The Essential Puglia Tour

Itinerary

1. 1

   Arrive in Bari, Italy

   Upon your arrival in Bari, a private driver will greet you at the airport and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. (Alternatively, if you are arriving in Rome, we can arrange a pick-up service from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA) airport; please advise us of your preference at the time of booking.)  After checking in, the remainder of your day is free to relax and begin exploring at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel. Overnight: Bari Meals: Not available.

   Bari

2. 2

   Bari

   Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting your Tour Leader for a guided morning tour of Bari, Puglia's vibrant capital. Explore the historic old town, taking in the revered Basilica of San Nicola and the impressive Norman-Swabian Castle (admission not included), which offers spectacular panoramic views. Stroll through the lively Piazza Mercantile to see the ancient Column of Justice. Following the tour, the afternoon is free for you to enjoy lunch independently. We highly suggest savoring a meal at a traditional local restaurant in the city center or sampling some of the area's delicious street food. The evening concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel. Overnight: Bari Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

   Bari

3. 3

   Bari - Trani - Castel del Monte - Alberobello

   Following breakfast at your hotel, board the coach for a scenic drive to the coastal gem of Trani, often called the 'Pearl of Puglia'. Explore its historic art and monuments, including the medieval Jewish quarter and the magnificent white-stone Cathedral overlooking the sea. This afternoon, journey to the enigmatic Castel del Monte, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage fortress commissioned by Frederick II. Admire its unique octagonal architecture before continuing to the iconic town of Alberobello. Here, you’ll be greeted by the extraordinary landscape of UNESCO-listed trulli—ancient, cone-shaped limestone dwellings. A welcome toast with local white wine and Apulian taralli awaits. Overnight: Alberobello Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

   70011 Alberobello

4. 4

   Alberobello - Matera > Alberobello

   Today's journey takes you to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage city of Matera. After breakfast, travel by coach to explore the legendary Sassi di Matera (Stones of Matera)—an ancient cave network inhabited for over 9,000 years that forms the historic heart of the city. Discover their incredible history before visiting the Romanesque Cathedral, perched high above with its beautiful bell tower, offering a breathtaking panorama of the iconic Sassi below. In the late afternoon, return by coach to Alberobello for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight: Alberobello Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

   70011 Alberobello

5. 5

   Alberobello - Locorotondo - Ostuni - Lecce

   Following breakfast at the hotel, you'll bid farewell to Alberobello. Your first stop is the charming circular village of Locorotondo, one of Puglia's famed "white towns"—enjoy some free time to wander its pristine historic center. Reboarding the coach, you'll continue to the hilltop gem of Ostuni, the "White City," which offers stunning views over a sea of ancient olive groves. Here, you'll have ample free time for lunch, shopping, and tasting renowned local products such as world-famous Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expense). In the late afternoon, travel onward to Lecce, the magnificent baroque heart of the Salento region, for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight: Lecce Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

   73100 Lecce

6. 6

   Lecce - Otranto - Dinner at a Masseria - Lecce

   Begin your day with breakfast, followed by an in-depth, three-hour guided tour of Lecce. Uncover the city's layered history as you explore the enchanting old town center, marveling at the 12th-century Cathedral and the ornate Basilica of Santa Croce in the magnificent Piazza del Duomo. Later, a scenic coach transfer brings you to the coastal town of Otranto, where you'll have free time for lunch. Spend the afternoon discovering Otranto's unique cultural blend of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences at your own pace, ensuring you visit its iconic Cathedral, home to the relics of 813 martyrs and a breathtaking mosaic floor. This evening, travel to the charming town of Maglie for a special dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto, a historic farmstead serving exquisite regional cuisine, before returning to Lecce for the night. Overnight: Lecce Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

   73100 Lecce

7. 7

   Lecce Martina Franca - Cooking Experience & Lunch at a Masseria - Monopoli - Bari

   Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards Bari, crossing the distinctive karst landscape of the Murge plateau. Your first stop is the elegant Baroque town of Martina Franca. Admire its ornate churches and noble palaces surrounding Piazza Plebiscito, and explore highlights such as the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Clock Tower. After some free time to wander, continue through the idyllic Valle d'Itria, a patchwork of ancient olive groves and vineyards. Your journey leads to Masseria Montenapoleone for an authentic Puglian cooking experience. Learn the art of making regional pasta shapes like orecchiette, then sit down to savor the lunch you helped prepare, accompanied by local wines. In the afternoon, explore the charming fortified seafront citadel of Monopoli before concluding the day with your return to Bari for the night. Overnight: Bari Meals Breakfast - Lunch

   73100 Lecce

8. 8

   Bari Departure

   Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Bari. An included transfer will take you to Bari Airport for your onward journey. Please advise us if you would prefer a drop-off to Rome instead.  We wish you a pleasant trip home and thank you for traveling with us. Overnight: Not available Meals: Breakfast

   Bari