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Italy

Winter in Italy: Puglia’s Hidden Gems

Program No. 23004RJ
Discover the vibrant history and cuisine of Puglia — a coastal region located on Italy’s “heel” — during the winter months when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

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At a Glance

Located on Italy’s “heel,” Puglia boasts the longest stretch of coastline of any other mainland region in the country. Explore Puglia’s idyllic coast from the Baroque city of Lecce to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, all while learning about its rich history, tantalizing cuisine and local life. Brush up on your Italian during session with your Group Leader and try your hand at creating local dishes during a hands-on cooking class. You’ll experience the very best of Puglia during the mild winter months when all the tourists have gone home!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles; standing for at least an hour and a half; some uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs without railings.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Discover the Baroque beauty of Lecce — the “Florence of the South” — on an expert-led walking exploration of the Old City.
  • Learn the vast history of the Sassi de Matera, a troglodyte settlement and one of the oldest cities in the world.
  • Marvel in the unique trulli houses of Alberobello, historic homes built during the 16th century that are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Emanuela D'Andria
Emanuela D’Andria graduated with a degree in interpreting French and English from the Higher School of Modern Languages for Interpreters and Translators at the University of Trieste. She has been creating and leading educational explorations throughout Italy and abroad since 1998, including programs in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany. and Holland. Emanuela has enjoyed leading Road Scholar programs since 2006.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Emanuela D'Andria
Emanuela D'Andria View biography
Emanuela D’Andria graduated with a degree in interpreting French and English from the Higher School of Modern Languages for Interpreters and Translators at the University of Trieste. She has been creating and leading educational explorations throughout Italy and abroad since 1998, including programs in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany. and Holland. Emanuela has enjoyed leading Road Scholar programs since 2006.
Profile Image of Gianluca Tonti
Gianluca Tonti View biography
Gianluca Tonti studied Middle Age history at the Università Statale di Milano with a thesis about taxation and politics during the 15th century. After graduating, he attended the Archivio di Stato in Milan. Upon returning to Apulia, he worked with historical researchers in the local archives and teaches local history. Gianluca began working as a travel leader in Puglia in 2009 and became certified in 2012. He currently works with English-speaking groups in Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily.
Profile Image of Daniela D'amato
Daniela D'amato View biography
Daniela D’Amato's professional experience as a group leader began three decades ago while she was obtaining a degree at the University of Bari as an art historian. As soon as she graduated, she became aware that being a travel leader is meant to gather several factors such as emotions, sensitivity, paying attention to the most authentic details, reliability, and pragmatism. She enjoys singing, acting, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Profile Image of Alice Russo
Alice Russo View biography
Alice Russo has been working as a Group Leader since 2016. When not working, Alice loves to spend time with her family and her dog. Holding a Ph.D. in economics, Alice enjoys going on hikes, scuba diving, practicing yoga and meditation, attending theater and cinema performances, and traveling as much as possible.
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