Italy

Winter in Italy: Puglia’s Hidden Gems

Program No. 23004RJ
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.

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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 two and a half miles; some uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs without railings.
Small Group
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Emanuela D'Andria
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.
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Meals
15 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
  • Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
  • Nov 04, 2024 - Nov 11, 2024 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
  • Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
  • 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))
  • Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
  • Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025 (Lecce to Ostuni (BR))
3 nights
Lecce
The concept of the Best Western Leone di Messapia, a hotel a few steps from Lecce, was born from the idea of offering a privileged atmosphere immersed in comfort of the highest level. The fittings of each room have been selected on the basis of a careful experiential study, combining each element with its design, including relaxing colors and innovative materials. The warmth of the parquet, the wisdom of the Salento artisans in working with wood, the water-based paintings, have allowed the creation of km0 furnishings of unparalleled quality. The hotel offers to the participants free shuttles from the hotel to the center of Lecce and vice versa.
3 nights
Ostuni (Brindisi)
In the enchanting and evocative "White City" a stone's throw from a crystal clear sea, Ostuni Palace, 4 star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to enjoy all year round.
3 nights
Lecce
The concept of the Best Western Leone di Messapia, a hotel a few steps from Lecce, was born from the idea of offering a privileged atmosphere immersed in comfort of the highest level. The fittings of each room have been selected on the basis of a careful experiential study, combining each element with its design, including relaxing colors and innovative materials. The warmth of the parquet, the wisdom of the Salento artisans in working with wood, the water-based paintings, have allowed the creation of km0 furnishings of unparalleled quality. The hotel offers to the participants free shuttles from the hotel to the center of Lecce and vice versa.
3 nights
Ostuni (Brindisi)
In the enchanting and evocative "White City" a stone's throw from a crystal clear sea, Ostuni Palace, 4 star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to enjoy all year round.
3 nights
Lecce
The concept of the Best Western Leone di Messapia, a hotel a few steps from Lecce, was born from the idea of offering a privileged atmosphere immersed in comfort of the highest level. The fittings of each room have been selected on the basis of a careful experiential study, combining each element with its design, including relaxing colors and innovative materials. The warmth of the parquet, the wisdom of the Salento artisans in working with wood, the water-based paintings, have allowed the creation of km0 furnishings of unparalleled quality. The hotel offers to the participants free shuttles from the hotel to the center of Lecce and vice versa.
3 nights
Ostuni (Brindisi)
In the enchanting and evocative "White City" a stone's throw from a crystal clear sea, Ostuni Palace, 4 star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to enjoy all year round.
3 nights
Lecce
The concept of the Best Western Leone di Messapia, a hotel a few steps from Lecce, was born from the idea of offering a privileged atmosphere immersed in comfort of the highest level. The fittings of each room have been selected on the basis of a careful experiential study, combining each element with its design, including relaxing colors and innovative materials. The warmth of the parquet, the wisdom of the Salento artisans in working with wood, the water-based paintings, have allowed the creation of km0 furnishings of unparalleled quality. The hotel offers to the participants free shuttles from the hotel to the center of Lecce and vice versa.
3 nights
Ostuni (Brindisi)
In the enchanting and evocative "White City" a stone's throw from a crystal clear sea, Ostuni Palace, 4 star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to enjoy all year round.
3 nights
Lecce
The concept of the Best Western Leone di Messapia, a hotel a few steps from Lecce, was born from the idea of offering a privileged atmosphere immersed in comfort of the highest level. The fittings of each room have been selected on the basis of a careful experiential study, combining each element with its design, including relaxing colors and innovative materials. The warmth of the parquet, the wisdom of the Salento artisans in working with wood, the water-based paintings, have allowed the creation of km0 furnishings of unparalleled quality. The hotel offers to the participants free shuttles from the hotel to the center of Lecce and vice versa.
3 nights
Ostuni (Brindisi)
In the enchanting and evocative "White City" a stone's throw from a crystal clear sea, Ostuni Palace, 4 star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to enjoy all year round.
3 nights
Lecce
The concept of the Best Western Leone di Messapia, a hotel a few steps from Lecce, was born from the idea of offering a privileged atmosphere immersed in comfort of the highest level. The fittings of each room have been selected on the basis of a careful experiential study, combining each element with its design, including relaxing colors and innovative materials. The warmth of the parquet, the wisdom of the Salento artisans in working with wood, the water-based paintings, have allowed the creation of km0 furnishings of unparalleled quality. The hotel offers to the participants free shuttles from the hotel to the center of Lecce and vice versa.
3 nights
Ostuni (Brindisi)
In the enchanting and evocative "White City" a stone's throw from a crystal clear sea, Ostuni Palace, 4 star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to enjoy all year round.
3 nights
Lecce
The concept of the Best Western Leone di Messapia, a hotel a few steps from Lecce, was born from the idea of offering a privileged atmosphere immersed in comfort of the highest level. The fittings of each room have been selected on the basis of a careful experiential study, combining each element with its design, including relaxing colors and innovative materials. The warmth of the parquet, the wisdom of the Salento artisans in working with wood, the water-based paintings, have allowed the creation of km0 furnishings of unparalleled quality. The hotel offers to the participants free shuttles from the hotel to the center of Lecce and vice versa.
3 nights
Ostuni (Brindisi)
In the enchanting and evocative "White City" a stone's throw from a crystal clear sea, Ostuni Palace, 4 star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to enjoy all year round.





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