Travel Directory
Susan and John will meet you in Lecce. Puglia is situated in the ‘heel’ of Italy. Through the centuries the culture has been influenced by the Greeks, Normans and Byzantine. The Appian
Way linked this part of Italy with Rome – and the spread of Latin culture in art and architecture. There is a great variety of architecture with Lecce a triumph of the Baroque period; Gothic churches and the picturesque countryside dotted with curious trulli houses; Rococo balconies and Art Nouveau buildings.
The countryside is predominately flat and fertile producing the largest amounts of olive oil and wine in Italy. A popular herb is Mirto, found near the Mediterranean Sea and is delicate and strong like the people who share with us their unique cuisine created from ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation. Old crafts from needlework to pottery can still be seen along with delicate ‘papier-mache’ work!!Including:
Accommodation in a 4-star quality hotel, recently restored with all modern conveniences, situated in the heart of Lecce. A 5-star quality hotel, which in the 16th century was a watch tower that became fortified following centuries of Saracen attacks; then a ‘masseria’ being a working farm with its own village and chapel. All hotels are personally selected for their location, character and hospitality. Daily dining in typical restaurants including all breakfasts and 12 other meals, tasting local cuisine and wines; luxury transport by coach, all luggage handling, gratuities, entry fees, professional guides, transfers - as described in detailed itinerary. Lecce – 4 nights, Matera (Bascilicata) – 2 nights, Fasano – 4 nights + hands on cooking lesson. The cuisine is ‘peasant style’ and delicious along with the outstanding wines!
Our regular clients choose to travel with us when “quality is better than quantity”!!They thank us for immersing them in the real culture that the average traveller would never see. The age group of our ‘discerning’ travellers is generally 40’s to late 70’s, professional and like-minded people – all wanting to experience something new have fun, relax and travel hassle free and at a gentle pace!
• Accommodation for 3 and 4 nights in the historic centres so you can be immersed in the daily lives of the locals!
• We will introduce you to our Italian friends, who accompany us during parts of our daily program!!
• Daily ‘a la carte’ dining in local restaurants including wine and beverages.
• Entry fees and all tipping included.
• You will NOT be coach bound
– we only travel short distances – refreshments en route included!!
If you are interested in walking there are daily opportunities for walking at different levels during all our itineraries, if you wish!! And of course, there are daily opportunities to sit, relax and ‘people watch’ and do your own exploring – we will recommend the ‘special’ places!! If you wish to extend your stay in Europe, we will happily give you our advice and recommendations and assist you with arrangements. Please do not hesitate to discuss your ideas with us.
We have 42 years of accumulated knowledge, expertise and language skills enabling your travel experience to be memorable travelling hassle free with no rush.
Susan Williamson and John Percy (Italian Citizen) formed Etruscan Pleasures
(Italia) Ltd 30 years ago. Etruscan Pleasures journeys to Italy including Puglia, Sicily, Italian Lakes & Cinque Terre, and Corsica & Sardinia are designed for 8 to 14 travellers.