The Essence of Puglia

Journey through the southern region of Puglia, Italy's hidden gem on a guided tour

Once home to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, Puglia is a region within the larger Italian peninsula, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides. This nine-day, tour will give you the best of this Southern region of Italy starting and ending in Bari. Puglia is an incredibly rich region full of historical culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking sceneries — definitely not to be missed.

9 Days from $4399/person CAD
Food & Wine
Guided
Off The Beaten Path
Premium
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Primary Location

Puglia, Italy

Departures

2025 dates: April 25, May 9, 23, June 6, 20, 27, July 4, 18, August 22, September 5, 19, 26, October 3, 17, 24 & November 7

Included:

  • 4-star accommodation
  • Professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour-escort and visits with English-speaking local guides
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners
  • Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
  • Porterage service
  • Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Castel Del Monte, Alberobello, Gallipoli, Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni, Matera, Bari and Lecce
  • Visits to Locorotondo and Otranto
  • Entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board to be in touch with family and friends
  • Headsets to follow the information provided by the tour leader and local guides
  • Stretch your legs with extra legroom on the coaches! More space is provided on board to pamper travellers with the most comfortable trip

Not Included:

  • International or domestic airfare
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance
  • 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
  • The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
  • Prices are subject to change

Optional Extras:

  • Pre and Post Accommodation
  • Airport Transfers
  • All optional excursions per the itinerary are subject to change and are based on availability

Travel Privately

You can request to book this tour privately, travelling only with people you know.

Find out more

Itinerary

DAY 1: BARI

Arrive in Bari and make your way to your hotel. An optional private airport transfer is available upon request.

In the early afternoon, meet your tour leader at your hotel in Bari, the main city of Puglia, and begin your tour of this wonderful region. Stroll through the charming narrow alleys of the old city center and admire the city’s highlights. Take in the astonishing views from the fortress (the admission fee for the castle is at your own expense). After the visit, head to Piazza Mercantile to see the ancient Column of Justice. Dinner and overnight stay. Meals: D

Accommodation at The Nicolaus, Hotel Excelsior, Bari, or similar

DAY 2: BARI > TRANI > CASTEL DEL MONTE > ALBEROBELLO

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’. Discover its art and monuments, and visit the Jewish Quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history.

Your journey will continue towards the UNESCO city of Alberobello, famous for its “Trulli”. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Olimpo, Alberobello, or similar

DAY 3: ALBEROBELLO > MATERA > ALBEROBELLO

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years! Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, and its beautiful “Campanile” and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Olimpo, Alberobello, or similar

DAY 4: ALBEROBELLO > LOCOROTONDO > OSTUNI > LECCE

After breakfast, depart Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Afterward, board the coach again and travel to Ostuni, located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, which overlooks the coastal plain rich in ancient olive trees.

Free time at your disposal to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping, and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous olive oil (all at your own expense). In the late afternoon, get again on board the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Delle Palme, Lecce, or similar

DAY 5: LECCE > OTRANTO > LECCE

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided visit to the city, and learn the history of Lecce. After the visit, depart for Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your own pace.

In the early evening, reach Supersano where you will have dinner at the “Masseria le Stanzìe”. Visit this ancient farm, and learn about the history and culture of Puglia. See how homemade pasta is made and visit the medieval tombs that are part of the farm. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Delle Palme, Lecce, or similar

DAY 6: LECCE > GALLIPOLI > LECCE

Today is dedicated to Gallipoli, one of the most touristic and cosmopolitan destinations in the Salento. Gallipoli has Greek origins and is now a summer location preferred by young people who are attracted by its nightlife as well as beautiful wild beaches whose dunes and pine tree parks are paradise! You will have free time to discover the center of Gallipoli, the walls, and the port that shelters amazing yachts. In the afternoon, you will return to Lecce and still have time to enjoy the evening. Overnight is in Lecce. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delle Palme, Lecce, or similar

DAY 7: LECCE > MARTINA FRANCA > BARI

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Bari driving through the "Murge plateau" with a unique landscape. You’ll get to see Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village full of churches, noble buildings, and squares perfect for a stage setting. We’ll continue driving in the Valle d’Itria, a rural area full of olive trees and vineyards. You’ll enjoy lunch in a Masseria where food and excellent extra virgin olive oil are produced from organic farming. A tasting of those products is included. In the afternoon, there will be some free time and then a short drive will take you to Bari. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at The Nicolaus, Hotel Excelsior, Bari, or similar

DAY 8: BARI > POLIGNANO > MONOPOLI > BARI

After breakfast, we’ll set off to two of the most prominent coastal places of Puglia, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare. We’ll start from Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Getting lost in the intricate little streets of Monopoli is an almost mystical experience. felt here. The second stop is Polignano a Mare. Polignano was built on the peak of a cliff, and therefore its coastline is characterized by coves, small bays, and inlets. Free time for some shopping or an aperitivo in the main square. You will return to Bari after the visit. Overnight is in Bari. Meals: B

Accommodation at The Nicolaus, Hotel Excelsior, Bari, or similar

DAY 9: BARI DEPARTURE

Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before your tour comes to an end. Optional private transfer to the airport is available on request. Meals: B

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