Also visiting the Famous Pearls of APULIA – Alberobello, Grotte di Castellana, Fasano Zoo Safari, Lecce,  Bari,  Polignano a Mare,  Monopoli,Ostuni, Cisternino,  etc.  

Day 1

Thursday – June 15th

Departure on Airmalta flight KM 640 to Catania at 6.10am. Group has to reach airport by 3.30am.  On arrival in Catania at 7.50am, we board our coach GRAN TURISMO and proceed for a quick breakfast, before starting on our way to Cisternino. This town lies in the Itria valley in the province of Brindisi and is very famous for its art treasures. After crossing the strait of Messina, we proceed further up, allowing a stop for lunch and other stops as needed. On arrival in our luxury Four-star hotel, we are given our rooms, after which we can enjoy the delicious dinner awaiting us in the Hotel restaurant.

Day 2

Friday – June 16th

After our Buffet breakfast today, we shall set out for Alberobello where we visit the world famous Trulli. Be prepared to explore and enjoy moving around these unique dwellings. Souvenir shopping will be a delight for most of us. A mouth-watering lunch awaits us  in our most comfortable Hotel, and then, we  may choose to  have a small rest as  later on in the afternoon we need to leave for the start of the famous  “SCAMICIATA” with its   special  links with Malta.  A great  evening  that starts at 18.30  with  the presentation of the groups participating   (among which our Maltese group) to the  Local  Authorities, after which the handing of the keys to the  Mayor and the  Bali  Fra  Zurlo da Crema. Throning of the Patron Saints  will follow. A  Celebration of great  importance that  attracts  every year  thousands of tourists visiting the Puglia Region. This year we will feel proud to  represent  our island    

Day 3

Saturday – June 17th

We shall enjoy our buffet breakfast and get ready to start on an exceptional  excursion to the Famous   Grotte di Castellana .  These spectacular caves were  formed more than 100 million .a national heritage of inestimable value to Italy.These spectacular caves were formed more than 100 million years ago ,  Return to our  hotel  for lunch   and  then we are off to  Fasano Zoo Safari,  an amazing experience  for young and  old!!! later we  get ready  for  another evening of the famous “ Scamiciata” that starts at  18.30. Today  we meet the  guests of this special event,  the  Battle between  Turks  and natives of Fasano,  the Nobility of  Fasano,  The  Knights  of Malta, “Varca del Trionfo”. More than 600  personalities will participate in this historic  Corteo.

Around  21.30  when Corteo reaches the Square  the keys and the  sword will be handed  over to the Patron Saints. An  exceptional  evening that  will definitely remain in our memories. Cena  tipica Pugliese this evening for all to enjoy.

Day 4

Sunday – June 18th

Today after our buffet breakfast we leave for the important port city of Bari, the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia Region. Surrounded  by narrow streets, the 11^th century Basilica of  San Nicola, a key pilgrimage site, holds some of  St. Nicholas’ remains. To the south, the Murat  quarter has  stately 19th  century architecture, a promenade  and pedestrianised shopping areas. On our way back  we will stop at Polignano a Mare  the birth place of the famous  Italian singer Domenico  Modugno.

This evening we will  enjoy our dinner in our Hotel and   organise  our  evening  at the  Traditional Festa  Pugliese that  forms part of the  Scamiciata

Day 5

Monday – June 19th

After breakfast we start on our way to the famous city of Lecce in the southern Apulia region known for its baroque buildings and also referred to as the Firenze  of the South. In the central  Piazza del Duomo the Cathedral of Lecce has a double façade  and a bell Tower. The Basilica of Santa Croce  features sculptures and  a rose window. This is a central location for exploring the whole of the Salento , the main city of this peninsula. A must visit for its great importance. After lunch we may visit  OSTUNI  the spectacular white washed city where the famous Cathedral .combines  Gothic,  Romanesque  and Byzantine  elements..We return to our Hotel for some rest before our delicious dinner.

Day 6

Tuesday – June 20th

After our last buffet breakfast in Hotel  we board our coach with all our luggage to Start on our way to  Catania with a few stops on the way, one of which will be to have Lunch. We need to be at Catania airport at 7:30pm. Our scheduled departure is at 10:20pm (22:20) on KM 643. Arrival in Malta is expected to be at 23:00.