Seven  (7)  Day  Premier  Guided  Walking  Trip  2011    This   is  a   luxurious  Southern  Visions  seven  (7)  day  premier  guided  walking  trip  through  the  region  of  Puglia,   Italy,  which   lies   in   the   heel   of   the   boot,   along   the   sun-­‐drenched  Adriatic   Sea.     Puglia   offers  access   to   the   freshest   seafood,   crowd-­‐free   open   spaces,   irresistible   desserts   and   pastries,   distinct  wines,  and  the  50  million  olive  trees  that  make  this  region  the  world’s   leading  producer  of  olive  oil.    Come  to  Puglia  and  hear  the  voices  of  the  past  call  out  over  the  trulli  houses…we  promise,  once  you  discover  it,  Puglia  will  leave  a  lasting  impression.    Trip  Highlights  

• Pugliese  cooking  class  • Mozzarella  making  demonstration  &  tasting  with  local  cheese  artisan  • Olive  oil  &  wine  tastings  • Several  DECADENT  dinners  at  famous  local  establishments  • Farewell  party  with  local  band  

 2011  Trip  Dates  

• April  16-­‐22  (featuring  Masseria  Torre  Coccaro  www.masseriatorrecoccaro.com/en/home  in  place  of  Masseria  Torre  Maizza  &  Tenuta  Cento  Porte  www.tenutacentoporte.it/  in  place  of  Masseria  Montelauro)  

• May  30-­‐June  5  (featuring  Masseria  Torre  Coccaro  www.masseriatorrecoccaro.com/en/home  in  place  of  Masseria  Torre  Maizza  &  Tenuta  Cento  Porte  www.tenutacentoporte.it/  in  place  of  Masseria  Montelauro)  

• October  3-­‐9  • Custom  dates  also  available  

 Day  1    We  will  meet  in  the  lobby  of  Bari’s  Hotel  Leon  d’Oro  (in  front  of  the  main  train  station)  at  10:00  a.m.    You  will   find   your   guide   holding   a   Southern   Visions   sign.     Guests   are   expected   to  make   their   own  travel  arrangements  to  Puglia.    We  suggest  you  arrive  no  later  than  the  night  before  the  start  of  your  tour.    Please  see  the  end  of  this  itinerary  for  information  on  arriving  to  and  departing  from  the  area,  as  well  as  hotel  recommendations.    Matera  walking  tour  Food  &  wine  tasting  buffet  lunch  at  Latteria  Rizzi  Welcome  aperitivo  &  Dinner  at  Ristorante  Rivelli  

Lodging:  Matera  –  Palazzo  Gattini  www.palazzogattini.it/_sito_eng/home_eng.html    Your  adventure  begins  in  amazing  Matera  (in  the  Basilicata  region  bordering  Puglia),  perched  high  on  a  beautiful  hillside  and  only  recently  seen  by  foreign  eyes.    After  a  walking  tour  of  the  sassi  (ancient  cave  dwellings  restored  for  current  use  as  homes,  shops,  and  restaurants),  we  will  immerse  you  into  the  art  of   flavor   and   freshness   that   is   Southern   Italian   cuisine  with   a   spectacular   buffet-­‐style   lunch   and  wine  tasting  at  one  of  Matera’s   signature   restaurants,   Latteria  Rizzi.    After   lunch,  we  will  walk   you  back   to  your  lovely  hotel  and  give  you  some  time  to  explore  the  area  on  your  own.    Be  sure  to  make  time  to  stop  by  the  Laboratorio  Ceramica  Piero  Colapietro  or  Pasquale  Dilena,  where  you  can  watch  local  craftsmen  make   traditional  decorative   ceramics.    And  don’t   forget   to  visit   a  nearby  bar   for   your   first  espressino,  Southern  Italy’s  signature  afternoon  coffee  drink.      Our  group  will  rejoin  in  the  hotel  lobby  at  6:30  for  a  welcome  aperitivo  before  heading  to  the  hotel’s  inviting  restaurant,  Ristorante  Rivelli.    Day  2  Optional  dawn  walk  to  traditional  bakery  Tour  of  Montescaglioso  countryside  Lunch  at  Masseria  San  Felice  Lodging:  Matera  –  Palazzo  Gattini  www.palazzogattini.it/_sito_eng/home_eng.html    You   will   have   the   option   to   start   your   day   with   a   dawn   walk   to   a   local   bakery   for   a   tour   and  demonstration  of  traditional  bread-­‐making.    Later  in  the  morning,  we  will  all  meet  in  the  hotel  lobby  and  drive  out  of  town  for  a  lovely  walk  through  the  Montescaglioso  countryside.    Along  the  way,  we  will  stop  at  a  restored  farmhouse,  Masseria  San  Felice,  for  lunch.    Our  journey  will  culminate  at  the  Abbey  di  San  Michele.    From  there,  we  will  return  to  the  hotel  by  shuttle.    Dinner  will  be  on  your  own  to  allow  you  to  enjoy  the  evening  at  your  pace.    If  you  are  in  the  mood  for  traditional  Italian  fare,  try  the  antipasti  caldi  at  Trattoria  Lucana.    If  pizza  is  what  your  heart  desires,  visit  Oi  Mari’  or  Da  Mario.    Be  sure  to  get  plenty  of  rest  tonight  before  another  activity-­‐packed  day  tomorrow!    Day  3  Shuttle  into  Puglia  Lunch  &  cooking  class  at  Masseria  Murgia  Albanese  www.murgiaalbanese.it/  Alberobello  walking  tour  Dinner  &  Lodging:  Savelletri  –  Masseria  Torre  Maizza      www.masseriatorremaizza.com/index.php?id=0|1&lang=en    After   breakfast,   we   will   shuttle   to   one   of   the   most   famous   hotels   in   Puglia,   Masseria   Torre   Maizza.    Along   the   way,   we   will   see   beautiful   hilltop   towns   whose   Greek   influence   is   apparent   in   their  whitewashed   exteriors.     The   landscape   is   filled   with   seemingly   deserted   paths   through   ancient   olive  groves  covered  with  blankets  of  poppies  and  surrounded  by  meticulously-­‐built  stone  walls.    We  will  stop  at  Masseria  Murgia   Albanese   for   a   cooking   class   and   lunch   with   the   staff.    We   will   also   stop   at   the  UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site  of  Alberobello  for  a  walking  tour.    As  we  wander  through  the  1500+  trulli  (whitewashed  buildings  with  conical  stone  roofs  unique  to  Puglia),   that  make  up  Alberobello’s  historic  center,  it  will  become  readily  apparent  why  this  town  is  the  postcard  capital  of  the  region.    After  a  fun-­‐filled   day,   we   will   arrive   at   the   hotel,   where   you   can   relax   in   absolute   luxury   while   your   dinner   is  prepared  in  its  renowned  kitchen.    Day  4  Tour  of  Vivai  Capitanio  Botanical  Gardens  www.vivaicapitanio.it/capitanio_eng/botanical_garden.html  

Visit  to  Monopoli  market  Lunch  in  Polignano  Seaside  walk  from  Polignano  to  San  Vito  Dinner:  La  Peschiera  www.peschierahotel.com/?lang=eng  Lodging:  Savelletri  –  Masseria  Torre  Maizza  www.masseriatorremaizza.com/index.php?id=0|1&lang=en    We  will   begin   the   day   with   a   tour   of   the   Vivai   Capitanio   Botanical   Gardens,   set   in   Puglia’s   beautiful  landscape  filled  with  the  olive  trees  that  the  Greeks  introduced  2500  years  ago.    Our  journey  continues  in  the  picturesque  coastal  town  of  Monopoli,  where  we  will  visit  the  open-­‐air  food  market  and  do  some  sightseeing.    We  will  have  lunch  in  Polignano,  which  is  perched  on  limestone  cliffs  high  above  the  sea,  and  then  stretch  our  legs  a  bit  with  a  walk  north  along  the  shore  to  the  quaint  fishing  village  of  San  Vito.    You  will  have  time  for  a  leisurely  coffee  here  in  case  you  need  a  bit  of  a  pick-­‐me-­‐up.    Then  we  will  shuttle  back   to   our   hotel   to   prepare   for   a   gorgeous   seaside   dinner   at   La   Peschiera,   known   for   their   fresh  seafood,  excellent  wine  selection,  and  stunning  views  of  the  Adriatic.    Today  is  a  day  for  la  dolce  vita!    Day  5  Mozzarella  making  demonstration  &  tasting  at  Crovace  House  Lunch  &  olive  oil  tasting  at  Masseria  Il  Frantoio  www.masseriailfrantoio.it/  Wine  tasting  at  Masseria  Liveli  www.liveli.it/  Dinner:  Da  Sergio  Lodging:  Otranto  –  Masseria  Montelauro  www.masseriamontelauro.it/en/default.asp    Today   is   filled  with   rich   sensory   experiences,   focusing   primarily   on   the   flavors   of   the   region.     After   a  lovely   last   breakfast   at   Torre  Maizza,  we  will   shuttle   to   Crovace  House   for   a   fresh  mozzarella  making  demonstration  and   tasting  with   local   cheese  artisan  Dina.    We  will   continue   to  Masseria   Il   Frantoio,  a  lovely   farmhouse  near  Ostuni  known  for  excellent  olive  oils   that  are  bio-­‐cultivated  from  their  century-­‐old  trees.    After  a  beautiful  walk  around  the  property,  we  will  enjoy  a  delicious   lunch  featuring  typical  Pugliese   cuisine,   fabulous   cheeses,   and   of   course   house-­‐made  olive   oil.     Next,  we  will   shuttle   into   La  Città   Bianca   (The  White   City)   of  Ostuni   for   sightseeing   and   a  gelato  break.     Then  we  will   head   south  toward  our  hotel,  stopping  at  Masseria  Liveli   for  a  wine  tasting.    Our  destination   is   the  beautiful   four-­‐star   Masseria   Montelauro,   located   in   the   peaceful   silence   of   the   countryside   two   kilometers   from  Otranto’s  city  center.    After  checking  in,  we  will  bring  you  into  town  for  an  amazing  dinner  at  Da  Sergio.    Day  6  Walk  from  Torre  Badisco  to  Capo  d’Otranto  Picnic  lunch  Farewell  party  with  Maneka  Folklore  Band  Dinner  &  Lodging:  Otranto  –  Masseria  Montelauro  www.masseriamontelauro.it/en/default.asp    After  breakfast,  we  will  transfer  to  Torre  Badisco  for  an  invigorating  walk  to  the  Cape  of  Otranto.    This  hike  will   highlight   the  diversity   of   this   area,  which   is   one  part   beach   resort,   one  part  Middle   Eastern,  many  parts  Italian,  and  every  part  enjoyable.    After  a  relaxing  picnic  lunch,  you  can  choose  to  return  to  the  hotel  to  relax  or  head  into  Otranto  to  tour  the  Cathedral.    Whichever  option  you  chose,  your  day  will  end   with   an   amazing   Pugliese-­‐style   farewell   party   featuring   a   fabulous   local   band   playing   rousing  rhythms  and  a  memorable  farewell  dinner  hosted  by  your  guides.    Day  7  Morning  walking  tour  of  Lecce  

Farewell  from  the  Southern  Visions  Team    After   breakfast,   we   will   shuttle   to   Lecce,   known   as   the   Florence   of   the   South,   for   a   walking   tour  highlighting   its  amazing  architectural  gems  and  a  visit   to  a  papier-­‐mâché  studio.    We  will  also  enjoy  a  cappuccino  and  Pasticciotto  Leccesse  (a  signature  local  pastry  filled  with  yummy  custard  cream)  at  Caffè  Alvino,   the  oldest  coffee  bar   in   the  region.    We  will   finish  up  around  12:00  p.m.  and  guide  you  to   the  Lecce  train  station,  shuttle  you  to  the  Brindisi  airport,  or  help  you  extend  your  stay  in  the  area.    We  hope  your  time  in  Puglia  will  have  changed  your  life  for  the  better,  as  it  has  all  of  ours.    WHAT  YOU  GET!!!    

• An  outstanding  adventure  travel  experience  • Peace  of  mind  that  you  are  with  the  most  professional  cycling  company  in  Puglia  • Local  guides  with  insider  knowledge  of  the  region’s  secrets  and  mysteries  • 6  nights  lodging  at  4-­‐  and  5-­‐star  hotels  and  resorts  • 6  breakfasts  • 6  lunches  • 5  dinners  • Daily  snacks  and  happy  hours  • Guest  shuttles  and  all  luggage  transfers  • Exceptional,  detailed  maps  and  route  notes  • Aluminum  walking  stick  • Daily  walking  &  shuttle  tours  • Special  activities  

o Pugliese  cooking  class  o Tour  of  majestic  botanical  gardens  o Mozzarella  making  demonstration  &  tasting  o Olive  grove  walk  &  oil  tasting  o Winery  visit  &  tasting  

 Services  available  at  additional  cost    

• Optional  shuttles  from/to  Bari  or  Brindisi  airport  or  train  station  • Room  upgrades  • Rental  of  prepaid  local  cellular  phone  

 Arrival  and  Departure  Logistics  

 After  reviewing  the  following  information,  please  inform  us  of  your  arrival  and  departure  plans.    Please  be  sure  to  note  these  important  contact  numbers,   in  case  you  need  assistance  before,  during,  or  after  your  trip  –  Puglia:  +39  340  264  4128  or  +39  392  185  7704;  USA  +1  800  737  5760.            

Flight  arrangements    We  recommend  flying  into  Milan  or  Rome.    You  can  catch  a  flight  to  Bari  (airport  code:  BRI)  or  Brindisi  (airport  code:  BDS)  from  either  city.    Or,   if  you  prefer  to  see  the  countryside  and  perhaps  enjoy  a  pre-­‐tour  stay  in  another  Italian  destination,  you  can  make  your  way  to  Puglia  by  train.    The  trip  from  Rome  takes  about  5  hours;  from  Florence,  it’s  about  7  ½  hours;  from  Milan,  expect  approximately  8  ½  hours  of  travel.    Transportation  between  the  Bari  airport  and  train  station    A   taxi   ride   between   the   airport   and   train   station   takes   25-­‐30   minutes   and   costs   around   €20.     An  Autolinee  Tempesta  bus  takes  approximately  30  minutes  and  costs  €4.15.    Booking  Italian  train  travel    You   can  purchase   Italian   rail   tickets   from  any   train   station   in   Italy.    Many   stations   are   equipped  with  automatic   ticket   machines,   from   which   you   can   purchase   tickets   and   reservation   coupons   for   travel  throughout  Italy  and  for  principal  cross-­‐border  routes.    The  machines  accept  cash,  credit  card,  or  ATM  card   with   PIN.     There   are   sometimes   unpredicted   system   outages   in   the   smaller   stations,   so   we  recommend  booking  your  entire  journey  in  advance  of  your  trip  (see  below)  or  at  a  major  train  station  at  the  start  of  your  trip.    For  more  information  on  train  travel   in  Italy,  visit  www.trenitalia.com.    There  you  can  purchase  tickets  and   make   seat   reservations   with   your   credit   card.     There   is   also   a   great   website   called  www.raileurope.com   where   you   can   purchase   individual   rail   tickets   as   well   as   rail   passes.     Another  option  is  to  purchase  tickets  and  make  reservations  through  your  own  travel  agent.    If   you   travel  on  one  of   Italy’s   faster   trains,   such  as  Eurocity,   Intercity,  or  Eurostar,  you’ll  be  charged  a  supplemental  fare  in  addition  to  the  regular  ticket  price.    If  you  travel  on  one  of  these  trains  without  a  supplemented  ticket,  you’ll  be  fined.    Don’t  panic,  though;  it  is  almost  impossible  not  to  get  the  proper  ticket  nowadays,  especially  if  you  buy  online  or  from  a  machine,  where  the  supplement  is  automatically  included  in  the  cost.    Intercity   and   Eurostar   trains   require   a   seat   reservation.     Reserving   a   seat   is   not  mandatory   on   other  trains;  however,   you  may  want   to  pay   the  extra   charge   for  a   guaranteed   seat,   especially   if   you   travel  during  a  peak  period  or  local  holiday.    Otherwise,  you  risk  having  to  stand  for  a  part  or  all  of  your  trip.    On   Italy’s   slower   trains   (Rapido,   Espresso,   Regionale,   Inter   Regionale,   and   Locale),   reservations   and  supplemental  tickets  are  not  necessary.    Boarding  the  train    The  platform  number  will  be  listed  at   least  10  minutes  prior  to  departure  on  the  small  TV  screens  and  larger  schedule  boards  in  the  main  station  area.    If  you  are  traveling  without  a  seat  reservation,  you  will  need  to  validate  your  “open”  ticket  by  stamping  it  at  one  of  the  small  yellow  machines  located  on  each  train  platform  (the  machine  stamps  the  date  and  time  on  the  open  ticket  to  prevent  multiple  uses).     If  you   forget   to   stamp   your   ticket   before   boarding,   tell   the   on-­‐board   inspector   immediately   to   avoid   a  supplementary  fee.    

WHERE  TO  STAY  BEFORE  &  AFTER  YOUR  TOUR    BARI    PALACE  HOTEL    Via  Francesco  Lombardi  13    70122  Bari    Tel  +39  080  521  6551    www.palacehotelbari.it/eng/index.html    GRAND  HOTEL  LEON  D’ORO    Piazza  Aldo  Moro  4    70122  Bari    Tel  +39  080  523  5040    www.grandhotelleondoro.it/e_index.php    HOTEL  VILLA  ROMANAZZI    Via  Giuseppe  Capruzzi  326    70124  Bari    Tel  +39  080  542  7400    www.villaromanazzi.com    MATERA    LA  CASA  DI  LUCIO    Via  San  Pietro  Caveoso  66    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  531  2798    www.lacasadilucio.it/en/    HOTEL  SANT’ANGELO    Piazza  San  Pietro  Caveoso    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  531  4010    www.hotelsantangelosassi.it/en/    HOTEL  IN  PIETRA    Via  San  Giovanni  Vecchio  22    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  534  4040    www.hotelinpietra.it/page/home_e.php    ALBERGO  ITALIA    Via  Ridola  5    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  533  3561    www.albergoitalia.com/eng/    

   HOTEL  ADRIA    Via  Zuppetta  10    70121  Bari    Tel  +39  080  524  6699    www.adriahotelbari.com/english/hotel.php    HOTEL  BOSTON    Via  Piccinni  155    70122  Bari    Tel  +39  080  521  6633    www.bostonbari.it/index.php?&lang=en                    HOTEL  RIDOLA    Via  Morelli  13    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  531  8811    www.hotelridolamatera.it/index.php?lang=en    ALBERGO  DEL  SEDILE    Recinto  Sedile  4  (Piazza  del  Sedile)    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  533  3436    www.albergodelsedile.it    LOCANDA  DI  SAN  MARTINO    Via  Fiorentini  71  75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  525  6600    www.locandadisanmartino.it/en/hotel/                

LECCE    HOTEL  PATRIA  PALACE    Piazzetta  Riccardi    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  224  5111    www.patriapalacelecce.com/eng/index.htm    HOTEL  DELLE  PALME    Via  Leuca  90    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  234  7171    www.hoteldellepalmelecce.it  

     GRAND  HOTEL  TIZIANO    Viale  Porto  d'Europa    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  227  2111    www.grandhoteltiziano.it/index_en.asp    B&B  PALAZZO  ROLLO    Via  Vittorio  Emanuele  II  14    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  230  7152    www.palazzorollo.it/palazzorollo/