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
Take off on an unforgettable journey down Italy’s rarely visited heel, getting to know another side of this beautiful country. See the beauty of Amalfi, unwind in style among the sophisticates of Trani and tour the Roman ruins, baroque churches and whitewashed alleyways of Lecce. Wander among the peculiarly shaped houses of Alberobello, wander the hillside dwellings of Matera and discover the Old Town’s life surrounding Bari's Basilica di San Nicola. Head down and say ciao to Italy’s southernmost slice of the Adriatic.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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.
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.
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
This 17-day adventure around Italy takes in some of the most ancient sites in European history and shows you the lesser-known countryside, too. With a local by your side, you’ll explore the bustling streets of Rome, then travel through beautiful countryside past villas, vineyards and rolling hills as you visit historical sites like Pompeii, Lecce and the Sassi dwellings in Matera. There’s plenty of free time available to explore the area and take in the sites at your own pace, whether you want to indulge in food and wine or enjoy local experiences.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
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.
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