The Essence of Puglia

Arrive in Bari on your own (an optional private airport transfer is available on request). Meet your tour leader in your hotel in Bari, the main city of Puglia, and from here start your tour to discover this wonderful region. Walkthrough the charming narrow alleys of the old city center, and admire the highlights of the city. Be amazed by the astonishing view that you can enjoy from the fortress (admission fee for the Castle at your own expense). After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile where you will see the ancient Column of Justice. Dinner and overnight.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. Your journey will continue towards the UNESCO city of Alberobello, famous for its “Trulli”. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight stay in sleeping in a real “Trullo”.

Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast, the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years! Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in the “Trullo”.

After breakfast, depart Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Afterward, board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni, located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, which overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees. Free time at your disposal to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping, and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous olive oil (all at your own expense). In the late afternoon, get again on board the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided visit to the city, learn the history of Lecce. After the visit, depart for Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your pace. In the early evening, reach Supersano where you will have dinner at the “Masseria le Stanzìe”. Visit this ancient farm, and learn about the history and culture of Puglia. See how homemade pasta is made and visit the medieval tombs that are part of the farm. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce.

Today is dedicated to Gallipoli, one of the most touristic and cosmopolitan destinations in the Salento. Gallipoli has Greek origins and is now a summer location preferred by young people who are attracted by its nightlife as well as beautiful wild beaches whose dunes and pine tree parks are paradise! You will have free time to discover the center of Gallipoli, the walls, and the port that shelters amazing yachts. In the afternoon, you will return to Lecce and still have time to enjoy the evening. Overnight is in Lecce.

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Bari driving through the "Murge plateau" with a unique landscape. You’ll get to see Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village full of churches, noble buildings, and squares perfect for a stage setting. We’ll continue driving in the Valle d’ Itria, a rural area full of olive trees and vineyards. You’ll enjoy lunch in a Masseria where food and excellent extra virgin olive oil are produced from organic farming. A tasting of those products is included. In the afternoon, there will be some free time and then a short drive will take you to Bari.

After breakfast, we’ll set off to two of the most prominent coastal places of Puglia, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare. We’ll start from Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Getting lost in the intricate little streets of Monopoli is an almost mystical experience. felt here. The second stop is Polignano a Mare. Polignano was built on the peak of a cliff, and therefore its coastline is characterized by coves, small bays, and inlets. Free time for some shopping or an aperitivo in the main square. You will return to Bari after the visit. Overnight is in Bari.

Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before your tour comes to an end. Optional private transfer to the airport is available on request.