Puglia the “heel” of Italy! Fall 2018
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Join Ellie Leinaweaver As Focus Travel Club Presents
An Exclusive Tour:
Puglia and the Heel of Italy
Leece, Matera, Bari, Vieste & Rome
16 Day Deluxe Custom Tour
$6,149 per person double occupancy
October 1st – October 16th, 2018
Great Included Features
• Round trip economy airfare from Denver
• No-rush sightseeing with expert guides and our Tour Manager.
• Air conditioned, high quality motor coach transportation
• Breakfast each day while on tour
• The fantastic & memorable Focus meals that will delight your gastronomic senses - 8 Dinners and 1 Lunch.
• Hand selected hotels with porter service included
• In depth sightseeing program exclusively designed for Focus
• Sightseeing tours that include Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello, Matera, Altermura, Bari, Vieste, Rome and more!
• Most Gratuities are included
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Focus Travel Club – Puglia and the Heel of Italy
Day 1 – Monday, October 1, 2018:
Depart Denver – Board our overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 – Tuesday, October 2, 2018:
Welcome to Italy! (D)
Say “Ciao” to Italy as you arrive into Bari. A port city on the Adriatic Sea, Bari is the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region. At the airport meet your English-speaking tour escort and through coach, and depart for your hotel in Lecce. This city, with its unique and expressive baroque architecture, impresses as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 3 – Wednesday, October 3, 2018:
Lecce (B)
Your day begins with a panoramic morning walking tour with a local guide. Lecce is also known as the Florence of the south. Known for its baroque architecture it boasts more than 40 churches and as many noble palazzi built or renovated between the 17th and 18th centuries. First, visit Duomo square and walk through the baroque old town. See the exciting façades of Lecce Cathedral and the Church of St. Irene. Next, pass by the Roman Amphitheatre, exemplary of Lecce’s long history. Walk around the perimeter of the horseshoe shaped theater dating back to the second century, with a statue of Sant’Oronzo, the patron saint of Lecce watching over it. Pass through the Sant’Oronzo square and peek in the Basilica of Santa Croce where you will hear about its beautiful architecture and history. The afternoon is free for further exploration in the city. Don’t miss the typical cake of Lecce (Pasticciotto) and the iced coffee with almond syrup – caffe con latte de mandorla – at the Pasticceria Alvino in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. You may want to visit the Castello di Carlo V, Puglia’s largest castle built in the 12th century. The Castle also houses the papier-mâché museum, a talent the city is also famous for! Dinner is under your own arrangements tonight. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 4 – Thursday, October 4, 2018:
Ostuni/Lecce (B, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a day trip to Ostuni, ‘the White City’. Spread over three hills, the white Mediterranean architecture contains levels, staircases, small roads, arches, and reflections of its long history starting in the paleolithic period. You will enjoy locally guided sightseeing including the Piazza della Liberta, walk past Saint Francis Church, see the baroque column of Sainto Oronzo, and stroll around the city. End with entrance to the Gothic Cathedral of Ostuni, where you can admire the detailed sculpture and decoration. Appreciate the Romanic, Gothic and Byzantine elements on its façade and explore the interior. There is free time for lunch (on own) in Ostuni before returning to Lecce for a free afternoon. Dinner is included in Lecce at a local restaurant. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 5 – Friday, October 5, 2018:
Lecce/Alberobello/Matera (B, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for your next destination, Matera. On the way, stop for a short panoramic sightseeing tour with a local guide in Alberobello. Alberobello is a fairytale UNESCO World Heritage town made up of 1500 Trulli, small limestone dwellings with a conical roof. The destination also boasts a trullo church, Chiesa di Sant’Antonio. After free time for lunch (on own), continue on to Matera. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, named the Subterranean city, is potentially the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world; there is much wonder to explore here. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and overnight in Matera.
Day 6- Saturday, October 6, 2018:
Matera (B) Enjoy breakfast at your Matera hotel before embarking on a morning sightseeing tour with a local guide. The ‘Sassi di Matera’, or stones of Matera, are suspected to be some of the oldest human settlements in Italy. The Sassi are houses dug into the rock itself, and many are only caverns. The streets in some parts are located on the rooftops of other houses. Included in your sightseeing of this historical town is entrance to the Casa Grotta a Matera. Glimpse what life was like in old Matera with period furnishings, tools and artifacts. Continue your exploration of the town to the Chiesa Rupestre a Matera – or the Rock Churches of Matera. Visitinside one of these churches where you will be able to explore the interesting architectural decorations, frescoes and learn about the history of the Byzantine and Benedictine monks that settled in the area in the Middle Ages. Your afternoon is at leisure, and dinner is on your own tonight. Make sure to take a look at the Sassi at night – they are lit and are a gorgeous sight. Overnight in Matera.
Day 7- Sunday, October 7, 2018:
Matera/Altamura/Bari (B, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, your next destination is Bari. On your way to Bari, stop in Altamura. Here you will have a locally guided visit where you can see the Altamura Man. Discovered in a cave, the Altamura Man is thought to have been in the cave for over 100,000 years. He was found entombed in the limestone in the cave, and his bones gradually became incorporated into the stalactites of the cave. After, head to a bread tasting; while Altamura is known for the Altamura Man, it is also famous for its bread! References to bread in Altamura reach back to 37 BC, and for centuries families have prepared Pane di Altamura Dop. Enjoy a bread tasting before continuing to Bari. Once you have arrived in Bari, there will be an included dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Bari.
Day 8 – Monday, October 8, 2018:
Bari/Turi/Bari (B, D)
Today, after breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Bari. More urban than Lecce, this town has a busy port and much history. A local guide will show you the highlights of Bari, and a visit to Castel Svevo is included in your sightseeing. Castel Svevo, Bari’s Castle, is an imposing fortress by the sea. Built in the 12th century over the ruins of a Byzantine structure, and built over by more modern leaders, the castle still features two Norman towers as well as the added bastions, corner towers, and more. There will be free time for lunch (on own). After lunch, depart for Turi with your Tour Manager, where you will visit a winery and have a wine tasting. This stone town includes a historic center with narrow lanes, and secret corners. Tonight, enjoy a cooking school experience and dinner with some classics of the area. Overnight in Bari.
Day 9 - Tuesday, October 9, 2018:
Bari/Grotte Castellana/Polignano a Mare/Bari (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing from Bari for the Grotte di Castellana. Enjoy a short visit of the underground system of stalagmites, stalactites, curtains, columns, and precious crystals stretch along the length of the tract. Hear about the myths and the majestically named formations (under a mile walk in the caves). Next, the group will visit Polignano a Mare. Enjoy time for lunch in this seaside town, settled on a cliff. Enjoy a short time for exploring the winding streets and seeing the historical churches (on own). Return to Bari for your overnight. Dinner is under your own arrangements tonight.
Day 10 – Wednesday, October 10, 2018:
Bari/Bisceglie/Trani/Vieste (B, D)
Today you will depart from Bari for Vieste with visits along the way to Bisceglie and Trani. In Bisceglie, a town with a rich history as well as talent for producing wine, olive oil, and furniture. You will be able to visit an olive oil mill and enjoy an olive oil tasting here. Next, proceed to Trani, the ‘Pearl of Puglia’. There will be free time here for lunch (on own) and to explore the Marina or perhaps enter the Cathedral (own expense), its bright white stone contrasting with the blue sea. After free time, arrive in Vieste, today’s destination where you will have dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant. The medieval town of Vieste with its narrow streets and white houses, dominated by a stunning 13th century castle is a delight. It is on the Gargano peninsula – known as the spur of the boot – a rocky promontory in Northern Puglia characterized by white limestone cliffs, crystal green sea, olive trees, medieval castles and picturesque villages and of course, the Trabucchi, old fashioned fishing machines set out on promontories. Overnight in Vieste.
Day 11 – Thursday, October 11, 2018:
Vieste (B)
Your day starts with breakfast at your hotel in Vieste. This town perched atop the Pizzomunno cliffs, between two beaches, features an old town, an 11th century cathedral, and a 13th century castle. Today, explore one of the highlights of the region: Monte Sant’Angelo, with a local guide. Discover the town and view the beautiful sights of the area – you will observe the Junno district, built in the 6th century, the castle, and the sanctuaries on this panoramic tour. There will be some free time in Mont Sant’Angelo for continued exploration on your own before returning to Vieste for your night. Dinner is under your own arrangements.
Day 12 – Friday, October 12, 2018:
Vieste (B, D)
Breakfast is served at your Vieste hotel before a panoramic tour of the coastline with a local guide. The coast surrounding the expansive Promontory of Gargano seems to be permanently bathed in a pink-hued, pearly light in contrast to the sea. You will see white limestone cliffs, fairy-tale grottoes, sparkling sea, ancient forests, and rare orchids. Stop in charming villages including Peschici, Rodi Garganico and Lago di Varano. Return to Vieste for free time before dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Vieste.
Day 13 - Saturday, October 13, 2018: Vieste/Vasto/Rome (B, L) Today you will transfer with your tour escort and through coach to Rome, with a stop in Vasto. Enjoy 3-hour sightseeing tour with a local guide of the seaside city. You will see the medieval old center of the town dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. View the various churches, mansions, and Roman excavations. Next, you will be able to enter Palazzo Avalos. The Palace features renaissance architecture from the 16th century and was built on pre-existing Roman and early medieval building remains. Learn about the history of the city and the territory inside. After an included lunch at a local restaurant in Vasto, proceed to Rome. Overnight in Rome with dinner under your own arrangements.
Day 14 - Sunday, October 14, 2018:
Rome/Tivoli/Rome (B)
Start your day with breakfast at your Rome hotel. Sightseeing begins in the morning with a trip to Tivoli with a local coach and guide. This summer retreat for ancient Romans and the Renaissance wealthy, this hilltop town is home to two UNESCO Heritage Sites. Visit one, Adrian’s Villa (also known as Hadrian’s Villa) with a local guide. See the incredible ruins, gardens, fountains, thermal baths and more while learning about the history of the villa. The former holiday home of Emperor Hadrian, the villa was built in the 2nd century AD. Return to Rome and have the balance of the day to explore the city. Dinner is under your own arrangements.
Day 15 – Monday, October 15, 2018:
Rome (B/D)
Breakfast is at your hotel before enjoying a sightseeing tour on your final full day in Rome. Along with a local coach and guide, spend this morning in the sovereign city-state of the Vatican City. Covering 108.7 acres of land, it is the smallest independent nation in the world. Your tour begins with a guided visit to the treasures of the Vatican Museums, including Raphael’s Rooms and the famous frescoes of the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo's paintings have inspired worshippers for centuries. Afterward visit the magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica for a guided tour with audio headsets to learn of its history and importance. The remainder of your tour will cover some of the main highlights of Rome on a panoramic coach drive. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Rome. Overnight in Rome.
Day 16 – Tuesday, October 16, 2018:
Depart Rome (B)
This morning we will board our local coach along with our tour manager and transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Day 1 – Monday, October 1, 2018:
Depart Denver – Board our overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 – Tuesday, October 2, 2018:
Welcome to Italy! (D)
Say “Ciao” to Italy as you arrive into Bari. A port city on the Adriatic Sea, Bari is the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region. At the airport meet your English-speaking tour escort and through coach, and depart for your hotel in Lecce. This city, with its unique and expressive baroque architecture, impresses as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 3 – Wednesday, October 3, 2018:
Lecce (B)
Your day begins with a panoramic morning walking tour with a local guide. Lecce is also known as the Florence of the south. Known for its baroque architecture it boasts more than 40 churches and as many noble palazzi built or renovated between the 17th and 18th centuries. First, visit Duomo square and walk through the baroque old town. See the exciting façades of Lecce Cathedral and the Church of St. Irene. Next, pass by the Roman Amphitheatre, exemplary of Lecce’s long history. Walk around the perimeter of the horseshoe shaped theater dating back to the second century, with a statue of Sant’Oronzo, the patron saint of Lecce watching over it. Pass through the Sant’Oronzo square and peek in the Basilica of Santa Croce where you will hear about its beautiful architecture and history. The afternoon is free for further exploration in the city. Don’t miss the typical cake of Lecce (Pasticciotto) and the iced coffee with almond syrup – caffe con latte de mandorla – at the Pasticceria Alvino in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. You may want to visit the Castello di Carlo V, Puglia’s largest castle built in the 12th century. The Castle also houses the papier-mâché museum, a talent the city is also famous for! Dinner is under your own arrangements tonight. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 4 – Thursday, October 4, 2018:
Ostuni/Lecce (B, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a day trip to Ostuni, ‘the White City’. Spread over three hills, the white Mediterranean architecture contains levels, staircases, small roads, arches, and reflections of its long history starting in the paleolithic period. You will enjoy locally guided sightseeing including the Piazza della Liberta, walk past Saint Francis Church, see the baroque column of Sainto Oronzo, and stroll around the city. End with entrance to the Gothic Cathedral of Ostuni, where you can admire the detailed sculpture and decoration. Appreciate the Romanic, Gothic and Byzantine elements on its façade and explore the interior. There is free time for lunch (on own) in Ostuni before returning to Lecce for a free afternoon. Dinner is included in Lecce at a local restaurant. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 5 – Friday, October 5, 2018:
Lecce/Alberobello/Matera (B, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for your next destination, Matera. On the way, stop for a short panoramic sightseeing tour with a local guide in Alberobello. Alberobello is a fairytale UNESCO World Heritage town made up of 1500 Trulli, small limestone dwellings with a conical roof. The destination also boasts a trullo church, Chiesa di Sant’Antonio. After free time for lunch (on own), continue on to Matera. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, named the Subterranean city, is potentially the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world; there is much wonder to explore here. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and overnight in Matera.
Day 6- Saturday, October 6, 2018:
Matera (B) Enjoy breakfast at your Matera hotel before embarking on a morning sightseeing tour with a local guide. The ‘Sassi di Matera’, or stones of Matera, are suspected to be some of the oldest human settlements in Italy. The Sassi are houses dug into the rock itself, and many are only caverns. The streets in some parts are located on the rooftops of other houses. Included in your sightseeing of this historical town is entrance to the Casa Grotta a Matera. Glimpse what life was like in old Matera with period furnishings, tools and artifacts. Continue your exploration of the town to the Chiesa Rupestre a Matera – or the Rock Churches of Matera. Visitinside one of these churches where you will be able to explore the interesting architectural decorations, frescoes and learn about the history of the Byzantine and Benedictine monks that settled in the area in the Middle Ages. Your afternoon is at leisure, and dinner is on your own tonight. Make sure to take a look at the Sassi at night – they are lit and are a gorgeous sight. Overnight in Matera.
Day 7- Sunday, October 7, 2018:
Matera/Altamura/Bari (B, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, your next destination is Bari. On your way to Bari, stop in Altamura. Here you will have a locally guided visit where you can see the Altamura Man. Discovered in a cave, the Altamura Man is thought to have been in the cave for over 100,000 years. He was found entombed in the limestone in the cave, and his bones gradually became incorporated into the stalactites of the cave. After, head to a bread tasting; while Altamura is known for the Altamura Man, it is also famous for its bread! References to bread in Altamura reach back to 37 BC, and for centuries families have prepared Pane di Altamura Dop. Enjoy a bread tasting before continuing to Bari. Once you have arrived in Bari, there will be an included dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Bari.
Day 8 – Monday, October 8, 2018:
Bari/Turi/Bari (B, D)
Today, after breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Bari. More urban than Lecce, this town has a busy port and much history. A local guide will show you the highlights of Bari, and a visit to Castel Svevo is included in your sightseeing. Castel Svevo, Bari’s Castle, is an imposing fortress by the sea. Built in the 12th century over the ruins of a Byzantine structure, and built over by more modern leaders, the castle still features two Norman towers as well as the added bastions, corner towers, and more. There will be free time for lunch (on own). After lunch, depart for Turi with your Tour Manager, where you will visit a winery and have a wine tasting. This stone town includes a historic center with narrow lanes, and secret corners. Tonight, enjoy a cooking school experience and dinner with some classics of the area. Overnight in Bari.
Day 9 - Tuesday, October 9, 2018:
Bari/Grotte Castellana/Polignano a Mare/Bari (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing from Bari for the Grotte di Castellana. Enjoy a short visit of the underground system of stalagmites, stalactites, curtains, columns, and precious crystals stretch along the length of the tract. Hear about the myths and the majestically named formations (under a mile walk in the caves). Next, the group will visit Polignano a Mare. Enjoy time for lunch in this seaside town, settled on a cliff. Enjoy a short time for exploring the winding streets and seeing the historical churches (on own). Return to Bari for your overnight. Dinner is under your own arrangements tonight.
Day 10 – Wednesday, October 10, 2018:
Bari/Bisceglie/Trani/Vieste (B, D)
Today you will depart from Bari for Vieste with visits along the way to Bisceglie and Trani. In Bisceglie, a town with a rich history as well as talent for producing wine, olive oil, and furniture. You will be able to visit an olive oil mill and enjoy an olive oil tasting here. Next, proceed to Trani, the ‘Pearl of Puglia’. There will be free time here for lunch (on own) and to explore the Marina or perhaps enter the Cathedral (own expense), its bright white stone contrasting with the blue sea. After free time, arrive in Vieste, today’s destination where you will have dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant. The medieval town of Vieste with its narrow streets and white houses, dominated by a stunning 13th century castle is a delight. It is on the Gargano peninsula – known as the spur of the boot – a rocky promontory in Northern Puglia characterized by white limestone cliffs, crystal green sea, olive trees, medieval castles and picturesque villages and of course, the Trabucchi, old fashioned fishing machines set out on promontories. Overnight in Vieste.
Day 11 – Thursday, October 11, 2018:
Vieste (B)
Your day starts with breakfast at your hotel in Vieste. This town perched atop the Pizzomunno cliffs, between two beaches, features an old town, an 11th century cathedral, and a 13th century castle. Today, explore one of the highlights of the region: Monte Sant’Angelo, with a local guide. Discover the town and view the beautiful sights of the area – you will observe the Junno district, built in the 6th century, the castle, and the sanctuaries on this panoramic tour. There will be some free time in Mont Sant’Angelo for continued exploration on your own before returning to Vieste for your night. Dinner is under your own arrangements.
Day 12 – Friday, October 12, 2018:
Vieste (B, D)
Breakfast is served at your Vieste hotel before a panoramic tour of the coastline with a local guide. The coast surrounding the expansive Promontory of Gargano seems to be permanently bathed in a pink-hued, pearly light in contrast to the sea. You will see white limestone cliffs, fairy-tale grottoes, sparkling sea, ancient forests, and rare orchids. Stop in charming villages including Peschici, Rodi Garganico and Lago di Varano. Return to Vieste for free time before dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Vieste.
Day 13 - Saturday, October 13, 2018: Vieste/Vasto/Rome (B, L) Today you will transfer with your tour escort and through coach to Rome, with a stop in Vasto. Enjoy 3-hour sightseeing tour with a local guide of the seaside city. You will see the medieval old center of the town dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. View the various churches, mansions, and Roman excavations. Next, you will be able to enter Palazzo Avalos. The Palace features renaissance architecture from the 16th century and was built on pre-existing Roman and early medieval building remains. Learn about the history of the city and the territory inside. After an included lunch at a local restaurant in Vasto, proceed to Rome. Overnight in Rome with dinner under your own arrangements.
Day 14 - Sunday, October 14, 2018:
Rome/Tivoli/Rome (B)
Start your day with breakfast at your Rome hotel. Sightseeing begins in the morning with a trip to Tivoli with a local coach and guide. This summer retreat for ancient Romans and the Renaissance wealthy, this hilltop town is home to two UNESCO Heritage Sites. Visit one, Adrian’s Villa (also known as Hadrian’s Villa) with a local guide. See the incredible ruins, gardens, fountains, thermal baths and more while learning about the history of the villa. The former holiday home of Emperor Hadrian, the villa was built in the 2nd century AD. Return to Rome and have the balance of the day to explore the city. Dinner is under your own arrangements.
Day 15 – Monday, October 15, 2018:
Rome (B/D)
Breakfast is at your hotel before enjoying a sightseeing tour on your final full day in Rome. Along with a local coach and guide, spend this morning in the sovereign city-state of the Vatican City. Covering 108.7 acres of land, it is the smallest independent nation in the world. Your tour begins with a guided visit to the treasures of the Vatican Museums, including Raphael’s Rooms and the famous frescoes of the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo's paintings have inspired worshippers for centuries. Afterward visit the magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica for a guided tour with audio headsets to learn of its history and importance. The remainder of your tour will cover some of the main highlights of Rome on a panoramic coach drive. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Rome. Overnight in Rome.
Day 16 – Tuesday, October 16, 2018:
Depart Rome (B)
This morning we will board our local coach along with our tour manager and transfer to the airport for our flight home.