Mysteries & Wonders of Puglia | 9 Day Private Tour
Discover Puglia over nine days, from Bari and Matera to Lecce and the Salento coast, with guided cultural visits and traditional masseria dining.
Tour Essentials
Breakfast daily, two lunches and wine tasting near Andria
Why we've chosen this tour
The extended Salento section distinguishes this journey among ways to explore Puglia, giving Otranto, Galatina and Gallipoli room alongside the trulli and Matera.
Is this tour for you?
Suits travellers who prefer a private travelling party and a broader exploration of Puglia over eight nights. Two main hotel bases reduce packing, while sightseeing days involve walking and some longer drives.
Not sure? Call us on 03 9824 0898 — we'll tell you honestly whether this tour is the right fit.
Tour Details
Whitewashed towns, unusual castles and a strong connection to the land give Puglia its distinctive appeal. This nine-day private journey looks beyond the best-known stops to explore the region’s medieval heritage, food traditions and varied coastline.
From Bari, visit Trani and Castel del Monte, discover Alberobello’s trulli and cross into Basilicata for Matera’s extraordinary Sassi. The journey then continues through Polignano a Mare and Ostuni to Lecce, where pale stone and elaborate baroque façades create an entirely different mood.
The southern days give Salento proper attention, from Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca to Galatina and Gallipoli. Two masseria lunches bring you closer to the region’s rural food culture, with wine tasting included near Andria.
Inclusions
- Eight nights with breakfast: four in Bari and four in Lecce
- Private transport according to the itinerary with an English- or Italian-speaking driver
- Local guided visits in Bari, Trani, Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Galatina and Gallipoli
- Masseria lunch and wine tasting near Andria
- Lunch at Masseria L’Uliveto, excluding drinks
- Departure transfer to Brindisi airport or port
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive In Bari
Arrive in Bari and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Bari. An arrival airport transfer is not listed as included.
Day 2 – Bari Vecchia
Meet your guide for a two-hour walk through Bari’s historic centre. Discover the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Swabian Castle and a network of lanes and squares including Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese, finishing with the cathedral of San Sabino. The afternoon is free. Overnight in Bari.
Day 3 – Trani, Andria & Castel Del Monte
Explore Trani, where the Romanesque cathedral stands beside the sea and the old Jewish quarter recalls the town’s trading past. Continue to a masseria near Andria for lunch and wine tasting, then visit the remarkable octagonal Castel del Monte. A local guide accompanies the day’s cultural visits. Return to Bari for the night.
Day 4 – Alberobello & Matera
Discover Alberobello’s distinctive dry-stone trulli with a local guide for two hours. Cross into Basilicata for a further two-hour guided visit in Matera, where cave dwellings, overlooks and lanes reveal the Sassi’s extraordinary setting. Return to Bari, as indicated by the itinerary route.
Day 5 – Polignano A Mare & Ostuni To Lecce
Leave Bari for the cliff-top town of Polignano a Mare, where small coves sit beneath the historic streets. Continue to Ostuni for time among its whitewashed lanes, with opportunities to browse, shop or buy lunch independently. Travel onwards to Lecce for the night.
Day 6 – Lecce
Take a three-hour guided walk through Lecce’s baroque centre. Discover the cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo dei Celestini, Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Roman amphitheatre, alongside the Church of Santa Chiara. The afternoon is yours to enjoy independently. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 7 – Otranto & The Salento Coast
Travel to Otranto for a guided visit of up to two hours, exploring a town shaped by centuries of Mediterranean encounters. After an independent lunch, continue via Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina to Santa Maria di Leuca, known for its villas, lighthouse and sanctuary. Return to Lecce for the night.
Day 8 – Galatina, Masseria L’Uliveto & Gallipoli
Visit Galatina for its churches and local traditions, including the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and the stories surrounding pizzica and taranta. Lunch at Masseria L’Uliveto is included, with drinks extra. Continue to Gallipoli’s walled old town, linked to the mainland by a bridge. A local guide is included for four hours across Galatina and Gallipoli. Return to Lecce for the night.
Day 9 – Depart Via Brindisi
After breakfast, transfer to Brindisi airport or port, where the tour concludes.
Tour Highlights
- Trani and the geometric mystery of Castel del Monte
- Alberobello’s trulli and Matera’s Sassi
- Polignano A Mare and Ostuni
- Baroque Lecce and the Salento coastline
- Masseria lunch with wine tasting near Andria
- Galatina, Gallipoli and lunch at Masseria L’Uliveto
Accommodation
- Hotel Oriente — Bari, 4-star or similar; four nights
- Patria Palace — Lecce, 5-star or similar; four nights
Hotel allocation is subject to confirmation.
Tour Notes
Physical Requirements
Expect walking on cobbled streets, uneven historic sites and steps. Comfortable walking shoes and reasonable mobility are recommended. Please discuss any mobility requirements with us before booking.
2027 Seasonal Prices
AUD per person. Double prices are based on two people sharing; single prices are total prices for single occupancy.
| Season (2027) | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr to 31 Oct | $19,999 | $10,999 | $8,399 |
Travel Notes
Travel is subject to availability. Prices are in Australian dollars per person and vary by season and room occupancy. Optional activities and meals are payable separately unless listed as included.
Exclusions
- Flights, insurance and personal expenses
- Arrival airport transfer unless separately arranged
- Meals and drinks not specified as included; drinks at Masseria L’Uliveto
- Entrance fees not explicitly listed as included
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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