Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Apulia, a region rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into the unique heritage of this Italian gem, from the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Matera and Alberobello to the artistic capital of Lecce. Explore the narrow streets of ancient towns, indulge in local cuisine paired with exquisite wines, and learn the art of pasta and cheese making. Visit local vineyards, olive oil businesses, and marvel at the stunning architecture of cathedrals and castles. This tour is a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and gastronomic indulgence.
Included
Meals included:
7 Breakfast, 5 Lunches, and 2 Dinners.
vegetarian, meat
Private transportation is included throughout tour.
Two nights in a traditional "trullo" in the center of Alberobello.
Three nights in a 5+star hotel in Lecce, located in the historical center where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Two nights in a 4-star hotel in Bari, located just 5 minutes walking distance from the Old Bari.
An award-winning local English-speaking tour leader will accompany the group throughout the tour.
Local expert
Guides
will be used at Alberobello. Lecce, Otranto, Galatina, and Castel del Monte.
Pasta Making demonstration hands-on.
Cheese demonstration class hands-on.
All entrance fees to sites included in the itinerary,
Destinations
Otranto
Bari
Lecce
Trani
MateraMap
Attractions
Castel del Monte
Castle of Trani
porto antico
Jewish Museum Lecce
Torre Sant'AndreaDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Bari - Matera - Alberobello
- Alberobello
- Matera
- Bari - Arrival day
- More
- Crypt of Original Sin
- Sassi di Matera
- More
Welcome to Apulia! We start our journey from Bari and head straight to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera. Here, we'll explore the ancient homes and churches carved from tufa rock. After a short drive, we'll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local vineyard in Basilicata wine country. Post lunch, we'll visit the stunning Crypt of the Original Sin, adorned with 9th-century frescoes. Our day ends in Alberobello, where you'll spend the next two nights in a traditional 'Trullo'.
Day 2 – Day 2: Alberobello
- Alberobello
- More
- Ponte di Porta Napoli (Ponte di pietra)
- Jonian Dolphin Conservation
- More
After breakfast, we delve deeper into Alberobello with our expert local guide. We'll indulge in an Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting before you have some free time to explore the city. In the afternoon, we'll visit a local family-owned Masseria for a hands-on pasta-making demonstration. We'll end the day with a group dinner, enjoying the fruits of our labor paired with wine.
Day 3 – Day 3: Alberobello - Martina Franca - Lecce
- Lecce
- Alberobello
- More
- Chiesa Rettoria del Gesù Salvatore
- Jewish Museum Lecce
- More
We depart Alberobello for a short drive to a local farm near Martina Franca. Here, we'll engage in a hands-on cheese class demonstration, learning the secrets of making cheese, mozzarella, and burrata. After a delightful lunch, we transfer to Lecce, the artistic and cultural capital of Puglia. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a walking tour to discover the city's architecture, culture, and history.
Day 4 – Day 4: Lecce - Otranto - Lecce
- Lecce
- Otranto
- More
- Torre Sant'Andrea
- More
Today, we drive to Otranto, the heel of the Italian boot, and visit a cathedral famous for its magnificent Tree of Life mosaics. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Otranto with some free time to shop for local handicrafts. We'll then head to a premium restaurant renowned for serving fresh seasonal local produce, complemented by wines from their own vineyard. We return to Lecce in the evening for some free time to explore the historical center on your own.
Day 5 – Day 5: Lecce - Galatina - Gallipoli - Lecce
- Lecce
- Gallipoli
- More
- Church of Saint Mary 'dell'Idria'
- Focara of Novoli
- More
In the morning, we drive to Galatina to visit the extraordinary 14th-century Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. We then head to Gallipoli, where we visit a stunning cathedral and the Frantoio Ipogeo, an ancient underground olive mill. Enjoy an included lunch in Gallipoli's historical center before we return to Lecce for a free evening to dine and relax at your own pace.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lecce - Ostuni - Polignano a Mare - Bari
- Lecce
- Ostuni
- Bari
- Polignano a Mare
- More
- Fontana
- porto antico
- More
We depart Lecce and drive to Ostuni, one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in Italy. After a visit to a small museum, we'll enjoy a gourmet lunch at a restaurant located in a 15th-century Aragonese donjon. In the afternoon, we visit a family-run olive oil business before heading to Polignano a Mare. Here, we'll try the famous Caffè Speciale di Polignano a Mare and view a statue of Domenico Modugno, the composer and singer of Volare. We end the day in Bari, where you'll have a free evening to explore the nearby bars and eateries.
Day 7 – Day 7: Bari - Castel del Monte - Trani - Bari
- Trani
- Bari
- More
- Castel del Monte
- Castle of Trani
- More
After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Castel del Monte for a guided tour of the Swabian Castle. We then drive to Trani to visit the Cathedral of Trani, built on the edge of the sea. After an optional lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Bari. In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell group dinner at a local restaurant, raising a toast to our Puglian adventure.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Bari
- Bari - Departure day
- More
Our tour concludes after breakfast. Your tour leader can assist you with additional tours, post-tour accommodation, or transfers. We hope you enjoyed your journey through Apulia and look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
