Delve deeper into Puglia on this captivating all-inclusive holiday, uncovering its labyrinthine ports, white-washed villages and ancient cave dwellings

Your holiday begins at London Gatwick, where you meet the Tour Manager and travel group before flying direct to Bari. On arrival, we transfer to our waterfront hotel in the charming coastal village of Torre Canne.

Located just next to a thermal bath spa- the Terme di Torre Canne - our resort hotel boasts a beachfront location on the edge of the Valle d'Itri, known for its natural beauty. As well as access to the idyllic private beach, guests can make use of the indoor and outdoor thermal swimming pools.

After checking in, we are treated to a welcome drink before sitting down to dinner together at our hotel, with drinks included. On this all-inclusive holiday, selected drinks are included from 10am-10pm each day at the hotel.

Puglia boasts picture-perfect landscapes of vineyards and olive groves complemented by beautiful towns and, today, we discover some of the region's most impressive. First, we visit the circular town of Locorotondo, renowned for its sparkling white spumante wine. Here, you have free time to wander the peaceful labyrinthine streets of the historic centre, exploring among whitewashed buildings and stone churches.   

We continue to nearby Martina Franca, where there's also time to explore this lesser-known gem of the area. In the heart of the historic old town, the picturesque lanes are filled with captivating Baroque architecture including the majestic, sandy-coloured St Martin's Basilica on the main square.   

Returning to our hotel for lunch this afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could grab a drink at one of the on-site restaurants or head to the Terme di Torre Canne to soak in the rejuvenating, mineral-rich thermal waters. However you spend your afternoon, this evening we gather for dinner with drinks at the hotel.

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Fasano Station to board a train to Lecce. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of this city known for its Baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque buildings, attractive squares and leafy lanes.  

With its elaborate architecture and winding alleys, Lecce has been dubbed 'the Florence of the South'. The main square, Piazza del Duomo, sits in the shadow of Lecce's cathedral and its bell tower. Our tour ends at a traditional café, where we sample a Leccese coffee, made with almond milk and poured over ice, with 'pasticciotto' - a southern Puglian pastry filled with custard or ricotta. 

  With a free afternoon to continue exploring, you could enjoy your picnic lunch near Piazza Sant'Oronzo in view of the Roman amphitheatre - a partially buried archaeological treasure excavated in 1938. The streets are lined with cafés, bars, restaurants and shops offering local products such as olive oil, wine and ceramics. Later, we return by train to Fasano, then transfer by coach to our hotel in time for dinner and drinks. 

With a day at leisure, you could choose to relax at one of the hotel's pools or on its private beach, spending a peaceful day soaking up the Italian sunshine. 

  Lunch is available at the hotel, after which you may like to hire a taxi or ride a shuttle bus to Monopoli. In the town's charming old quarter is a Baroque cathedral, pretty houses and faded stone palaces. The town respects siesta time, but the colourful, flower-filled streets become livelier in the late afternoon when artisan craft shops, small boutiques and specialist grocery stores reopen. 

  Monopoli's Old Port is overlooked by a 16th-century fortress castle, and its striking whitewashed houses contrast with the translucent blue Adriatic. You could enjoy this peaceful scene from a harbour café in the afternoon. The fishing harbour comes to life at dusk and dawn when wooden fishing boats cast off and fishermen return with their catches. You can return to our hotel at leisure to enjoy dinner with drinks this evening. 

This morning, we travel by train through the countryside to Bari, Puglia's capital and a city overflowing with cultural charms.

Bari's long history as a trading port is explored on a guided tour of the old town, tucked on a headland edging into the Adriatic Sea. Home to the 11th-century Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola and a Swabian Castle, along with stunning grand piazzas, we're transported back in time as we hear stories of this former Roman and Byzantine port city.   

Afterwards, you're free to continue sightseeing at your own pace. Maybe visit one of the Old Town's many museums or enjoy your picnic lunch on the long seafront promenade, which has views of the city walls and the crystalline sea. You might also like to sample the city's thriving street food or relax at a stylish bar or alfresco café with a glass of local wine. We return to our hotel by train and coach in the late afternoon, ready for dinner this evening. 

This morning brings a highlight of the holiday with an excursion to Matera. We leave Puglia by coach this morning to travel to this spectacular town in neighbouring Basilicata. Rugged, hilltop Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its ancient sassi cave dwellings dug deep into the cliffside. This fascinating destination has been a favoured filming location for decades and is featured in the James Bond film 'No Time to Die'. 

  After a short break on arrival, our guided tour takes us through the maze of winding streets and fascinating Palaeolithic-era abodes, some of which were inhabited until the 1950s. Matera has flourished in recent years, being named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, and there are many boutiques, craft shops, bars and cafés to discover during your free time.   

After enjoying your picnic lunch while taking in beautiful views, you could also explore the newer part of Matera, where stalls and shops sell delicious local produce. Later this afternoon, we return by coach to our coastal hotel for dinner and drinks. 

After breakfast, we travel by coach to the town of Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed limestone trulli houses. These curious cone-shaped homes date to the 14th century and are one of Puglia's must-see attractions. Originally built without mortar so they could be quickly dismantled and easily rebuilt - which allowed occupants to evade tax collectors - trulli houses are now emblematic of the region. 

  Free time to explore allows you to step back in time to an almost forgotten era of Italy, admiring the delightful, whitewashed stone houses, which spread out towards the surrounding hillsides. 

  We return to our all-inclusive hotel in time for lunch, after which the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may like to spend a free afternoon relaxing by the pool or on the private beach admiring the coastal views stretching out for miles before our final dinner in Italy this evening. 

Beauty and history collide in southern Italy, and this last week has been a showcase of both. We admired glittering scenes of the Adriatic from our base in the quiet village of Torre Canne and toured timeless towns like hilltop Locorotondo and historic Martina Franca. From savouring local delicacies in Lecce to discovering historic structures, including sassi and trulli houses in Matera and Alberobello, each day has offered a new version of Puglia.  

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel this morning before we transfer by coach to Bari airport for our return flight to London Gatwick or Manchester, where your holiday comes to a close.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Surrounded by palm tree-filled parklands and a stone's throw from an expansive sandy beach, this 4-star resort offers ultimate relaxation on Puglia's spectacular coast. The hotel offers internal access to the neighbouring thermal spa, where guests can soak in the mineral-rich waters, as well as an outdoor pool and private beach on the crystal-clear Adriatic. The two on-site restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes, including traditional Pugliese cuisine, and guests can dine with ocean views on the shaded patio. The recently renovated guest rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, and minibar.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.