Rome & Puglia Family Adventure

Transcription

1 Rome & Puglia Family Adventure Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights Start: Rome Finish: Brindisi Price From: $8,995 pp (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing. Designed by Christina Cain Veteran From her love of biking to her infectious energy to her travel experience worldwide, Christina Cain was practically made to be a B&R Trip Planner and guide. After living in Italy for more than 10 years and becoming an internationally certified sommelier, she shares our passion for both the country and its wine. With guiding experience across Italy, Slovenia, Greece, Myanmar, Croatia and Vietnam, Christina now calls the Canary Islands home. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier Butterfield & Robinson Inc page 1

2 Your Journey Experience the remarkable Eternal City and the unique sensation of wandering through the outdoor museum that is Roma. Onward to Puglia, explore the tranquil landscape dotted with olive groves, the warm sea air, and the charm of its locals. The history, landscape and architecture reflect the myriad civilizations that were drawn to the region because of its influential port towns and position on the Adriatic; the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Normans and Spanish all left their mark there. Our routes feature sublime coastal roads, whitewashed towns, fortified farms, and distinctive stone trulli, while the culinary highlights include fresh seafood, local wine and olive oil. What s more, given its relative underdevelopment, Puglia offers some of the richest exploration and discovery in Europe. Day 1 Rome Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by your driver in the Arrivals area and driven to Rome s historic centre, where your hotel for the upcoming three nights awaits. Activity: Walk up the Spanish Steps to catch the views of Rome s rooftops then wander along to the Villa Borghese gardens (have your concierge highlight it on a map). Meander down to Piazza del Popolo and onward to check out the fountains in Piazza Navona before making your way to dinner. HOTEL Inn at the Spanish Steps, Rome Despite its location on Rome s famed shopping street and top tourist destination, this small hotel remains one of the city s best kept secrets. Previously a home in the 1800s, this mansion is now a national monument and luxury hotel boasting postcard vistas. Note: When you re eating breakfast on the rooftop terrace, it might take a pinch to realize you re not dreaming. Day 2 Your local guide will collect you from the hotel to take you to the Colosseum and the Forum for a discovery of ancient Rome, and then on to the Catacombs. In the later afternoon you ll visit a real-life gladiator school, where you ll meet your passionate, not to mention seriously muscular, gladiator instructor. You ll learn what life as an Imperial gladiator was like and master combat techniques with 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. Page 2

3 authentic weapons. Upon conclusion of your sword-wielding fun, your driver is at hand to return you to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast Activity: Urban walking Day 3 Your guide returns this morning to lead you on an interactive walk, dropping into artists studios and visiting key monuments (the Pantheon, Rome s main squares, Trevi Fountain). Take a break midday, then regroup with your guide at 5 pm for a visit to one of the city s liveliest neighbourhoods, Trastevere, for a food stroll sure to please everyone s appetite. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activity: Urban walking in the morning and early evening Day 4 Otranto Midday, you ll bid farewell to the Eternal City as your driver will deliver you to Rome s Fiumicino airport in time for your flight to Brindisi. Upon touch down in Brindisi, your guide is at hand to greet and brief you on the days ahead during the one-hour journey to your next hotel. A plunge in Furni Russi s inviting outdoor pool may be too difficult to resist before your relaxed evening spent dining in the capable hands of chef Alessandro. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner HOTEL Furni Russi Tenuta, Otranto This newly opened estate is situated in the heart of the Grecìa Salentina and just a few km away from Otranto, the famous Porta d Oriente (Eastern Gate). Tranquilly set in the countryside the hotel is surrounded by a 20-hectar fig plantation with more than 4500 trees. Composed of 26 Jr Suites, it incorporates contemporary design with styles from around the Mediterranean Butterfield & Robinson Inc. Page 3

4 Day 5 Today you will be introduced to your bikes for a free-flowing day that will unravel the incredible history here. Our ride takes you past prehistoric menhirs, around 8thC Byzantine crypts, and through quaint towns that once protected the natives from Turkish invasions. This is some of the most spectacular riding of the trip so consider pedalling as few or as many seaside miles as you want, then pause for lunch in one of the panoramic port towns en route. Anyone interested in extending their ride can do so all the way to the most eastern tip of Western Europe. There are plenty of stops en route to cliff jump into the cool waters. Early evening your guide will take you to the charming portside town of Otranto. You ll be lead through Otranto s cobblestone laneways to view its Aragonese fortress and well preserved walls still encircled by a 360-degree moat. Steps from the fortress, situated along the town s promenade there is a variety of dining venues; your guide will assist with reservations and collect you after dinner for your return to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: Biking is adjusted to suit each rider s ability. The route includes up to 50 km (31 mi.) along the beautiful Salento coast south of Otranto; an optional extension can more than double the route for a 115 km (69 mi.) century ride to Santa Maria de Leuca. Day 6 Today we ll be biking along the coast with many opportunities to take a dip in the cool azure waters before returning back to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon (in the spa, poolside or catching up on your holiday reading). Whatever you choose, you ll follow it by rolling up your sleeves this evening in the nearby Armonia del Sapore pizza kitchen, where you ll throw your own dough and customize your toppings buon appetito! Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: A 25-km (15-mi.) morning ride or 8-km (5 mi.) countryside and coastal walk Day 7 Lecce Departing Furni Russi, we cycle past the tranquil Alimini Lakes, then inland through the Graecia Salentina on our way north. This is an area known for simple towns with charming historic centres and its local dialect, which is based on ancient Greek. En route, we stop at a tiny masseria just outside Lecce for a very traditional lunch. The afternoon ride, or a short shuttle for those not up for postlunch biking, brings us into the thriving city of Lecce, the jewel in the crown of Spanish Baroque in Italy, and a city cultured enough to be nicknamed the Florence of the South. After a moment to settle into your hotel located just steps from the main square, you ll set off for an historical walking tour and enjoy refreshments in front of the city s illustrious Duomo (cathedral), taking in the stunning illumination of its façade. There is also time for the kids to try their hand at paper mâché, led by a 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. Page 4

5 local artisan. Early this evening you can explore the old town and the selection of restaurants and pizzerias, which your guide will happily reserve ahead for you. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: An 18-km (10-mi.) ride to the morning rest stop, with a 14-km (8-mi.) onward ride to lunch, plus 13-km (7-mi.) afternoon optional route into the old town of Lecce. An afternoon long option can add an extra 16 km (10 mi.). HOTEL Risorgimento Hotel, Lecce Situated in the heart of historic Lecce s old town and vibrant shopping district, this newly restored 18thC property has maintained its historic splendor which is visible throughout the building's magnificent façade and interiors. With beautifully appointed spacious rooms, fitness centre and the luxurious Salus per Aquam Spa you will feel cared for and right at home. Day 8 Ostuni After an hour s drive north, we arrive to hilltop Ostuni. Also called the white city, Ostuni almost blinds us with its whitewashed, winding alleys adorned with lush plants and flowers hanging from brightly painted windows. Your journey continues downward into the ancient olive groves to a wonderful Masseria where pasta making, a midday plunge in the pool and a chance at archery are all possible. After lunch you can hop on your wheels and coast through rolling vineyards and groves, followed by a stretch alongside the aquamarine Adriatic to the gates of your hotel. After settling into your new hotel (and perhaps a drink taking in the sea view from the hotel s rooftop terrace) your guide will accompany you to the nearby town of Savelletri where, depending on your appetite, fresh seafood or a casual trattoria meal awaits. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: A 36- or 65-km (13- or 39-mi.) ride through thousand-year-old olive groves and then seaside to your hotel Butterfield & Robinson Inc. Page 5

6 HOTEL Masseria Torre Maizza, Savelletri di Fasano The charming Masseria Torre Maizza is an oasis among the olive groves with its 26 spacious rooms, tranquil pool and panoramic rooftop bar. Aside from the splendid and relaxing common areas of the main masseria, an Aveda spa is available for those seeking extra pampering, while in finer weather visits to its private and relaxing beach club are only a short shuttle away. Day 9 Today the options are yours: You could enjoy a gentle bike route (or van shuttle) to the town of Monopoli and onward drive to the impressive seaside town of Polignano al Mare. Or, stay closer to home relaxing at the Coccaro beach club, then try your hand at Go Karts or driving balls from the hotel s golf range. Or finally, begin with a drive up to the town of Locorotondo for a mozzarellamaking demonstration before embarking on our final day s ride. You ll pass over a rolling landscape of vineyards and stands of cherry trees, all dotted with the whimsical trulli and surrounded by picturesque hilltop towns. Arriving in Alberobello, city of trulli, our local guide, explains these idiosyncratic buildings, which are undoubtedly the most distinctive feature of Puglia. Their exact origin is still a bit of a mystery; similar constructions are found in many parts of the Mediterranean, from Cappadocia in Turkey to Provence, Greece, Egypt, Sicily and Sardinia. Alberobello s historic centre is lined with trulli and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you ll have time to explore the town before enjoying a mozzarella-inspired lunch. Tonight, dine in house spending a final night at Torre Maizza s Le Palme restaurant to celebrate the end of your journey. Salute! Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: A 24-km (14-mi.) morning route to Monopoli with optional extension to Polignano and afternoon routes. Altneratively, an 18-km (10-mi.) morning route to Alberobello and optional 30 km (18 mi.) afternoon route Day 10 Farewell Following breakfast your driver will see to your smooth departure to Brindisi airport in time for your outbound flight. Arrivederci! Meals: Breakfast 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. Page 6

7 The Details Pricing From: 2 travellers - $9,895 4 travellers - $8,995 6 travellers - $8,995 Start: Rome Finish: Brindisi Best time to visit: April to October LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational This trip is rated Recreational, meaning it s appropriate for travellers who ride once or twice a month and are comfortable on two wheels. Daily biking distances vary from 20 to 50km (12 to 30 mi.), with options on some days as far as 62 km (40 mi.). The difficulty of the ride often depends on which way the wind is blowing and the van and your guide will be at hand to assist wherever required. WHAT S INCLUDED Nine nights hotel accommodation Nine breakfasts and five lunches and four dinners as indicated Services of 1 guide and support van (Day 4-9) All special events and private tours as indicated Use of a hybrid or racing bike with drop bars, kids bikes or tandem hook, all equipped with handlebar bag and helmet Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All baggage transportation All gratuities for drivers, baggage and hotel service (Day 4-9) WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Beverages with 2 hotel dinners Items of a personal nature Gratuity for your guides 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. Page 7

8 About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, back your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions, or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip Butterfield & Robinson Inc. Page 8