Puglia & Matera | 12 Day Small Group Tour 2027
Tour Essentials
Daily breakfast, wine, olive oil, cheese, aperitifs and regional tastings
Why we've chosen this tour
We like the breadth of this itinerary. Rather than concentrating on just one part of Puglia, it travels from the Gargano coast through central Puglia and into Salento, combining historic towns and coastal landscapes with Matera, local food experiences and Primitivo wine.
Is this tour for you?
This tour suits travellers who want to see more of Puglia and are comfortable with a fuller touring itinerary. With 12 days, four accommodation bases and a maximum of eight guests in each minivan, it offers an in-depth introduction to the region without relying on large-coach touring.
Not sure? Call us on 03 9824 0898 — we'll tell you honestly whether this tour is the right fit.
Tour Details
This 12-day Puglia and Matera journey begins in Bari and travels through the Gargano, Trani, Castel del Monte, Bari, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Matera and Lecce before reaching Salento, Taranto, Brindisi, Manduria and Grottaglie.
It is the most extensive of the Puglia and Matera small group options, combining coastal landscapes, World Heritage-listed sites, artisan traditions, food and wine experiences, and local guides with dedicated minivan transfers.
Departures run weekly on Fridays from Bari, with a maximum of eight guests. The itinerary is suited to travellers who want the depth of a longer regional journey without needing to drive.
Inclusions
- Eleven nights accommodation with breakfast: two nights in Vieste, two nights in Trani, two nights in Bari, one night in Matera and four nights in Lecce
- Private transfer from Bari to Vieste on arrival
- Return transfer to Bari at the end of the tour
- All transfers between destinations by minivan with driver
- Boat excursion to the sea caves of Vieste, weather permitting
- Visits to Monte Sant'Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo en route to Trani
- Guided visits in Trani, Castel del Monte, Bari, Alberobello, Matera and Lecce
- Food and wine tastings including burrata, extra virgin olive oil, Moscato di Trani, Amaro Lucano and Primitivo
- Ape Calessino or Ape Car experiences in Otranto, Gallipoli, Taranto and Brindisi
- Lecce papier-mache workshop
- Ceramics workshop in Grottaglie
- Tour assistance throughout
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Gargano: Arrival in Vieste
Arrive in Bari by air or rail, where your private driver will meet you according to your arrival time. Transfer privately to Vieste and check in at Hotel Sciali or similar for a two-night stay.
The rest of the day is free to explore Vieste’s harbour and old town streets at your own pace.
Overnight: Vieste
Day 2 - Sea Caves and Relaxation by the Sea in Vieste
After breakfast, meet at the port of Vieste and board for a boat excursion along the Gargano coast, discovering sea caves, natural arches and grottoes, subject to sea and weather conditions.
Return to Vieste around midday. The afternoon is free to relax by the sea or explore the surrounding area.
Overnight: Vieste
Day 3 - From Vieste to Trani with Stops in Gargano
After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer towards Trani, with stops in Monte Sant’Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo. Arrive in Trani in the afternoon and check in at Palazzo Paciotti or similar for two nights.
In the early evening, meet your local guide in front of Trani Cathedral for a walk through the harbour, medieval village and Jewish Quarter, followed by a welcome aperitif with local products.
Overnight: Trani
Day 4 - Castel del Monte, Moscato Wine & History
After breakfast, depart from Trani for Castel del Monte and join a guided visit of the World Heritage-listed fortress built by Frederick II. Return to Trani with free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided wine visit with a tasting of Moscato di Trani and local wines before returning to the hotel. The evening is free.
Overnight: Trani
Day 5 - Burrata, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Bari at Sunset
Check out after breakfast and meet at Santa Teresa Church, where luggage will be loaded before departure. Visit a traditional dairy for a mozzarella and burrata experience, then continue to an olive oil mill for an extra virgin olive oil tasting.
Arrive in Bari in the afternoon and check in at Hotel Boston or similar. Later, meet by the Swabian Castle entrance for a guided sunset tour of Bari’s historic centre. The evening is free.
Overnight: Bari
Day 6 - Alberobello & Polignano a Mare
After breakfast, meet your driver and depart for Alberobello. Walk through the World Heritage-listed trulli district with a local guide and learn about local traditions and artisan life.
Continue to Polignano a Mare for tasting stops including traditional focaccia and local coffee, then enjoy a walk through the historic centre and sea-view terraces. Return to Bari for a free evening.
Overnight: Bari
Day 7 - Matera
After breakfast and check-out, depart for Matera. Store luggage at the hotel, then meet your guide for a visit through the Sassi district, including a cave dwelling, a rupestrian church and an Amaro Lucano tasting.
The afternoon is free to explore Matera and enjoy the city at sunset.
Overnight: Matera
Day 8 - From Matera to Lecce: Papier-Mache and Baroque
After breakfast and check-out, transfer privately from Matera to Lecce. Check in at Hotel President or similar, with luggage storage available.
Join a papier-mache workshop, followed by an aperitif and a guided walk through Lecce’s Baroque historic centre, churches, courtyards and Roman remains. Traditional coffee and pasticciotto are included. The evening is free.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 9 - Otranto & Gallipoli: Sea, History and Southern Charm
After breakfast, depart for Otranto and explore Italy’s easternmost city aboard a traditional Ape Calessino, with time for the historic centre, cathedral and Adriatic views.
Continue to Gallipoli, with free time for lunch, then enjoy an Ape Calessino experience through the historic centre, palaces, Baroque churches and sea-view streets. Return to Lecce for a free evening.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 10 - Brindisi & Taranto: Sea, Memories and Coastal Flavours
After breakfast, meet your driver and depart for Taranto, the ancient capital of Magna Graecia, for a panoramic Ape Calessino tour.
Continue to Brindisi for an Ape Car tour of this historic port city and its Mediterranean identity. Return to Lecce in the afternoon, with free time for the rest of the day.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 11 - Grottaglie & Manduria: Wine and Ceramics
After breakfast, depart for Manduria for a guided winery visit and Primitivo tasting. Continue to Grottaglie, known for ceramics, and visit a workshop for a small hands-on ceramic experience.
Return to Lecce in the afternoon. The evening is free.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 12 - Return to Bari
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Bari according to your onward flight or rail schedule. Services end on arrival.
Tour Highlights
- Weekly Friday departures from Bari
- Maximum 8 guests with English and Spanish available
- Gargano coast, Vieste sea caves and coastal landscapes
- Monte Sant'Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo
- World Heritage-listed Castel del Monte, Alberobello and Matera
- Matera and its Sassi, with an overnight stay
- Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli in Salento
- Taranto, Brindisi, Manduria and Grottaglie
- Regional tastings, wine experiences and artisan workshops
- Dedicated minivan with driver and local guides
Accommodation
The tour includes 11 nights across Vieste, Trani, Bari, Matera and Lecce, with breakfast included.
- Vieste: Hotel Sciali or similar for two nights
- Trani: Palazzo Paciotti or similar for two nights
- Bari: Hotel Boston or similar for two nights
- Matera: boutique accommodation in the Sassi district or similar for one night
- Lecce: Hotel President or similar for four nights
Hotels are subject to availability. If a change is required, accommodation of a similar style and standard will be provided.
Tour Notes
Physical Requirements
Suitable for most travellers, though historic centres in Puglia, Matera and Salento include uneven stone pavements, stairs and uphill or downhill walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Useful Notes
- Departures are guaranteed weekly from one participant.
- Small group experience with a maximum of 8 guests.
- Tour available in English and Spanish.
- Pre- and post-tour extra nights available on request.
- Room upgrades available on request.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The programme may be subject to minor changes due to operational needs or weather conditions.
Room Category Pricing
- Double room: $10,399 per person
- Single room: $13,599 per person
- Triple room: $8,999 per person
- Quadruple room: $7,999 per person
- Children aged 10 to 17 sharing a room with two adults: $5,299 per person
Exclusions
- Flights and rail connections to and from Puglia
- City taxes, payable locally and subject to municipal and seasonal variation
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned as included
- Extra drinks, personal expenses and optional tips
- Optional activities, excursions and travel insurance unless specifically mentioned as included
- Anything not specifically mentioned as included
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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