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Essential Puglia - Art, architecture and sweeping landscapes in the heel of Italy
8
days
from
US$5,130
Book today with a deposit from
US$770
30th March 2027 - 6th April 2027
Tour highlights
- A broad tour of one of the most delightful regions of Italy, with a range of fascinating architecture –especially Norman and Baroque – art and history, that covers its chequered history.
- Exceptionally attractive streetscapes in hilltop towns and coastal cities amid distinctive and dramatic limestone landscapes.
- Castles, churches, 'Trulli' and more, in the company of an architectural historian and expert on the Middle Ages.
The heel and spur of boot-shaped Italy, Puglia’s strategic position meant that it was repeatedly invaded and conquered over the milennia, and each dynasty left its mark. Roman remains are frequent but tend to have been all but eradicated by later prosperity – or warfare. The many magnificent Romanesque cathedrals bear witness to the Norman conquest of southern Italy, one of the most notable episodes in medieval history. Churches and castles from the subsequent Hohenstaufen and Angevin eras abound and exhibit French, Lombard, Byzantine and Saracenic influences.
Much later there was another artistic outburst, appropriately international but characteristically idiosyncratic, a highly elaborate version of Baroque architecture and decoration. Lecce is a glorious example: churches and palaces with intricately embellished façades carved from the local stone line the streets and squares of this lively town, the regional capital of the Salento.
A journey from the south to the north of Puglia, this tour takes in the most important medieval and Baroque sites as well as the noteworthy items from other eras, and giving a broad overview of one of the loveliest areas of Italy. While it has been gaining in popularity as a destination in recent years, much remains undiscovered, particularly when heading into the rugged interior. Particularly memorable are the unspoilt centres of ancient cities and villages built up around narrow twisting alleys, some tumbling down hillsides, most whitewashed, all picturesque. Waterfronts with ancient harbours are another feature.
There is scenic variety from rolling hills to open plains, in parts enlivened by trulli, conical stone houses which are a unique vernacular phenomenon. In Springtime, and comparatively cooler temperatures, Puglia’s charms can now be enjoyed with comfort and ease.
Itinerary
Fly at c. 1.40pm from London City to Brindisi via Milan Linate (ITA Airways). A late arrival into Lecce, where the first three nights are spent.
Lecce is distinguished by an elaborate style of Baroque and Rococo decoration wrought in the soft, honey-coloured tufa of the region. The outstanding examples are the church of Santa Croce and complex of buildings surrounding the cathedral. See also the well-preserved Roman theatre. In the afternoon, drive to Otranto, where the cathedral has one of the largest and best-preserved 12th-century mosaic floors.
Explore the Salentine Peninsula, the southernmost tip of the heel of Italy. Drive out to Galatina to see the remarkable late gothic wall paintings at Santa Caterina. Gallipoli was the centre of Byzantine Italy until conquered by the Normans in 1071. The highly picturesque old town is on an off-shore island protruding into the Ionian Sea. Return via Giurdignano to see the cripta di San Salvatore, the best of the areas’s chiese rupestri, the painted underground churches.
The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto houses one of Italy’s most important archaeological collections, from Prehistoric times to the Middle Ages with a particular concentration on Magna Graecia. It includes the Ori di Taranto (Golden Treasure of Taranto), a stunning collection of Hellenic-era golden artwork. Continue to the enchanting town of Martina Franca, where we stay overnight, and see the 17th-century Palazzo Ducale with its fine Baroque façade and the cathedral of San Martino before checking into the hotel.
The UNESCO world heritage site at Alberobello is famous for its concentration of over 1000 trulli, the distinctive whitewashed stone dwelling with conicial roofs. Continue to Bari, the capital of Puglia, which has a wonderful walled medieval quarter beside the sea, extensive and unspoilt. The Basilica of San Nicola, begun in 1087, is not only the first but also the greatest of Puglian Romanesque churches; the episcopal throne here is remarkable. Bitonto has one of the finest of Romanesque cathedrals in the region, with good sculpture and an Early Christian lower church. Continue to Molfetta, where the final three nights are spent.
A free morning, before driving out to Castel del Monte. Situated on an isolated peak, Frederick II’s extraordinary octagonal hunting lodge of c. 1240 is one of the most intriguing secular buildings of the Middle Ages. Return to Molfetta via Barletta.
High on the southern slopes of Monte Gargano sits Monte Sant’Angelo, where the apparition of the Archangel Michael in the 5th century has made the grotto sanctuary a popular destination for pilgrims. The massive castle was started by the Normans and extended by the Swabians, Aragonese and Bourbons. The Tomba di Rotari is a baptistery with 12th-century decorations and a domed roof. One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, the complex of San Giovanni Rotondo includes San Pio’s new church designed by Renzo Piano.
The small city of Trani has a magically beautiful Romanesque cathedral perched on the waterfront. Fly from Bari via Milan Linate, arriving at London City at c. 9.00pm.
Expert speaker
Dr Richard Plant
Architectural historian and lecturer specialising in the Middle Ages with a strong interest in the modern. He studied at Cambridge, followed by the Courtauld, where he obtained his PhD. He was Deputy Academic Director at Christie’s Education and has published on English and German architecture.
More tours led by Dr Richard Plant
Practicalities
Price, per person. Two sharing: US$5,560 or US$5,130 without flights. Single occupancy: US$6,220 or US$5,790 without flights.
Travel by private coach; hotel accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 1 lunch and five dinners with wine, water and coffee; all admissions to sites and museums visited with the group; all tips and taxes; the services of the lecturer & tour manager.
Patria Palace Hotel, Lecce: a stylish 5-star hotel in an excellent location near the church of Santa Croce. Rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished, sizes vary so double rooms will be allocated the larger rooms. Dogana Resort, Molfetta: A stylish 5-star waterfront hotel, with elegantly decorated rooms, views vary. Single occupancy rooms are doubles for sole use.
There is quite a lot of walking, some of it uphill as the coach cannot enter the historic town centres. Some days involve a lot of driving. Average distance by coach per day: 76 miles.
Typically between 10 and 24 participants.
Before booking, please refer to Travel.State.Gov to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting. As a British company we follow the advice of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Dates & prices
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2027
Date
Speaker
Price
Date:
30th March - 6th April 2027
Speaker:
Dr Richard Plant
Price:
from US$5,130
(Based on two sharing)Related tours and events
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