DISCOVERY OF PUGLIA Small Group Tour: 8 Days / 7 Nights

A Complete Journey Through Italy’s Hidden Gem: Puglia

If you’re craving a week-long escape to Italy that combines history, stunning scenery, delicious food, and authentic culture, this 8-day small group tour from Bari is a standout choice. With a focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Castel del Monte, Alberobello, and Matera, along with visits to Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni, and Polignano a Mare, it offers a well-rounded taste of southern Italy’s treasures. Priced at around $6,000 per person, the tour includes luxurious accommodations, most meals, and expert guiding—making it both convenient and immersive.

Two things we particularly love: the chance to stay overnight in a traditional trullo in Alberobello—a rare and memorable experience—and the thoughtfully curated food tastings and regional wines that showcase Puglia’s culinary richness. That said, with a packed itinerary and a price tag just shy of five thousand dollars, this tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate detailed planning, comfortable travel, and authentic experiences.

One small consideration: the tour’s non-refundable policy means you’ll want to commit with confidence, and the 8-day schedule means packing a lot into a relatively short period. Still, if you want a comprehensive, guided exploration of southern Italy, this trip offers a fantastic balance of sights, tastes, and stories. It’s ideal for history buffs, food lovers, and anyone eager to experience Italy’s less-trodden corners without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Stay overnight in a traditional trullo, enjoy authentic regional cuisine and wine tastings.
• Expert-Guided: Local guides and a knowledgeable tour leader make all the difference in understanding the region’s highlights.
• Cultural and UNESCO Sites: Visit Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni, and Polignano a Mare—each offering a unique glimpse into Puglia’s heritage.
• Comfort and Convenience: All accommodations and most meals are included, with private transportation ensuring smooth travel between sites.
• Rich Food and Wine: From vineyard visits to cheese-making and fresh seafood, food is a core part of this experience.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more personal, flexible adventure.

An Introduction to Puglia’s Charms

If Italy’s famous cities are a bit too busy or touristy for your taste, Puglia offers a delightful change of pace. This tour from Bari is designed to give you a well-rounded experience, emphasizing authentic culture, stunning landscapes, and mouth-watering regional cuisine. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll avoid the stress of planning while still enjoying the freedom to explore, taste, and absorb.

At just over a week, it balances depth and practicality. Expect early mornings, busy days, and a lot of wonderful sights packed into a manageable schedule. The small group size (up to 15) means more personal attention and the chance to connect with fellow travelers.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Two highlights make this trip particularly special. The first is the chance to spend two nights in a trullo in Alberobello, a UNESCO site famous for its conical limestone houses. It’s not every day you get to sleep in such a distinctive, centuries-old structure. The second is the culinary focus—most meals and tastings are included, giving you a genuine taste of Puglia’s olive oils, local wines, cheeses, and seafood.

A third point worth mentioning is the balance of sightseeing and free time. While the itinerary is full, it also leaves room for personal exploration—whether lingering in the charming streets of Lecce or browsing local markets.

A possible drawback is the non-refundable policy. If your plans change or the weather turns bad, your options are limited. Also, at this price point, some travelers might wonder about value; however, the inclusion of accommodations, most meals, guided tours, and tastings makes it a convenient, all-in-one experience that often surpasses the value of DIY travel.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history and culture buffs, foodies, and those who prefer a guided approach with all logistics handled. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy small groups and personalized attention. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive way to discover Puglia without the hassle of navigating on your own, this tour checks all the boxes.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Matera and Basilicata Vineyards

We start our adventure in Matera, known worldwide for its Sassi districts—a labyrinth of ancient dwellings carved from tufa rock, often called the “Stone City.” Our guide will walk us through the narrow streets, revealing the stories behind these historic homes and churches. But before that, we visit a vineyard in Basilicata’s wine country, where the Crypt of the Original Sin dazzles with frescoes from the ninth century. It’s a rare chance to see early Christian art in a beautiful setting. After sampling wines paired with local fare, we head to Matera for our walking tour, soaking in the atmosphere of one of Italy’s most atmospheric UNESCO sites.

Day 2: Alberobello and Its Trulli

After breakfast, we meet our local guide for an in-depth walking tour of Alberobello, famous for its trulli—whitewashed stone structures with conical roofs. We’ll learn about their history and construction, and then enjoy some free time to browse local shops or grab a quick lunch. Staying overnight here allows us to experience the quiet magic of this fairy-tale town in the evening and early morning, away from day visitors.

Day 3: Martina Franca and Lecce

The day begins at a traditional Masseria in Martina Franca, where we get a hands-on cheese class—making mozzarella and burrata. It’s a delicious way to understand Puglia’s dairy traditions, and the included lunch with local wine completes the experience. In the afternoon, we transfer to Lecce, often called the Florence of the South for its stunning Baroque architecture. We settle into our hotel and then explore the city’s intricate facades, piazzas, and lively streets with a knowledgeable guide.

Day 4: Otranto and Wines

Today we drive east to Otranto, where the cathedral’s Tree of Life mosaics are a highlight. As we stroll through this charming seaside town, you’ll see why it’s called the “heel of Italy.” We then visit a restaurant known for seasonal, local produce and wines from their vineyard—perfect for tasting the region’s bounty. Returning to Lecce, you have free time to explore further or enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Coastal Charm

Our morning takes us to Galatina, home to a 14th-century church with remarkable frescoes. Then we venture to Gallipoli, a Greek-influenced town with a stunning cathedral and an ancient underground olive mill. A seafood lunch in Gallipoli gives us a real taste of local flavors before heading back to Lecce, where the evening is free for personal discovery.

Day 6: Ostuni and Polignano a Mare

We leave Lecce for Ostuni, the “White City,” with its maze of narrow streets and panoramic views. A visit to a small museum showcasing 25,000-year-old fossils adds an intriguing prehistoric touch. Lunch in a historic Aragonese donjon offers fantastic scenery and regional specialties. The afternoon’s highlight is Polignano a Mare, famous for its cliffside streets, fresh coffee (try the local “Caè Speciale”), and a statue of Domenico Modugno. We then head back to Bari for our final night.

Day 7: Castel del Monte and Trani

Our last day starts with a visit to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO site and one of Italy’s most distinctive castles, with its octagonal design. Afterward, we explore Trani, a coastal town with an elegant sea-front cathedral and an underground olive mill. We wrap up the trip with a group farewell dinner, celebrating our adventures with hearty regional dishes and fine wines.

Day 8: Departure and Post-Tour Options

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before saying arrivederci. The tour leader can assist with additional arrangements, so you can extend your stay or organize private transfers.

Why This Tour Works

Traveling with a guide means you get context, stories, and insider tips that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook. The local guides in Alberobello, Lecce, and other towns are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner. As one reviewer put it, Gaetano, our guide, was very knowledgeable and organized, making every day enjoyable.

The transportation is private, comfortable, and timed to maximize sightseeing and free time. The group size keeps things intimate, so you won’t feel lost or rushed. Plus, the inclusion of most meals and tastings means you’ll experience regional flavors authentically, without the hassle of finding good places on your own.

The tour’s accommodations range from 4- and 5-star hotels to a unique stay in a trullo—an experience many travelers cherish. Staying overnight in Alberobello’s traditional homes creates a memory that will stay with you long after the trip ends.

The Authentic Flavor of Puglia

Puglia isn’t just about sights; it’s about tasting and feeling the place. You’ll savor regional wines, sample fresh seafood, and learn about local olive oil production. Reviews highlight the quality of food and wine tastings, with one traveler noting their surprise at how many local delicacies were included, from cheese-making classes to seasonal produce.

The towns themselves are picture-perfect—whitewashed, maze-like, and full of character. The mosaic-filled cathedral in Otranto and the underground olive mill in Gallipoli give a glimpse into the region’s layered history. Lecce’s baroque architecture, with intricate facades and grand piazzas, offers a visual feast.

The Value Proposition

While the price might seem high at first glance, it covers expert guiding, accommodations, most meals, tastings, and transportation—all organized for you. You save time and energy planning, and the small group ensures a more personalized experience. Quality accommodations and authentic experiences add value that you just can’t replicate on a DIY trip.

Who Will Love This Trip?

If you enjoy history, architecture, food, and wine, this tour is a fantastic fit. It’s ideal for those who want a well-organized, intimate experience in Italy’s less-visited region. It suits travelers who appreciate detailed storytelling, comfortable travel, and local insight. It also caters to those eager to stay overnight in unique accommodations like a trullo.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The tour isn’t recommended for vegans, and travelers with dietary restrictions should inform GoinItaly in advance. Most meals include regional specialties, so vegans may find options limited.

What’s included in the price?
Included are private transportation, experienced guides, accommodations, most meals (breakfast, lunch, and some dinners), tastings (wine, cheese, olive oil), and entrance fees to attractions.

Can I customize the tour?
The tour follows a set itinerary designed for a group experience. Customizations aren’t specified but you can discuss additional options with the organizer before booking.

How physically demanding is the trip?
Expect some walking in towns and UNESCO sites, but tours are generally manageable for most travelers. If you have mobility concerns, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes. The tour includes 4- and 5-star hotels and a stay in a traditional trullo, which offers a unique but comfortable experience.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layers for varied weather are recommended. Don’t forget your camera, as every corner offers great photo opportunities.

Is there free time during the tour?
Yes, the itinerary includes several periods of free time for exploring towns, shopping, or relaxing.

To sum it up, this Discovery of Puglia tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, cuisine, and comfort. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Italy’s quieter side without sacrificing quality or organization. With expert guides, authentic accommodations, and a focus on regional flavors, it’s a memorable way to experience one of Italy’s most enchanting regions. If you love exploring new towns, tasting local wines, and staying in charming lodgings, this trip will fit your style perfectly.