Head Over Heels for Puglia:

The 8-Night Southern Escape

Glass of ice-cold orange Aperol Spritz cocktail on a wooden outdoor table during golden hour sunset overlooking the sea in Puglia, Italy.

Day 1 - Welcome toast in southern italy

Upon arrival at Bari Airport, step into your private luxury vehicle for a smooth transfer along the Adriatic coast to one of our favorite boutique hotels or traditional masseria near Monopoli.

Settle into your refined surroundings and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure to unwind from your travels. As the afternoon light softens into golden hour, gather for a welcome sunset aperitivo, raising a glass of crisp local wine to the start of your Italian journey, followed by an elegant dinner showcasing the finest regional flavors.

Day 2 - Polignano by Land & Sea

Begin your day in absolute style alongside your private chauffeur and expert guide as you set off for Polignano a Mare, a breathtaking coastal gem perched dramatically atop sheer limestone cliffs carved above dazzling turquoise waters. Lose yourself in its maze of whitewashed alleys and flower-lined piazzas before indulging in an exclusive sea-view lunch, savoring the morning's freshest Adriatic catch paired with crisp local white wine.

In the afternoon, step aboard your private luxury yacht to navigate the dramatic coastline from the water. Sail into secret, sunlit sea caves and hidden turquoise coves accessible only by boat. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear sea, then toast to the good life with a chilled champagne aperitivo on deck as the sun glints off the waves, before returning smoothly to Monopoli for a relaxed evening at your leisure.

Crowded pebble beach at Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear turquoise Adriatic waters in Puglia, Italy.
Aerial view of Bari Vecchia old town featuring the Bari Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Sabino) and Basilica di San Nicola overlooking the deep blue Adriatic Sea in Puglia, Italy.

Day 3 - Bari’s Old Town & Beachside Ease

Set off in the morning with your private chauffeur and guide for a visit to Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia. Wander through the historic alleys of Bari Vecchia, where you can watch local women crafting traditional orecchiette pasta by hand along the streets, and admire the majestic Romanesque Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

After a relaxed lunch in town, return to Monopoli for a peaceful afternoon at leisure. Spend the rest of the day unwinding at an exclusive private beach club, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a soothing spa treatment before an unhurried dinner.

Day 4 - Valle d’Itria: Ostuni, Masseria Feast & Borgo Egnazia

Leave Monopoli behind as your private chauffeur and expert guide escort you into the romantic, sun-drenched landscapes of the iconic Valle d’Itria. Your journey begins in Ostuni, the enchanting 'White City,' where you will lose yourself in a private guided stroll through its gleaming, lime-washed alleys, secret courtyards, and noble monuments.

Next, venture off the beaten path into the rolling countryside for an exclusive farm-to-table feast at an authentic, family-run masseria. Savor a lavish celebration of Puglian heritage, tasting vibrant estate-grown produce, warm artisanal cheeses, freshly rolled pasta, and acclaimed regional wines.

Afterwards, arrive at the iconic 5-star haven of Borgo Egnazia to check in and surrender to a blissfully peaceful afternoon at leisure.

Aerial view of a luxury stone villa at Borgo Egnazia resort featuring private swimming pools, lush courtyards, and vibrant bougainvillea surrounded by olive groves near the Adriatic Sea in Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia.

Day 5-  Liquid Gold & Handmade Orecchiette

Immerse yourself in the timeless culinary soul of Puglia with an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Step into a world of ancient tradition as you enter a historic, centuries-old olive estate, welcomed directly by the passionate owner. Stroll beneath the majestic canopy of gnarled olive trees and explore the estate's historic mill before indulging in a private tasting of liquid gold: Puglia’s finest extra-virgin olive oil.

Next, roll up your sleeves for an exclusive, hands-on cooking masterclass alongside a master local chef. Master the centuries-old art of hand-shaking delicate orecchiette pasta, baking warm, fragrant focaccia barese, and crafting vibrant seasonal antipasti. Celebrate your culinary triumphs with a long, sun-dappled lunch savoring your handmade creations paired with fine local wines, before your private driver returns you to your sanctuary for a blissfully tranquil afternoon.

Day 6 - Trulli Wonders & Afternoon at Leisure

Start your morning with your private chauffeur for a short drive to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its enchanting cone-roofed trulli houses. Enjoy a private guided walk through the picturesque Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, stepping back in time as you discover the history and craft behind these unique stone dwellings.

Return to Borgo Egnazia around midday to spend the rest of the afternoon entirely at your own pace. Relax by the pools, indulge in a signature wellness treatment at Vair Spa, take advantage of the private beach club, or play a round of golf at the San Domenico Golf Club before enjoying a romantic dinner in the evening.

Whitewashed traditional stone trulli houses with conical grey roofs along a narrow paved alley in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy under a bright blue sky.
Towering white limestone cliffs and sea stacks surrounding crystal-clear turquoise waters along the coastal cliffs of Torre Sant'Andrea in Salento, Puglia, Italy.

Day 8 - Sassi di Matera Excursion

Embark on an extraordinary full-day journey across the striking, sun-drenched landscapes of Basilicata toward Matera, a spellbinding UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth.

Upon arrival, step back in time alongside your expert private guide to navigate the ethereal stone labyrinth of the Sassi di Matera. Together, you will uncover majestic rock-hewn churches, ancient troglodyte cave dwellings, and dramatic, postcard-worthy viewpoints suspended high above the wild Murgia ravine. For lunch, savor an exclusive gourmet feast of regional delicacies served within the intimate atmosphere of a beautifully restored subterranean cave restaurant. Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering through quaint artisan boutiques before your private chauffeur escorts you smoothly back to Lecce for a peaceful, memorable final evening in Puglia.

Warm sunset glow behind the cliffside whitewashed buildings and sea caves of historic Polignano a Mare overlooking the calm Adriatic waters in Puglia, Italy.

Day 7 - scenic Journey to lecce

Set off with your private chauffeur for a picturesque drive south into the sun-drenched Salento peninsula. Along the way, indulge in an optional stop at Martina Franca to wander among its ornate Baroque balconies and regal, marble-paved plazas.

Upon arriving in Lecce, affectionately known as the 'Florence of the South,' check into your luxurious retreat and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at leisure. As the golden evening light bathes the city, join your expert private guide for an enchanting promenade through the historic heart, marveling at the warm, honey-hued limestone facades of Lecce's grand palaces and churches. Cap off your journey with a quintessential aperitivo in a vibrant piazza, followed by an exquisite dinner celebrating regional gastronomy.

Panoramic view of the illuminated ancient Sassi di Matera and cathedral bell tower at dusk, framed through the opening of a natural stone cave in Basilicata, Italy.

Day 9 - until next time…puglia!

Italian journey comes to an end, your private chauffeur will meet you at your hotel in Lecce for a seamless, comfortable transfer to Bari Airport.

Sit back, relax, and take in the final views of the olive-spotted landscape, taking with you a treasure trove of unforgettable memories, rich flavors, and magical moments from Puglia and Basilicata.

We wish you a wonderful and safe flight home!