Classic Puglia - 9 days

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9 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

2 peopleMinimum to book

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Bari, Italy

Ends

Lecce, Italy

Highlights

Bari - Enjoy a guided tour of the Puglia region's capital city, taking in the Basilica of San Nicola and the central square, Piazza Mercantile

Trani - Admire the whitewashed 12th-century cathedral and delve into the vibrant Jewish quarter in the city known as the 'Pearl of Puglia'

Castel del Monte - See this ancient UNESCO-listed fortress, which is octagonal in shape and shrouded in mystery

Alberobello - Wander around the narrow streets and discover the more than 1500 small, rounded, white, UNESCO listed houses known as trulli

Matera - Explore the historic centre of the city, Sassi di Matera, which is known for its cave dwellings carved into a river canyon

Ostuni - Stroll around this pretty whitewashed town independently, see some of the 3,500-year-old olive trees and taste the local olive oil

Lecce – Explore its stunning Baroque architecture, including the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, Maria Santissima Assunta Cathedral, Palazzo dei Celestini, and the Church of Santa Chiara

Ostuni - Stroll around this pretty whitewashed town independently, see some of the 3,500-year-old olive trees and taste the local olive oil

Itinerary

For those who yearn to explore Italy’s lesser-known treasures, the "Classic Puglia – 9 days" private explorer tour delivers a captivating journey through the enchanting heel of Italy’s boot. Tailored for experienced travelers and seniors, this tour reveals the historic charm of Bari, the UNESCO-listed wonders of Alberobello and Matera, and the cliffside beauty of Polignano a Mare and Ostuni.

Immerse yourself in Lecce’s baroque splendor, then wind through the picturesque towns of Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Gallipoli before concluding in Lecce. With accommodation, transport, and some meals included, this trip’s unique appeal is its slow-paced immersion in southern Italy’s culture, architecture, and coastal magic—offering the perfect blend of history, scenery, and relaxation.

day 1 - Welcome to Pugila!

Welcome to the region of Puglia! After arrival in Bari, make your way to the hotel for check in. You will have the remainder of the day to relax or explore Bari at your leisure.

OverNight:Bari

day 2 - Introduction to Bari

After enjoying breakfast, join your tour guide at the hotel for a journey to uncover the wonders of Bari. Begin by exploring "Bari Vecchia," the city's historic center, where you'll delve into the rich history and notable landmarks of Bari.

Wander through quaint alleys and picturesque squares within the ancient city walls, and visit significant sites such as the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, which houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, and the 12th-century Castello Svevo, built by Norman King Roger II and later refurbished by Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire.

Your tour will also take you to Piazza Mercantile, Piazza Ferrarese, Piazza del Sedile, and the Basilica di San Sabino. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Bari

day 3 - Lunch and wine tasting in Andria

Bari - Trani - Andria - Bari. After breakfast at your hotel, you might want to visit Trani, a significant medieval centre in Imperial Apulia. Be sure to explore the Jewish ghetto (Guidecca) and the magnificent Romanesque cathedral by the sea.

After your free time in Trani, you'll head to Andria for lunch and a wine tasting at a typical masseria, or large farm. On your way back to Bari, you'll stop at Castel del Monte, an extraordinary castle built by Frederick II and protected as a World Heritage Site. Its geometric design is unique, featuring an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner, and many mysteries about its true purpose remain unsolved. You'll then return to Bari.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Bari

day 4 - Alberobello and Matera

Bari - Alberobello - Matera - Bari. After breakfast, you'll head to Alberobello, the "city of Trulli," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trulli are unique dry stone huts with conical roofs originally built for storage and later used as dwellings, known locally as casedde (little houses). Alberobello is a gem, a true fairy tale place in the heart of Puglia.

Next, you'll journey to the border region of Basilicata. Welcome to Matera, the capital, famously known as "la città dei sassi" (the city of stones), often compared to Cappadocia in Italy's south. Recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Matera offers a remarkable experience.

Spend time exploring the sassi, ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. These structures form a breath-taking historical centre, connected by a labyrinth of charming alleys that evoke the feeling of a real-life nativity scene. You'll tour the historical centre and enjoy panoramic views from various viewpoints. Afterward, enjoy lunch and some leisure time before returning to Bari for the night.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Bari

day 5 - Polignano a Mare & Ostuni

Bari - Poligano a Mare - Ostuni - Lecce. Today, after breakfast, you'll head to Polignano a Mare, the charming hometown of Domenico Modugno, the legendary Italian singer-songwriter behind the iconic song "Volare (Nel blu, dipinto di blu)." Perched on the edge of a cliff, Polignano's coastline is famous for its stunning coves, small bays, and hidden inlets.

Next, you'll make your way to Ostuni, known as the "White City." Situated 74 kilometers (46 miles) south of Bari on a hilltop, this picturesque town was built by the Normans and is still home to remnants of its city walls, including four gates. The region surrounding Ostuni is famous for its high-quality olive oil and wine, making it a perfect stop for those seeking a taste of local culture.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Lecce

day 6 - Lecce City Tour

This morning, we will embark on a 3-hour walking tour to explore the beauty of Lecce, often called "southern Florence" for its vibrant artistic and cultural scene. You will witness the city’s stunning baroque architecture, with highlights such as the Maria Santissima Assunta cathedral, the ornate Basilica di Santa Croce, and the elegant Palazzo dei Celestini. You’ll also visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo, home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, and the serene Church of Santa Chiara.

After the tour, you’ll have free time in the afternoon to enjoy Lecce at your own pace—whether it's relaxing with a coffee or exploring the charming streets and shops.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Lecce

day 7 - Picturesque Towns

Lecce - Otranto - Santa Cesarea Terme - Santa Maria di Leuca - Lecce. After breakfast, meet your driver and depart for Otranto, just a 30-minute drive from Lecce. Over the centuries, the town has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, and Turks, and remnants of these cultures are still visible today. After lunch (not included), take a moment to visit Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina, both known for their scenic beauty and historical sites.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Santa Maria di Leuca, a popular summer retreat famed for its charming liberty-style villas and its iconic lighthouse. Close by is the Sanctuary de Finibus Terrae (1720-1755), built to commemorate St. Peter’s journey to Italy. After exploring, you’ll return to Lecce.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Lecce

day 8 - Exploring Galatina, Lâ€™Uliveto and Gallipoli

Lecce - Galatina - Gallipoli - Lecce. After breakfast, you'll explore Galatina, an intriguing inland town with pagan origins. The Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria showcases impressive paintings and mosaics, while the Baroque church of San Pietro and the small Church of San Paolo are also worth visiting. You’ll also discover the story of tarantismo and experience the traditional folk dances of pizzica and taranta.

Lunch will be at L’Uliveto, a charming "masseria", a traditional farmhouse (drinks not included). Afterward, you'll head to Gallipoli, a Greek-founded town. Its historic centre, encircled by medieval walls, is linked to the mainland by a bridge. Gallipoli is especially popular in the summer for its vibrant nightlife. Later, we will make our way back to Lecce for our final overnight stay.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Lecce

day 9 - Farewell Pugila!

Today marks the end of the tour. After the final breakfast transfer to Brindisi airport or port where you tour ends.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights 4-5-star hotel

Meals

8 breakfasts & 2 lunchesLunch and wine tasting in a masseria near AndriaLunch at Masseria L’uliveto (drinks are not included)

Transport

Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle

Others

Services of expert guides for all sightseeingGuided sightseeing in Bari, Trani, Alberobello, Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Galatina and GallipoliThis private tour is operated by a trusted partner, not On The Go Tours.

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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