Puglia Express: 5 Days of Southern Charm

Discover the charm of Puglia and Matera on this 5-day journey!
Begin in Bari and transfer to the Itria Valley for a warm welcome and dinner. Explore the Grotte di Castellana, the trulli houses of Alberobello, and the “white city” of Ostuni. Visit Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” and the historic treasures of Otranto. Experience the unique Sassi neighborhoods of Matera before concluding your adventure in the Bari area. Enjoy a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes throughout this unforgettable tour
5 Days from $1199/person CAD
Food & Wine
Guided
Off The Beaten Path
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Primary Location

Puglia, Italy

Departures

2025 Dates: April 22; May 6, 20, June 10, 24, July 15, August 12, 19, 26, September 9, 23 & October 7, 21

Included:

  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels
  • 3 nights in the Itria Valley
  • 1 night in the Bari area
  • Transportation is provided by a motorcoach bus and a multilingual tour guide from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the last day
  • Full board meal basis with a fixed regional menu (4 courses) offered from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day
  • Inclusive of drinks during meals, including wine and mineral water
  • A welcoming cocktail for all participants
  • Use of audio-receiving devices throughout the entire tour
  • Oil tasting to savor the flavors of the region

Not Included:

  • International or domestic airfare
  • Airport transfers
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance
  • Porterage service
  • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Local city tax for overnight stays
  • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
  • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Pricing Details

Click Book Online for pricing!

  • From price is CAD per person, based on double occupancy, and for travel in low season
  • The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
  • Prices are subject to change

Optional Extras:

  • Elevate your tour experience with the inclusion of seamless airport transfers and the option for pre and post-tour accommodation

Itinerary

DAY 1: BARI ARRIVAL

Arrive in Bari and meet your driver at approximately 5:45 p.m. at the designated meeting point provided before departure. Transfer to the Itria Valley and check in at the hotel. Before dinner, you’ll meet with your guide for a welcome cocktail and a presentation of the tour. Dinner and overnight accommodation will follow.

Accommodation at the Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar

DAY 2: ITRIA VALLEY > CASTELLANA > ALBEROBELLO > OSTUNI > ITRIA VALLEY

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by an exciting journey to the Grotte di Castellana, where you'll explore the fascinating caves. From there, venture to Alberobello, renowned as the "capital of the Trulli," and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets adorned with traditional trulli houses.

After a morning of exploration, relish a delicious lunch before setting out for Ostuni, often referred to as the "white city" due to its distinctive whitewashed buildings. Stroll through the picturesque historic center and discover the allure of its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. As the day unfolds, return to the hotel in the enchanting Itria Valley area, where a delightful dinner awaits, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region and reflect on the day's discoveries. Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar

DAY 3: ITRIA VALLEY > LECCE > OTRANTO > ITRIA VALLEY

Commence your day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, followed by an enchanting journey to Lecce, often hailed as the "Florence of the South" and the capital of the Pugliese Baroque. Immerse yourself in the rich history as you explore the historic center, featuring gems such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Duomo, and Piazza San Oronzo. Following this cultural exploration, indulge in an oil tasting to savor the flavors of the region.

After a delightful lunch, the afternoon unfolds with a departure to Otranto, aptly named the "Gate of the East." Discover the Romanesque Cathedral, the captivating chapel of the tomb of the Holy Martyrs, and the evocative Crypt. As the day concludes, return to the hotel in the scenic Itria Valley, where a delectable dinner awaits, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's cultural and gastronomic delights. Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar

DAY 4: ITRIA VALLEY > MATERA > BARI AREA

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for an exploration of Matera's historic center. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is renowned for its famous "Sassi" neighborhoods, featuring houses, cellars, and churches intricately carved into the rock. Pay particular attention to the captivating "Sassi" Barisano and Caveoso neighborhoods, each telling a unique story of the city's rich history.

After an engaging morning, savor a leisurely lunch before embarking on a journey to Bari or its surroundings. Transfer to central Apulia, where you'll find accommodation in a hotel in the Bari/Barletta area or its enchanting surroundings. As the day concludes, relish a delightful dinner, reflecting on the unique experiences and architectural wonders encountered during your visit to Matera. Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Excelsior, Bari Area, or similar

DAY 5: DEPARTURE

Indulge in a morning breakfast at the hotel before checking out. For added convenience, consider the optional private transfer to the airport or train station. Arrivederci! Meals: B

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