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
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
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
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.
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
This was the first time that this trip had been run using E-bikes, so everyone was keen to see how the trip would unfold. We were introduced to our bikes on the first evening, and because of a change of hotel we had the opportunity to cycle into Monopoli, and return in the dark after an amazing first meal. When I checked the itinerary I could see that the first two rides were going to be the most challenging in terms of ascent and distance, but I quickly realised that E-bikes are a great leveller. There are four levels of assistance, with turbo being the most powerful. The motor rewards effort, the faster you peddle, the more assistance it gives you, up to its maximum speed - these bikes are not chipped like the delivery cycles that whizz around around our streets bringing takeaways to the masses. Each person in the group decided how much effort to put in, getting up the many hills, but hats off to the one person in the group who rode the whole way on an ordinary bike . . . . and he was not at the back. Respect!! With uphills come downhills, and there were plenty of those. Long sweeping downhills that went on and on. Great fun. We were well fed and watered on this trip, both at lunchtime and in the evenings, and for the most part the weather behaved itself.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Resort, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sorrento, Monopoli, Matera, Cast
Sorrento, Monopoli, Matera, Castelmezzano, Monte Sant'Angelo, Paestum, Salerno
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
Explore Sicily and unearth the natural and historical wonders of this scenic island, placed perfectly in the heart of the Mediterranean. Then, cross over to the heel of Italy's boot to find dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders. This Premium adventure will take you on a deep dive through southern Italy with one of the most experienced locally based leaders to help uncover all the best sights and bites.
Sightseeing 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
Palermo, Polignano A Mare, Nardò
Palermo, Polignano A Mare, Nardò, Matera, Naples, Marsala, Agrigento, Siracusa, Catania
