Italy
Winter in Italy: Puglia’s Hidden Gems
Program No. 23004RSBLOG
Discover the vibrant history and cuisine of Puglia — a coastal region located on Italy’s “heel” — during the winter months when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 7 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
2,549DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 7 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
2,929Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2025
Starting at
2,929Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
8 days
7 nights
14 meals
6B 5L 3D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Baroque in Lecce, Free Time
Ostuni (BR)
5
Masseria, Hands-on Cooking Lesson
Ostuni (BR)
6
Bari, Polignano A Mare
Ostuni (BR)
7
Matera, Sassi, Free Time
Ostuni (BR)
8
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Located on Italy’s “heel,” Puglia boasts the longest stretch of coastline of any other mainland region in the country. Explore Puglia’s idyllic coast from the Baroque city of Lecce to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, all while learning about its rich history, tantalizing cuisine and local life. Brush up on your Italian during session with your Group Leader and try your hand at creating local dishes during a hands-on cooking class. You’ll experience the very best of Puglia during the mild winter months when all the tourists have gone home!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles; standing for at least an hour and a half; some uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs without railings.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover the Baroque beauty of Lecce — the “Florence of the South” — on an expert-led walking exploration of the Old City.
- Learn the vast history of the Sassi de Matera, a troglodyte settlement and one of the oldest cities in the world.
- Marvel in the unique trulli houses of Alberobello, historic homes built during the 16th century that are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Emanuela D'Andria
Emanuela D’Andria graduated with a degree in interpreting French and English from the Higher School of Modern Languages for Interpreters and Translators at the University of Trieste. She has been creating and leading educational explorations throughout Italy and abroad since 1998, including programs in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany. and Holland. Emanuela has enjoyed leading Road Scholar programs since 2006.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Emanuela D'Andria
View biography
Emanuela D’Andria graduated with a degree in interpreting French and English from the Higher School of Modern Languages for Interpreters and Translators at the University of Trieste. She has been creating and leading educational explorations throughout Italy and abroad since 1998, including programs in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany. and Holland. Emanuela has enjoyed leading Road Scholar programs since 2006.
Gianluca Tonti
View biography
Gianluca Tonti studied Middle Age history at the Università Statale di Milano with a thesis about taxation and politics during the 15th century. After graduating, he attended the Archivio di Stato in Milan. Upon returning to Apulia, he worked with historical researchers in the local archives and teaches local history. Gianluca began working as a travel leader in Puglia in 2009 and became certified in 2012. He currently works with English-speaking groups in Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily.
Daniela D'amato
View biography
Daniela D’Amato's professional experience as a group leader began three decades ago while she was obtaining a degree at the University of Bari as an art historian. As soon as she graduated, she became aware that being a travel leader is meant to gather several factors such as emotions, sensitivity, paying attention to the most authentic details, reliability, and pragmatism. She enjoys singing, acting, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Winter in Italy: Puglia’s Hidden Gems
Program Number: 23004
Romanesque Churches of Puglia (Italy)
Masserie: The Italian Farmhouses of Puglia, 2011
Before the Normans: Southern Italy in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries (The Middle Ages Series) 1996
Venturing in Italy: Travels in Puglia, Land between Two Seas
Pan' E Pomodor - My Passage To Puglia 2011
Christ stopped at Eboli
Puglia: A Culinary Memoir (Italy's Food Culture)
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Ostuni (BR)
Program Concludes
Ostuni (BR)
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 (
6B, 5L, 3D
)
Activity Level
Located on Italy’s “heel,” Puglia boasts the longest stretch of coastline of any other mainland region in the country. Explore Puglia’s idyllic coast from the Baroque city of Lecce to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, all while learning about its rich history, tantalizing cuisine and local life. Brush up on your Italian during session with your Group Leader and try your hand at creating local dishes during a hands-on cooking class. You’ll experience the very best of Puglia during the mild winter months when all the tourists have gone home!)
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover the Baroque beauty of Lecce — the “Florence of the South” — on an expert-led walking exploration of the Old City.
- Learn the vast history of the Sassi de Matera, a troglodyte settlement and one of the oldest cities in the world.
- Marvel in the unique trulli houses of Alberobello, historic homes built during the 16th century that are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Featured Expert
Emanuela D'Andria
Emanuela D’Andria graduated with a degree in interpreting French and English from the Higher School of Modern Languages for Interpreters and Translators at the University of Trieste. She has been creating and leading educational explorations throughout Italy and abroad since 1998, including programs in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany. and Holland. Emanuela has enjoyed leading Road Scholar programs since 2006.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Gianluca Tonti
Gianluca Tonti studied Middle Age history at the Università Statale di Milano with a thesis about taxation and politics during the 15th century. After graduating, he attended the Archivio di Stato in Milan. Upon returning to Apulia, he worked with historical researchers in the local archives and teaches local history. Gianluca began working as a travel leader in Puglia in 2009 and became certified in 2012. He currently works with English-speaking groups in Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily.
Daniela D'amato
Daniela D’Amato's professional experience as a group leader began three decades ago while she was obtaining a degree at the University of Bari as an art historian. As soon as she graduated, she became aware that being a travel leader is meant to gather several factors such as emotions, sensitivity, paying attention to the most authentic details, reliability, and pragmatism. She enjoys singing, acting, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles; standing for at least an hour and a half; some uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs without railings.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
- 2026
Date and Direction
- Jan 20 - Jan 27 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 02 - Feb 09 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 18 - Feb 25 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 10 - Nov 17 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 16 - Nov 23 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Dec 04 - Dec 11 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- 2026
- Jan 20 - Jan 27 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 02 - Feb 09 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 18 - Feb 25 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 10 - Nov 17 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 16 - Nov 23 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Dec 04 - Dec 11 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
6B, 5L, 3D
)
4 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrival Brindisi, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Ostuni (BR)
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Ostuni Palace
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 03:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously)
Afternoon:
After checking in at the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless specified otherwise, the majority of transportation will be provided via motorcoach thereby necessitating ascending and descending a few steps. All meals include wine and water. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then enjoy a welcome cocktail together at the hotel before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow road scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.
Day
3
Ostuni, Alberobello, Lecture, Lesson On Italian Gestures
Location:
Ostuni (BR)
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Ostuni Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving is about 40 miles; approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles; approximately 1 hour total for the day on flat terrain with some steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Leaving the hotel, we will set out on a walking field trip exploring Ostuni "the white city" with our Group Leader. We will visit the Forno 31, a a bakery with an original 15th-century wood-fired oven. The oven is so big that the bakers use 2 meters long oven shovels to reach all the delicacies.
Lunch:
At the bakery.
Afternoon:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Alberobello. We will walk with our Group Leader throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, which is situated on the second step of Le Murge, south of the Canale di Pirro. As we explore, this fairy tale town, we soak in the sights of the iconic white limestone trulli with their conically pointed roofs. Our Group Leader will give an on-site lecture on the Trulli architecture in Puglia. We will return to the hotel. Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Before dinner, our Group Leader will give a lesson on particular Italian gestures.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Baroque in Lecce, Free Time
Location:
Ostuni (BR)
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Ostuni Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving about 94 miles; approximately 2 hours throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles, approximately 2 hours in both morning and afternoon; flat terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Lecce. We will embark on an expert-led walking field trip of Lecce with emphasis on finding examples of the Baroque that were discussed earlier. Our Group Leader will give an on-site lecture on Discovering the Baroque in Lecce. We will explore the old city, its iconic Baroque monuments, Piazza Duomo, and we will walk by some beautiful noble palaces.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Lecce.
Afternoon:
We will continue our walking field trip of Lecce’s Old City to explore the Roman Amphitheater, the Roman Theatre, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. At the end of the walking field trip, we will have some free time before meeting again at a predetermined time to return to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Masseria, Hands-on Cooking Lesson
Location:
Ostuni (BR)
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Ostuni Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving about 20 miles, approximately 30 minutes throughout the day. Walking about 1/2 mile; approximately 2 hours between walking and standing on uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our private motorcoach and ride at a local Masseria where you'll explore the cattle barn and learn about the farming techniques used. We will visit the milking parlor to observe the milking process and walk through the dairy and cheese aging rooms. Enjoy a captivating demonstration by the master cheesemaker on how mozzarella and burrata are made. To complete the experience, the participants will experience a brief hands-on session where they can try making these delicious fresh cheeses, with expert guidance from the cheesemaker.
Lunch:
At the Masseria.
Afternoon:
We will return to the hotel for a hands-on cooking lesson with the hotel chef.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Bari, Polignano A Mare
Location:
Ostuni (BR)
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Ostuni Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving is about 110 miles total; approximately 2.5 hours total, with stops for field trips at various locations. Walking about 3 miles total on mostly flat terrain; approximately 3 hours total.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach and head to Bari for a full morning walking field trip with our Group Leader throughout this picturesque port city and its historical center on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. We will see the Basilica of San Nicola, the outside of the cathedral and the castle, and the main square of the Old City. We will then board the motorcoach and head to Polignano a Mare.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Polignano a Mare.
Afternoon:
Ater lunch, we'll explore the old part of the village on foot and have a stroll along the waterfront before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Matera, Sassi, Free Time
Location:
Ostuni (BR)
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Ostuni Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving is about 130 miles; approximately 3.5 hours throughout the day. Walking about 2.5 miles; approximately 2 hours; Sassi is very rocky; several steps and slopes; be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Via motorcoach, we will ride to Matera where we will embark on an expert-led walking field trip of the Sassi di Matera, the oldest part of the city. This area was declared a UNESCO world heritage site because it is considered to be the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region that is perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem. The first settlements can be dated back to the Neolithic period, approximately 7 thousand years ago, while later settlements illustrate a number of significant stages in human history.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Matera. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with your fellow Road Scholars.
Afternoon:
Free time. We will return to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel depending on departure time. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
14 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Feb 18, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026
- Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
- Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
- Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 09, 2026 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Feb 18, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
- Dec 04, 2026 - Dec 11, 2026 (Ostuni (BR) to Ostuni (BR))
Participant Reviews
Based on 34 Reviews
Sort By:
Wonderful chance to see Southern Italy and its small towns with unique architecture and foods - a chance to go back in time and see inside small trulli (round stone houses) and small cave dwellings (sassi), to see how people lived. The olive oil tasting, cooking class and walking tours were wonderful!
— Review left February 27, 2024
This is an exceptional opportunity to visit a lesser-known part of Italy at a time when it's not overrun with tourists. Our group leader was highly skilled and knowledgeable and the sites were amazing. I highly recommend it.
— Review left February 17, 2024
We loved our Road Scholar trip to Puglia, and can't wait to plan our next RS adventure!
— Review left February 12, 2024
I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in learning about southern Italy and the history that make it what it is today. Most importantly to any trip is the guide, and our guide, Gianluca Tonti, was outstanding. This was our first Roads Scholar adventure. He enhanced the trip for us, combining his historical expertise and knowledge of Puglia and Basilicata with his profound love of the region and the people who live there.
— Review left November 15, 2023
Winter in Italy:Puglia was my first trip to Europe, Italy, and with Road Scholar. It was a life altering event for me. Puglia is a beautiful region with much to see and do. The hotels were wonderful once the bathing, heating, and lighting equipment were explained. The food was delicious and varied. Always variety and interesting combinations that I will attempt at home. I will never think of dining in the same way again. Each interaction was lovely, from the beautiful & kind, apron vendor, Yolanda, to the young college student who assisted me with the thieving vending machines, to the adorable cats (everywhere!), to our planned interactions: cooking with cheeky Chef Maya (Allora!), touring Masseria Brancati; and Sassi guide, Aimie (all having extensive knowledge of their subject matter). The history of Puglia is so extensive and complex, it requires a very knowledgeable guide. Gianluca T. was that perfect travel guide. Gianluca is from the region of Puglia and can respond to questions without hesitation. He’s interested in learning from his travelers about where they come from & has sincere concern for his travelers. He has the ability to make you feel as if he is available solely for you. I witnessed this each day as he checked in with each of us regarding our level of comfort, wants, and needs, but more specifically when he checked in with a fellow traveler, who has a health issue, to ensure she was feeling well and able to continue and enjoy her day of adventure. There is so much more to be said about Puglia, its history, its people, and Gianluca, but, unfortunately, there are not enough characters available in this small space! Gianluca, Thank you for a very memorable trip. I echo Laurie's message, "You are the perfect blend of knowledge, enthusiasm, humor, warmth and genuine concern that makes a travel experience outstanding." I have found a new passion for travel and Italy! I would love to travel with you again and will recommend you to anyone. Grazie mille!
— Review left November 12, 2023
Fantastic adventure with Gianluca & all my travel friends in Puglia Italy. What a wonderful group to have a great adventure with.
— Review left November 12, 2023
A short 5-day program, net of travel time to a somewhat remote destination, but well worth the effort and a fine time of learning from tour guide and fellow participants. Thanks Road Scholar!
— Review left November 11, 2023
We had a great experience and learned a lot--such fascinating things we saw and heard about.
— Review left November 11, 2023
The tour of Puglia led by Gianlucca was amazing! I highly recommend it!
— Review left November 11, 2023
The trip to Puglia in November was superb. No crowds, great weather and a tour guide, Gianluca Tonti, who mesmerized all of us with his knowledge, warmth, good humor and concern for our having hte best possible experience. Make sure you get one of his tours!
— Review left November 11, 2023
What a great experience! Varied activities and experiences, in an area I knew very little about. And the best tour leader I have had in many years of travel only added to a great trip.
— Review left November 11, 2023
This was such a wonderful trip! I didn't know what to expect, but Lecce is an absolute jewel of a city. The other cities we visited were gems as well. Otranto, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Matera -- breathtaking! I knew virtually nothing of the history of the region and so each day was a discovery. Food, towns, architecture, history...all fascinating. And to be there at the start of the holiday season was such a treat. My only regret was that the trip wasn't longer...I could have spent the entire week in Lecce!
— Review left April 17, 2023
Treat yourself to a mid-winter Italian holiday! Explore little-known sites, eat delicious food, drink great wine, meet far-flung friends, all along ancient stone streets. You'll feel like you are part of history.
— Review left March 7, 2023
Winter in Puglia is so more more than an extension of summer. Learn about the history of southern Italy and the customs that make it special.
— Review left December 20, 2022
Our tour guide, Gianluca Tonti, was a patient, companionable, and overall knowledgeable and friendly guide. He greatly enhanced the tour experience and made the tour as good as it was. My fellow road scholars seemed to appreciate him as well. It was a nice group of like-minded travelers and it was fun to tour with them.
The only downside to the trip was some of the food at our lunch or dinner stops. Mostly it was exceptional except for the preponderance of seafood and lack of pasta dishes. One dinner at the hotel in Martina Franca, the Park Hotel San Michele, was really bad as it had meats included that were inedible to most of us. Gianluca had to have the kitchen staff bring more amenable food for us. I know that local dishes are important but so is the taste of most Americans on these tours. Overall this is a minor issue and the tour was very good.
— Review left November 27, 2022
An outstanding trip to see the heel of Italy - Puglia. A great balance of seeing churches and art and amazing small towns and sea views! Also, you can participate - hands-on making Italian (Puglia-specialties) food. And, a terrific knowledgeable guide - Gianluca Tonti.
— Review left November 18, 2022
This was a very interesting program and I enjoyed it very much. February is the perfect time to visit Puglia as we did not run into any other tour groups and could explore easily. Our guide was fantastic; very knowledgeable and personable. We visited several towns that were unlike any others I had visited. The food and wine were fantastic.
— Review left February 12, 2022
I have visited Italy about a dozen times & thought I "knew" Italy. However, Puglia's Hidden Gems was my first visit to Puglia and it certainly won't be my last. What a true "hidden gem".
Our guide, Emanuela, is a native of Lecce and her love of and knowledge about the region was apparent upon first meeting her. She captured our hearts with her passion for the history of the region, baroque architecture, food and customs. Emanuela was most accommodating and patient with all of our group and no request was too difficult or no question too silly. She balanced the educational part of the tour with humorous stories about customs, foods and language.
The accommodations in both Lecce & Martina Franca were very central and offered very clean, modern rooms and friendly staff. (The Patria Palace in Lecce was exceptional).
There was just the right amount of free time vs touring/sightseeing and the variety kept everyone engaged and interested. The highlights for me were the truli of Alberobello & the sassi of Matera (both are "not-to-be-missed" sites) and of course, the food and wine. We indulged in every regional speciality accompanied by the delicious local wines.
The pace of life in southern Italy is so much more relaxed than the more well known regions. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left March 28, 2020
A good trip. The hotel in Alberobello (Grand Hotel Olimpo) was not up to the usual Road Scholar standards. Besides being a mile from town and looking like an old Holiday Inn, the food was not very good. While I don't expect gourmet food with RS this was below normal. Note food and hotel in Oaranto were very good.
Good guide - lots of knowledge and passion about southern Italy. Hope she is on your use often list.
— Review left March 11, 2020
We enjoyed this brief visit to Puglia. Emanuella was a nice and patient group leader. As someone who grew up in the area, she knew all about the area's culture and history, and her running commentary was interesting and informative.
Most interesting were the rock city of Matera, the Truli buildings in the town of Alberobello, and the visit to the vintage olive grove with trees dating to Roman times.
A good trip overall.
— Review left March 7, 2020
Truly a hidden gem, Puglia is a beautiful and vibrant area easily overshadowed by some of the more well-known sites.
— Review left January 5, 2020
The December trip to Puglia was our first group tour, although we have travelled much the world on self-organized trips. We were worried about being trapped in a group we couldn't relate to. Turned out that it was quite the opposite: a wonderful and diverse group of people who we got to know and enjoy, and an outstanding instructor who was knowledgeable and full of good humor. She could make it as a standup comic and has a PhD in art and architectural history was well. Only to be outdone by the cooking instructor's good humor. We saw six marvelous places, touring with the group and wandering on our own. December was the ideal time to visit, when all the towns are decked out for Christmas, and largely free of the crush of international tourism that we learned flocks to Puglia in the warmer seasons. We learned about the culture of the places, how they came about and the issues they currently face. I learned a lot, and city design is my field of study and work. We will look for other Road Scholar adventures in the future. Gary Hack, retired faculty member.
— Review left December 27, 2019
Your understanding of Italy is not complete if you have never traveled to Puglia or beyond the southern borders of Rome. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left December 27, 2019
Outstanding guide, Daniela, and an outstanding variety of experiences and fun - special mention goes to the cooking experience in Lecce, the visit to the olive oil mill, and Matera. The weeks leading up to Christmas come with an extra bonus of holiday lights and decorations - a beautiful time to visit Italy. This was my second Winter in Italy trip in two years. Italy during the quiet off-season is a real treat.
— Review left December 26, 2019
Beautiful and interesting area of Italy. Variety of experiences and excellent guide.
— Review left December 11, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Highlights were: Emmanuela and her preparation and knowledge for each location, the cooking class in Lecce, the olive grove visit at a Masseria and olive tasting. I learned so much everywhere.
Suggestions for improvement: definitely include tickets for going into the churches in Lecce. Now that there is a charge to go into 4 of the churches, we didn’t do that as part of the group tour. I did it on my own during free time and it was so worth the 9 euros; staying in Alberobello for 3 nights was a bit long.....there is not much to do there and it’s very touristy. Bari, on the other hand, which was a short morning visit, would have been a great location to stay, do day trips out of there, and have access to more museums, restaurants, activities. And the airport is right there so no super early morning alarm.
It was my first group tour and I really enjoyed all of it.
— Review left December 9, 2019
Wow What a wonderful week. Loved everything about this tour. This far exceeded my expectations.
— Review left March 20, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Italy's Salento region for the first time including all of the cities and landmark areas included. The weather the first week of March was mild and sunny. We were able to enjoy eating at an outdoor cafe on our last day. The almond trees were in bloom too. All in all a great adventure.
— Review left March 11, 2019
Our week in Puglia was an absolutely fabulous experience! Every day was varied and different from the one before. And the fact that we did it in the off-season meant that there were no crowds to deal with anywhere! This is a trip you don't want to miss!!
— Review left March 2, 2019
It works quite well and where I had trouble on one occasion, I received excellent help by phone.
— Review left March 2, 2019
'Winter In' Puglia was fantastic, highly recommend. Lesser traveled area with excellent local guide. Spans smaller villages, seaside, olive groves with thousand+ year old trees, 2 UNESCO sites, and larger towns such as Lecce and Bari. Architecture and history were very interesting and presented in an engaging way. Fun cooking class. A tremendous value. Go if you can! (While January and February can be rainy, it was fine with all weather jacket and shoes).
— Review left February 17, 2019
I knew little about Puglia before the trip, but my experience with the Road Scholar tour gave me an understanding or the area that I will never forget.
— Review left February 10, 2019
If you have ever heard of a "trulli" or the term "Sassi" and want to learn more and see a unique part of Italy in the process, this is the trip for you.
— Review left February 3, 2019
The Winter in Italy: Puglia’s Hidden Gems truly exceeded my expectations....But be advised: “winter in...” generally means that it will be cold and not the high tourist season. So layer and dress appropriately!! I LOVED IT!!
— Review left January 29, 2019