Fantastic Puglia | 8 Day Small Group Tour
Tour Essentials
Breakfast daily, four dinners, masseria dining, cooking class lunch and wine with selected experiences
Why we've chosen this tour
This route gives Puglia a broad, satisfying shape: Bari, trulli country, Matera, white towns, Lecce, Otranto, masseria dining and a hands-on cooking experience.
Is this tour for you?
Best suited to travellers who want southern Italy culture, UNESCO sites, regional food, gentle touring and comfortable escorted logistics.
Not sure? Call us on 03 9824 0898 — we'll tell you honestly whether this tour is the right fit.
Tour Details
This 8 day Puglia journey travels round trip from Bari through the region’s white towns, trulli landscapes, coastal history and baroque architecture. It also crosses into Basilicata for Matera, one of southern Italy’s most extraordinary historic settings.
The itinerary balances guided visits with time to wander independently. Bari, Matera and Lecce bring local guides and cultural context, while Trani, Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Otranto, Martina Franca and Monopoli give the journey its strong sense of place.
Food is a central part of the experience, with masseria dining, a hands-on cooking class and regional wine included at selected moments.
Inclusions
- Transfer from Bari airport to the hotel
- Transfer from the Bari hotel to the airport
- Guided visits in Bari, Matera and Lecce
- Visits to Castel del Monte, Alberobello and Matera UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Visits to Locorotondo and Otranto
- Entrance fees for Casa Grotta in Matera, Otranto Cathedral and the churches of Lecce
- Shuttle to Castel del Monte
- Dinner in a masseria with one glass of wine included
- Cooking experience and lunch at a masseria
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Bari
Arrive in Bari and meet your driver for the included airport transfer. Check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your overnight stay.
Day 2 - Bari
After breakfast, meet your tour leader for a morning visit of Bari’s old city centre, including the Basilica of San Nicola, the Norman-Swabian Castle exterior, Piazza Mercantile and the Column of Justice. Enjoy free time for lunch before dinner and overnight in Bari.
Day 3 - Trani, Castel Del Monte and Alberobello
Depart Bari for Trani, known for its harbour, Jewish quarter and white stone cathedral. Continue to Castel del Monte, the striking octagonal fortress built under Frederick II, then travel to Alberobello for a welcome drink with local white wine and Apulian taralli. Dinner and overnight are included.
Day 4 - Matera
Travel to Matera, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site known for the Sassi, cave dwellings and layered history. Visit the historic centre, admire the cathedral and take in views over the stone districts before returning to Alberobello for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - Locorotondo, Ostuni and Lecce
Leave Alberobello for Locorotondo, one of Puglia’s beautiful white towns, then continue to Ostuni for time at leisure among its lanes, views and local products. In the afternoon, travel to Lecce in the Salento region for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 - Lecce, Otranto and Masseria Dinner
Begin with a guided visit of Lecce, exploring the old town, cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. Continue to Otranto for free time and a visit to its cathedral, then head to Maglie for dinner at a masseria before returning to Lecce.
Day 7 - Martina Franca, Cooking Experience, Monopoli and Bari
Travel through the Murge plateau to Martina Franca, an elegant baroque town with churches, noble buildings and lively squares. Continue to Masseria Montenapoleone for a cooking experience focused on fresh pasta, followed by lunch with local wine. Later, visit Monopoli before returning to Bari for the final overnight stay.
Day 8 - Bari
After breakfast, enjoy any final free time according to your flight schedule before the included transfer to Bari airport.
Tour Highlights
- Included arrival and departure transfers in Bari
- UNESCO World Heritage sites including Castel del Monte, Alberobello and Matera
- Guided tours in Bari, Matera and Lecce
- White towns including Locorotondo and Ostuni
- Otranto Cathedral and the churches of Lecce
- Dinner in a masseria with one glass of wine included
- Cooking experience and lunch at a masseria
- Visits to Martina Franca, Monopoli and Trani
- Small group format with 25 passengers or fewer
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged in a comfortable mix of 4-star touring hotels in Bari, Alberobello and Lecce, selected for smooth logistics and access to the route.
- Bari: Excelsior Hotel Bari 4-star
- Alberobello area: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri 4-star
- Lecce: Hotel Delle Palme or Mercure Hotel President Lecce 4-star
Hotels listed are examples and may be replaced with accommodation of a similar standard if required.
Tour Notes
Physical Requirements
This escorted itinerary includes guided walking tours, historic centres, uneven stone streets, stairs and time on your feet in towns and heritage sites. Travellers should be comfortable walking at a steady pace.
Exclusions
- City tax is not included and is payable directly at hotels.
- Drinks are not included with meals unless specifically noted as part of an experience.
- Castle entry in Bari is at travellers’ own expense if visited independently.
- Personal expenses, optional experiences and travel insurance are not included.
Important Notes
- Prices are per person.
- Hotels, inclusions and itinerary details may change and should be reconfirmed before booking.
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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