Secrets of Puglia 2024
Secrets of Puglia 2024
Secrets of Puglia 2024
8 Days Starting and ending in Naples
Visiting: Naples, Andria, Bari, Ostuni, Lecce, Gallipoli, Manduria, Martina Franca, Itria Valley Dream, Alberobello, Grotte di Castellana, Altamura, Matera
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BFPBB4
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
7 - 18
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$3010 (USD)NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
The enchanting Italian region of Puglia is famous for its historic cities, quaint fishing villages and exquisite cuisine. From Naples to Bari, Lecce, Martina Franca, Matera and back again, we’ll delve into the area’s many splendours – touring historic towns, discovering local traditions and indulging in a tasting or two along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Naples (Italy)
Location: Naples
Accommodation: Palazzo Salgar (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
A hub of intoxicating culture and historic masterpieces – we’ll meet the group in the vibrant city of Naples. After settling in, tonight we’ll have the opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal.
Day 2: Naples – Andria – Bari
Location: Naples, Andria, Bari
Accommodation: Hotel, Excelsior Bari (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and hit the road to the first stop of our journey: Andria. Whilst we’re here, a local expert will reveal how mozzarella and burrata are made – and we’ll have the chance to taste both delicious cheeses before we move on to bustling Bari. First, we’ll uncover the city’s seaside charms and rich history with a local guide. Then, we’ll enjoy the rest of the evening to delve into the vibrant food scene at our leisure. As the birthplace of orecchiette pasta, we recommend sampling the local hand-made delicacy in one of the trattorias of Bari’s Old Town.
Day 3: Bari – Ostuni – Lecce
Location: Bari, Ostuni, Lecce
Accommodation: Hotel, Santa Chiara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we’ll leave Bari behind as we make tracks to Ostuni – also known as the ‘White City’ thanks to its plenitude of white-washed houses. Upon arrival, we’ll learn the secrets behind some traditional cuisine at a cooking demonstration and savour our sumptuous creations for lunch. Appetites satiated, we’ll move on to magnificent Lecce where we’ll enjoy an in-depth walking tour. Resplendent church facades and intricately detailed gargoyles – our local guide will take us around the exquisite Baroque architecture that gives the city its distinctive character. Later, the evening is ours to explore.
Day 4: Lecce – Gallipoli – Lecce
Location: Lecce, Gallipoli, Lecce
Accommodation: Hotel, Santa Chiara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we’ve an appointment to keep at an underground olive mill museum in the historic fishing port of Gallipoli. Here, we’ll uncover the age-old technique of how local farmers extracted ‘green gold’ to be exported across Europe. Then, we’ll enjoy some free time to wander at our leisure – before returning to Lecce. Impressive sandstone buildings, upmarket boutiques, winding alleyways and spectacular piazzas await.
Day 5: Lecce – Manduria – Martina Franca – Itria Valley
Location: Lecce, Manduria, Martina Franca, Itria Valley Dream
Accommodation: Relais Villa San Martino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we’ll make our way into the stunning Manduria region. We’ll savour a tasting of the region’s famous Primitivo wine – a unique blend that draws its intense flavours and deep colours from the region’s indigenous grapes. Following that, we’ll move on to our final stop of the day: the beautiful Martina Franca.
Day 6: Itria Valley – Alberobello And Castellana Caves – Itria Valley
Location: Itria Valley Dream, Alberobello, Grotte di Castellana, Itria Valley Dream
Accommodation: Relais Villa San Martino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first stop of the day will be Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its charming cone-topped trulli. After learning more about the limestone buildings on a locally guided walking tour, we’ll move on to the spellbinding Castellana Caves. This expansive cave system boasts a unique landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over 2 million years. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace – however visiting the breathtaking Grotta Bianca is a must! Back in Martina Franca, we’ll have the evening to explore the city at our leisure or relax back at our hotel after a busy day.
Day 7: Itria Valley – Altamura – Matera
Location: Itria Valley Dream, Altamura, Matera
Accommodation: Albergo Italia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we’ll explore the medieval streets of Altamura with a local guide – with an included bread tasting session at a quaint local bakery to round off our visit. Then, our journey continues onwards to the mesmerising city of Matera: the jewel of the Basilicata region. We’ll embark on a walking tour of the ancient Sassi cave dwellings – with our local guide providing a fascinating insight into Matera’s extraordinary history. Later, we’ll enjoy some relaxation time back at our hotel – before coming together for tonight’s final group dinner.
Day 8: Matera – Naples
Location: Matera, Naples
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to beautiful Matera as we hit the road again. Coming full circle this afternoon – our tour will end in Naples.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Drinks with Meals
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on final documentation
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All Entrance fees listed are included
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they are not.
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What is the maximum group size?
18 is the maximum on any tour
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, All guides are English speaking
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Hand Picked and Boutique
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Ample free time due to low drive days
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What is the tipping policy?
At the discretion of the guest
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
From the Age of 13
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please request at time of booking
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Guests from all over the world could be joining you
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews of this operator
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Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Saturday
Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.