Duration: 13 Days
Tour Dates: Sep 24, 2027 - Oct 7, 2027
Places to visit: Otranto, Lecce, Alberobello, La Reggia di Caserta, Siena
Hotels
Sightseeing
Meals
We reserve the right to make changes to this program for better opportunities. Tour participants must be in good physical condition and capable of walking many stairs and hilly terrain. Daily outings could last up to 8 hours at a time. Meals or personal assistants are not included for those that separate themselves from the group. Luggage allowance is limited to one checked bag and one carry-on.
Day 1
We begin our journey in Bari at 9:30 am from Jr Hotels Grande Albergo delle Nazioni. Our first experience is a celebration of Apulian wines: an aperitivo in the vineyards followed by a guided tasting and lunch at a renowned winery. Afterward, we transfer to our hotel in Uggiano la Chiesa, our home for the next three nights, and gather for a warm welcome dinner
Day 2
After breakfast, we set out for Otranto with Salvatore. A leisurely walk through the charming alleys and squares offers a taste of its history before free time for shopping or gelato. We reconvene for lunch at a central restaurant, then return to our hotel to relax by the pool. Before dinner, we savor an olive oil tasting, celebrating one of Puglia’s finest treasures. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3
Today we travel to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Puglia, visiting the historic sanctuary and admiring the stately villas of 19thcentury aristocracy. Lunch awaits in a rustic countryside setting, followed by a visit to Salvatore and Rosina’s latest project site. On our way back, we pause for an early seaside dinner along the magnificent Adriatic coast
Day 4
After breakfast, we bid farewell to our first hotel and make our way to Lecce, stopping for lunch en route. Once checked into our central hotel, we meet a local guide for an afternoon walking tour, unveiling Lecce’s Baroque elegance. Dinner this evening will be enjoyed in the heart of the city.
Day 5
This morning we journey to the exclusive coastal resorts near Santa Maria al Bagno and Santa Caterina. Comfortable shoes are recommended for a scenic walk along the seafront promenade connecting Santa Maria al Bagno to Santa Caterina. Afterward, enjoy free time to sip a spritz or cappuccino at a stylish café. Lunch follows at Villaggio Resta before returning to the hotel for a relaxed afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6
We depart Lecce after breakfast, pausing to stroll through Ostuni, the famed ‘White City’. Our next stop is a local cheese producer in Fasano for a guided visit and tasting lunch. Later, we continue to Savelletri for a two-night stay, concluding the day with a traditional village dinner within walking distance
Day 7
After breakfast, we embark on visits to Alberobello, Locorotondo, and finally Cisternino, where we will enjoy lunch in a local trattoria. Returning to our hotel in the afternoon, guests may enjoy leisure time before gathering for another authentic dinner nearby.
Day 8
An early departure takes us north with a stop in Santa Maria Capua Vetere for lunch. The afternoon brings a guided visit to La Reggia di Caserta, Europe’s largest royal residence. Divided into two smaller groups, we explore its grandeur with local experts before checking into our hotel for one night and dining locally
Day 9
Our final day on our journey north to Tuscany begins with a visit to Montefiascone, where we enjoy lunch and taste the celebrated Est! Est!! Est!!! wines, lovingly produced by Antonio’s godmother. We then arrive at Castello delle Serre, our home for the next five nights, and conclude the journey with a festive welcome dinner.
Day 10
Today we will start the day visiting the Benedictine monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Inside discover the famous frescos and witness the monastic vows that have led the Benedictines to be self-sufficient in today's world. We will then proceed to Mulinum, a unique agricultural reality that has devoted itself to organic cultivation of ancient non genetically modified grains. We will tour the facility and learn how grain is cultivated and turned into flour. Here we will enjoy gourmet pizzas and light lunch. Our final stop of the day will be in a vineyard outside of Montalcino where we will learn about production of the famous Brunello wines and enjoy the internationally renowned wines of the area. We will have an afternoon pit stop at the Castello to freshen up before departing for a special dinner at in a nearby restaurant.
Day 11
In the morning, we will depart with a local guide for the medieval city of Siena, most famous for its horse race, the Palio. Our tour guide will lead us through this charming city unspoiled by time. We will visit the magnificent Piazza del Campo (town square), the spectacular sculpture-studded Duomo (church) and its museum with works by Pinturicchio, Pisano and Michelangelo, and visit the most important parts of the city. In the afternoon we will visit a Chianti winery for a tasting. The day will end with a light dinner at Castello delle Serre.
Day 12
Today with a later departure time in the morning, enjoy a special journey to Tuscany’s latest frontier of organic winemaking. Discover the DOC of Montecucco. Nestled between the Tuscan coast, the Orcia Valley, and the world-reknown area of Montalcino, Montecucco is the “unknown” wine area of this land blessed by the God Baccus. Enjoy tasting with lunch before heading back home to refresh before dinner. End the day with a beautiful dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13
Today we will show you the Tuscan countryside with a once in a lifetime experience, truffle hunting! Arrive at a local agriturismo farm and learn all about truffles. Following an informative lesson, venture out into the woods with the award-winning truffle dogs to witness the professionals in action. Once our hunt has concluded, we will then return to the kitchen to enjoy lunch made with the very same truffles we found along with the farm’s homemade wine. We will return on the early side to pack for our departure early the next morning. Enjoy a farewell dinner at our local Agriturismo
Day 14
Say your goodbyes to the Castello family and return to Florence in the morning, via our established transportation. All departures at the same time, approximately 8:30 am. Return transportation to Florence Central LHP Hotel River with estimated arrival time at 11:00 am. Please remember not to book any trains before 12:30 pm or any flights before 15:00 on departure day. Accidents could happen on the road and we would hate to see unforeseen circumstances make a damper on your travel plans.
Included in the package
This all-inclusive package includes:
Accommodations at various south Italian hotels + Castello delle Serre in a Double Deluxe Room. If wishing to extend your stay beyond the tour a discounted room rate will be provided
Bus transportation to/from Florence (with the group as a whole) and including the entire itinerary including all toll roads, entry permits, and parking fees
13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners
Wine included with lunch and dinner. Drinks outside of mealtimes, including minibar consumption not included.
Tour escort with the group.
Admission fees for sight-seeing and local guide where specified. Winery tours and tastings where specified.
City tax of €3.50/person/night not included.
Subject to minimum of 12 participants, maximum 28 To reserve your place on our tour, please send an email to: http://info@castellodelleserre.com Reservations are accepted by a nonrefundable deposit of 750.00 Euro per person, made via bank wire transfer. We always recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any cancellations of your trip.
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