Culture, History & Heritage

Italy stands as the world's largest wine producer, crafting approximately 50.3 million hectolitres annually—nearly 20% of global wine production. With over 1.73 million acres under vine cultivation spread across all 20 administrative regions, Italy's viticultural landscape is as diverse as it is extraordinary. What truly distinguishes Italian wine, however, is the country's staggering genetic treasure: over 2,000 indigenous grape varieties, of which approximately 400 are in commercial production. This represents more native varieties than France, Spain, and Greece combined.

These are the best books about Greece, Corsica, Sicily and Puglia to help you immerse yourself in the local culture and enhance your time away.

Uncover the narrow streets and Baroque architecture of rustic Puglia’s most charming seaside towns. We’ll be your guide to the best villages in Puglia.

Discover thousands of years of places, objects and fabulous stories with one of these fascinating archaeological tours of Puglia's ancient sites.

Puglia’s history, like that of so many parts of southern Italy, has an abundance of rich social tapestry. Discover the past of Italy's hidden gem.

What links Siena, Carrara, Matera, Gravina di Puglia, Venice, Lake Garda, Cortina D’Ampezzo, Corfu, Paris, the Côte d'Azure, and Chamonix? The answer is Bond. James Bond. The immense cultural, architectural and natural riches of our destinations have featured in 16 Bond films over the years, so in anticipation of the next instalment of the franchise (release date and principal star yet to be confirmed), we take a closer look at look at some of the stunning locations in Italy, Greece and France that have starred alongside 007 over the years.

Regardless of where you're staying in Puglia, our definitive calendar of top events will give you the low-down on what's happening near you.

Uncover our favourite historical sites in the Mediterranean, including UNESCO Sites in Italy, ancient monuments in the Greek Islands, and mediaeval citadels in Corsica.

Nestled in the heart of Puglia's rolling countryside, trulli houses stand as one of Italy's most extraordinary architectural marvels. These distinctive cone-shaped limestone dwellings, with their mystical whitewashed walls and grey stone roofs, have captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. From their humble beginnings as peasant dwellings to their current status as UNESCO World Heritage sites and luxury holiday retreats, trulli houses represent a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and Mediterranean charm.

The Pizzica dance is a staple of Puglian tradition and is an activity not to be missed on your visit. Here's more about this authentic dance, and where you can find it.