Enchanting Puglia (2026) - 9 days

Day: 1 Bari

Welcome to Puglia, a region less travelled and bursting with stunning landscapes and history. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located Bari hotel.

Overnight: Italy, Bari - JR Hotels Grande Albergo delle Nazioni Bari   or similar

Day: 2 Bari – Matera

Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Bari’s historic old town and seaside promenade including Piazza’s del Ferrarese and Mercantile, Bari Cathedral and Castello Svevo. In the afternoon, transfer to ancient Matera, venturing into the UNESCO Listed Murgia National Park famous for its caves and rock formations, as well as the limestone shaped caves of the Sassi rock. Visit the Crypt of Original Sin, considered the ‘Sistine Chapel of Rock Churches’ for its fresco paintings dating to the 8th century, before arriving at your hotel. Relax and freshen up before an organised welcome dinner.

Overnight: Italy, Matera - Boutique Hotel Le Origini   or similar

Day: 3 Matera

Enjoy a walking tour of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city and one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the World. Discover the Sassi and its prehistoric cave dwellings as well as the Church of Saint Peter Barisano, San Nicola dei Greci, Matera Cathedral, Church of Saint Mary of Idris, San Pietro Caveoso, Casa Grotto and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Enjoy leisure time in the afternoon.

Overnight: Italy, Matera - Boutique Hotel Le Origini   or similar

Day: 4 Matera – Ginosa – Lecce

Continue to Ginosa for a private orecchiette (hand made fresh local pasta) cooking class and lunch. The town boasts ancient rock-hewn dwellings, Byzantine frescoed churches, and was of strategic importance under Norman and Aragonese rule. Continue to Lecce for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Italy, Puglia (Lecce) - Patria Palace   or similar

Day: 5 Lecce

Lecce, known as the ‘Rome of the South’ with its ancient Roman amphitheatres, 17th century Baroque style churches and Palaces, surrounded by stunning countryside, coastlines and small towns. Enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman Amphitheatre, Teatro Romano, Lecce Cathedral, Teatro Paisiello and Palazzo Loffredo Adorno. Afterwards, continue exploring the town at leisure.

Overnight: Italy, Puglia (Lecce) - Patria Palace   or similar

Day: 6 Lecce – Santa Maria di Leuca* – Otranto – Lecce

Enjoy a full day excursion exploring the beautiful villages and coastline of the Salento Peninsula that resides on the UNESCO Listed tentative list for its Barocco Leccese architectural achievements. Visit Santa Maria di Leuca for a private boat ride, including time to swim off the boat in amazing waters. Afterward, enjoy time for an independent lunch before visiting the picturesque village of Otranto, where you have time to explore with admission to the Santa Maria Annunziata Cathedral, before returning to Lecce.

*Amendment on certain departures
2026 - 26 Mar, 8 Apr, 24 Oct, 6 Nov, 11 Dec

In low season departures as indicated, the Day 6 visit to Santa Maria di Leuca and boat excursion there will be replaced with a visit to Galatina with pasticciotto tasting.

Overnight: Italy, Puglia (Lecce) - Patria Palace   or similar

Day: 7 Lecce – Ostuni – Alberobello

Depart mid-morning for the beautiful, whitewashed town of Ostuni with a stop on the way at a 17th-century masseria for a winery tour and lunch. In Ostuni, enjoy a short orientation tour and visit its local treasures such as the Cathedral and the baroque Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, before continuing to Alberobello and checking-in to your traditional style accommodation.

Overnight: Italy, Puglia (Alberobello) - Le Alcove - Luxury Hotel nei Trulli   or similar

Day: 8 Alberobello – Polignano a Mare – Alberobello

Discover Alberobello and its traditions with a guided walking tour. Afterward, travel to the beautiful seaside village of Polignano a Mare. Enjoy a scenic boat trip* with an aperitivo and local delicacies as you admire the grottoes and magnificent views from the sea with some leisure time afterward in the town. Upon returning to Alberobello, freshen up before a tour closing dinner.

*Amendment on certain departures
2026 - 26 Mar, 8 Apr, 24 Oct, 6 Nov, 11 Dec

In low season departures as indicated, the Day 8 in Polignano a Mare will be replaced with additional leisure time in Polignano a Mare and Putignano (with olive oil or mozzarella activity).

Overnight: Italy, Puglia (Alberobello) - Le Alcove - Luxury Hotel nei Trulli   or similar

Day: 9 Alberobello – Bari

If you are not extending your stay with us in Puglia or joining us for a back-to-back tour in Sicily, check-out and join the group transfer at 9:00am to Bari airport or train station.