The best. It suited me. Lovely walks, lovely food, historical locations, wonderful guide. I loved the local input - visits to the farms, bakery. A visit to a working Truli house would have been a plus ( very touristy visit to Alberobello) and the last walk could have been more varied scenically. Could have stayed much longer in Matera! Altogether it was the best trip I’ve done with Explore. It helped having a lovely group too.
Where next?
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
An excellent experience all around. The small tour group combined with active tours was a great fit for us. Our tour manager, Apollonia (Flo) was very knowledgeable and attentive. The activities and impact events were well planned and unique. We really felt like we were getting a great taste of the regions. Our tour group gelled quickly and easily and was just the right size. Our driver was also excellent. The pace of the tour was just right for us with ample opportunity for exploring on our own and in small groups and being together as a whole tour. Instead of staying in hectic tourist areas such as Amalfi, we lodged in nearby quaint towns and drove or took boat shuttles into those busy areas for day trips. I especially liked Matera, Pompeii, and the towns along he Aegean sea. So beautiful and full of interesting history.
Private Tour around Apulia and Matera beyond our expectations .Very good the Hotel in Matera, Dimora di Metello..but also Tenuta Monacelle near Alberobello. Great local guide and meals. I only think you should had add an extra day in Apulia, 5 days are not enough. Anyway excellent tour and service. Very good value for money
Sightseeing ToursFood tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
20-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Matera, Puglia, Polignano A Mare
Matera, Puglia, Polignano A Mare, Alberobello, Monopoli, Bari
Dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders come together on an eight-day Premium adventure through Italy’s Puglia region. Understated and unbelievably beautiful, this lesser-visited corner of Italy delivers in historical, cultural and natural sights. Begin in the coastal town of Bari, admire unusual trulli buildings in Alberobello, stay in a former palace in Nardo, explore ancient sassi homes in Matera and discover the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. With a local leader by your side and expert guides joining you along the way, you’ll really get a kick out of this adventure.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days. From the ancient sites of Rome and visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – to staying in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to visiting the site of Pompeii with a local guide, this trip encompasses some of Italy's must-do experiences. You’ll visit ancient monuments, lively cities and sprawling vineyards, indulging in delicious traditional cuisine. Kick back on sparkling coastal beaches, get to know the locals and visit lesser-known spots with your knowledgeable local leader – what more could you ask for?
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Venice, Polignano A Mare, Bari
Venice, Polignano A Mare, Bari, San Gimignano, Florence, Nardò, Matera, Naples, Rome
Traverse from top to toe of Italy's 'boot' and explore ancient ruins and iconic sites. Eat your weight in pasta and tuck into giant piazzas as you get lost in Venice and find yourself in the Tuscan countryside. This 24-day trip will take you to all the best spots and teach you all the most important parts of Italian culture – like how to roll pasta like the pros! Visit Mount Etna, as you drive up the northern flank of the volcano and take a walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove. Visit a family-run winery, learn about ancient Pompeii, visit Rome’s famous sites and write home about your three amazing Feature Stays – all with a local leader by your side.
AdventureSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Villa
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Venice, Palermo, Bari, Nardò, Ma
Venice, Palermo, Bari, Nardò, Matera, Naples, Rome, San Gimignano, Florence, Marsala, Agrigento, Siracusa, Catania
Begin in Bari and transfer to the Itria Valley for a warm welcome and dinner. Explore the Grotte di Castellana, the trulli houses of Alberobello, and the “white city” of Ostuni. Visit Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” and the historic treasures of Otranto. Experience the unique Sassi neighborhoods of Matera before concluding your adventure in the Bari area. Enjoy a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes throughout this unforgettable tour
Embark on the Heavenly Adriatic cruise for a 7-night journey through captivating destinations. Start in Athens, where ancient charm meets modern vibrancy. Explore the lush island of Kefalonia and its stunning Melissani Cave, then immerse yourself in Dubrovnik's medieval beauty and lively atmosphere. Discover Kotor's dramatic bay and historic architecture, followed by Bari’s rich Italian heritage and local flavours. Wander through Corfu’s cosmopolitan streets with Venetian influences, and marvel at Olympia’s ancient ruins before concluding back in Athens. This cruise seamlessly blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable Adriatic adventure.
Journey through Trani's seaside charm, the spiritual heights of Monte Sant'Angelo, and the sanctity of San Giovanni Rotondo. Explore the coastal beauty of Vieste, and immerse yourself in the historical allure of Barletta and the vibrant city life of Bari. Unearth the secrets of the Castellana Caves, wander among the iconic trulli houses in Alberobello, and experience the timeless charm of Ostuni. Admire the baroque elegance of Lecce, explore the historical richness of Otranto, and marvel at the ancient wonders of Matera
The tour is designed for those seeking a delightful mix of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes. Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of southern Italy with this unforgettable tour that takes you from the bustling city of Bari to the spiritual haven of San Giovanni Rotondo, the coastal charm of Vieste, and the natural wonders of the Gargano Peninsula. Each day unfolds a new chapter in the rich tapestry of southern Italy's cultural and natural treasures
It was a great trip. The tour leader was fantastic and the itinerary so interesting. I like holidays to be a discovery and it certainly was. The food in Italy is also gorgeous.
Food tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers