Highlights of Puglia Tour Overview
Travel with us to Italy’s deep south – Italy’s up and coming Puglia region. Found on the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is an ancient region hugging the Adriatic coast with friendly people, mouthwatering dishes and some of the most unique architecture you’ll find anywhere in the world.
You’ll discover the fairy-like white trulli houses of the Itria Valley and charming fishing villages where the local pasta dishes are topped with catch of the day fresh seafood. Baroque beauty Lecce is an elegant city with intriguing laneways and elaborate churches while the capital Bari hums with activity you’d expect at a bustling port.
Food and wine are always on our minds and it’s a pleasure to explore Pugliese cuisine inspired by the freshest local produce – oozy burrata cheese, hand rolled orecchiette pasta with broccoli and delicious pastries filled with tomato sauce. And while the local wine is not well known outside Italy, you’ll quickly discover that a glass of Primitivo is the perfect match to your meal.
Puglia’s close neighbor Basilicata is home to one of the oldest cities in the world – Matera. We take a short detour here on our tours to enjoy one of the world’s most unique experiences – wandering among the sassi dwellings, admiring and even staying in a cave hotel.
Tour of Puglia Highlights
Delicious Pugliese food and wine • Baroque beauty Lecce • Trulli houses of the Valle d’Itria • Coastal towns on the Adriatic Sea • Magical Matera • Local artisan makers
Magical! Beautiful! I’m a bit of a dreamer and I just got lost there last night. Lost in this beauty.. Magnificent! I just loved it – view video
We have been to Italy several times, but never like this. It has been a wonderful experience – view video
Aside from every little surprise around every corner, I’ll remember Cosimo and the genuine excitement and pride that come out of him and his storytelling – view video
Best of Puglia Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Valle D’itria
Welcome to the fairytale countryside of Puglia’s Valle d’Itria!
This area of Puglia starts from Putignano in the north to Ostuni in the south, and encompasses vineyards, never-ending olive groves, and of course the iconic coned roofs of Trulli, traditional stone huts that locals once lived in.
We meet in the region’s vibrant capital Bari and whisk you away to a ‘locals only’ countryside restaurant nestled between the olive groves. Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable long lunch Pugliese style!
Dish upon glorious dish arrives as we sit back and get to know the group over crisp white Verdecca wine. Explore the charming property in between courses – there are beautiful flowers in bloom all through the garden and locals in the know enjoying quality time together.
Day one continued
Refortified and inspired after our first taste of Pugliese cuisine, we travel onwards to our gorgeous countryside masseria. Here you have time to unpack and relax.
This luxurious country farm house hotel will be our home for the next few days and the perfect base to explore the wonders of land and sea close by.
Once you are settled in, get acquainted with the rest of our group and your host Olivia and indulge in a favourite Italian past-time: aperitivo. Relax with a spritz or glass of local wine as you soak in the beautiful location.
Day one inclusions
- Hotel: Luxury 4 Star masseria country style hotel in the Valle d’Itria
- Meals: Lunch with wine, Evening welcome aperitivo
Day Two
The Seaside and Alberobello
This morning we hit the road for a seaside adventure in pretty Monopoli, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down in the turquoise Adriatic waters. Here we enjoy a short guided tour before you have time to wander on your own, popping into one of the many beautiful boutiques in town with gelato in hand.
With the sea breeze in our hair and tummies beginning to rumble, we’re back on the road to drive a short distance to a hidden away beachside ‘shack’ on the glorious Adriatic Sea for a tremendous seafood lunch together. Catch of the day fresh fish and shellfish carpaccio and seafood pasta awaits, washed down with a refreshing glass of Pugliese white wine of course. The restaurant is right on the beach – so pack your swimming costume if you’re keen for a dip!
Day two continued
Relaxed after our long lunch, we head inlands towards an up and coming winery in the Val d’Itria. This organic family-run winery is working to recover and enhance ancient native local vines including Verdeca and Primitivo varieties. Together we tour the estate and learn more about the fantastic work being done by this winery to produce top quality Pugliese wines and of course enjoy a tasting together.
This evening, we hit the road to visit one of the borghi più belli d’Italia (most beautiful villages of Italy) – Alberobello. This town is most famed for its trulli houses and was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
We meet our guide and enjoy a guided walking tour through this fairytale town that enchants and delights all who go there. We follow our noses down the little lanes and go underground into one of the best restaurants in town where we have the chance to watch the team of chefs in the kitchen as they prepare our traditional feast!
Day two inclusions
- Hotel: Luxury 4 Star masseria country style hotel in the Valle d’Itria
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with matching wines
- Activities: Guided walking tours of Monopoli and Alberobello, and winery visit
Day Three
ARTISANS, CHEESE AND MORE
This morning we’re off to visit Baroque gem Martina Franca – one of the largest towns in the Valle d’Itria. The drive there is truly dreamy through the olive groves and red, red earth which seems even more intense against the backdrop of the bright blue sky. We have some free time to wander through the maze of winding alleys and whitewashed buildings in the historic centre.
After our walk, you’ve surely built up an appetite so we venture to a neighbouring town for a stop at a caseificio (dairy). Here we taste the traditional cheeses of Puglia and discover their unique production techniques. Relax in the outdoor terrace as we have a deliciously cheesey light lunch together.
Day three continued
Pugliese ceramics are famous throughout Italy and we’re about to find out why. This afternoon, we drive to Grottaglie – a town known for its artisan crafts and quality product. Here we visit a ‘secret garden’ – our lips are sealed as to what makes this just so special…Afterwards, we continue onto our guide’s workshop and watch artisans at work before having some time to wander (and shop) through the array of fantastic ceramic shops in the quartiere di ceramiche (ceramics quarter).
Stop for a caffe’ where you will drink out of quite possibly the country’s most beautiful tazze (cups) and observe even the local dogs drinking out of beautifully crafted water bowls.
After a truly off the beaten track Puglia experience, we return to our masseria where you have time to freshen up, go for a swim, or relax. Tonight, we head out to a nearby countryside trattoria to indulge in cured meats, and delicious local pastas.
Day three inclusions
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- Activities: Martina Franca stop, Dairy visit, Ceramics workshop and garden visit
- Accommodation: Luxury 4 Star masseria country style hotel in the Valle d’Itria
Day Four
Polignano aND a cooking class
Today we explore one of the most picturesque towns in all of Puglia – Polignano a Mare. Renowned for its characteristic beach nestled between the cliffs, we will have plenty of time for photos, exploring and watching daring locals leap from the cliffs into the sea.
Our guide shares stories as we stroll through this pretty town before enjoying free time to wander, swim or shop.
We meet again for a seafood lunch at a casual local eatery. Try the local crudo (raw fish) or enjoy a seafood panino! Don’t leave town without a fortifying glass of ‘caffe speciale’ either – it’s a hyper local drink from Polignano itself.
Day four continued
In the afternoon, we journey back to our Masseria where you can relax, read, or go for a swim or a walk around the property. Tonight, we will be rolling up our sleeves and learning how to make the traditional pasta of Puglia (orecchiette), as well as some other local dishes. Relax with a delicious dinner and local wine – we’ve earned it!
Day four inclusions
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine
- Activities: Polignano visit and tour, Cooking class
- Accommodation: Luxury 4 Star masseria country style hotel in the Valle d’Itria
Day Five
lecce, olive oil & Ostuni
Sometimes called – ‘Florence of the South’, today we visit truly beautiful (and unique) Lecce. This Baroque town is famous for its many churches, but perhaps above all else its stunning golden sandstone buildings.
Enjoy some free time this morning wandering the streets and shopping in the many excellent artisan workshops. You have free time for lunch – our tip? Don’t miss a ‘rustico’ and caffe lecesse! This local pastry is filled with piping hot passata (tomato sauce) and oozing mozzarella, and is even more delicious than it sounds. The famed caffe’ lecesse – a cold coffee drink with almond flavouring that is very refreshing on a warm day is sure to be a hit too. We’ll share our favorite addresses to find them.
This afternoon we meet our local guide for a walk through the historical centre of Lecce which includes a stop at the Roman amphitheatre, the cathedral and hidden sights down the city’s many picturesque laneways.
Day five continued
Did you know Puglia is famous for olive oil? In fact, the region produces around 40% of Italy’s total supply. Relax as we head to a nearby olive grove for a guided tour before enjoying an extra virgin olive oil tasting of three different varieties. We learn how extra virgin olive oil is made and what to look for when tasting and buying a top quality product.
This evening, we head to nearby Ostuni – an incredibly beautiful whitewashed jewel of a town in Puglia. It sits high perched on a hill with a fabulous view over the coast. We meet our local guide for a quick orientation tour before you have free time to explore its nooks and crannies or enjoy an aperitivo. We meet again a little later to enjoy a delicious dinner together.
Day five inclusions
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine
- Activities: Lecce and Ostuni visits and tours, Olive oil grove visit
- Accommodation: Luxury 4 Star masseria country style hotel in the Valle d’Itria
Day Six
THE HEART OF BARI & a cave hotel
We say farewell to our beautiful masseria today, and travel outside of Puglia to the region of Basilicata. On our way, we make a stop to get to know the capital of Puglia a little better.
A lively and exhilarating port city, Bari has fascinating sights, sounds and food waiting for us to discover. We spend our time in Bari enjoying an historic walking tour with a focus on local food traditions including a wander around the fish market, and watching local women roll orecchiette (local pasta) in the street.
Barese focaccia is made with semolina flour and potato and is studded with tomatoes and olives. It’s delicious and the perfect snack to munch on as we stroll along the beautiful lungomare (promenade) soaking up the atmosphere.
Day six continued
This afternoon we are off to the truly unique city of Matera. Famous for its sassi or cave dwellings, built into the cliff face, many date back to the Palaeolithic era, meaning the city is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world.
We check in at our luxury cave hotel for a truly once in a lifetime stay. This afternoon, you have free time to explore or indulge in our unique dwelling for the night before our evening ‘rooftop’ aperitivo with an incredible view.
Matera is ethereally beautiful at nighttime, so make sure to take it all in as the sun sinks below the horizon. Afterwards, we wander over to a local restaurant. It’s our final dinner together tonight and we try some local specialities of the Basilicata region (including fantastic local bread).
Day six inclusions
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine
- Activities: Bari food and walking tour
- Accommodation: Luxury 4 Star cave hotel in Matera
Day Seven
MAGICAL MATERA
After enjoying perhaps the most unique breakfast spot you’re ever likely to experience, we get to know a little more about fascinating Matera. This morning, we meet our local guide in the city of the sassi for a guided walking tour where we hear about the city’s incredible history and stories over many hundreds of years of inhabitation.
Blown away by incredible Matera, we enjoy a final lunch where we try favorite dishes from our week together mixed in with local Basilicata specialties.
We say farewell in Bari later that afternoon after an incredible week of exploring and tasting some of the best that Puglia has to offer – bellies and hearts full to the brim.
Day seven inclusions
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Activities: Matera walking tour
- Transfers: Back to Bari
Puglia Tour Inclusions
We have strived to make our Puglia tour as all inclusive as possible with no hidden surprises. Included in your tour are:
- 6 nights in charming luxury 4 star accommodation – 5 nights at luxury masseria in Puglia and 1 night in stunning cave hotel in Matera
- 5 guided orientation walking tours with expert local guides
- Unique experiences: Olive oil tasting, cheese tasting, cooking class, food tour, ceramics workshop, winery visit
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 1 aperitivo and 5 dinners as specified in the itinerary, wine and bottled water is included with meals other than breakfast
- Luxury air-conditioned mini-bus
- Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides
- Group arrival and departure transfers
Highlights of Puglia Tour FAQ
Accommodation on Tour
We have two incredible accommodation stops on this tour. Our home base in Puglia is a gorgeous 4 star Masseria in the heart of the Itria Valley where you can enjoy a swim in the pool on warm summer days. In Matera we stay in a stunning cave hotel in the heart of the ancient sassi area. This unforgettable experience stays with you forever.
Meet Your Host
Olivia is an Australian woman living in Rome, with a passion for the land of la dolce vita, cooking and wine. Her super powers include finding the most charming villages and delectable cheeses.
Olivia is your local host that ensures your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
Arrivals and Departures
Our tour begins in central Bari at midday on our first day. Our activities conclude in central Bari at around 3pm. Inquire if you would like to add additional nights to your stay or need assistance planning transfers.
Upcoming Tour Dates
- 2023 – SOLD OUT
- 2024 – May 19 – 25 – book now
- 2024 – September 15 – 21 – book now
- 2024 – September 22 – 28 – book now
- Exclusive tours available on request for groups of 6-10 – inquire
Booking Information
- Price from $US 4,990 per person based on twin share accommodation
- A supplement applies for solo travelers wanting a private room
- 30% deposit required to reserve your spot
- Cancel for a full refund up to 120 days before departure
- Read complete terms and conditions
Discover the Puglia region
Fast becoming one of the most popular places to visit in southern Italy, Puglia retains a rustic local charm found in its charming seaside towns and elegant cities. From gorgeous Baroque architecture in Lecce to the white washed trulli towns of the Valle d’Itria, there’s also a commitment to delicious local produce, dishes, olive oil and wine.
