Tour Details
This fourteen-day journey through Puglia has been designed to reveal a side of southern Italy that feels both varied and deeply rooted in local tradition. Travelling from the dramatic coastline of the Gargano Peninsula through the whitewashed towns of the Valle d’Itria and down to the Baroque cities of the Salento, the itinerary brings together a mix of landscapes, cultures and experiences that unfold gradually over the course of the tour.
Rather than moving quickly between highlights, the pace allows time to settle into each location—whether that’s exploring historic towns, visiting local producers, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the region. Along the way, there is a strong focus on food, wine and the everyday character of Puglia, giving a more complete sense of the region beyond its most familiar sights.
Tour Dates and Prices
- 17 – 30 April 2027
- 1 – 14 May 2027
- 11 – 24 September 2027
$10,460 AUD per person (twin or double share)
$12,260 AUD per person (solo traveller)
Accommodation
- Gargano Peninsula – Hotel Falcone (Vieste)
- Valle d’Itria – Masseria Trulli e Vigne, Il Palmento Hotel Relais or Leonardo Trulli Resort
- Lecce – Pollicastro Boutique Hotel or Palazzo de Noha (or similar)
- Polignano a Mare – Covo dei Saraceni
Rooms may vary in size, outlook and configuration, as is typical with boutique and heritage properties. Final hotel selections depend on availability for each departure, and alternative properties of a similar standard may be used where necessary.
What’s Included
- Experienced tour leader throughout
- Accommodation in boutique hotels (twin-share basis)
- Daily breakfast, plus five lunches and five dinners
- Wine (or a non-alcoholic alternative) with included meals
- Private transport in an air-conditioned mini-coach
- Entry fees to all listed sites
- Local guides at selected locations
- Group transfer at the end of the tour
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Meals not listed
- Personal expenses
Additional Information
The tour requires a moderate level of fitness, with walking on uneven surfaces and extended periods on foot.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
- Explore the coastline of the Gargano Peninsula, including a boat excursion along its limestone cliffs and sea caves
- Visit the pilgrimage town of Monte Sant’Angelo and its cave sanctuary dedicated to Saint Michael
- Spend time in the towns of the Valle d’Itria, including Locorotondo and Alberobello
- Discover Matera and its historic cave dwellings
- Visit a traditional masseria and learn about local cheese production
- Explore Lecce and its distinctive Baroque architecture
- Visit coastal towns including Otranto, Bari and Polignano a Mare
- Enjoy regional cuisine with a selection of included lunches and dinners
Day 1 - Arrival in Bari and transfer to the Gargano
The journey begins with a group meeting in Bari before travelling north along the Adriatic coast towards the Gargano Peninsula. This stretch of coastline is one of the most beautiful in southern Italy, with limestone cliffs, clear water and small towns set above the sea.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Vieste, where we stay for the next three nights. With its narrow streets and coastal setting, it provides an easy introduction to the region. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Vieste
Day 2 - Gargano coastline by boat
Today we explore the coastline by boat, travelling along a series of cliffs, sea caves and small inlets that are best seen from the water. The colours of the Adriatic and the changing shapes of the limestone create a constantly shifting landscape.
In the afternoon, there is free time to enjoy Vieste at your own pace. In the evening, dinner is at a traditional trabucco, a wooden fishing platform that now serves as a simple seafood restaurant.
Overnight: Vieste
Day 3 - Monte Sant’Angelo and the Foresta Umbra
Travel inland to Monte Sant’Angelo, an important pilgrimage site, where we visit the Sanctuary of Saint Michael, set within a cave and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Later, continue into the Foresta Umbra, a protected woodland area within Gargano National Park. The shaded roads and dense vegetation provide a clear contrast to the coastal landscape. Return to Vieste in the afternoon.
Overnight: Vieste
Day 4 - Trani and the Valle d’Itria
Leaving the Gargano, we travel south along the coast to Trani. Its cathedral, set directly beside the sea, is one of the most recognisable buildings in the region. There is time to walk through the harbour and historic centre before continuing inland.
In the afternoon, we arrive in the Valle d’Itria, known for its rolling countryside, olive groves and traditional trulli houses.
Overnight: Valle d’Itria
Day 5 - Locorotondo and Alberobello
Begin in Locorotondo, a town known for its whitewashed houses, balconies filled with flowers and views across the surrounding countryside.
Later, visit Alberobello, where clusters of trulli create one of the most recognisable landscapes in southern Italy. Walking through the narrow streets offers a closer look at this distinctive style of building.
Overnight: Valle d’Itria
Day 6 - Matera
Travel to Matera, located just across the regional border. The town is known for the Sassi, a network of cave dwellings that developed into a unique settlement over centuries.
A guided visit introduces the history of the area, followed by time to explore the streets, churches and viewpoints independently before returning in the afternoon.
Overnight: Valle d’Itria
Day 7 - Masseria visit and Lecce
The day begins with a visit to a traditional masseria, where we learn about local dairy production and see how regional cheeses are made.
We then continue to Grottaglie, a town associated with ceramic production, where small workshops continue to operate using traditional methods. In the afternoon, travel on to Lecce.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 8 - Lecce
Explore Lecce with a local guide. Built from the region’s pale limestone, the city developed a distinctive Baroque style, visible in its churches, balconies and decorative facades.
The walk includes Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza Sant’Oronzo. The afternoon is free to continue exploring or relax in one of the city’s cafés.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 9 - Galatina and Otranto
Travel through the Salento countryside to Galatina, where we visit the Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, known for its extensive frescoes.
Continue to Otranto, a coastal town overlooking the Adriatic. The cathedral’s mosaic floor is one of the highlights, depicting a detailed Tree of Life and a wide range of symbolic scenes.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 10 - Wine region and Polignano a Mare
Leaving Lecce, travel north through the countryside to visit a local winery. Learn about the grape varieties of the region and enjoy a tasting followed by lunch.
In the afternoon, continue to Polignano a Mare, set on cliffs above the sea. The town’s narrow streets and viewpoints provide a relaxed setting for the final stage of the journey.
Overnight: Polignano a Mare
Day 11 - Castel del Monte and lunch
Travel inland to Castel del Monte, an unusual octagonal castle built in the thirteenth century. Its geometry and isolated setting have made it one of the most discussed historic sites in southern Italy.
After visiting the castle, continue to a well-regarded local restaurant for lunch featuring seasonal ingredients.
Overnight: Polignano a Mare
Day 12 - Bari
Visit Bari, the regional capital, where the old town is made up of narrow streets and small squares. Walking through the area offers a glimpse into everyday life, including the preparation of traditional pasta.
We also visit the Basilica di San Nicola before spending time along the waterfront.
Overnight: Polignano a Mare
Day 13 - Ostuni and olive groves
Travel into the countryside to visit an olive oil estate, where some of the trees are centuries old.
Continue to Ostuni, known for its whitewashed buildings and elevated position above the surrounding landscape. There is time to walk through the historic centre before returning for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Polignano a Mare
Day 14 - Departure
Transfer to Bari Airport or Bari Centrale train station for onward travel.
Make an enquiry
Complete the form to enquire about this tour. One of our friendly staff will get back to you as soon as possible!
