Puglia, Southern Italy - June 2022
Jane and Roger spent eleven nights at three hotels in the southern peninsula of Italy.
"Arriving at Brindisi Airport, we picked up the hire car and drove 50km south to the beautiful, historical, walled city of Lecce. We enjoyed three fabulous nights at the centrally located boutique Risorgimento Resort hotel, complete with valet parking, and a rooftop bar ideal for an early evening apéritif.
Days were spent on short walks to the Baroque palaces and churches, including the famous Duomo Di Lecce (Cathedral) and square, Roman ruins, the Faggiano museum displaying two thousand years of history, and glorious lunches in quaint cafes, whilst returning in the balmy evenings to the many squares for alfresco dining.
Our next destination was an 85km motorway drive north to the 5* Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel in Puglia.
We encountered very little traffic anywhere during the holiday.
The entrance is through private gates, into a large car park adorned with well-kept bushes and bright flowers to be greeted by welcoming staff.
In contrast to the culture of Lecce, this stunning seafront resort is totally about relaxing around the wonderful pool, soaking up the sunny Mediterranean climate for 5 days and 4 nights.
Everything at the hotel is about service, luxury, style and excellence:
There are just 53 rooms, most with sea or garden views, plenty of cabanas, a spa and restaurants on sight ... you don’t need to nor want to leave; there are plenty of areas to sunbathe and enjoy a cocktail. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on the terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea or you can savour a gourmet pizza listening to the adjacent sea waves.
We did go for a walk to the local village and also drove to the nearby whitewashed town of Ostuni.
We spent our last four nights at the 4* Palazzo Filisio Hotel in the seaport of Trani, a 115km drive north along the coastline.
The hotel has the best location: literally opposite the cathedral, with sea views, close to the bustling seaport but tucked away conveniently in a quieter part of town. We didn’t eat at the hotel which is popular for weddings. No need, as there is an abundance of bars and restaurants with panoramic sunset views, fantastic food and drinks, all at very affordable prices.
Days were spent relaxing: walking along the seafront, around the port and the historical centre. There is even a delightful park with beautiful gardens, terrapins, birds, flowers and sea views. Jane’s feet deserved a rest, so on the Sunday before our departure we joined the locals at a nearby lido with sun beds, parasol and a book.
The following morning, we drove 40km to Bari airport, absolutely determined to explore more of the lesser-known regions of Italy and Europe.
Throughout, we met lovely people, the service everywhere was wonderful, and we enjoyed constant blue skies, less crowded areas, and very good value for money.
Thank you to Abbotts, Sharron and Julie again.
It’s been a tough couple of years but as always you came up trumps"
Roger & Jane
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