AUTHENTIC AND MAGICAL PUGLIA

May 27th – June 4th, 2026

9 Days – 8 Nights

Authentic and Magical Puglia

Located in the heart of the mediterranean (heel of Italy’s boot), it is a magical combination of artefacts, history, art and unspoiled nature amidst beautiful coastlines and beaches and picture-postcard landscapes. Puglia offers flavorful cuisine (Orecchiette pasta, Burrata cheese unique olive oil-just to name a few), charming villages and friendly locals. Join us on this amazing trip and experience all the wonders of each town-sites such as the Truli houses of Alberobello and the Caves of Matera and so much more.

ITINERARY

Day 1: 27th May – Arrival – Bari

Overnight in Bari at Hotel Oriente.

Upon arrival into Bari you will be transferred to your accommodation. After you have had some time to settle in, your guide will meet you at your Hotel and take you on an incredible taste experience as you sample the excellence of Apulian food and wine. Our expert guide will lead you on a journey to discover the most authentic flavours whilst showing you the best of Bari. Along your journey, there will be tasting stops, along with something a little more ‘substantial’. You will then have the rest of the afternoon to explore Bari as you prefer, prior to meeting for a Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Puglia Italy, Altamura 1

Day 2: 28th May – Matera

Overnight in Matera at Hotel Viceconte.

This morning you will be transferred to Matera where you will meet your guide for a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sassi di Matera, the fascinating ancient cave dwellings that were inhabited for over 2,500 years until the end of the 2nd World War. This experience will last approximately 2 hours and after that you will be free to explore this very special city, named the 2019 European Capital of Culture, on your own. From incredible religious architecture, local artisan street stalls, to mouthwatering local cuisine, there is so much to see and do in this culturally and historically rich city.

Mid afternoon you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Day 3: 29th May – Altamura – Focaccia & Cheese Experience

Overnight in Matera at Hotel Viceconte.

Today is all about cheese and focaccia. We will start at a nearby dairy farm, the heart of the production followed by a short walk to Altamura, where you will visit one of the oldest ovens in town, renowned for its traditional bakery. Along the way, we will stop again for a visit to the Monastery of Santa Chiara followed by shopping at the pastry shop in front of the church. This is the bakery where the tradition of the “tette delle monache” was born, the typical sweets also known as the “Sospiri Pugliesi”, which we will buy to take with us and enjoy after lunch accompanied by the Padre Beppe Elixir liqueur.

We will then finish off the morning by heading to their cheese bar in the forest, inside the Alta Murgia Park. Here, outside their small wooden kiosk, you will enjoy the slow pace of a meal based on cheese and other typical delicacies. During the tour, you will get a chance to taste their best cheeses, carefully paired with suitable wines, as well as to experience cheese production live, in a perfect blend of tradition, culture and culinary delight. You will then be transferred back to Matera where you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the City.

Day 4: 30th May – Polignano A Mare & Monopoli

Overnight at Masseria Montenapoleone.

This morning you will make your way to the beautiful, fortified seafront town of Monopoli which is located on the Adriatic coast and offers a castle, a belltower, a cathedral, a working harbor, and incredible views of the sea at every turn. Perhaps you’ll want to take stroll along the seaside promenade, enjoy a bit of shopping or have a morning swim.

Prior to heading to Polignano a Mare, we will stop at one of our favourite seaside dining spots to indulge in an incredible seafood lunch al mare with stunning views of the Adriatic.

After lunch, move on to Polignano a Mare, a charming cliff-top town which is perched directly on the Adriatic Sea and known for its ancient caves, picturesque swimming spots, and panoramic vistas. Poliganano a Mare has a fascinating history and the ruins of four watchtowers, which used to overlook this region for hundreds of years, spanning the Spanish, Byzantine and Norman periods, still remain. Enjoy some free time where you can choose your own Polignano a Mare adventure—be it shopping, swimming, or perhaps a gelato with an epic view of the sea. Dinner this evening will be in the Masseria.

Day 5: 31st May – Valle D’itria – Cisternino, Locorotondo & Alberobello

Overnight at Masseria Montenapoleone.

This morning we’ll take a leisurely drive through the tranquil countryside. We will start the day with a coffee stop in Cisternino where you will have a little time to explore the cute boutiques this town has to offer.

Next stop is Alberobello, the city known for its iconic white conical trulli homes and protected by UNESCO for the past 25 years. There is something a bit fairytale about this white city which is now bustling with local stores, bars, and eateries. We’ll learn all about this historic town on a guided tour.

Finishing off the day with a Gelato stop in one of the Cutest towns of the Valle D’Itria, Locorotondo.
This evening you will be transferred to a local township where you will be free to enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 6: 1st June – Ostuni & Olive Oil Experience – Lecce

Overnight in Lecce at the Hilton.

This morning make your way towards Ostuni, but not before stopping at a family run Masseria for an Olive Oil tasting/experience. The experience includes a visit to the Masseria to explain its origin, function and their tradition in the Pugliese panorma, a visit to the organic vegetable garden and the centuries-old olive grove to discover all the secrets about the olive tree. You will learn the professional technique for Oil tasting: through sensory analysis you will understand how to distinguish the qualities and defects of oil and then have the tools to be able to recognize the real EVO Oil.

Next take a short drive along peaceful country roads towards Ostuni, spend the day exploring this beautiful hilltop city, also known as la citta bianca, the white city. Known for its whitewashed buildings and white stone streets, this charming medieval city with its fascinating history, glows day and night. Ostuni is a delightful city to wander, and we’ll meander through its incredible maze of narrow streets and visit some of its iconic architecture. After some time in Ostuni, you will be visiting the stunningly beautiful Baroque city, Lecce. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a city celebrated for its incredible art and uniquely ornate limestone and sandstone architecture. Once you have checked into your accommodation you will then have the rest of the day free to explore this stunning City which boasts a 2,500-year-old history that includes many contributions by the Romans, including its fortification walls and ancient amphitheater.

Day 7: 2nd June – Otranto & Kayaking In The Sea Caves In Santa Maria Di Leuca

Overnight in Lecce at the Hilton.

This morning, you will be transferred to Santa Maria di Leuca, where you will be exploring some of the stunning coastline. Today you can opt to stay in the boat and have a swim, or take a Kayak into the caves. There will also be some time to explore the township of Santa Maria di Leuca.

Day 8: 3rd June – Coastal Walk In Otranto

Overnight in Lecce at the Hilton.

This morning you will head toward Otranto, first off you will experience the Coast by foot where you will be treated to a easy hike whilst stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. After the hike there will be some time to explore the town ship of Otranto prior to returning to Lecce.

This afternoon enjoy a farewell dinner at one of our favourite restaurants.

Day 9: 4th June – Departure

This morning you will be transferred to Bari for your departure.

page Put Authentic and Magical Puglia

Prices -Double Occupancy
$4300 per person based on 8 people
$4200 per person based on 10 people
$3950 per person based on 12 people
Single Supplement is $1250
Deposit $500.00
Balance due Feb. 12, 2026

INCLUDED

1 Nights accommodation at Hotel Oriente, Bari
2 Nights accommodation at Palazzo Viceconte, Matera
2 Nights accommodation at Masseria Montenapolone.
3 Nights accommodation at the Hilton, Lecce.
Tourist Taxes
All breakfasts
All transfers in Mercedes Van/Minibus
Licensed guides in Matera, Bari, Alberobello
Olive Oil Tasting Experience
Cheese & Focaccia Experience with Lunch and wine
Bari Food Experience
Boat or Sea Kayaking Experience
Seaside Lunch near Monopoli
3 Traditional Pugliese dinners with wine
Guided Hike in Otranto with Picnic Lunch
Local English speaking host for 4 day tours as required
On call English assistance for duration of stay

NOT INCLUDED

International airfare
Tips