
Bari, Italy
Bari, the lively capital of Puglia, is a charming coastal destination that blends history, culture, and seaside relaxation. ...
Explore MoreEmbark on an unforgettable escorted tour of Puglia, Italy, where history, culture, and stunning landscapes come together. From Trulli houses to UNESCO wonders, explore the very best of this enchanting region.
Select your preferred options from the list below:
Puglia: A Journey Through History, Culture & Breathtaking Landscapes
Discover the captivating beauty of Puglia on this fully escorted tour, designed to showcase the region’s most iconic landmarks, historic towns, and culinary delights. From the dramatic coastline of Gargano to the charming Trulli houses of Alberobello and the ancient Sassi of Matera, experience the true essence of Southern Italy.
With carefully selected 4-star accommodations, delicious regional cuisine, and expert-guided excursions, this tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Puglia
Arrive at Bari Airport and transfer to your hotel in Bari or Barletta. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and meet your tour guide for an introduction to the journey ahead. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Trani, Barletta & Monte Sant’Angelo
After breakfast, visit Trani’s stunning Romanesque cathedral, overlooking the sea. Explore Barletta’s historic centre, including the Norman-Swabian Castle and the legendary Colossus of Barletta. Continue to Monte Sant’Angelo to visit the ancient Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight stay in the Gargano area.
Day 3: Vieste & Foresta Umbra
Travel along the spectacular Gargano coastline to Vieste, a charming seaside town with a fascinating historic centre. After free time for lunch, return via the Foresta Umbra, Italy’s largest ancient forest. Dinner and overnight stay in the Gargano area.
Day 4: San Giovanni Rotondo, Bari & Olive Oil Tasting
Begin your day in San Giovanni Rotondo, a pilgrimage site dedicated to Padre Pio. Then, enjoy an authentic olive oil tasting at a local mill, paired with traditional Altamura bread. Explore Bari’s atmospheric old town, including the Basilica of San Nicola. Transfer to the Itria Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Castellana Caves, Alberobello & Ostuni
Explore the spectacular Castellana Caves before heading to Alberobello, home to the iconic Trulli houses, a UNESCO-listed heritage site. After lunch, visit Ostuni, the ‘White City,’ with its picturesque old town and stunning cathedral. Return to your hotel in the Itria Valley.
Day 6: Lecce & Otranto
Discover Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South,’ with its magnificent Baroque architecture, including the Basilica of Santa Croce. Savour a refined olive oil taste before continuing to Otranto, a charming coastal town with a stunning cathedral and crypt. Return to the Itria Valley for dinner.
Day 7: Matera – Italy’s Hidden Gem
Journey to Matera, one of Italy’s most unique cities, renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi. Explore this UNESCO-listed city and enjoy lunch before heading back to Bari or Barletta for the final night of your tour.
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Bari Airport for your return flight home.
This offer includes:
- One night at Grand Hotel Excelsior, Bari (or similar in Bari/Barletta Area)
- Two nights at Palace Hotel San Michele, Monte Sant'Angelo (or similar in the Gargano Area)
- Three nights at Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Cisternino (or similar in the Itria Valley Area)
- One further night at Grand Hotel Excelsior, Bari (or similar in Bari/Barletta Area)
- Full board basis (Fixed Menu), including:
Tuesday: Traditional lunch at an Apulian olive mill with local bread-tasting
Thursday: Lunch in a typical Masseria, experiencing authentic regional flavours
- Drinks included during meals: 1/4 litre of wine + 1/2 litre of mineral water
- Welcome cocktail
- Gran Turismo coach with a regional guide or tour leader (Italian- or English-speaking)
- Audio-receiving devices provided throughout the tour
- Olive oil tasting with Altamura bread & traditional Barese focaccia
- Range of tours and excursions included as per the itinerary
- Return flights from your selected airport to/from Bari, Puglia, Italy
- Shared transfers included
- One small cabin bag per person (Max size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm)
Additional Extras:
- Entrance fees (approx. €30 per person) payable locally
- Hold luggage between 15kg and 23kg can be added at a supplement.
*Please note that this tour is operated for both English and Italian guests combined, so guides will offer bilingual commentary in Italian and English.
Bari, the lively capital of Puglia, is a charming coastal destination that blends history, culture, and seaside relaxation. ...
Explore MoreBari, the lively capital of Puglia, is a charming coastal destination that blends history, culture, and seaside relaxation. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this vibrant city boasts a picturesque old town, Bari Vecchia, where winding alleyways lead to the Basilica of San Nicola, historic piazzas, and traditional trattorias serving fresh seafood and handmade orecchiette pasta. Along the seafront promenade, visitors can soak in stunning sunsets, while the modern city centre offers elegant shopping streets and bustling cafés. With its sandy beaches, rich heritage, and warm Mediterranean atmosphere, Bari is the perfect gateway to exploring Puglia’s enchanting landscapes, from the Trulli houses of Alberobello to the whitewashed towns of the Itria Valley. Whether you’re seeking cultural discovery, seaside relaxation, or authentic Apulian cuisine, Bari offers an unforgettable escape in the heart of southern Italy.
The Gargano Area, often referred to as the 'Spur of Italy', is a stunning region in northern Puglia, boasting dramatic coastal cliffs, golde...
Explore MoreThe Gargano Area, often referred to as the "Spur of Italy," is a stunning region in northern Puglia, boasting dramatic coastal cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and lush forests. This diverse landscape is home to Gargano National Park, where the ancient Foresta Umbra provides a serene retreat filled with centuries-old trees and rich wildlife. The region’s coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages like Vieste and Peschici, known for their whitewashed houses, labyrinthine streets, and breathtaking sea views. Monte Sant’Angelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another highlight, home to the revered Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Gargano is also famous for its crystal-clear waters, hidden sea caves, and the Tremiti Islands, a paradise for divers and nature lovers. Whether exploring its historic sites, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, or hiking through its verdant landscapes, Gargano offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and coastal beauty.
The Itria Valley, nestled in the heart of Puglia, is a captivating region renowned for its rolling countryside, charming whitewashed towns, ...
Explore MoreThe Itria Valley, nestled in the heart of Puglia, is a captivating region renowned for its rolling countryside, charming whitewashed towns, and distinctive Trulli houses—traditional conical stone dwellings unique to the area. This picturesque valley is home to some of Puglia’s most enchanting destinations, including Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its fairy-tale-like Trulli, and Ostuni, the striking "White City" perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The Itria Valley is also a haven for food lovers, offering a taste of authentic Puglian cuisine, from locally produced olive oil and wines to handcrafted cheeses and traditional orecchiette pasta. Whether wandering through its atmospheric old towns, exploring hidden caves, or indulging in the region’s culinary delights, the Itria Valley offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of Southern Italy.
Puglia’s charm lies in its unspoiled landscapes, historic towns, and exceptional food and wine. Wander through the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello, explore the baroque beauty of Lecce, or relax on the stunning beaches of the Gargano Peninsula. The region’s coastline offers crys...
Grand Hotel Excelsior, Bari is an elegant 4-star hotel conveniently located in the heart of Bari, just a short distance from the city’s historic centre and main attractions. Offering modern, comfortable rooms with stylish décor, the hotel provides a welcoming atmosphere for both leisure and business travellers. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, a refined on-site restaurant serving Puglian and international cuisine, and excellent facilities, including a fitness centre and meeting spaces. Its prime location near Bari Centrale railway station makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s landmarks, such as the Basilica of San Nicola and the charming old town, as well as the wider Puglia region.
Palace Hotel San Michele, Monte Sant’Angelo is a refined 4-star hotel offering breathtaking views of the Gargano Peninsula and the Adriatic Sea. Located in the historic town of Monte Sant’Angelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel combines elegant accommodations with modern comforts. Guests can relax in the wellness centre, take a dip in the panoramic outdoor pool, and savour traditional Puglian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Just a short distance from the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, this hotel provides the perfect setting for a relaxing and culturally enriching stay in Gargano National Park.
Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Cisternino is a charming 4-star retreat set in the picturesque Itria Valley, offering guests a peaceful stay surrounded by Puglia’s rolling countryside. The hotel features comfortable, well-appointed rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, including traditional Apulian specialities. Its location near Cisternino, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, makes it an ideal base for exploring the iconic Trulli of Alberobello, the White City of Ostuni, and the region’s stunning landscapes. With warm hospitality and modern amenities, Hotel Lo Smeraldo provides a relaxing and authentic Puglian experience.