April 28, 2015 – May 6, 2015

Journey with National Trust Tours on the Apulia: Undiscovered Italy experience and uncover why Apulia's mysterious beauty has been tempting travelers since the ancient Greeks first glimpsed its rugged coastline. Sample hearty southern cuisine while immersing in the local lifestyle. Each day, experience the abundant delights of this exciting, unspoiled territory.

Travel experts have meticulously planned this exciting program, which showcases the highlights of Apulia. Enjoy preferred access to popular attractions and an exclusive educational program that will enhance your appreciation of the people and the culture. This educational program features expert local speakers and is the hallmark of the Alumni Campus Abroad programs.

Highlights

• Spend seven nights in the historic seaside town of Polignano a Mare, home base while exploring the unique Apulia region.
• Visit the lively, ancient Greek port and Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari.
• See the baroque splendor of Lecce and the White Town of Ostuni.
• Visit a winery and family-run olive mill, and sample regional specialties.
• View the Jewish Ghetto and Norman structures of Trani.
• Wander among the mysterious clusters of domed trulli in Alberobello and Matera’s carved sassi dwellings.
• Explore the geometric wonders of Emperor Frederick II’s Castel del Monte.

Accommodations
Located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the first-class Hotel Covo dei Saraceni is near the historic center of the quaint coastal town of Polignano a Mare. After an active day of exploring, unwind with a glass of wine or a meal at Il Bastione, the hotel’s restaurant, which offers terrace seating, panoramic views and a tempting menu that highlights the region’s fresh seafood and other local specialties. The comfortable, air-conditioned guest rooms include satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Tour Itinerary
April 28 - Tuesday - Bari, Italy
Depart your gateway city for Bari, Italy.

April 29 - Wednesday - Bari/Polignano a Mare, Italy
Upon arrival in Bari, transfer to Polignano a Mare and the Hotel Covo dei Saraceni.

April 30 - Thursday - Bari/Polignano a Mare, Italy
Educational Focus: Italy’s Deep South. Apulia has been tempting travelers since the ancient Greeks first glimpsed its rugged coastal beauty. Study the enduring influence of the region’s diverse cultural inheritance on architecture, food and languages. Learn how the rocky terrain produces thriving olive groves and vineyards.
Excursion: Polignano a Mare. Discover why this vibrant fishing village, rising from limestone cliffs molded by the Adriatic, makes the ideal base for exploration of the region. Weave through Old Town’s village streets, fragrant with flowering plants, and experience the warm hospitality of local residents.
Excursion: Beautiful Bari. Colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor of Apulia’s capital city. Tour this historic port and glimpse daily southern life amid the entrancing pas- sages of Old Town. Visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas, Bari’s patron saint. Traverse the seafront promenade and stroll the Murat quarter.
Local Flavor: Enjoy regional specialties for lunch in Bari.
Educational Focus: Lecce and Ostuni’s Architectural History. Learn the storied past of two of Apulia’s great architectural treasures. The towns of Lecce and Ostuni are known for their unique cityscapes. Lecce is celebrated for its 17th-century baroque style, while Ostuni’s fame is derived from its Greek-influenced whitewashed buildings.
This evening, join fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.

May 1 - Friday - Lecce/Ostuni
Excursion: Baroque Lecce. In Lecce, visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the pinnacle of Lecce baroque, and the Roman amphitheater, which once held 20,000 spectators.
Local Flavor: Enjoy a delicious restaurant in Lecce.
Excursion: The White Town. Gleaming in Italian sunshine, Ostuni’s whitewashed town cascades over the side of its hilltop perch. Wander the labyrinthine passages of the Old Town. Visit the magnificent cathedral, and walk atop the ancient city walls for wonderful vistas of olive groves and the sea.

May 2 - Saturday - Andria/Corato
Excursion: Castel del Monte. Visit this magnum opus of secular medieval architecture, commissioned by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the 13th century. The bastion’s octagonal shape symbolizes the transitional phase between Earth and the heavens. The enigmatic symmetries and the eclectic blend of architecture are intriguing.
Cultural Event: Apulia produces more wine than almost any other region of Italy. Visit a winery in Corato and learn how Apulia’s indigenous grapes are transformed into delicious reds, rosés and whites.
Local Flavor: Sample regional varieties of wine followed by lunch at the winery.

May 3 - Sunday - Matera Alberobello
Excursion: Sassi di Matera. Explore Matera, famous for its stunning landscape and its rock-hewn cave dwellings known as sassi.
Local Flavor: Savor southern cuisine for lunch in Matera.
Excursion: Trulli Fascinating Alberobello. Found only in Apulia, more than 1,000 of these unique dwellings known as trulli line the streets of Alberobello.

May 4 - Monday - Bisceglie/Trani
Educational Focus: Meet the People. Visit a family-run olive mill in Bisceglie for a guided tour. Learn the fascinating history and cultivation process.
Local Flavor: Enjoy an olive oil tasting followed by a hearty lunch.
Excursion: Discovering Trani. Journey north along the coast to Trani. View the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Nicholas, dramatically perched at the Adriatic’s edge. Explore the Jewish Ghetto, once home to southern Italy’s largest Jewish community.
Educational Focus: Contemporary Italy. Learn about life in Italy today. Compare the rich cultural heritage and slow- paced lifestyle of southern Apulia with its northern neighbors.

May 5 - Tuesday - Polignano a Mare
Independent Exploration: Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Polignano a Mare. This evening, enjoy a Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Reception, followed by a special Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

May 6 - Wednesday
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city.

Tour Price*
Per person - $2,945

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour please contact our tour VIP desk at +1 202 772 8000 or scalhoun@historichotels.org.

View more Great Experiences and Tours

Terms and Conditions
*VAT is an additional $295 per person. All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air program costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $495 (limited availability).
Included in tour cost:
Accommodations: Spend seven nights in Polignano a Mare at the first-class Hotel Covo dei Saraceni.
Meals: Enjoy an extensive meal program, including seven breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners. Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner. Take advantage of leisure time to try local cuisine independently; Sample authentic regional specialties at local restaurants; Attend a special Welcome Reception and Dinner; Gather for a festive Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Reception followed by a Farewell Dinner.
The Exciting Travel Program: Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region; Personal VOX listening devices allow you to hear every word of your expert English-speaking guides; All excursions:

• Tour the historic village of Polignano a Mare.
• Visit the ancient seaport of Bari.
• Admire the baroque architecture of Lecce.
• Explore the White Town of Ostuni.
• Wander the medieval Jewish Ghetto in Trani.
• See Alberobello’s unique trulli.
• Explore Matera’s rock-hewn sassi.
• Tour the enigmatic Castel del Monte.

Many Included Extras: Consultation services of a dedicated Passenger Service Representative prior to departure; Services of an experienced Campus Director throughout your stay; Detailed travel and destination information to assist in your planning; Tipping of excursion guides and drivers; Complimentary travel wallet.
Not included in tour cost: Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas, entry/departure fees; personal gratuities; laundry and dry cleaning; excursions, wines, liquors, mineral waters, and meals not mentioned in this brochure under included features; travel insurance; all items of a strictly personal nature.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.