An excellent trip. The pace of the trip is perfect. A week flew by and we felt we had been all over the Puglia region. So much to do and see in such a short space of time and yet we managed to relax and get some free time in too. The food was outstanding, the wine was delightful, the people were a pleasure to be around. Every stage of the trip was enjoyable and slightly different.
Food toursLocal culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Matera, Lecce, Salento, Alberobe
Matera, Lecce, Salento, Alberobello, Grotte Di Castellana, Ostuni, Otranto
This holiday is a fantastic introduction to the Puglia and Basilicata area of Italy. I enjoyed all of the towns that we visited and would have happily spent more time in Alberobello and Ostuni.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Our tour leader had amazing energy and enthusiasm, Sonia was a breath of fresh air.
She bought to life the area, I learned a lot. The local guides were also very good particularly in Matera, Emma I think was her name. I would have liked an extra day here.
Food tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I took the "Reverse Puglia" trip June 18 to 25, 2024. It was a great trip and overview of Puglia. We stayed in trulias in Alberobello and a cave room in Matera. Everything about the grip was perfect, the pace, the places we visited, the food and local guides. However the best part of the trip was Gabriele the tour guide. He took care of everyone and was funny, intelligent, gracious and a pure delight. He is what made the trip so special and memorable, a philosopher that showed us Puglia.
Travelling in a small group with different abilities the trip gave us a great balance between manageable walks, urban experiences and self managed travel. Instructions for the walks were generally clear but some better formatting/design would be helpful. The booked transport was always punctual, well organised with helpful and friendly drivers. The hotels that were selected had a great atmosphere and evocative of the places we were staying. Their location in the heart of the historic towns was perfect making it easy for quick explorative trips. Puglia as a destination didn't disappoint and we would be very happy to return whenever we have the opportunity.
This was my fifth Explore holiday - the fourth cycling tour I’ve done - and they’ve all been so good I’ve had no hesitation in booking with you again. I think the stand-out feature of each tour has been the guides we’ve had on each trip - they’ve all been excellent without exception and have dedicated every waking moment of each tour to making sure each has run perfectly and participants are happy. Our guide in Puglia - Massimo - was great. He was always cheerful, encouraging, kept us well informed of plans and was very knowledgeable about the region. He also took excellent photos and videos of our trip which he was happy to share. Great memories of an excellent holiday!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Stress-Free tour with excellent accommodation, luggage transfers that was always waiting for us the end of the day.
Scenery was unforgettable, people along the way were welcoming and most spoke English although we did try.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Matera, Lecce, Alberobello, Ostu
Matera, Lecce, Alberobello, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Santa Maria Di Leuca, Otranto
I would highly recommend this trip. It covered all the interesting areas in Puglia. Our guide Gabriele was fantastic, he went over and beyond what was expected, he made the trip entertaining and enjoyable for everyone with his stories and knowledge of Italian culture. Everyone in our group got along well which helped to make the trip a pleasure. From the food, drinks, to the execution of our activities, it was all a memorable experience. Great time of year in May to see the many wildflowers and greenery in the Italian countryside. Thanks.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Join this eight-day comprehensive tour to discover Puglia and Lecce: an unforgettable experience through Italian culture. Wander through the alleys of Martina Franca; visit Alberobello, and discover why this stunning architecture was so popular in the past and how the Trulli were built. Marvel at the one of a kind ancient town of Matera. Visit Lecce, the pearl of the Apulian baroque; Otranto, with its beautiful Cathedral and explore the old city of Bari.
Self-drive or vehicle rental
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Alberobello, Otranto, Lecce
Alberobello, Otranto, Lecce
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Take in the highlights of picturesque Puglia on this 8-day journey through southern Italy. Begin with a guided walking tour of Bari and marvel at the UNESCO-listed Castel del Monte. Wander through the charming port town of Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', and explore the fascinating cave dwellings of Matera. Admire the iconic conical Trulli houses in Alberobello and enjoy time at leisure in the whitewashed hill towns of Locorotondo and Ostuni. Explore Lecce, often called the 'Florence of the South', and visit the elegant village of Martina Franca. On your return to Bari, stop at the coastal citadel of Monopoli to round off this unforgettable Italian adventure.
Discover the heart of Puglia on a perfectly paced tour that blends history, charm, and culture. From the lively streets of Bari to the fairytale Trulli of Alberobello, the cave city of Matera, the elegant baroque towns of Lecce and Martina Franca, and the coastal gems of Otranto and Monopoli — this immersive experience showcases the best of Italy’s hidden south. With UNESCO sites, whitewashed hilltowns, and panoramic Adriatic views, this is Southern Italy at its finest
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We explore the very best of this captivating region from our start point in Alberobello, known for its UNESCO-listed Trulli houses, to the end point in Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South'.
The daily routes take you through the Murghe plateau, the Salento plain or along the coast. Discover a landscape of ancient olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards.
The architecture of the region takes you from the conical Trulli houses in Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni, past traditional masserie, coastal watchtowers and splendid Baroque towns. The region is filled with spectacular views; beautiful coastline and mouth-watering cuisine.
This holiday is offered with a choice of mainly 3 Star, or mainly 4 Star accommodation. The 3 Star accommodation is listed on the hotels page.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
14-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lecce, Alberobello, Ostuni, Avet
Lecce, Alberobello, Ostuni, Avetrana, Gallipoli, Santa Maria Di Leuca, Otranto