Fortified farmhouses in Puglia

Stars | Monopoli

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Tour Itinerary

  • Arrive at Chiang Rai Airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the beautiful place. Maybe explore the heart of the old town, which dates from the reign of King Mangrai in the 13th century, or wander around the night bazaar to get a flavour of Chiang Rai. Overnight  in Chiang Rai in selected hotel and board option.

  • Begin your adventure after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Chiang Mai. On the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai, stop at the magnificent Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Mai and, on arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views of the city. To reach the temple you have to climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, you can use the cable car. Head to the riverbank and board a boat for a cruise along the scenic River Ping. Stop at a farm to savour a delicious khao soi noodle curry as you enjoy interesting dance performances. After a walk through the local flower and fresh produce market, return to the hotel. The cable car is includedOvernight in Chiang Mai in selected hotel and board option.

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibres! The interpretive walking tour through our lush gardens brings visitors through eight different pavilions explaining each stage of our fascinating process from poo collection to rinsing to final product assembly. Visitors are encouraged to pull up a stool, roll up their sleeves and join with our talented artisans and guides and participate in our head-turning process! Complemented by the presence of rich graphics and signage, visitors will also be introduced to Chiang Mai's long and rich history of traditional papermaking and handicrafts production. After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Chiang Mai for an afternoon exploring this ancient city. Chiang Mai’s old town is still surrounded by remnants of the old defensive walls and a moat. Visit the historic Wat Suan Dok and admire its 48- metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi, which overlooks the Royal Cemetery. Continue to Wat Phra Sing in the old town and appreciate the beauty of this large complex of more than 60 buildings before visiting 14th century Wat Chedi Luang in the very heart of the old city. In the evening, you can enjoy an optional khantoke dinner (not included). Overnight in Chiang Mai in selected hotel and board basis.

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the centre to admire the iconic monument of King Mangrai en route to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Learn all about the dozens of hill tribes that, for centuries, have lived in the highlands around the city and understand how they have survived the spread of globalisation. Continue to the Mae Chan district to explore the remote hill tribe villages of Yao and Akha peoples, and experience their way of life first-hand. Take to the road for Mae Sai, a small border town with a busy market, before heading into the heart of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the Sixties because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. After lunch, continue to Chiang Saen to visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, which is reached via a 350-step staircase. Return to Chiang Rai with rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Chiang Rai in selected hotel and board option.

Policy

Dear Buyer, to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for everyone, please take a moment to review our tour policies:

Punctuality: The tour starts promptly at the scheduled time. We kindly ask you to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to departure. Late arrivals cannot be refunded or rescheduled.

Dress Code & Footwear: This tour involves walking on uneven terrain, gravel, and rural paths. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers are mandatory. We also recommend a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Respect for Private Property: Many of the fortified masserie are working farms or private residences. Guests are required to stay with the guide at all times and refrain from entering restricted areas, touching agricultural equipment, or picking fruit/olives without permission.

Heritage Preservation: These structures are historical monuments. Please do not lean on ancient walls, touch delicate frescoes, or remove any stones or artifacts from the sites.

Changes and Cancellations: Cancellations made up to 24 hours before the tour departure will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour are non-refundable.

Weather Conditions: Tours run rain or shine. In the event of extreme or unsafe weather, the tour operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary or cancel the tour, offering a full refund or alternative date.

Description

Discover the Hidden Soul of Puglia: A Journey Through History, Olive Groves, and Ancient Stones.

Step off the beaten path and journey into the heart of the Monopoli countryside, where history meets the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. This exclusive guided tour takes you on a captivating exploration of the region's iconic masserie fortificateancient fortified farmhouses that have stood as guardians of the land since the 16th and 17th centuries.

As we wind through red-earth paths lined with monumental, centuries-old olive trees, you will discover the unique architecture of these rural fortresses. Built to defend the land against pirate raids, each masseria tells a story of noble landowners, peasant life, and defensive ingenuity.

Tour Highlights:

Architectural Wonders: Admire defensive walls, machicolations, watchtowers, and private Baroque chapels hidden within the estates.

Underground History: Explore ancient frantoi ipogei (underground olive oil mills) carved directly into the limestone.

A Taste of Tradition: Conclude your journey at a beautifully restored masseria with a curated tasting of extra virgin olive oil, local cheeses, and traditional Apulian taralli.

Immerse yourself in an authentic Apulian atmosphere where time seems to have stood still.

Tour Inclusions
Admission to park(s)
Air Conditioning
Airfare & airport taxes
Alcoholic beverages
All meals and drinks
Amusement Park Nearby
Any airport arrival/departure tax
Tour Exclusions
Central Air/Heat
Complimentary Breakfast
Cruise
Deck Furniture
Deluxe Coach

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