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.
My frst trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint. Massimo our guide was very good and all the events were excellent. I particularly loved the farm visit to see Mozzarella being made and the olive oil & wine tasting. I also loved the walks! The accomodation was ok but not always comfortable and I personally would have liked just a bit more time between activities as it seemed very rushed! I will certainly look at booking Explore again in the future!
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
The guided tour make you discover the typical Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The itinerary begins in the square Pascoli, with a wonderful view of the Sasso Caveoso and the hill called Murgia. You will pass by the Palazzo Lanfranchi, houses the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata, and the nearby church of the Carmine.
The tour continues through the heart of the old buildings to the church of San Pietro Caveoso.
Visit to a typical "Casa Grotta (Cave House)" excavated in the rock with furniture of rural culture to the beginning of 1900.
You will pass near the cave church of Saint Lucia delle Malve, will visit some of the most important frescoes.
The tour continues to the Sasso Barisano following the ancient ravine.
Return to the center of town and walk around the baroque area with a visit to the most important churches in this style: St. Clare and St. Francesco di Assisi.
End of the tour with the discovery of the Romanesque cathedral.
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
Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Uncover Sicily’s capital Palermo and its Moorish and Norman influences. Explore Agrigento’s ancient Valley of the Temples and the Ancient Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated Pompeii. Allow the unique culture to capture your heart and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.
In 6 amazing days, visit the 3 most beautiful UNESCO sites in southern Italy! Explore Matera, Alberobello and Castel del Monte in addition to the cities of Bari, Ostuni, and Lecce, all in a single organized tour that includes tour guides, hotels, and transfers. Learn more about the culture, history, and region, and recharge your batteries in the open air, while hunting for authentic wonders.
This tour is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and for those who prefer a great quality, comprehensive, organized trip. If you would like an unforgettable holiday but without the worry of doing all the organizing, or if you simply don’t want the stress of driving, this holiday is for you! Make it easy on yourself and worry-free.
This tour departs from Bari every Saturday and finishes in Lecce.
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
From the Baroque splendour of Lecce, to the unique 'trulli' style houses of Alberobello and the cave houses (Sassi) in neighbouring Matera, this self-guided walking trip allows you to discover the beauty of the region at your own relaxed pace. There is plenty of time to appreciate the magnificent coastline and trulli strewn landscapes, and to spend lingering afternoons savouring the traditional cuisine.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni
Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Gravina
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
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bari, Naples, Polignano A Mare
Bari, Naples, Polignano A Mare, Nardò, Matera
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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