The 10th Annual Condé Nast Traveler "Hot List" singles out the southern Italian region of Puglia as its up-and-coming "Hot Europe" destination for travelers. Not surprisingly, it's already on the radar of the intimate, ultra luxury Yachts of Seabourn.
"Seabourn's guests are well-traveled and well-informed," said Seabourn president Deborah L. Natansohn. "They expect us to be ahead of the curve and to discover hidden gems like Puglia for their cruising pleasure. Year in and year out, that's what we do."
A lavishly illustrated article in the magazine's May 2006 issue praises Puglia's unspoiled authenticity, beautiful beaches and rich cultural history, along with its appealing culinary traditions and a small, but high-quality hospitality community. Those are the very qualities that make it an ideal candidate for a Seabourn port of call.

Located halfway between Bari and Brindisi on the Adriatic coast of Italy's "heel," the port of Monopoli is in the heart of the Puglia region. Seabourn Pride will initiate Seabourn's Puglia presence with a full-day maiden call at Monopoli in May of 2007, during a 10-day cruise from Athens to Rome. Seabourn Spirit will call at the port three times during 7-day cruises between Athens and Venice in July, August and September. Called "Greece and Dalmatian Delights," the voyages also include visits to Corfu, and to Kotor, Montenegro and Split and Rovinj, Croatia, along the Dalmatian coast, a region that has already generated considerable buzz as one of Europe's most desirable destinations.
The Mediterranean provides a myriad of intriguing ports accessible to the yacht-sized Seabourn Spirit and Legend. The volcanic Aeolian island of Lipari is new in 2007, as is Tarragona in Spain. More ports along Turkey's Turquoise Coast include Fethiye and Alanya, with a return to the popular seaside resort Marmaris. Also added in Europe is lovely Belle-Ile-en-Mer off the Atlantic coast of Brittany.