Your guides will meet you in the lobby of our hotel in central Bari. After introductions and brief orientation, we will head to a local restaurant for some fine Puglian food and further discuss the trip details.

Overnight: Hotel Excelsior

Meals: Dinner

Leaving Bari, we drive south into the Salento region and Torre dell'Orso, a picturesque coastal town where the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, combined with the dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves, create a stunning backdrop for our first day of kayaking in Puglia. We'll explore the rugged coastline, discover secluded beaches, and paddle around the iconic "Two Sisters" rock formation just offshore. Arriving at our rustic Masseria, there will be time to relax before an exquisite farm-to-table meal prepared by our hosts.

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a sumptuous breakfast at the Masseria we will head to Santa Maria di Leuca, located at the southernmost tip of Italy's heel, which provides the unique experience of kayaking where two seas meet. Launching at Feaniche Spiaggia we will explore the convergence of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and enjoy a diverse coastal landscape that ranges from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches. The area is famous for its numerous sea caves, many of which are only accessible by water, offering us the chance to discover hidden grottoes and admire the play of light on colorful rock formations. Landing in the protected harbor we'll have lunch to enjoy a panoramic view of the iconic lighthouse and the charming town. After time to refresh at the Masseria we will have dinner at the medieval town of Tricase.

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Launching in the marina, we'll paddle from Castro to the famous Zinzulusa Cave, a natural wonder accessible only from the sea. Its name, derived from "zinzuli" (rags in the local dialect), refers to the striking stalactites and stalagmites that resemble hanging clothes. We'll continue along the rugged Salento coastline to our lunch stop at the beautiful village of Santa Cesarea Terme.  In the early evening, we'll drive to Otranto, so we have time to wander the charming old town and stroll along the seafront promenade, explore the narrow medieval streets, and admire the 12th-century mosaic floor in the Cathedral before enjoying a leisurely dinner of local Puglian cuisine in one of the towns seaside restaurants.

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

San Giovanni Beach, affectionately named "Bora Bora" by locals, offers a spectacular kayaking experience along the  Ionian coast of Salento near Gallipoli. This stretch of shoreline is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, reminiscent of the tropical paradise for which it is named. Gliding through the translucent sea, you can easily imagine yourself in the South Seas.  Unique rock formations and hidden caves along the coast provide other elements to this Italian slice of paradise.  At the end of  the day's paddling, we'll return to Masseria Violante before heading out to dinner at 

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, we will journey north from the Salento peninsula to the Valle d'Itria. The trip offers a captivating transition through Puglia's diverse landscape. As we leave behind Salento's coastal plains and ancient olive groves, the terrain gradually shifts to the gently rolling hills of central Puglia. En route, we'll visit Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South," known for its its ornate Baroque architecture, intricate stone carvings, and lively piazzas, offering a perfect blend of history, art, and vibrant Puglian culture in its historic center.  Approaching the Valle d'Itria, the scenery becomes more distinctive with a landscape is dotted with the region's iconic trulli - unique cone-roofed stone houses. This journey traverses physical distance and showcases Puglia's rich architectural and cultural heritage. In the late afternoon, we arrive at another beautiful Masseria where we can relax before dinner in Cisternino, a charming hilltop town in Puglia, where we will enjoy a traditional "fornello pronto" dinner, 

Overnight: Masseria Pittore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Launching at Lido Cala, we paddle the coast of Santo Stefano through the now familiar crystal-clear waters of Puglia,  past rugged cliffs and hidden coves. After landing, we visit the nearby archaeological site of Egnazia, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient past. This expansive site contains the remains of a Messapian and later Roman city, including well-preserved sections of the Via Traiana ancient city walls.  As the day winds down, we'll head to the charming fishing village of Savelletri for dinner. Here, we can indulge in the freshest seafood and, perhaps, enjoy a plate of raw sea urchins or a perfectly grilled catch-of-the-day at one of the waterfront restaurants while watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.

Overnight: Masseria Pittore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

For our final full day in Puglia, we tour Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the whimsical world of the iconic cone-roofed trulli. We'll wander the narrow streets of the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts through clusters of these fairytale-like structures.  After exploring this architectural wonder, we'll head to the coastal town of Monopoli for our last paddle of the trip, a blend of pristine beaches and historic fortifications. Paddle along the Adriatic coastline, discovering hidden coves, sea caves, and pristine beaches. After loading the kayaks, we'll depart on the scenic drive north to Bari, Puglia's capital. The route takes us through the region's characteristic olive groves and vineyards landscape, with the Adriatic Sea occasionally peeking through on your right. As you approach Bari, the rural scenery gradually gives way to the urban vistas of this vibrant port city with its mix of historic charm and modern energy.  We'll celebrate our discovery of Puglia tonight with a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant. 

Overnight: Hotel Excelsior

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast, perhaps a morning walk, and it's time to go. The hotel will be happy to arrange transport to the airport or train station. Arrivederci!

Overnight: NA

Meals: Breakfast

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