8 days, 7 nights – 17 meals
The “heel” of Italy’s boot, Puglia is filled with ancient archaeological sites, extravagant churches, thousand-year-old olive trees, lush vineyards, unique architecture, sandy beaches and welcoming hospitality. The small towns and countryside are at the heart of Puglia’s appeal – the source of its food, wealth and culture.
Puglia is a magical place!
WE’RE DOING ITALY LIKE A LOCAL!
The WOW! Travel Club visited this little-known corner of Italy in 2013 and we’re going back; it’s just too good not to repeat! Puglia is charming, beautiful and compelling. The pace is slower. It’s like Italy used to be before every American tourist and college student discovered it. No Starbucks. No gypsies. No styrofoam gelato containers. No crowds.
Instead, we’ll explore cities with some of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Italy, mysterious caves and monuments and a landscape dotted with ancient Greek and Neolithic archaeological sites. Plus, centuries-old olive trees and miles of sandy beaches. . . . aaaaahhhhhhh Italy!
HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS:
Escorted by Marilyn Murphy, Founder of the WOW! Travel Club
WEDNESDAY, May 8th – Travel from US to Italy
Depart the US on an overnight flight to Brindisi, Italy.
THURSDAY, May 9th – Lecce
Arrive in the city of Lecce, the “Florence of the South.” Transfers will be arranged from Brindisi Airport. Lecce is a lively but relaxed university town with great restaurants and upmarket boutiques.
Your comfortable lodging for the next four nights will be at the Risorgimento, a contemporary 5-star hotel in the historic city center.
FRIDAY, May 10th – Lecce (B,L,D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel – as you’ll do each morning of the trip. We’ll then spend the day exploring the city of Lecce, accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, taking us through the Palazzi, churches, and charming city streets. We’ll enjoy lunch in the old town, followed by a visit to a stone sculpting studio for a behind-the-scenes look!
SATURDAY, May 11th – “Coast to Coast” – The Salento Riviera (B,L)
We’ll visit both coasts – the Adriatic to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west. The cities of Otranto and Gallipoli boast splendid promenades, sea-front restaurants, lively cafes, and artisanal shops. It is the spectacular combination of historical and contemporary seaside ambiance!
Dinner on your own in Lecce.
SUNDAY, May 12th – A day filled with “WOW” (B,L,D)
If you’re an enthusiast of Italian cuisine, wine, culture, art, music and/or “dolce vita” lifestyle – you’ll love what we’re planning for today! It’s a “wow”! We won’t reveal the surprises in store, but can promise you it’ll be a Mother’s Day you’ll never forget!
Dinner included tonight.
MONDAY, May 13th – Ostuni, Alberobello, and Olive Oil Farm Visit (B,L,D)
Puglia has more than 50 million olive trees. We’ll visit a local farm and learn about olive oil production. Next, we’ll visit the white-washed town of Ostuni to wine, dine, and shop. We’ll later transfer to the UNESCO town of Alberobello, famous for its unique “trulli” houses – round structures made of stacked stones.
After a full day of exploring we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at the cozy Masseria Montenapoleone, our “home away from home” for the next three nights.
TUESDAY, May 14th – Martina Franco and Locorotondo (B,L,D)
Today we’ll visit two of Puglia’s most charming towns – Martina Franco and Locorotondo – both known for their delicious taste treats, beautiful architecture, and shopping experiences.
We’ll wrap up our day with dinner at the Masseria.
WEDNESDAY, May 15th – Monopoli and Polignano a Mare (B,L,D)
Today we’ll head to the sea to explore the charming atmosphere of two Adriatic fishing villages. Fresh laundry is strung across narrow streets and homemade meatballs cook on the stove.
We’ll celebrate our final night together with a farewell dinner at the Masseria.
THURSDAY, May 16th – Arrivederci Puglia (B)
We say farewell to Puglia, transferring to Brindisi airport for return flights home.
Or – extend your stay in southern Italy where there’s so much to see: Matera, Sorrento, Pompei, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Let us know if this is of interest and we’ll put it together!
HOTEL RISORGIMENTO RESORT – Lecce – 4 Nights
This property has one of the top-rated locations in Lecce! Featuring a roof-top restaurant with panoramic views, the Risorgimento Resort is in Lecce’s Baroque historic center – an ancient residence dating back to the 1400s meets modernity. It boasts large modern rooms and a relaxing spa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the weather be like? For the most part the weather will range from the mid 70’s during the day, high 40’s to low 50’s at night.
What about Wi-Fi? If you must stay connected during your trip, Wi-Fi is free and reliable everywhere on this journey.
What about airfare? Airfare is not included in the package. CTP can assist you with making reservations for a service fee of $50 per person.
What is the dress code? There is no need for formal attire. For daytime, comfortable, casual clothing and shoes are suggested.
Will I need an adaptor to plug in my appliances and chargers? YES! For Italy there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Can I use my cell phone in Italy? With most providers, it’s best to activate an international data and telephone plan. We suggest that you contact your carrier to discuss potential costs for data and voice communications.
What is the currency? Like most of the rest of the European Union, Italy uses the Euro as its currency. You’ll see the Euro represented by both the symbol – € – and the initials : EUR.
As of this writing (7/30/18), one US Dollar will get you approximately .857 Euros.
Here is a link to the current exchange rate.
What about travel insurance? We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Information will be provided upon receipt of deposit. Here are links to two travel insurance providers: Travel Guard and Squaremouth.
WOW! VOWS
All guests will be asked to sign and agree to the WOW! Vows for responsible travel:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PUGLIA, ITALY – The Heel of the Boot!
DATES: May 8 – 16, 2019
COST:
$4,590 per person, double occupancy (couple or roommate share)
$5,285 per person, single occupancy
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
You may make your own flight arrangements or we can assist with a $75 per person service fee (waived for WOW! Travel Club alumni). We cannot book mileage tickets or upgrades, which must be done directly with the carrier. If you would like us to assist, contact Howard Wise at howard@thectpgroup.com or call him at 818-444-2710. It is the responsibility of the traveler to provide the legal name as on the passport. Passport must be valid for six months from return date. Carriers may deny boarding if name on ticket does not EXACTLY match name on passport.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Space is limited. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
CANCELLATION:
If unforeseen events happen that force you to cancel, we will try to resell your space. Penalties vary depending on the date of cancellation:
*If we are able to fill your place, we will refund all monies, less a $250 per person administrative fee.
SUPPLEMENTAL TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR TRIP CANCELLATION/INTERRUPTION:
We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Here is a link to Travel Guard, a reputable travel insurance provider. Here is a link to Squaremouth, a travel insurance broker that provides side-by-side comparisons of travel insurance plans.
RATES:
All rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect as of July 24, 2018, and are subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum group size of 20 paying guests. Should the group size(s) be smaller than this, package price or inclusions may be modified. Unused tour items, missed meals or activites, etc. are not refundable.
TIPS AND TAXES:
The package includes all service charges and taxes imposed by hotels and all entrance fees to museums, etc. Basic gratuities to drivers, guides and porters are included. You are welcome to extend additional gratuities for anyone who has provided exemplary service.
BAGGAGE:
Please check applicable baggage allowances and fees with your airline carrier.
PASSPORT:
You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of re-entry to your home country.
HEALTH/VACCINATIONS:
There are no unusual requirements for European travel. However, you may wish to consult your physician for recommendations. Additional information regarding Traveler’s Health precautions is available at the website for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Final travel documents will be sent to your mailing address about two weeks prior to departure.
RISKS OF TRAVEL AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
International travel involves inherent risks. The CTP Group/WOW! Travel Club (CTP/WOW) cannot be liable for any injury, death or loss of personal property in connection with your participation in CTP/WOW activities. By participating in this CTP/WOW travel program, you assume risk of inherent dangers (including without limitation, annoyance and expenses) related to military or political action, civil disturbances, quarantine, strikes, detention, mental trauma, pilferage, weather, epidemiological events, acts of God or any other circumstances over which CTP/WOW has no control.
I understand that CTP/WOW reserves the right to refuse as a trip participant or remove from a trip, any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in activities, or who it determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety presented to me by CTP/WOW. CTP/WOW reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests.
CTP/WOW reserves the right to alter or cancel any trip due to weather, sickness, political climate, and/or insufficient registration or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. While CTP/WOW will make every effort to obtain full or partial refunds from suppliers, CTP/WOW cannot guarantee your ability to recoup payment.
The above terms and conditions are hereby expressly incorporated into the “Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement” to be signed by you as a WOW! Travel Club participant.
WOW! VOWS:
All guests will be asked to sign and agree to the WOW! Vows for responsible travel:
CONSENT:
Payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for registration of a participant for CTP/WOW activities constitutes consent by all guests/participants registered by the party completing online registration. You and your guests/participants hereby agree to the Terms & Conditions of this website. The Terms & Conditions set forth on this website may not be modified or amended except in writing by an authorized officer of CTP/WOW.
All guests/participants are required to initial and sign a Release Waiver and Indemnity Agreement, which will be sent upon receipt of your deposit. Your final payment cannot be processed until you return the signed Release.
August 2018 CST # 1016440-10
You should plan to depart the US on May 8th to arrive May 9th into Brindisi (BRS airport code). Return flights should be scheduled for May 16th.
We’re happy to assist you with flight reservations (there is a $75 per person fee – waived if you are a WOW! Travel Club alumni!). Please contact Howard Wise at howard@thectpgroup.com or 818-444-2710.
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