Highlights of Puglia

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
The 'heel of Italy' is more densely populated by olive trees than by people; it has a relaxed atmosphere, sunny climate and rolling countryside. This trip offers the perfect balance of culture, food and the Adriatic coastline. Matera - In Basilicata discover the fascinating UNESCO-Listed ancient troglodyte sassi quarter Alberobello - Explore the beehive...
19%
$2,349
From$1,910
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover sunny Puglia's whitewashed towns, delicious cusine and a stunning coastline
    • Stay in Matera's UNESCO-Listed ancient troglodyte sassi quarter
    • Sleep in Alberobello's unique beehive-shaped trulli houses

What's this trip about?

    The 'heel of Italy' is more densely populated by olive trees than by people; it has a relaxed atmosphere, sunny climate and rolling countryside. This trip offers the perfect balance of culture, food and the Adriatic coastline. Matera - In Basilicata discover the fascinating UNESCO-Listed ancient troglodyte sassi quarter Alberobello - Explore the beehive-shaped trulli houses that are unique to Puglia and enjoy a wine tasting Lecce - See the Baroque architecture in the 'Florence of the south' including the magnificent cathedral square.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBari
End CityLecce

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Alberobello
  • Altamura
  • Bar
  • Bari
  • Lecce
  • Matera
  • Puglia

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Bari

Arrive in the Adriatic port city of Bari. The old town area of Bari Vecchia is located next to the harbour and is a tangled maze of old streets. One of the main highlights is the Basilica of San Nicola, which legend has it, contains some of the bones of jolly old Sain...

Day 2 Food tasting in Altamura and visit to the medieval Castel del Monte

This morning we leave Bari and drive to Altamura, which is a city famed for its bread and we'll get the chance to try it along with a selection of other specialities like taralli savoury biscuits flavoured with fennel seeds, focaccia, pizza and wine. Pane di Altamura ...

Day 3 Guided tour of the caves and rock carved churches of Matera

This morning a local guide will takes us on a walking tour of the sassi quarter which is split into two halves - Sassi Caveoso and Sassi Barisano, with the cathedral sitting between them. The city is so unchanged over the centuries that it has frequently been used as ...

Day 4 Cheese and wine tasting; walk through the trullis of Alberobello

This morning we drive to an agriturismo in Putignano or in the surrounding area for a cheese tasting. Agriturismos are traditional country farms that have opened up their doors to visitors, everything here is homemade. After seeing how the cheese is produced and explo...

Day 5 Free day in Alberobello; chance to visit the Castellana Caves

Today is free for you to relax among the trullis or perhaps to travel further afield for more sightseeing. You could take the train (around 10 minutes each way) to the pretty town of Locorotondo. Although it's only a short distance from Alberobello a completely differ...

Day 6 Visit an ancient olive oil press; continue to Otranto and chance for a coastal walk

We leave the trullis and head to Masseria Frantoio Ipogeo, which has an underground olive press originally created by monks in the limestone caves that form here naturally. The monks realised the importance of keeping the olive oil at a constant temperature in order f...

Day 7 Walking tour of Lecce; free afternoon to visit the Museo Faggiano

We start today with a guided walking tour of Lecce to see the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo (cathedral square) and the cathedral itself. The Baroque basilica took over two centuries to construct and has a richly decorated facade with carved figures and top...

Day 8 Trip ends in Lecce

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Lecce. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Lecce at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Bari International Airport - Karol Wojtyla (BRI), whic...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,910
Price per day$239
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
05 May 2024
12 May 2024
$2,600
$430
3 spots left
19 May 2024
26 May 2024
$2,640
$430
Sold Out
09 Jun 2024
16 Jun 2024
$2,230
$430
7 spots left
23 Jun 2024
30 Jun 2024
$1,910
$440
9 spots left
21 Jul 2024
28 Jul 2024
$2,210
$470
11 spots left
01 Sep 2024
08 Sep 2024
$2,210
$470
14 spots left
08 Sep 2024
15 Sep 2024
$2,410
$480
5 spots left
22 Sep 2024
29 Sep 2024
$2,690
$440
3 spots left
06 Oct 2024
13 Oct 2024
$2,350
$440
2 spots left
13 Apr 2025
20 Apr 2025
$2,420
$480
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,528
Great
2,169
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Highlights of Puglia

Well organized, excellent tour leader highly motivated and obviously excited to show us his country. Intermediate accommodations slightly lower standard then usual ...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Highlights of Puglia

This was my first trip with Explore. I went with a company so that for a change I didn't have to worry about tickets for trains, arrangements for transport while on...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Highlights of Puglia

Matera was amazing, loved the eco farm visit to see mozzarella man...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Italy: Visas are not required by UK, E.U. Nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Nothing required. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-PUL

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