Baroque Extravagance and Norman Splendour in Puglia
All italophiles will respond to Puglia’s rich combination of an ancient landscape, with olive trees dating back to the Romans, picturesque trulli, magnificent Norman cathedrals standing beside the azure waters of the Adriatic, and the Baroque splendours of Lecce.
This beautiful corner of Italy, with its exotic links with Greece, lying just across the Adriatic, possesses a series of unexpected delights: the splendour of the mosaics covering the entire floor of Otranto cathedral and little hilltowns rivalling anywhere in central Italy. To the north of the province stands the severe Castel del Monte, built by the Emperor Frederick II, who loved this area.
We are visiting a number of sun-bleached private villas, which will give you a further insight into one of the most interesting if neglected areas of Italy.
Hotel: We will spend the first three nights in Lecce at the Patria Palace Hotel, a comfortable hotel in an elegant palace in the heart of Baroque Lecce. The following three nights will be spent at the luxurious Masseria Torre Coccaro near Fasano. This romantic masseria, surrounded by olive groves, has been exquisitely restored and has a charming terrace restaurant.
Lecturer: Charles FitzRoy
Tour Leaders: Charles FitzRoy and Jane Rae