Meeting Allison our TM at Gatwick got this holiday off to a good start. Then on arrival at Bari there was this smartly dressed man holding a large Just You board - Paolo - our happy, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and very safe driver.
The hotel was, for the main part, excellent. Breakfast was a wide choice buffet. Yes, we had to choose dinner at breakfast, but the choices were good and the food Puglian style. The rooms are large, clean, and basic with a balcony. Reception will give you login details for WiFi in your room, but don't rely on it. WiFi in the hotel reception and bar, with a different password is fine. The blocks where the rooms are have paper thin walls, and can be noisy. Crying babies and children discovering the joys of echos in the stair well do not make for late afternoon relaxation or a good night's sleep.
All the excursions had more than enough time to wander round, see the sights, and buy souvenirs. Most could have had half an hour less allocated to them.
Paolo showed us where we could get a shuttle bus from the coach into Alberobello. It took us to the top of the town, and was €1 well spent. A pity JY do not arrange this, because it is a long boring walk to the coach and back from the town, especially in the baking heat.
Matera is described as "moderate" walking. No it isn't it is difficult, and if the steps, which were little more than largeish stones had been slightly damp, or wet, it would have been lethal. They are bad enough dry.
Lunch at the Masseria Torre Coccaro was a great variety of Puglian specialities. The dinner at the local Masseria had to be inside because of the rain, but what a great evening that was.
This was a good holiday. Allison our TM did a great job, sometimes under difficult circumstances when the places to visit were crowded. She was always around when needed, and excellent at getting any information for us. It was a good group, gelled well, had lots of laughs, lots of jokes and leg pulling, and made friends.
