A Postcard from Puglia and Basilicata - Natasha's story

We recently caught up with Natasha who, along with her husband Jeff, joined our Puglia and Basilicata tour. Here’s what she shared with us;

There's something special about southern Italy. Life moves at a gentler pace, and the streets are filled with beautiful architecture.

We travelled as part of a small group of around 25 people, which created such a lovely atmosphere throughout the week. Although many of us hadn't met before, everyone was friendly and relaxed, and it didn't take long before conversations over breakfast and evening drinks became part of our daily routine. The hotel itself really encouraged that too, with peaceful gardens and outdoor seating. Our hotel was a wonderful base for the week. The staff were so welcoming and helpful.

Every morning began with a generous breakfast, enjoyed out on the peaceful garden terrace whenever we could. Sitting outside with fresh fruit, pastries and coffee before heading off for another day of sightseeing quickly became one of my favourite parts of the holiday.

One thing that really stood out throughout the tour was just how good the food was. Whether we were dining at the hotel or stopping in local cafés, every meal was fresh and delicious. If I had to choose one unforgettable treat, though, it would have to be the gelato. Following a recommendation from our Holiday Director and local guide, we discovered what was quite possibly the best ice cream I've ever tasted - a simple recommendation that became one of my favourite memories from the trip.

The destination that completely stole my heart was Lecce. It has such an elegant, relaxed atmosphere and felt wonderfully easy to explore on foot. After spending time with a local guide who showed us the main sights, I felt confident wandering the streets, discovering hidden corners, visiting the museum and enjoying lunch at a café that had been recommended to us. I only wish we'd had a little longer there, as there was still so much more I wanted to see.

Matera was another unforgettable experience. Although the temperatures were unseasonably hot, walking through the ancient stone streets and taking in the extraordinary scenery was well worth the effort. Our guide Amy did an excellent job of keeping us in the shade whenever possible, allowing us to appreciate the history and unique character of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One experience I particularly enjoyed was visiting a traditional olive oil producer. Learning about the production methods from our host brought the region's traditions to life, and it was fascinating to step inside an authentic trullo building for the first time. It felt like a genuine insight into everyday life in Puglia and offered a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the area's heritage and culture.

Looking back, what surprised me most was how quickly the group bonded. Before travelling, I'd wondered what it would be like spending a week with people I'd never met, but everyone was easy-going and welcoming.

If I were giving advice to someone thinking about this tour, I'd simply say to embrace the slower pace of southern Italy. Spend time wandering the picturesque streets, take recommendations from your guides, sample as much local food as you can and don't miss the chance to enjoy a proper Italian gelato. I'd also recommend bringing a travel kettle if, like me, you enjoy a cup of tea in your room and remember that bottled water is commonly purchased throughout the region. If you're staying at the hotel, it's also worth knowing that bicycles are available to hire, making it easy to explore even more of the surrounding countryside.

Puglia and Basilicata gave me exactly what I'd hoped for: beautiful scenery, fascinating history, incredible food and the chance to completely switch off. It's a part of Italy that feels wonderfully authentic, and I'd return in a heartbeat, especially if it meant spending another afternoon exploring Lecce or cooling off beside the hotel pool under the Italian sunshine.