So I'm looking at a week vacation in Pulgia. Love the area , I've been there a few times, plain hotels or B&Bs This time I'm looking for a really nice place with a pool , near the beach or at least with an association to a beach club for 3 adults. On line searches yield a few properties at the 5 star level . Unfortunately they are not many that show up , one in particular comes up booked and another comes in at $11,000 / night ! I'm thinking I'm really not getting the true information on these properties via the web . I feel that either contacting them directly or having a rep in the area is better. I could call each property but I think my being American , in the states some questions may get lost in translation. Therefore I'm guessing travel agency may be the best way to go . I searched on line for travel agencies , but it seems there are a lot of websites that host individuals that offer their services. I was more thinking of a firm that is in this business , that could provide a a spectrum of choices and daily excursions and itineraries. Any suggestions? Is there a better way to search or is that it? Anyone know of a reputable travel agency that serves that area?. Or do I resolve to make the reservations myself? Any suggestion is appreciated. Thanks in advance Al
Look at the small luxury hotels website. www.slh.com and the leading hotels of the world website. www.lhw.com. The first shows 4 Puglia hotels the seconds shows 2. Maybe one of them will work. I’ve found good hotels with these sites before.
Oh man! So jealous. That's where part of my family is from, and one of my favorite places. It's been a few years since I've been there. No tips to add unfortunately, but wishing you the best on your trip. Have fun!
Borgo Egnazia in Fasano; mid way between between Bari & Brindisi. Fly into Rome connect to Brindisi, they come pick you up. spent 14 days in Puglia, they were my home base let me know if you would like more info
Thanks , but turn of events , kids & wife didn't want to do Italy as much as I , so we are doing Lisbon for a week. I will go to Puglia in Sept alone or with a friend . btw , no rooms at Borgo whole summer, I bet need to reserve a year in advance ...
This past September we stayed at San Michelle Suites in Polignano a Mare. Beautiful boutique hotel with only 7 rooms right in the heart of the old town. When we were there they were having the Red Bull cliff diving championship. The views are looking right and left from the balcony of our room. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
A week in Lisbon is about 4 days too much, IMO. Skip the tile museum + the castle on the hill...St Jorge. Look at the Estoril track for car related stuff...maybe 25 mins outside of town. May also want to day trip Sintra...can combine w Cabo de Roca, westernmost point in Europe. Loved Portugal. No crime + friendly people. Enjoy!
I should probably add that I wasn't doing any cliff diving, it was pure coincidence that we were there at that time. I would go back in a heartbeat, there are many nice towns and historical sites to visit. It was very colorful at night. Image Unavailable, Please Login No cars are allowed in the old town. Our car was in a gated lot about a half mile away. This was our transportation in the old town to the car lot Image Unavailable, Please Login My favorite summer drink is mojitos, I grow my own mint. The Casa del Mojito was right around the corner from our hotel, they only serve mojitos! Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm looking forward to eat at a few good places, maybe take in the sun at the pool a bit , I'm really not a sightseer but I'm toying with a 3 hr drive to Porto for just that... I was there 2 years ago though I missed the event the diving board was set up and everywhere was decked out. Sounds like you had a good time , did you drink the popular caffe ? Image Unavailable, Please Login
I much preferred Porto to Lisbon. Be advised: Gotta tour the port wine places across the river, and port wine WILL knock you on your @ss. Also? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuito_do_Estoril See if anything is happening there during your stay. Estoril Casino fun trip too...it's where Ian Fleming put 'Casino Royale'.
It was right outside the entrance to the old part of Polignano a Mare Image Unavailable, Please Login But yes the bars are all over the place...
Matera is amazing! I used to live in Italy and more or less speak it. Just back from my 11th trip. If I can help, PM me. Happy to help call or look over any places. I have become the DeFacto travel agent for my friends and family. (for 5 years for work, I travelled 200+ days abroad, as well as living in Italy 2x).
