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Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Secrets of Puglia

9 day small group tour

The enchanting Italian region of Puglia is famous for its historic cities, quaint fishing villages and exquisite cuisine. From Naples to Bari, Lecce, Martina Franca, Matera and back again, we’ll delve into the area’s many splendours – touring historic towns, discovering local traditions and indulging in a tasting or two along the way.

Your tour highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Sassi di Matera cave dwellings
  •  Sample the rich flavours of Manduria’s famous Primitivo wines with a local tasting
  •  Explore the awe-inspiring expanse of Castellana Caves

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Naples

A hub of intoxicating culture and historic masterpieces – we’ll meet the group in the vibrant city of Naples. After settling in, tonight we’ll have the opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal. Accommodation: Palazzo Salgar (or similar)

Day
2
Naples – Bari – Polignano a Mare Region

After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and traverse the road less travelled to the first stop of our journey: Bari. Whilst we’re here, we’ll uncover the city’s seaside charms and rich history with a local guide, seeking sights such as ladies making pasta by hand along narrow streets and opulent opera theatres in the modern French district. Following the tour, we’ll head to our hotel in the Polignano a Mare region where you can spend the evening relaxing at your leisure. Accommodation: San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Day
3
Polignano a Mare Region – Andria – Polignano a Mare Region

Today, we’ll make tracks to Andria – home to 13th-century citadel and castle, Castel del Monte aka ‘Castle of the Mountain’. Whilst we’re here, a local expert will reveal how mozzarella and burrata are made – and we’ll have the chance to taste both delicious cheeses before we return to the comforts of our hotel on the outskirts of Polignano. Here, we’ll have the rest of the evening to enjoy the vibrant small town’s restaurant scene or relax beside the hotel’s pool. Accommodation: San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Day
4
Polignano a Mare Region – Castellana Caves and Alberobello – Lecce

Our first stop of the day will be a visit to the spellbinding Castellana Caves. This expansive cave system boasts a unique landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over 2 million years. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace – visiting the breathtaking Grotta Bianca is a must! Onwards to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its charming cone-topped trulli. After learning more about the limestone buildings on a locally guided walking tour, we’ll move back to Lecce. The evening is yours to leisurely explore the city or unwind at the hotel. Accommodation: Palazzo Rollo (or similar)

Day
5
Lecce

We have a full day in splendid Lecce. To begin, we’ll spend the morning on an in-depth walking tour. From resplendent church facades to intricately detailed gargoyles, our local guide will take us around the exquisite Baroque architecture that gives the city its distinctive character. The remainder of the day is ours to explore. Accommodation: Palazzo Rollo (or similar)

Day
6
Lecce – Manduria and Martina Franca – Itria Valley

Today, we’ll make our way into the stunning Manduria region. We’ll savour a tasting of the area’s famous Primitivo wine – a unique blend that draws its intense flavours and deep colours from local indigenous grapes. Following that, we’ll move on to the striking town of Martina Franca where we’ll relish some time to ourselves, before travelling to Itria Valley. This evening, we’ll clink glasses over an included meal and share stories of our day. Accommodation: Hotel San Michele (or similar)

Day
7
Itria Valley - Ostuni - Itria Valley

Our journey continues to Ostuni – also known as the ‘White City’ thanks to its collection of white-washed buildings. Upon our arrival, we’ll learn the secrets behind some traditional cuisine at a cooking demonstration and savour our sumptuous creations for lunch. Stomachs full, the afternoon is to be enjoyed at your leisure. Get lost along the narrow streets in the Old Town, take in the beauty of Otsuni Cathedral, or wander through the bustling Piazza della Libertá – Otsuni’s largest square. Later, we’ll return to our hotel in Itria Valley for the evening. Accommodation: Hotel San Michele (or similar)

Day
8
Itria Valley - Matera

Today, we’ll drive to Matera – the jewel of the Basilicata region. Here, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the ancient Sassi cave dwellings with our local guide who’ll provide a fascinating insight into Matera’s extraordinary history. Later, we’ll enjoy some relaxation time at our hotel, before coming together for tonight’s final group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Accommodation: Matera Hotel Sassi (or similar)

Day
9
Matera - Altamura - Naples

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to beautiful Matera as we hit the road once more. Our morning takes us to the medieval streets of Altamura which we’ll explore with a local guide. We’ll take part in a bread tasting session at a quaint bakery to round off our visit. Coming full circle this afternoon – our tour will end in Naples.

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Tour pricing:

from $5,379

per person twin/double share*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

Meals 

  • 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

Accommodation

  • 7 nights in hand-picked accommodation

Crew

  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

Transport

  • Premium mini-coach transportation

Not included:

Conditions:

Hoping to explore Puglia in 2025? Please note your tour will be one day longer than our 2024 tours, with a two night stay in the breathtaking Polignano a Mare Region instead of a night in Bari.
We had a fabulous trip away. Insight and Avalon were just wonderful, couldn’t fault them at all. Thank you so much for all your input and help.
Europe in Winter, Nikki & Steve
Everything you organised worked really well. The timings and explanations on arrival at places was brilliant. The hotels were all handily located to centre of old towns. The 2 Intrepid Trips provided extra understanding of the areas as did the 3 day Hurtigruten cruise.
Scandinavia, Bronwyn & Gordon
The "Sea Cloud" experience was above expectation and more! All your plans worked perfectly and we enjoyed the Somewhere Boutique Hotel at Voulagemeni. Absolutely no problem with the flights. Our accommodation was more than adequate, food excellent and the service 5+ star. We would strongly recommend this 'once in a lifetime' experience.
Adriatic, Paul & Ann
Overall its was an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for all clear information you had given us, really helpful to figure out where is our hotel and how to move from one place to another. Thank you so much for organizing this trip and doing such a good job.
Europe, Ai Ngo and Adrian
We really enjoyed the cruise and this was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. The Azamara cruise was ideal being a smaller boat (and numbers of people) but still provided great service and entertainment. The cruise we did from Athens to Venice was perfect with a destination each day to visit and a great variety of places. I would certainly recommend this cruise company and this particular voyage option.
Europe, Rob & Nikki
We’ve had a fabulous time in Portugal, outstanding guide, great food and wine and the National Geographic tour was superb. What a wonderful country, lovely people and great sights.
Portugal, David & Jill
We had a fantastic day at Plitvice today - very wet and overcast but absolutely stunning and loved every minute of our 12kms walking and photographing!! Loving our hotel here too ... another perfect one thank you!
Croatia, David & Joss
Sandra and I are back at home now after a couple of great months away.  The whole trip was great, so thanks for your help with the bookings etc. No issues at all. We very much enjoyed the Rhine cruise with Viking. We couldn’t fault their service and effort, and are happy to recommend them to others.  
Europe, Murray & Sandra
The trip was fantastic thanks very much for all your input.  Everything worked seamlessly with the flights, accommodation, and car rentals that you booked for us.  The places you booked for us were all in a good location.   The cycle trip through Burgundy was also definitely a highlight. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with everything that we managed to squeeze in, and having a lot of it organised for us was a real treat.
Europe, Mike & Nicky
Our trip went very well. We loved Ireland with Back Roads, excellent guide and good group. We think of three things, its green, narrow roads and old stone fences! Very interesting history. Hurtigruten had ungraded us to Cabin 601, right at the front with three windows, nice and spacious so very enjoyable. We had rougher seas around the Hebredies and Orkneys but all good.
UK & Ireland, Barbara
Back safe and sound after a wonderful cruise and Greek Island stay. Barcelona amazing and our little hotel was perfect. So handy to everything. The Viking cruise was pure luxury . Food, cabin décor entertainment , just perfect. My favourite places visited were Sicily, all the Croatian coast, towns and villages. Our Greek island stay very good with nice family hotel. Not so keen on the ferry. Like being in a plane. Very quick! Business was great and it would be hard to fly any other way now. Anyway Ian thank you so much for organising a great holiday for us. Very much appreciated. I haven’t completely ruled out travelling again!!
Mediterranean, Lois
Thank you Peter for once again, your meticulous planning for us. The trains worked admirably and we had plenty of time for connections. It is sometime since we have travelled in Europe but we have had a fabulous time despite only three sunny days in UK and Europe. Free use of public transport in Basel and Geneva great. Oyster card worked well in London. Lauterbrunnen was Swiss fairytale. A three day pass meant we did heaps and the weather cleared on our last day so we enjoyed Jungfrau plus views of The Eiger. Lots of Indian tourists/ has featured in a Bollywood movie. Weather didn’t clear in Zermatt/ so didn’t see Matterhorn. Left 42 degrees in Dubai. Sunday breakfast up the Burj. Thanks Peter you are an excellent travel agent.
Holland & Switzerland, Alison
A big thank you for organising bookings for us. Everything went according to plan. Managed to catch everything, nothing delayed , except Easyjet which you kind of expect.
Europe, Lesley
We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.  I adored Switzerland, the people, the scenery, just everything.  Every day was better than the day before, couldn't fault anything. The hotels and transport were spot on.  Simon skied 5 days and I found plenty to do.  It was easy meeting people and exploring by myself. Thank you so much for all your organising.  This trip has given me so much confidence to explore other European countries and winter climates.
Switzerland, Lynne