Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
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Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA COASTS AND VILLAGES OF THE ITALIAN HEEL | 8 DAYS May 11-18, 2019 September 21-28, 2019 TRIP ITINERARY 1.800.941.8010 | www.boundlessjourneys.com
How we deliver THE WORLD’S GREAT ADVENTURES A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of like- infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our minded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls, group size is just 8–10 guests, allowing us access to and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group. remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so connect you with the very best qualities of each destination. that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand- exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey crafted journeys have received accolades from the to fulfill your travel dreams. world’s most revered travel publications. Beginning from Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble our appreciation for the world’s most breathtaking and finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone? souls and enliven our minds. Whether you are looking for There is no request that is too big—or too small—for our a challenging physical expedition or a leisurely cultural staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through exploration, Boundless Journeys has exceptional itineraries choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your to match your sense of adventure. adventure, and hold your hand until you return home. Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider, and our expert local guides will open doors for you that other travelers miss, like dinner with their extended family in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or meeting an art scholar in Florence. Relationships developed over many years allow you to experience our destinations through a well-connected friend. Multi-year recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Tour Operator”; and recognized by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth. 2 Boundless Journeys © 2019
Italy | DISCOVERING PUGLIA Thank you for your interest in this fantastic journey to Italy’s Puglia region. We TOUR OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 have hand-crafted this tour from our own experience and hope you fall in love with the area—as we have! THE JOURNEY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ACCOMMODATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS JOURNEY WHAT TO EXPECT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 We love Italy—the scents, flavors, scenery, and the people. The landscapes OUR GUIDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 are soul-stirring, with sweeping vistas of vineyard-cloaked hills, stately cypress trees, and gnarled olive groves grounded in red earth. NEXT STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Puglia region, located in the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its unique BOUNDLESS BEYOND. . . . . . . . . . . . 14 whitewashed architecture in seaside towns, lack of tourists, and farmland that cascades into coastlines. It is a place where the union of art, food, and nature has been celebrated for thousands of years, in a region that has endured numerous wars, invasions, and dozens of civilizations—all of which have left their mark on the land and culture. Join us as we venture to this western “gateway to the East” and explore a lesser-known side of Italy the crowds have yet to find. HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the unique architecture and villages of the Italian heel. • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Alberobello and Matera. • Explore the region on foot, including walks along the Adriatic coast, through olive groves, and on the cobbled streets of historic towns. • Savor delicious cuisine and delve further into local gastronomy with a cooking class, olive oil tasting, and cheese tour. 800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 3
TOUR OVERVIEW THE BASICS Duration: 8 day trip Tour start: Bari, Italy Tour end: Bari, Italy Accommodations: 7 nights in 4-star boutique hotels Trip rating: 1 2 3 4 5 Easy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strenuous (See page 10 for more information) Land cost: $4,995 per person Single Supplement: First one reserved on each departure: $200 (Must reserve at least 120 days ahead) Additional: $700 (limited availability) WHAT’S INCLUDED Just pack your bags—we’ve got you covered! When you’re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes: • Expert leadership • All accommodations • All meals as noted except dinner on Day 3 • All activities as noted in the itinerary • Local wine and beer with included dinners • Group transfer to Lecce on Day 1 and to the airport on Day 8, and all transportation while on tour • All gratuities except for those for your guide(s) and driver, which are at your discretion International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please contact Boundless Journeys directly at 1.800.941.8010 for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs. 4 Boundless Journeys © 2019
ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE DAY 1 DAY 5 Group transfer from the Oriente Hotel in Bari to Lecce See the beautiful Parco Dune Reserve on foot today, (approximate 2-hour drive time), where we’ll check into walking along an ancient Roman road surrounded by our hotel and have a brief orientation with our guide before olive trees. Learn how farmers produce cheese using a tonight’s welcome dinner. 500-year-old recipe. Visit a nearby wetland and meet the local fishermen. Enjoy time relaxing on the beach before DAY 2 our return to Ostuni. Cooking class this morning to learn about local cuisine. Guided walking tour of Lecce to discover its beautiful DAY 6 Baroque architecture, often referred to as the “Florence of Guided walk through the Grotte di Castellana, a large southern Italy.” complex of caves known for beautiful stalagmites and stalactites in a limestone plateau. Afternoon transfer to DAY 3 Alberobello for a winery visit and tasting before settling in to Day in Otranto, touring the medieval historic town, its an authentic trullo house. Spanish castle, and cathedral. Walk along the coast to view the famous Salento coves, take a dip in the Adriatic Sea, DAY 7 and visit a lighthouse before returning to Lecce for dinner Day trip to Matera for a guided walk of the Sassi district. this evening. Free afternoon to explore independently before returning to Alberobello for our farewell celebratory dinner. DAY 4 Visit a typical “masseria” to learn about this traditional style DAY 8 of architecture, then tour an ancient underground olive oil Group transport to Bari Airport after breakfast. mill and enjoy a tasting. Explore “the White City” of Ostuni independently until dinner together this evening. 800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 5
THE JOURNEY about the history and culture of this “Florence of the South” DAY 1: Arrival and Transfer to Lecce as we stroll through piazzas, admiring ornate stonework full Activity Overview: 2 hours drive time of allegorical meaning. Dinner will be together this evening. Welcome to Puglia! We meet our guide at 2 p.m. in the Accommodation: Le Club Boutique Hotel, Lecce lobby of the Hotel Oriente, centrally located in downtown Meals: B, L, D Bari. We then drive approximately two hours, south along the Mediterranean coast, toward the tip of Italy’s “heel” and the city of Lecce. Upon arrival, we check-in to our hotel and DAY 3: Otranto and the Adriatic Sea have a brief orientation meeting with our guide followed Activity Overview: Walking on country roads, trails, and by dinner together this evening, where we toast to our along the coast adventures to come! Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 3-5 hours, about 7 miles Accommodation: Le Club Boutique Hotel, Lecce Meals: D Today begins with a guided exploration of another iconic town in Puglia—Otranto. Teeming with history, Otranto lies at the easternmost point of Italy on the Adriatic Sea— DAY 2: Lecce historically, a prime location for a port during the expansion Activity Overview: Walking on city streets of global trade, but which also left it susceptible to attack Activity Level: Easy by foreign seafarers. We hear tales of conquest as we Activity Length: 2-4 hours, about 3 miles walk through the streets of this medieval old town, tour the Spanish castle, and visit the Otranto Cathedral—known for After breakfast this morning, we dive into our first experience its enormous 12th-century “Tree of Life” floor mosaic. of regional gastronomy. We begin with a visit to a local market, where we learn about and select seasonal produce. From here, we head to the coast for an easy walk along the We then set off for our cooking class, where we have the coves and creeks for which Salento is famous, and perhaps opportunity to create a full meal typical of the Puglia region, take a dip in the Adriatic Sea if the weather is warm. En from appetizer to dessert. We reap the benefits of our efforts route back to Lecce, we stop for a short walk to see the this afternoon, enjoying our meal with a well-deserved glass hidden Palascia lighthouse, high on a cliff with views of the of wine. sea all around. Later this afternoon, we meet our local guide for a walking Arriving back in Lecce, the evening is yours to relax, explore, tour of Lecce. Known for its dazzling array of Baroque and dine at your leisure. architecture, Lecce also has deep roots in Greek culture, a Accommodation: Le Club Boutique Hotel, Lecce long history of traditional papier-mâché craft, and the lively Meals: B, L ambience that accompanies a university town. We learn 6 Boundless Journeys © 2019
DAY 4: Ostuni DAY 5: Parco Dune Natural Reserve Activity Overview: Walking on city streets Activity Overview: Walking on country roads and trails Activity Level: Easy Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 3 hours Activity Length: 4-5 hours, up to 6 miles Our destination this morning is Ostuni, often called la We begin today with a short drive toward the coast, our Città Bianca, or “the White City,” for bright, whitewashed destination is a natural dune reserve that we explore on foot. building walls. Originally painted with lime to brighten the Our guide leads us on a walk along an ancient Roman road dark medieval alleys, the white walls also kept the interior surrounded by olive trees, some of which are thousands of temperature of buildings cool. In later centuries, the practice years old! Along our route, we stop at a masseria, where continued during epidemics to quell the spread of disease. local farmers tell us how they produce a traditional style of cheese using a 500-year-old recipe. Our first visit is a typical masseria, a farmhouse located on an expanse of land that was traditionally used for agriculture. After lunch, we visit a nearby wetland, and meet fishermen These were often owned by wealthy barons, and showcase who work in the area. We enjoy the beach, perhaps taking an architectural style that is a hybrid of rustic country living a walk or relaxing in the sun, before our return to Ostuni for and the elegance demanded by the noblemen who built dinner and leisure time this evening. them. We’ll tour their ancient underground olive oil mill and Accommodation: Masseria Valente, Ostuni taste the farm’s current products. Meals: B, L, D This afternoon, we have time to settle in to our accommodations and independently explore the crooked DAY 6: Alberobello streets of Ostuni. The uniform white color catches the Activity Overview: Walking on paths and stairs colorful light of dawn and dusk, and it is a delight to get Activity Level: Easy lost in the labyrinth of narrow passages. From the pinnacle Activity Length: 2-3 hours, about 2 miles above town, take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and Adriatic coast. Perhaps enjoy an apéritif This morning we transfer to a large complex of caves set in before wending back through the maze, where we meet to a limestone plateau known as Grotte di Castellana. A guide dine together this evening. leads us through this otherworldly underground cavern; along our walk, we learn about its wide array of stalagmites Accommodation: Masseria Valente, Ostuni and stalactites, fossils and formations—millions of years Meals: B, L, D old! 800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 7
In the afternoon, we head deeper into the beautiful Itria their livestock in cave dwellings that lacked running water Valley to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or power. This led to a near-constant outbreak of malaria known for its trulli. A trullo house is a dry, stone dwelling with and other diseases, and the area was often referred to as a conical roof—a style of architecture completely unique to “Italy’s shame.” The city began to modernize in the mid-20th towns in this valley, with some structures dating back to the century, when the government demanded inhabitants move 14th century. out of the grottoes and into newer buildings. Today, the revitalized Sassi district showcases a well-preserved living Upon arrival in Alberobello, we stop to visit a family-owned history, with some former cave dwellings now operating as winery, where we learn about the local viticulture and restaurants and inns. wine production of this region. Of course, as we continue our adventure in Puglian gastronomy, we will have the We have the afternoon free to explore independently before opportunity to taste a selection of their wines. returning to Alberobello. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner and celebrate our successful journey! Our accommodations this evening are in an authentic trullo Accommodations: Trulli Holiday or Le Alcove, Alberobello house in the historic center of town. Meals: B, L, D Accommodations: Trulli Holiday or Le Alcove, Alberobello Meals: B, L, D DAY 8: Departure Today we say arrivederci to Puglia! A group transfer to Bari DAY 7: Matera Airport will be provided after breakfast. Activity Overview: Walking on cobblestone streets Meals: B Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 2-3 hours We drive inland approximately one hour this morning to PLEASE NOTE: This is a typical itinerary, and actual Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage town located in the activities may vary to take advantage of weather Basilicata region. Set on the edge of a ravine, Matera is conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to one of the oldest cities in Italy, and has been inhabited play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are continuously since the Paleolithic Era. Here, we have a as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the guided walk of the Sassi district, known for its homes carved right to change these should the need arise. See our out of the limestone caves and cliffs. Formerly, the area was booking terms and conditions for more information one of Italy’s poorest, with entire families living alongside about our change policy. 8 Boundless Journeys © 2019
ACCOMMODATIONS NIGHTS 1, 2, & 3 Le Club Boutique Hotel 2 Via Regina Isabella Lecce, Italy Tel: +39-0832-246044 | info@leclublecce.com www.leclublecce.com Set in the heart of Old Town, Le Club Boutique Hotel offers a prime location for exploring the best of Lecce while enjoying four-star amenities and service. NIGHTS 4 & 5 Masseria Valente SP 21 Contrada Valente Ostuni, Italy Tel: +39-0831-1593048 | info@masseriavalente.it www.masseriavalente.it This 18th-century typical farmhouse is set in a large garden and is located mid-way between Ostuni and the coast. Relax and enjoy quintessential Italian countryside, the onsite pool and veranda, and well-appointed rooms. NIGHTS 6 & 7 (MAY DEPARTURE) Le Alcove 7 Piazza Ferdinando IV Alberobello, Italy Tel: +39-080-4323754 | info@lealcove.it www.lealcove.it Ideally-located in the main square of Alberobello, Le Alcove offers an opportunity to spend an evening in a carefully restored trulli house. Each room offers its own unique decor and ambience, but all interiors are cozy and luxurious. NIGHTS 6 & 7 (SEPTEMBER DEPARTURE) Trulli Holiday 1 Piazza A. Curri Alberobello, Italy Tel: +39-080-4325970 | info@trulliholiday.com www.trulliholiday.com This unique accommodation offers guests an opportunity to spend the night in an authentic trulli house, a traditional style of architecture in the Itria Valley. Rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated to accentuate the rustic-chic interior. 800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 9
WHAT TO EXPECT TRIP RATING are average temperatures in the region during the spring Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and and fall: flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ºF (HIGH/LOW adventure and a positive attitude. Italy: Discovering Puglia MAY SEPT is rated 2, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most Bari 72/55 78/61 strenuous). It features walks of varying lengths and easy -to- Otranto 68/55 75/64 moderate difficulty that average 3-6 hours per day. Walks on this tour will be on varying terrain, including cobblestone You may obtain more detailed weather information at www. streets in and around villages and some dirt roads and weatherbase.com. trails. Walks are broken up by rest, cultural activities, and meals. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for descriptions WHEN TO GO of the activities on each day of the trip. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall take advantage of warm weather while avoiding the crowds PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP of (often Italian!) tourists who flock to Puglia in July and It is very important that you realistically assess your August. Day time temperatures during May and September physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. are usually warm enough to swim, but still cool enough for The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more comfortable walking. Springtime sees colorful wildflowers you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest in bloom, cascading over stone garden walls. In the fall, that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities vineyards burst with purple grapes as the harvest begins. (such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30- 45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the TRAVELER’S RESPONSIBILITY trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes capability (consult your doctor before undertaking any new understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and regarding your physical match with this tour. abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. WEATHER In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing The weather in late spring and early fall is usually very for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the 60s to the upper 80s, dropping to the 50s and 60s at night. trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation While these months are not in Italy’s “rainy season,” there may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip can be cool breezes or showers at any time. The following participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty 10 Boundless Journeys © 2019
level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers. Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when SMALL GROUP TRAVEL they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the about TAP’s efforts at www.travelersagainstplastic.org. most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 8-12 guests. The nature CUISINE of active group travel is such that not all participants have Italy is famous for its cuisine, and with good reason. the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that Located in the heel of Italy’s “boot,” Puglia is a traditional is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility agricultural region, known for homestyle, country-inspired and adventure, are all part of this shared experience. cuisine. Local wheat, tomatoes, artichokes, beans, fennel, peppers, onions, beef, and lamb are commonly found in DRINKS WITH MEALS many dishes. Puglians pride themselves on their pasta, At Boundless Journeys we believe group dinners are a time orecchiette, shaped like little shells and usually served to celebrate our day, while enjoying the best of local cuisine, with meat and vegetable-based sauces. Puglian pasta is and good company. In keeping with this spirit, we typically traditionally made only from durum wheat flour, water, and include local beer and wine with group dinners. If you prefer salt, because eggs were historically considered a luxury. premium wine, or liquor, please feel free to order what you In addition, fresh burrata, an abundance of seafood on like, and you may settle your tab at the end of the meal. the coast, and desserts made from regional almonds, honey, and sweetened ricotta cheese ensure a complete DRINKING WATER experience of local flavors. We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however, in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you One dinner (on Day 3) is not included in your trip cost as we to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This believe that venturing out on your own is an important part will be the case in much of Europe, as well as a few other of discovering a new culture. destinations, where tap water is safe to drink. In parts Please inform us of any specific dietary restrictions by of the world where water must be purified, bottled water completing your Smartwaiver form, and we will do our may be our only option. Here, we do our best to provide best to accommodate you. Please call our office with any purified water from larger containers to refill your bottles, questions or concerns about our ability to meet your needs. rather than using many small single-use bottles throughout your trip. This is just one small way we strive to travel more TRANSPORTATION responsibly and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to All on-tour transportation is provided in private, air- protect the extraordinary places we visit. conditioned, passenger vans. 800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 11
OUR GUIDES With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure. Here are some of the guides we work with in Italy. MARIA MERLINI Maria grew up in the Sicilian city of Catania and also speaks the local dialect. She has traveled extensively herself and has previous experience working as an international aid worker. She is passionate about showing off the wonders and beauty of her beloved country, as well as introducing guests to the culture, food, and way of life of Italian people. Maria currently splits her time between Sicily and South Africa, where she is also a guide. MICHELE SENSINI Michele spends his life moving between Rome and a small village in the central Apennines Mountains. After studying political science at university, he became a journalist, producing tourism guides and promoting environmental conservation. In 2004, he realized his dream of becoming a tour guide, combining his passion for communication, nature, and history. Michele spends the time he is not guiding exploring Rome with his wife. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge of Italy’s history and culture with you! 12 Boundless Journeys © 2019
NEXT STEPS TO MAKE A RESERVATION CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY You can call Boundless Journeys at 800-941-8010, request If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, the following a reservation online, or contact your travel agent. We will schedule applies to your land cost and is determined by the confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the day that we receive written notification: payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. • >90 days prior to the trip will be charged $100. The balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure. • 90-61 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 25% of the trip price. ONCE YOU RESERVE • 60-46 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you 50% of the trip price. with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival •
BOUNDLESS BEYOND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to quite simple - of how our travelers give back to the places tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse they have explored with us: cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we • The Botswana School Project was created in 2012 aim to travel responsibly: by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there MAKING CONNECTIONS was a need for books, supplies, and computers in On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to schools they visited in northern Botswana. visit organizations working to protect the environment and • A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is met on mountain trails and in rural communities and bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or schools. enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm • Two sisters who traveled to Peru donated school in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with supply kits to a local school we visit on our Sacred the people and places they visit. Valley & Machu Picchu tour. GOING LOCAL Learn more: Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels www.boundlessjourneys.com/responsible -travel/ that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at PROUD MEMBERS restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine; Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of organizations and the important work that they do: responsible practices; and we employ local guides and support local economies. CONSERVING WILD PLACES On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors, we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the conservation of parks and protected areas. 14 Boundless Journeys © 2019
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