Italy: Puglia Adventure
May 27 - June 4, 2026
9 Days / 8 Nights
Located along the Adriatic Sea, in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a magical combination of artifacts, history, art and unspoiled nature amidst beautiful coastlines and beaches and picture-postcard landscapes. Puglia offers flavorful cuisine (Orecchiette pasta, Burrata cheese, unique olive oil, just to name a few), charming villages and friendly locals. Join us on this amazing trip and experience all the wonders of each town, including such sites as the Truli houses of Alberobello, the Caves of Matera, and so much more.
Itinerary
Day 1
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
Arrive in Bari
Upon arrival into Bari, you will be transferred to your accommodation, Hotel Oriente Bari. Once settled in, you'll meet your guide for an incredible taste experience as you sample the excellence of Apulian food and wine. Our expert guide will lead you on a journey to discover the most authentic flavors while showing you the best of Bari. Along your journey, there will be tasting stops as well as something a little more substantial. You will then have the rest of the afternoon to explore Bari as you prefer, prior to meeting for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Matera
This morning, you will be transferred to Matera, where you'll meet your guide for a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sassi di Matera, the fascinating ancient cave dwellings that were inhabited for over 2,500 years until the end of World War II. This experience will last approximately 2 hours. Afterwards, you'll be free to explore this very special city, named the 2019 European Capital of Culture, on your own. From incredible religious architecture and local artisan street stalls, to mouthwatering local cuisine, there is so much to see and do in this culturally and historically rich city.
Mid-afternoon, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next two nights, the Hotel Palazzo Viceconte.
Day 3
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Altamura: Focaccia & Cheese Experience
Today is all about cheese and focaccia. We'll start at a nearby dairy farm, the heart of the production, followed by a short walk to Altamura, where you will visit one of the oldest ovens in town, renowned for its traditional bakery. Along the way, we will stop again for a visit to the Monastery of Santa Chiara followed by shopping at the pastry shop in front of the church. This is the bakery where the tradition of the tette delle monache ("nun's breasts") was born, the typical sweets also known as the Sospiri Pugliesi, which we will buy to take with us and enjoy after lunch accompanied by the Padre Beppe Elixir liqueur.
We will then finish off the morning by heading to a cheese bar in the forest withine the Alta Murgia Park. Here, outside a small wooden kiosk, you will enjoy the slow pace of a meal based on cheese and other typical delicacies. During the tour, you will get a chance to taste the finest cheeses, carefully paired with suitable wines, as well as to experience cheese production live, in a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and culinary delight. You will then be transferred back to Matera where you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the city.
Day 4
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Polignano a Mare & Monopoli
This morning you will make your way to the beautiful, fortified seafront town of Monopoli, located on the Adriatic coast, which offers a castle, a belltower, a cathedral, a working harbor, and incredible views of the sea at every turn. Perhaps you’ll want to stroll along the seaside promenade, enjoy a bit of shopping or have a morning swim.
Prior to heading to Polignano a Mare, we'll stop at one of our favorite seaside dining spots to indulge in an incredible seafood lunch al mare with stunning views of the Adriatic.
After lunch, move on to Polignano a Mare, a charming clifftop town perched directly on the Adriatic and known for its ancient caves, picturesque swimming spots, and panoramic vistas. Poliganano a Mare has a fascinating history and the ruins of four watchtowers, which used to overlook this region for hundreds of years, spanning the Spanish, Byzantine, and Norman periods. Enjoy some free time where you can choose your own Polignano a Mare adventure, be it shopping, swimming, or perhaps a gelato with an epic view of the sea. Dinner this evening will be at our hotel for the next two nights, the Masseria Montenapoleone.
Day 5
SUNDAY, MAY 31
Valle d'Itria, Cisternino, Locorotondo & Alberobello
This morning we’ll take a leisurely drive through the tranquil countryside, starting the day with a coffee stop in Cisternino, where you will have a little time to explore the cute boutiques this town has to offer.
Next stop is Alberobello, the city known for its iconic white conical trulli homes and protected by UNESCO for the past 25 years. There is something a bit fairytale about this white city which is now bustling with local stores, bars, and eateries. We’ll learn all about this historic town on a guided tour.
Finish off the day with a gelato stop in one of the cutest towns of the Valle d’Itria, Locorotondo.
This evening you will be transferred to a local township where you will be free to enjoy dinner on your own.
Day 6
MONDAY, JUNE 1
Ostuni & Lecce: Olive Oil Experience
This morning make your way towards Ostuni, but not before stopping at a family run masseria for an olive oil tasting. The experience includes a visit to the Masseria to explain its origin, function, and their tradition in the Pugliese panorama, a visit to the organic vegetable garden and the centuries-old olive grove to discover the secrets of the olive tree. You'll learn the professional technique for oil tasting: Through sensory analysis you will understand how to distinguish the qualities and defects of oil and then have the tools to be able to recognize the real EVOO.
Next take a short drive along peaceful country roads toward Ostuni, spend the day exploring this beautiful hilltop city, also known as la citta bianca, the white city. Known for its whitewashed buildings and white stone streets, this charming medieval city, with its fascinating history, glows day and night. Ostuni is a delightful city to wander, and we’ll meander through its incredible maze of narrow streets and visit some of its iconic architecture. After some time in Ostuni, you will be visiting the stunningly beautiful Baroque city, Lecce. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a city celebrated for its incredible art and uniquely ornate limestone and sandstone architecture. Once you have checked into your accommodation for the next three nights, the Lecce Hilton Garden Inn, you will then have the rest of the day free to explore this stunning city which boasts a 2,500-year-old history that includes many contributions by the Romans, including its fortification walls and ancient amphitheater.
Day 7
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Otranto: Kayaking in the Sea Caves at
Santa Maria di Leuca
This morning, you will be transferred to Santa Maria di Leuca, where you will explore the stunning coastline. Today you can opt to stay in the boat and have a swim, or take a kayak into the caves. There will also be some time to explore the township of Santa Maria di Leuca.
Day 8
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Otranto
This morning you will head toward Otranto to experience the coast on foot for an easy hike with a picnic lunch along the way. After the hike there will be some time to explore the township of Otranto prior to returning to Lecce.
This evening we'll enjoy a farewell dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.
PRICE (based on double occupancy): $4,200
Single supplement $1,250
Deposit: $500
Included:
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1 night accommodation at Hotel Oriente, Bari
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2 nights accommodation at Palazzo Viceconte, Matera
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2 nights accommodation at Masseria Montenapolone
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3 nights accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn, Lecce
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Tourist taxes
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All breakfasts
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All transfers in Mercedes van/minibus
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Licensed guides in Matera, Bari, Alberobello
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Olive oil tasting experience
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Cheese & focaccia experience with lunch and wine
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Bari food experience
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Boat or sea kayaking experience
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Seaside lunch near Monopoli
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3 traditional Pugliese dinners with wine
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Guided hike in Otranto with picnic lunch
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Local English-speaking host for 4 day tours as required
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On-call English assistance for duration of stay
Not included:
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International airfare
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Gratuities
Day 9
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Departure
This morning you will be transferred to Bari for your departure.