8 DAYS PUGLIA SMALL GROUP GUIDED TOUR

Cultural and culinary tour in Southern Italy

 

This tour is ideal for those who want to make an unforgettable vacation living the Italian lifestyle!
Visiting Puglia with us you will discover the real Made in Italy in all its aspects: art, history, ancient traditions, events, delicious food and excellent wine.
We will personally accompany you through this wonderful experience!

Day 1  Arrival in Puglia – Ostuni

Benvenuti in Puglia! To get to Puglia, we suggest flying to Bari Palese airport or traveling to Bari Centrale train station.
Upon request, we will arrange for you a transfer from airport/train station to the hotel.
Tour begins in the afternoon at 5:30 pm at the Hotel in Ostuni city.
After check-in, meeting with your local tour guide and welcome drink with a short tour presentation.
Guided walking tour of Ostuni, best known as “la città Bianca” (the white city) for its historical downtown houses completely white painted, a tradition the inhabitants still keep on for centuries.
Ostuni is perched atop a hill, offering a breathtaking view of ancient olive groves and the coastline of the Adriatic Sea on the horizon. Evening at your disposal and free time for your relaxation.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Ostuni

 


Day 2  Bari - Polignano a Mare

Today we will travel along the Adriatic Coast until to reach Bari, Puglia's capital city.
Guided tour through the old town and visit of the quarter known as Bari Vecchia; we will see where local ladies still make orecchiette pasta by hand sitting outside their houses. Their speed and precision will amaze you!
Then you'll get your first taste of Puglia's delicious cuisine with a lunch based on traditional Apulian seafood and wine.
Our trip continues with the visit of Polignano a Mare, a characteristic Mediterranean fishing village that stands on a rocky cliff. Guided walking tour through the historical downtown with its houses and terraces directly overlooking the sea and gelato tasting in a local gelateria, where you can enjoy an authentic hand-made gelato. Polignano is famous for its hand-crafted gelato! Return to the Hotel.

Meals: B / L / -
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Ostuni

 


Day 3  Matera UNESCO site

After breakfast, meet your driver and tour guide. We will travel to the Basilicata region to visit Matera city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for the Sassi di Matera, an ancient city with houses that have been excavated into the rocks and inhabited since the Stone Age. Rupestrian churches, houses, caves, and ancient streets create a unique and suggestive landscape, where Mel Gibson chose to shoot the movie, The Passion of the Christ.
You will enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the unique and ancient Sassi di Matera and visit of a Casa Grotta museum (ancient cave house museum) fully furnished as it was in the past.
Lunch at your leisure. Your guide will suggest you local restaurants where to eat typical dishes. Return to the Hotel.

Meals: B / - / -
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Ostuni

 


Day 4  Locorotondo – Mozzarella and “farm to table” lunch experience – Alberobello UNESCO site  

Today we will discover the beautiful Itria Valley, located between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. It is characterized by charming villages located on the top of different hills, wooded slopes, vineyards, mile after mile of olive groves, and the fascinating Trulli houses.
Visit of Locorotondo, the old town layout follows a circular plan, with narrow and concentric arranged streets lined with whitewashed houses called Cummerse.
Then we will visit a local farm famous for the production of Apulian organic cheese. You can taste freshly organic mozzarella, burrata, and other Apulian cheeses! Mariangela, the owner of the farm, will cook for us a traditional family lunch and she will show you how to make fresh Mozzarella, hand-made of course!
In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing Alberobello “the capital of Trulli houses”, a UNESCO Site. Trulli are ancient 14th-century stone houses with a round shape and a conical roof; they are an icon of the region! Guided walking tour along the picturesque Trulli district and the Aia Piccola area where some local people still live in these fairytale houses. Free time for your relaxation and shopping. Return to the Hotel. 

Meals: B / L / -
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Ostuni


Day 5  Extra virgin olive oil experience - Monopoli

Today, your drive will take you through the peaceful countryside of this part of Southern Italy. Visit of a local farmhouse with extra virgin olive oil tasting. During this exciting tour you will you will admire centuries old olive trees considered real "sculptures of nature"!
Then visit of Monopoli. This town is a typical Mediterranean fishing village located on the Adriatic Sea, and it was a thriving seaport in Byzantine and Norman times, although its strategic position made it the object of regular attacks by pirates. Free time for your relaxation and lunch at your leisure. Return to the hotel.

Meals: B / - / -
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Ostuni


Day 6  Apulian wine experience – Otranto

In the morning, after breakfast and Hotel check-out, we will move to Salento area, the South part of Puglia region.
Visit a local winery. Your wine expert guide will show you the vineyards and the cellar where you will learn about grape varieties and wine production in this part of Italy.
Finally enjoy your lunch with the tasting of different Apulian wines: white, rosè and red paired with Apulian typical food. In the afternoon we will visit Otranto, the eastern point of Italy, called also “the door to the East”.
Walking tour through the historical downtown and visit of the ancient cathedral famous for its grandiose mosaic floor. Get lost in the narrow streets of Otranto old town and admire the impressive panorama of the blue-green Adriatic Sea. Transfer to Lecce city and check-in at the Hotel.

Meals: B / L / -
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Lecce

 


Day 7  Lecce “the Florence of the Southern Italy”

Today we will visit Lecce, the main city of the Salento area. The superb beauty of its churches and elegant noble buildings attracts a great number of visitors, because this city is the capital of the Baroque art in the South. For this reason, Lecce is called “the Florence of the Southern Italy”. Guided walking tour through the historical center with the Duomo of Lecce, the Roman amphitheater and the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce.
You’ll enjoy an Arrivederci - farewell lunch with the group at a local restaurant in Lecce.
Afternoon at your disposal for shopping, relaxation or visit more of the Baroque beauties of Lecce.

Meals: B / L / -
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Lecce

 


Day 8  Departure

Breakfast and Hotel check-out. Say goodbye to the group as you leave ‘Italy’s heel’!
Upon request, we can arrange for you, private transfers to the airport/train station.

Meals: B / - / -
 

INCLUDED

•    4-star Hotel in Ostuni: 5 nights in double room occupancy
•    4-star Hotel in Lecce: 2 nights in double room occupancy
•    7 breakfasts 
•    4 lunches in selected restaurants based on authentic Apulian dishes and wine
•    Visit of a local farm with organic Mozzarella and Apulian cheeses tasting
•    Visit of a local winery with tasting of a selection of Apulian wines paired with local food
•    Visit of a local oil mill with extra virgin olive oil tasting
•    Hand-made gelato tasting in typical Italian Gelateria
•    English speaking local guide at your disposal during all the tour
•    Private guided walking tours of Ostuni, Bari, Polignano a Mare, Matera Unesco site, Locorotondo, Alberobello Unesco site, Otranto and Lecce.
•    Transfers during the excursion as per itinerary with Van or small Bus
•    Admission tickets in Matera, Lecce and for all visiting sites as per itinerary
•    Services of a friendly experienced English speaking Travel Director who will remain at your disposal during the all tour.
•    VAT Tax


NOT INCLUDED

•    Airfare
•    Transfers between the arrival/departure airports. Upon request, we will arrange private transfers for you.
•    Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
•    Hotel city tax
•    All that is not mentioned in the program and into "included".
 



Customize and make this trip Private

You can make this tour your own private travel experience to share with your family or a group of friends!
Keep the trip exclusive to your group and customize it according to your wishes, dates, and budget.
You can make your tour private with a minimum of 4 adults.
Please, contact us to get your personalized quote.


Extend your stay
Round off your holiday in Puglia by visiting a different area of the region, staying in a hand-picked hotel, and adding more visits and activities.


Personalized experiences to add upon request:
•   Guided walking tours with expert local guide
•   Visit of local farm with organic Mozzarella and Apulian cheeses tasting
•   Visit of local oil mill with Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting
•   Visit of local wineries with Apulian wines tasting
•   Apulian cooking class
•   Boat tours
•   Bike tours
•   Lunches and dinners in selected restaurants

 

Tour Dates
2024

Price per person
in double/twin room

Single room supplement

 

October 5 - 12Euro 2.490Euro 350

Sold Out

November 2 - 9Euro 2.490Euro 350

Book now

 

Tour Dates
2025

Price per person
in double/twin room

Single room supplement

 

April 22 - 29Euro 2.490Euro 350

3 places left!
Book now

May 10 - 17Euro 2.490Euro 350

Book now

June 14 - 21Euro 2.490Euro 350

Book now

July 5 - 12Euro 2.490Euro 350

Book now

September 14 - 21Euro 2.490Euro 350

Book now

October 12 - 19Euro 2.490Euro 350

Book now

November 1 - 8Euro 2.490Euro 350

Book now


*The tour is guaranteed to depart when there is a minimum of 3 travelers confirmed.
 

Customize and make this trip private
You can turn this tour into your own personalized travel experience to share with your family or a group of friends. 
Keep the trip exclusive to your group and customize it according to your desired dates, budget, and preferences.

Extend your holiday
Extend your stay in Puglia by exploring a different region of the area, adding more activities and visits, or simply relaxing at a charming Apulian Masseria farmhouse hotel in the countryside, or another hand-picked hotel.

Please let us know your request and we will create a tailor-made proposal for you!

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Tour highlights

  • 7 nights in carefully selected 4-star Hotels
  • Sample typical regional specialties during select meals at featured local restaurants - away from mass tourism.
  • A selection of unique excursions and experiences with English speaking local guide.
  • Wine tasting; Extra-virgin Olive Oil tasting; Mozzarella tasting and handcrafted ice-cream tasting directly to the places where these products are made by local people.
  • Transfers with private driver and car.

Southern Italy small group tours


For a more private experience and better quality of services, our small groups are limited to 12 travelers.