The Wonders of Apulia

Arrival in Bari or Brindisi by plane or train (not included in the package). Upon arrival at the airport or train station, pick up your rental car and drive to the Ecoluxury Retreat Ddo Relais di Puglia. 

Arrival at the hotel and free time to enjoy the facilities.

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 that you can admire on a boat tour. Here, the historic center tells centuries of history: a maze of cobbled streets, ancient arches, and panoramic terraces overlooking an endless blue sea. As you stroll around, you will discover medieval churches such as the Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria Assunta and sights dedicated to the famous singer Domenico Modugno, who was born here. Don't miss out on tasting the famous “Caffè Speciale,” which is prepared only here according to an ancient recipe, and visiting the famous Lama Monachile beach, an iconic cove nestled between two rocky walls.

Continuing towards Monopoli, a few kilometers away, the landscape opens up to centuries-old olive groves and a rugged coastline dotted with sandy coves. Its historic center, built on ancient Messapian and Roman ruins, retains the charm of a fortified city, with walls, ramparts, and the majestic Castello Carlo V overlooking the sea. Here, every corner smells of history and the Mediterranean, with white stone, crystal clear sea, and authentic flavors 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 transformed into artisan workshops 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 center that looks like stone embroidery overlooking the valley. From its belvederes, 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 center, among white courtyards and flower-filled balconies, you will breathe in the authentic soul of rural Puglia. Stop at one of the traditional butcher shops with grills, where you can taste the famous bombette freshly cooked over the fire.

Overnight stay.

On this day, we recommend spending a day at the beach in the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, an unspoiled corner of Puglia where nature, sea, and history come together in perfect harmony. Here, long golden beaches alternate with rocky coves and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and observing the rich marine fauna.

The transparent turquoise waters, ideal for snorkelling and diving, offer sandy seabed and Posidonia oceanica meadows, essential for the marine ecosystem. The golden beaches of Torre Guaceto stretch along the reserve, surrounded by sand dunes and Mediterranean scrub, creating scenes of rare beauty.

 If the beach is not for you but you are looking for a day of sport, behind the coastline there is a mosaic of dunes, wetlands, centuries-old olive groves, and paths immersed in Mediterranean scrub, perfect for hiking or cycling. Dominated by the ancient 16th-century Aragonese tower from which it takes its name, the reserve is home to unique and protected habitats populated by rare and migratory species.

Overnight stay.

After breakfast, head to a traditional farmhouse to take part in a cheese-making workshop. Here you can discover the secrets of artisanal 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 center. 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, surrounded by a landscape dotted with ancient olive groves and dry-stone walls. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center, 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.

About an hour's drive from your relais is the magnificent city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour of Matera is an exciting journey into the heart of history and stone. It starts from the famous Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where houses carved into the rock climb up the slopes like a living nativity scene.

Walking through the winding alleys of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, you will discover frescoed rock churches and peasant dwellings that have remained intact over time. The guide recounts the hard but ingenious life that took place here until a few decades ago, revealing a world suspended between ancient civilizations and cultural rebirth.

At the end of the tour, you will have free time to continue exploring this unique city: you can visit the Palombaro Lungo, an ancient cistern dug under the city for water supply, or simply lose yourself in the Sassi. Don't miss a stop at one of the city's bakeries to taste Matera's DOP bread.

After a day of sightseeing, return to the hotel for the night.

Today is yours to spend at your leisure.

You can immerse yourself in the countryside of the Itria Valley by taking a ride on one of the many bike paths in the area with e-bikes, relax in the spa at your resort, or spend a relaxing day at one of the beaches on the Adriatic coast.

Overnight stay.

After breakfast, head to Bari or Brindisi in time to return your rental car before your journey back home.