Most Inspirational Moment
Caves at Castellana
Thoughts on Group Leader
Really knowledgeable and well organised. Took everyone's wishes into account.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go!
Reviews
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Reviews
Great holiday
Really well organised with an excellent guide and fascinating excursions.
Trullis, Olive trees and Negative Architecture
Very good exposure to the cave dwellings, trullis and olive groves in the Puglia region. Marinella was an excellent guide who provided us with the background and context in a clear and simple manner. She also took care to introduce us to the variety of foods available in the region – which we may have missed out on if this care was not taken.
Most Inspirational Moment
"Inspirational" is a difficult word! I greatly enjoyed seeing the trullis in Alberobella, the ancient olive groves and the very nice towns and villages we passed through.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent knowledge and communication ability. Very patient and accommodating. She arranged for us to eat excellent dinners though some of these were more expensive than I would have planned for. I suggest that she should advise participants about the options available for dinner before proceeding to make bookings on her own.
Advice for Potential Travellers
a) August is very hot! and the tour in this month should be avoided, if possible. b) The distance from Matera station to the hotel is significant and your suitcase will need to be carried most of the way - so travel light! c) Fresh orange juice is widely available and can be an inexpensive and refreshing pick-me-up.
Discover the Heel of Italy
A pleasant and rewarding few days in one of the lesser-visited parts of Italy. Gentle visits to picturesque towns and villages taking in the cuisine and culture were ideal for a group of 11 ranging in age from about 40 into the mid 70s. Travelling in May avoided the blistering heat which followed throughout the summer. There was plenty of free time in which the group could do their own thing. Accommodation was excellent throughout, particularly the Trulli of Alberobello, and caves of Matera.
Most Inspirational Moment
I'm unable to pinpoint a "moment". I thought the whole week was inspirational. But if I'm forced on pain of death, then sitting by the roadside in Alberobello licking ice-cream made me appreciate life after serious health issues.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marcella was lovely. Very knowledgeable, chatty and welcoming. Excellent command of English. Catered to people's individual tastes. On the free day in Alberobello everyone went elsewhere. But I wanted to savour this Unesco World Heritage town, so I stayed put. I have an urge to swim everywhere I visit and Marcella pointed me in the direction of a hotel where I could use their pool for 5 Euros. The staff were lovely and didn't ask for anything.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although a solo traveller I thought this trip and the region of Puglia and Basilicata would be ideal for young families. There is the usual tacky souvenir stuff but I found locals friendly and helpful, particular in local restaurants. No pestering anywhere from touts. The Peroni beer is outstanding, particularly the Tradizione (red label) and the Gran Riserva (quite strong at 6.6%) which is difficult to find in this country (Scotland).
Pleasure in Pulglia
Exceptional. This is the first time that we have used this company and we found the experience wonderful. The group size was perfect, great itinerary, activities better than expected, all enhanced by the enthusiastic group leader as well as the local guides.
Most Inspirational Moment
Matera is an exceptional place. The story behind the sassi with their troglodyte dwellings and the subsequent displacement of the inhabitants was fascinating. We were lucky also to experience the Festa della Bruna.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was fantastic. As an experienced small group traveler I have had many different leaders. I can say without doubt our leader was better than of all previous ones.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Puglia was hot. I would advise travelers planning to go there in July to be prepared for this possibility.
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy - ADE (20)
We had a wonderful week in a part of Italy that was new to us.
Most Inspirational Moment
We have done eleven previous group trips with companies like Intrepid and Explore and Marinella was way better than any previous leader. Whether it's through local knowledge or willingness to do lots of preparation I don't know, but we were inspired by the way Marinella was able to make places come alive when she introduced us to them.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marinella was a wonderful leader - full of enthusiasm, patience, good humour and energy. Her goal was to ensure that every guest had the best possible time. She mixed easily and confidently with all guests and always helped out if there was a problem.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you find extreme heat difficult, travel before June.
Discover the heel of Puglia
The holiday was most enjoyable and we were escorted by Marinella in a friendly and efficient way.
The hotels we stayed in were comfortable, and some uniquely interesting.
Most Inspirational Moment
I was very excited to see Alberobello, which I had long wanted to visit. And Matera was a great revelation - I knew nothing of its history, and found it fascinating
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marinella was friendly, energetic and charming, and full of interesting information. She found some lovely places for us to eat at. She was concerned for and interested in everyone in the partyExpect
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you go in July, leave your woollies well behind. It was EXTREMELY hot when we were there.
A relaxing and enjoyable trip
This was a nice close up look at the heel of Italy. Lots of historic context alongside regional cuisine, great local wines, and beautiful countryside. We had a great group of 11 like-minded travellers and had a lot of fun.
Most Inspirational Moment
Trying out the local cuisine was a highlight, especially all the amazing appetizers.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marcella was great! She spent time with us even when she didn't have to and always made sure we were taken care of.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring good walking shoes. The walks are longer and a bit more challenging than they sound in the trip description, and take place in the heat of the day.
Puglia: Discover the heel of Italy
We would definitely recommend this holiday; the choice of hotels was superb. There was such a wide variety of things to see and the area is very beautiful.
Most Inspirational Moment
Spending time in Matera was a real highlight and also travelling on the local train to Lecce through the olive groves.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marinella was an exceptional guide; nothing was too much trouble and she was very knowledgable about the area and interesting to listen to. We appreciated the effort she made to find good local places for the group to eat together in the evening, and accompanying us, which made a lot of difference to our holiday.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some of the pavements were polished cobbles so a shoe with a good grip is essential. There were quite a lot of hills and steps to negotiate.
Puglia
An interesting introduction to a region of Italy often overlooked. There was so much to see and do, plus staying in a trulli house in Alberobello was an amazing experience. The food was superb and the wine amazing.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many, visit olive trees thousands of years old. The caverns, each cave better than the last. Staying in a trulli.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Giuseppe was very passionate about showing us his part of Italy, from introducing us to amazing food and wines made from local products, to showing us beautiful little towns.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Food is a little more expensive than the trip notes suggest. Double the recommendations as there is so much amazing food and wine to trip.
Puglia
An interesting and vey varied trip. Sara our group leader was delightful and efficient.
It was a busy itinerary, very enjoyable, maybe not quite as leisurely as one may have thought it would be.!
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult,. The caverns were amazing, the olive producers ancient olive grove also. 2000 year old trees reminds one of how fragile and small we are.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was lovely, good fun and efficient
Advice for Potential Travellers
Look upon the trip as slightly more full on than possibily required, but vey enjoyable nonetheless