Journey with Broad Escapes to a region of Italy that feels wonderfully untouched, authentic, and deeply soulful. Apulia—also known as Puglia—is a land of gleaming white hill towns, ancient cave dwellings, sun-washed coastlines, and culinary traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries. Our carefully curated women’s tour follows the road less travelled, inviting you to slow down, savour, and truly connect with the essence of Southern Italy.
Designed exclusively for a small group of just 16 women, this intimate journey begins in the ancient city of Matera, where stone-carved dwellings glow in the early evening light. Continue to Lecce’s baroque elegance before settling into Ostuni—“The White City”—your home for a relaxing and immersive six-night stay. With only three centrally located hotels throughout the entire tour, you’ll enjoy the comfort of unpacking less and experiencing more.
Explore turquoise coastlines, UNESCO treasures, vibrant fishing towns, and artisan villages known for ceramics, olive oil, and regional wines. Drift along the Adriatic on a private catamaran, learn the secrets of Apulian cooking in a hands-on class, and wander enchanting old towns that feel suspended in time.
Thoughtfully crafted with a slower pace, this experience blends culture, cuisine, history, and connection—perfect for women seeking meaningful travel off the traditional tourist path.
Are you ready to slow down, savour Italy, and join us in Apulia? Space is limited!
Day 1 | Wednesday, October 14 (D)
ARRIVE BARI – MATERA
*Independent arrival at Bari International Airport – Karol Wojtyła (airport code BRI)
Benvenute in Italy! Upon arrival, be greeted by our local representative for a private transfer to our beautiful, centrally located hotel in Matera. Settle into this fascinating ancient city, carved from rock and bathed in golden light. This evening, gather with fellow Broad Escapes travellers for a warm welcome dinner—your first taste of Apulian hospitality.
Overnight La Suite Eurostars Hotel (or similar) – 2 nights
*Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will suggest a designated flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.
Day 2 | Thursday, October 15 (B/D)
SASSI OF MATERA
Explore the extraordinary Sassi di Matera, a labyrinth of cave dwellings, stone churches, and alleyways that tell thousands of years of history. With our expert guide, wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn why Matera is one of Italy’s most unforgettable destinations. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to visit local artisans, wander through the shops, snap photos, or simply sit with a cappuccino and soak in the incomparable charm of this ancient city.
Day 3 | Friday, October 16 (B/L)
MATERA – LECCE
We depart Matera and make our way toward Lecce, stopping at an elegant Masseria winery. Savour a tasting of regional wines paired with a delicious four-course lunch—an authentic tribute to Apulia’s rich culinary heritage. Continue to Lecce and check into our charming centrally located hotel. Enjoy free time this evening, with our BE host, wandering the glowing streets of this famous baroque city.
Overnight Palazzo Sant’Anna Hotel (or similar) – 3 nights
Day 4 | Saturday, October 17 (B/D)
LECCE
Spend the morning exploring Lecce with a local specialist who brings its history, architecture, and culture to life. Along the way, taste traditional delicacies such as pasticciotti, rustici and the beloved caffè leccese. Use your free afternoon to explore the hidden piazzas, admire the impressive Baroque architecture or relax in one of Lecce’s elegant cafés. Gather this evening for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 | Sunday, October 18 (B/D)
OTRANTO & GALLIPOLI – COASTAL GEMS
Today, we’ll explore both coasts of Salento: the Ionian Sea to the west and the Adriatic to the east.
Our first stop is Gallipoli, on the Ionian coast — an ancient fishing town with a charming historic center set on an island, connected to the mainland by a seventeenth-century bridge. We’ll then continue to the Adriatic coast to visit Otranto, the easternmost city in Italy. Here, glittering turquoise waters meet an impressive cathedral, home to the largest intact mosaic floor in Europe. The town’s medieval fortress and winding alleys add to its unique blend of seaside beauty and centuries-old history.
Day 6 | Monday, October 19 (B/D)
OSTUNI
We continue our Apulian journey as we check out of Lecce and travel north to Ostuni. Perched high above the Adriatic, this dazzling whitewashed town is one of Apulia’s most photographed settings, a beautiful place to call home for 6 nights! After checking into our centrally located hotel, enjoy a guided tour unveiling the beauty and secrets of “La Città Bianca.”
Overnight Hotel Primo (or similar) – 6 nights
Day 7 | Tuesday, October 20 (B/L)
POLIGNANO A MARE & CATAMARAN CRUISE
Today brings an exhilarating coastal experience. Explore Polignano a Mare—famous for its dramatic seaside cliffs—before boarding a private catamaran. Cruise along the glittering coastline, visiting sea caves and hidden coves, and enjoy a light lunch on board. Return to Ostuni for an evening at leisure.
Day 8 | Wednesday, October 21 (B/D)
BARI & MONOPOLI
A full day of discovery awaits as we head north along the Adriatic coast. Our first stop is Bari, a city with two distinct faces: the elegant Murat district, with its 19th-century theatres, and the picturesque old town, home to Romanesque treasures like the Basilica di San Nicola. Bari is rich in traditions, from the women shaping orecchiette in the streets to the lively fish markets along the harbour. Monopoli is a lively hotspot for both tourists and locals, with 8 miles of coastline and a bright, white-washed historic center. With our guide, we’ll explore the town’s ancient origins and its key historic buildings, before soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere at the harbour, lined with colourful fishing boats and stylish bars.
Day 9 | Thursday, October 22 (B/D)
HANDS-ON COOKING CLASS
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ostuni at your own pace—visit boutiques, sip an espresso in the sun, or wander the medieval alleyways. This afternoon, join a chef for an immersive cooking class. Learn to make fresh pasta and Apulian specialties, then enjoy the dishes you helped create during a memorable dinner.
Day 10 | Friday, October 23 (B/D)
OLIVE OIL, ALBEROBELLO & LOCOROTONDO
Discover smaller gems of the Itria Valley including a visit to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its fairytale trulli houses. Continue with a visit to an olive oil mill for a guided tasting of premium extra virgin oils, the cornerstone of ancient Mediterranean life gastronomy culture. End the day in the circular hilltop town of Locorotondo, considered one of Italy’s prettiest villages, before returning to Ostuni with time to freshen up before dinner.
Day 11 | Saturday, October 24 (B/D)
GROTTAGLIE & MARTINA FRANCA
Our final full day brings two more jewels of Apulia. Visit Grottaglie, renowned for its artisanal ceramics, where you’ll find unique handmade treasures. Continue to Martina Franca, a baroque masterpiece with winding white lanes and elegant palazzi. This evening, celebrate new friendships and shared memories, of this slow-paced journey, at our festive farewell dinner.
Day 12 | Sunday, October 25 (B)
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we’ll have a private group transfer to the Bari International Airport to connect with the designated flight home. Depart with your heart full of Apulia’s warmth, beauty, flavours, and the joy of sharing it all with an amazing group of women.
Thank you for choosing Broad Escapes!
B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / D – Dinner
**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**
Level 2 – Moderate
This trip is appropriate for travellers who are in good health and are comfortable with full-day excursions. Participants with basic good balance, mobility, and moderate fitness level should not require physical preparation to enjoy the various activities of this tour. Walking on uneven terrain, sometimes uphill, walking and standing for long periods of time during guided tours, easy physical activities, stairways sometimes without handles, absence of elevators, and getting on and off various modes of transportation unassisted can be expected.
BROAD ESCAPES TOURS FOR WOMEN
What’s Included
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Private group arrival/departure transfers (transfers based on group air arrival/departure times)
- Private transportation on air-conditioned bus as per itinerary
- 11 nights luxury/superior accommodation – 2 nights Matera, 3 nights Lecce, 6 nights Ostuni
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 9 dinners
- Wine with all dinners
- Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary
- Highlights include guided tours of Matera, Otranto & Bari, tasting tour of Lecce, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, private catamaran trip, cooking class, camaraderie with locals and so much more!
- Services of an English-speaking local guide for all tours
- Services of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager
- Includes all applicable taxes and service charges
- 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours emergency contact number while on tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Insurance
- International airfare
- Passport, visas, government processing fees, vaccinations
- Luggage handling
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned
- Items of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers
OPTIONS
- International Flights – A designated flight from Toronto will be assigned. We would be pleased to book your flights from Toronto or any other departure gateway.
- Arrival and departure transfers – for those not arriving & departing on group flights
Canadian Citizens require a valid passport. Authorities at your destination require that Canadian passports are valid for 3 months beyond your return date. Broad Escapes recommends passports are valid for a minimum 6 months beyond your return date.
European Union – As of mid-to-late 2026 (exact date still to be announced), the European Union will require an ETIAS Travel Authorization for all travellers who do not require a Schengen visa (including Canadian citizens). Without this ETIAS, entry to the European Union will not be permitted. Travelers will be required to complete the application/purchase the ETIAS individually (cost: €20 Euro). Further information about the application process will be provided by your booking agent at the appropriate time.
Tour Cost
$9,300 CAD
twin occupancy
maximum 16 passengers
Upgrade to your own room for $1875 CAD
Deposit $1200 per person
Balance due: July 14, 2026
All payments are 100% non-refundable
Your Tour Host
Claudia Viani
A travel industry veteran for the past 40+ years, my passion for travel was ignited early and is imbedded in my DNA!
Born under the Tuscan Sun in the beautiful township of Lucca, we immigrated to Canada in my early teens. Not long after I returned to Italy several times, and thus began my love for travel and exploration.
It was only natural that I would join the Travel Industry, embarking on two amazing careers in the Airline and Travel Agency sector, weaving a tapestry of experiences and expertise.
Over the years I have hosted group tours to Quebec; Italy (including Sicily); Portugal; France; Switzerland; Amsterdam and Rhine River; UK; Ireland; Greek Islands; Morocco and several major US cities. I have also travelled extensively across Canada and to several other countries such as Croatia, Brazil, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Australia!
Today I am thrilled to join Broad Escapes as a Tour Manager, using my own adventures and expertise to inspire and to go beyond the ordinary, creating experiences that linger long after the suitcase is unpacked.
I look forward to travelling with you!
