18 Jun 2026 Thursday	Late Escape	from £2056.00 was £2569.00	Only 3 places left!
Manchester	07 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 15 Oct 2026 Thursday	Late Escape	from £2593.00 was £2729.00
Manchester	15 Apr 2027 Thursday 8 days 23 Apr 2027 Friday		from £2219.00 was £2335.00
Manchester	06 May 2027 Thursday 8 days 14 May 2027 Friday		from £2333.00 was £2455.00
Manchester	03 Jun 2027 Thursday 8 days 11 Jun 2027 Friday		from £2238.00 was £2355.00
Manchester	09 Sep 2027 Thursday 8 days 17 Sep 2027 Friday		from £2308.00 was £2429.00
Manchester	21 Oct 2027 Thursday 8 days 29 Oct 2027 Friday		from £2261.00 was £2379.00

Entrance to Masseria Caselli Hotel, Italy, featuring arched stone architecture, large glass doors, and modern planters

Masseria Caselli, Carovigno Carovigno, Italy Enclosed by the green landscapes of Carovigno, this traditional Masseria hotel prides itself on offering an authentic glimpse into life in the Apulian countryside.

British citizens require passports when travelling overseas and this must be valid for six months beyond the date you return. If you are not a British citizen, you may need a visa for the country/countries you are visiting (please contact the respective embassies to check and to apply).

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Guests on half-board arrangements will be served a three-course evening meal, and can expect a first course of traditional pasta or soup, a main meat or fish course accompanied by one or two types of vegetable, and a simple dessert of fruit, cake or Italian ice cream. Breakfasts will usually consist of bread rolls, jam, cereal, ham, cheese, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Menus will vary from hotel to hotel, but choice will be more limited than in a normal restaurant. In some instances, individual guests who have booked with the hotel independently may be offered a different menu from those who are staying at the hotel as part of a package tour.

An authentic dining experience in Italy can often be a bit different to the Italian food that international tourists might be used to, but it’s one of the best ways to truly appreciate the finer cultural differences of this tourist hotspot. From simpler, but more frequent, courses to regional dishes, here are some points to note when dining in Italy.

The first major difference you’re likely to notice is that the dining experience as a whole is much longer; you’ll enjoy a much more social experience than the average dinner back home with multiple smaller courses spread across a longer period of time. While each meal will be prepared to order, you may notice that dishes are served cooler than you might be used to – Italian dishes are rarely served piping hot to preserve the more delicate flavours of each ingredient and to provide a more enjoyable dining experience. The final thing to bear in mind is that it may be tricky to find Italian classics in the same form as they are at home. For instance, while Spaghetti Carbonara is a staple in historic Rome – and made traditionally using egg yolks rather than cream – you’ll often find it replaced with a wild boar ragù in Tuscany.

Some regions of Italy have introduced a room tax of between 1€ and 4€ per person per night, payable directly by the guest to the hotel on check-out. You will be advised by your tour manager in resort if a particular hotel is implementing this charge.

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you arrive (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

The EES scheme commenced on the 12th October 2025, and the phased implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, EES will be fully operational at all EU borders. - the latest information can be found at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

EES is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of most European countries. Once introduced, when you go through passport control on arrival, as well as producing your passport for checking, you will also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.

For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe here.

Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded.

Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, changes have been planned which affect the eligibility of citizens of the United Kingdom to have visa free travel to the EU. ETIAS travel authorisation is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the European Union and Schengen counties.

The ETIAS system is not live yet - the latest information can be found at www.etias.com. We recommend keeping yourself updated on the planned commencement date and, once live (and if applicable to you), apply for your ETIAS in good time prior to travel.

Newmarket Holidays will not be able to undertake ETIAS applications on your behalf, so have instead instructed the services of the Travel Visa Company to provide help, should you need it. You can find more information about this service here.

Please note: ETIAS will not be required for UK citizens travelling on our UK and Ireland tours.

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