5 days
from 1.050 euro
The Itria Valley, located in the heart of Puglia between the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, is an enchanting land characterized by trulli, dry stone walls and centuries-old olive groves. Famous for picturesque villages such as Alberobello, Locorotondo and Cisternino, it offers a unique landscape and a food and wine tradition rich in authentic flavors.
Ostuni, known as the “White City,” is one of the jewels of the Itria Valley. Perched on three hills, it is distinguished by its historic center of whitewashed houses, winding alleys and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Ostuni is an ideal destination for those seeking history, culture and relaxation, with wonderful beaches and irresistible typical cuisine. It is in this context that Ddò Relais is set, an ancient farmhouse expertly restored, immersed in tranquility and nature, an ideal starting point for exploring such a rich and varied territory.
Arrival in Bari or Brindisi by flight or train (not included in the package). Upon arrival at the airport or station, pick up your hire car and drive to your destination.
Check in at the hotel and free time to enjoy the hotel services.
Overnight stay.
After breakfast, head to Polignano a Mare, nestled on high limestone cliffs that plunge into the Adriatic Sea, where the sea has carved out sea caves. Here, the historic centre tells centuries of history: a maze of cobbled streets, ancient arches and panoramic terraces overlooking an endless blue sea. Walking around, you will discover medieval churches such as the Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria Assunta and sights dedicated to the famous poet Domenico Modugno, who originated here. Don't miss out on tasting the famous ‘Caffè Speciale’, which is prepared only here according to an ancient recipe. Be sure to visit the famous Lama Monachile beach, an iconic cove nestled between two rocky walls.
Continuing towards Monopoli, a few kilometres away, the landscape opens up to centuries-old olive groves and a rugged coastline dotted with sandy coves. Its historic centre, built on ancient Messapian and Roman ruins, retains the charm of a fortified city, with walls, bastions and the majestic Carlo V Castle overlooking the sea. Here, every corner smells of history and the Mediterranean, with white stone, crystal-clear sea and authentic flavours that make this land unique.
Overnight stay.
Your day begins in Alberobello, a World Heritage Site, where the urban landscape is unique in the world. Walking with a local guide through the cobbled streets of the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, you will find yourself surrounded by hundreds of trulli, the famous dry-stone buildings with conical roofs that are the symbol of the Itria Valley. Each trullo tells an ancient story of rural traditions, architectural ingenuity and popular spirituality, often visible in the mysterious symbols painted on the roofs. Entering one of these buildings, now converted into craft shops or small museums, you will feel the living soul of a past that is still present.
A few minutes away, the bright white of Locorotondo welcomes you with its characteristic “cummerse”, houses with sloping stone roofs, and a historic centre that looks like a stone embroidery overlooking the valley. From its viewpoints, the view stretches over an expanse of trulli, vineyards and olive groves. For the evening, we recommend visiting Cisternino, one of the most charming villages in the Itria Valley. Strolling through the historic centre, among white courtyards and flower-filled balconies, you will breathe in the authentic soul of rural Puglia. Stop at one of the traditional butcher's shops with grills, where you can taste the famous bombette freshly cooked over the fire.
Overnight stay.
After breakfast, head to a traditional farmhouse to take part in a cheese-making workshop. Here you can discover the secrets of artisan cheese production, immersed in an authentic and fascinating environment. During the interactive workshop, you will be guided step by step by master cheesemakers who will share techniques and traditions for making mozzarella and burrata. At the end of the experience, you will have the opportunity to taste the farm's products.
On the way back to the hotel, we suggest visiting Martina Franca with its Baroque soul expressed in the sumptuous noble palaces and richly decorated churches that embellish the historic centre. The artistic heart of the city is the Basilica of San Martino, an extraordinary example of Apulian Baroque, with its sculpted façade and majestic interior. Wrought iron balconies, carved portals and elegant stuccoes tell the story of the golden age of a refined city, nestled in the hilly landscape of the Itria Valley.
In the evening, we recommend visiting Ostuni, the famous “White City”, which stands on three hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea, immersed in a landscape dotted with ancient olive groves and dry-stone walls. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic centre, where the dazzling white of the houses reflects the sun and creates an almost unreal atmosphere. The architecture tells ancient stories: from the majestic Gothic-Latin style Co-Cathedral, with its elegant rose window, to the arches and loggias that connect the noble palaces.
Overnight stay.
After breakfast, head to Bari or Brindisi in time to return your hire car before your flight back home.
