The Essence of Puglia

The Essence of Puglia

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9 Days From

$2946

The Essence of Puglia

9 Days Starting and ending in Bari, Italy

Visiting: Bari, Alberobello, Matera, Lecce, Gallipoli

Tour operator:

Omega Tours

Tour code:

1313

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $2946

NB: Prices correct on 30-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting region of Puglia on this immersive small-group tour, starting and ending in Bari. Stay in 4-star accommodations and enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and five dinners. Travel in comfort aboard a deluxe motorcoach with complimentary Wi-Fi and extra legroom. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Castel Del Monte, Alberobello, Matera, and Lecce, with expert local guides providing insights along the way. Experience the unique charm of sleeping in a traditional "Trullo" in Alberobello. Visit picturesque towns like Trani, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Otranto, Gallipoli, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical landmarks, and local culinary delights.

Highlights

  • Walk through the charming narrow alleys of Bari's old city center and admire the highlights of the city.

  • Visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral in Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia'.

  • Explore Castel Del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century.

  • Discover the UNESCO city of Alberobello, famous for its "Trulli" houses.

  • Visit Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn the history of the "Sassi di Matera" caves.

  • Enjoy free time in Locorotondo and Ostuni, part of the "white towns" of Puglia.

  • Spend time in Gallipoli, known for its beautiful wild beaches and vibrant nightlife.

  • Explore the fortified citadel of Monopoli and the cliffside town of Polignano a Mare.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Bari

Location: Bari

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Nicolaus, Bari, or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Day 2 : Bari > Trani > Castel Del Monte > Alberobello

Location: Alberobello

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Trulli Holidays Resort, Alberobello, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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”.

Day 3 : Alberobello > Matera > Alberobello

Location: Matera

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Trulli Holidays Resort, Alberobello, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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”.

Day 4 : Alberobello > Locorotondo > Ostuni > Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Delle Palme, Lecce, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 5 : Lecce > Otranto > Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Delle Palme, Lecce, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 6 : Lecce > Gallipoli > Lecce

Location: Gallipoli

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Delle Palme, Lecce, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7 : Lecce > Martina Franca > Bari

Location: Bari

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Nicolaus, Bari, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 8 : Bari > Polignano > Monopoli > Bari

Location: Bari

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Nicolaus, Bari, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 9 : Bari Departure

Location: Bari

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

What's Included

  • • 4-star accommodation

  • • Professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour-escort and visits with English-speaking local guides

  • • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners

  • • Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

  • • Porterage service

  • • Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Castel Del Monte, Alberobello, Gallipoli, Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni, Matera, Bari and Lecce

  • • Visits to Locorotondo and Otranto

  • • Entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte

  • • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board to be in touch with family and friends

  • • Headsets to follow the information provided by the tour leader and local guides

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What's Not Included

  • • International or domestic airfare

  • • Gratuities to guides and drivers

  • • Travel insurance

  • • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary

  • • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary

  • • Local city tax for overnight stays

  • • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary

  • • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably by deluxe motorcoach with complimentary Wi-Fi and extra legroom, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey between destinations.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4-star accommodations throughout your journey, including stays at The Nicolaus in Bari, Trulli Holidays Resort in Alberobello, and Delle Palme in Lecce, with a unique experience of sleeping in a real 'Trullo'.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 4-star accommodation, including unique stays in a 'Trullo' in Alberobello.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, daily breakfast, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners are included in the tour package.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation is provided by a deluxe motorcoach with extra legroom for added comfort.

  • Is there a tour guide available during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes the professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour-escort and visits with English-speaking local guides.

  • Are entrance tickets to attractions included?

    Yes, entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte are included.

  • Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

    Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on board the motorcoach.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes unique experiences such as sleeping in a world-famous 'Trullo' in Alberobello and visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Castel Del Monte, Alberobello, Gallipoli, Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni, Matera, Bari, and Lecce.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?

    Yes, additional costs not included are international or domestic airfare, gratuities to guides and drivers, travel insurance, additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to monuments or museums not mentioned in the itinerary, local city tax for overnight stays, visas required for entry into the country, and any personal expenses.

  • Is there an option for airport transfers?

    Yes, an optional private airport transfer is available on request.

  • What activities are planned for the visit to Lecce?

    In Lecce, you will have a guided visit to the city, learning about its history. You will also visit Otranto and have dinner at the 'Masseria le Stanzìe' where you can learn about the history and culture of Puglia, see how homemade pasta is made, and visit medieval tombs.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.

Reviews of this operator

Janifer Harland (Google Reviewer)  

Easy booking, nothing was a...

28-Oct-2023

Easy booking, nothing was a problem, prompt reply to emails. We did the Pearls of Puglia Tour. Fantastic region to explore, tour guide Sabrina was excellent and our other local guides were also great.

Joe F  

Excellent Service!

01-Mar-2020

Received excellent service and suggestions for a tour we planned for our son and daughter when they toured the Amalfi Coast in August. Hotels were all in great locations close to the action and all excellent 4 or 5 star. Would definitely use or recommend Omega tours to friends or family.

K Ruff (Google Reviewer)  

We used Omega Tours for...

09-May-2024

We used Omega Tours for a trip to Rome & the Amalfi Coast. Michael Rizzo did an outstanding job and answered all of my never ending questions. Planning and arrangements were easy with lots of suggestions and good advice. The drivers they arranged were on time, friendly and informative. The tours that they arranged were on time and the guides were well versed, our only issue was with one of the guides which isn’t a reflection on Omega. The hotels that were selected were very nice. The communication with Omega was good including when we needed some information while on the trip. I would definitely recommend them.

Zeke and Sheree Sanchez (Google Reviewer)  

We totally enjoyed our tour...

15-Jun-2024

We totally enjoyed our tour and it was certainly more than we expected. Our tour guide and our driver were excellent. Our hotels were great and Connie Astarita, our travel agent was outstanding. We will definitely recommend your company to our friends as we have already done so.

Pinx O  

I had wonderful time

04-Oct-2022

Just came back from my 11 days Portugal tours I booked through Omega tours. And I had wonderful time. I joined a small group tours, which is really great. The tour guide Myriam is one of the best tour guide I ever had. I always travel solo( and sometimes join a group tours )and tried to travel every year if I can . I am surely looking forward to booked more tours with you.

Linette Logie (Google Reviewer)  

Was pleasantly surprised that there...

02-Jul-2023

Was pleasantly surprised that there were only 4 people on the Best of Portugal tour. Our guide Cristina was fabulous and was a wealth of information on everything Portugal. A great experience overall and would highly recommend.

Guido P  

Had a great time and an amazing experience!

01-Mar-2020

Had a great time and an amazing experience. The touring company was excellent, punctual with clean buses and friendly and well informed tour guides. Hotels were nice, clean with good location, great service and good breakfast. We are recommending it to everyone and hoping one day we can repeat it.

Adair R  

Very pleased with this well organized tour of Italy

30-Apr-2022

Very pleased with this well organized tour of Italy. A great balance of sightseeing and free time. Exceptional local guide and driver. I’m not sure I would consider the hotels chosen to be 4 star - with the exception of Hotel St Martin in Rome which was great - but the others were very clean and well located. Would definitely choose Omega tours again when booking group travel.

Lisa M  

Most beautiful trip I've ever taken.

07-Jun-2022

Most beautiful trip I've ever taken. Having all my hotels and pickup and drop- offs taken care of by Omega Tours made this trip so easy to enjoy! Michael was amazing. He was always available to answer all of our questions and he made sure we had everything we needed in order to travel internationally during a crazy pandemic!

Joseph L  

Everything we experienced was exactly as described

25-Oct-2022

We took the Italy Deluxe Tour in September of 2022. Everything we experienced was exactly as described. Exceptional accommodations, travel and guides were provided in each city. Michael, our booking agent, gave us complete confidence that we had chosen the right tour operator by his attention to detail and prompt correspondence. We are delighted with Omega Tours and have already recommended them to many friends.

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Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
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Prices last published on 27-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of omega tours charges.

    Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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