Enchanting Puglia

The magic of Puglia has long been known to the Italians, but now the secret is out, and it awaits you on this magnificent regional discovery.

Small Group Journey
9 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

At the heel of Italy’s boot, discover beautiful, whitewashed villages, stunning coastlines with turquoise coloured waters, ancient ruins and gastronomical delights. Explore Matera’s winding streets and ancient ‘Sassi’ cave dwellings, Alberobello’s iconic Trulli and Puglia’s stunning coastline with boat excursions off Santa Maria di Leuca and Polignano a Mare. The magic of Puglia has long been known to the Italians, but now the secret is out, and it awaits you on this magnificent regional discovery.

  • Experience the region’s ‘must see’ towns including Bari, Matera, Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare
  • 8 nights in 5-star hotels and boutique properties
  • 8 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
  • Guided sightseeing of Bari, Matera, Lecce, Ostuni and Alberobello
  • Private cooking class to make traditional orecchiette
  • Visit the charming seaside villages of the Salento Peninsula
  • Winery lunch paired with wines
  • Private boat excursion in Santa Maria di Leuca and Polignano a Mare
  • Entrance to the Crypt of the Original Sin, Casa Grotta & Chiesa Rupestre, Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce Cathedral, Santa Maria
    Annunziata Cathedral and Trullo Sovrano
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Matera and Alberobello
  • Tour Director accompanying group
  • Deluxe VIP transport
  • Arrival and departure transfer on first and last day
  • Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

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.

Jr Hotels Grande Albergo delle Nazioni Bari

Overnight Hotel / 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.

Le Origini

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Dinner

Meals Included

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.

Le Origini

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

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.

Patria Palace

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

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.

Patria Palace

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

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 as per below

  • 26 Mar 2026
  • 8 Apr 2026
  • 24 Oct 2026
  • 6 Nov 2026
  • 11 Dec 2026

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.

Patria Palace

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

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.

Le Alcove

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

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 as per below

  • 26 Mar 2026
  • 8 Apr 2026
  • 24 Oct 2026
  • 6 Nov 2026
  • 11 Dec 2026

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).

Le Alcove

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Dinner

Meals Included

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.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

Bari Commences

Bari Concludes
Commences Concludes Price   Spots Left Updates  
Thursday, 26 March 2026# Friday, 03 April 2026 $7,390 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement See tour changes on D6 & D8
Wednesday, 08 April 2026# Thursday, 16 April 2026 $7,390 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement See tour changes on D6 & D8
Wednesday, 29 April 2026 Thursday, 07 May 2026 $7,690 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement 2 Limited Spots Available
Saturday, 09 May 2026 Sunday, 17 May 2026 $7,690 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement Popular Departure
Wednesday, 20 May 2026 Thursday, 28 May 2026 $7,690 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 30 May 2026 Sunday, 07 June 2026 $7,690 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement
Friday, 12 June 2026 Saturday, 20 June 2026 $7,690 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 04 July 2026 Sunday, 12 July 2026 $7,390 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement
Friday, 24 July 2026 Saturday, 01 August 2026 $7,390 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement
Wednesday, 02 September 2026 Thursday, 10 September 2026 $7,990 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 Thursday, 24 September 2026 $7,990 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement Popular Departure
Sunday, 27 September 2026 Monday, 05 October 2026 $7,990 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 24 October 2026# Sunday, 01 November 2026 $7,990 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement See tour changes on D6 & D8
Friday, 06 November 2026# Saturday, 14 November 2026 $7,390 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement See tour changes on D6 & D8
Friday, 11 December 2026# Saturday, 19 December 2026 $7,390 AUDTwin share per person +$3,200 AUDSingle Supplement See tour changes on D6 & D8

Feel free to contact us with any questions or to learn more about crafting your perfect journey with Ormina Tours.

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the ultimate in personalised travel with Ormina Tours’ private itineraries. Tailored to your preferences, these journeys offer complete flexibility, from your choice of destinations and activities to your pace of travel.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully Customisable
  • Unique Activities
  • Comfort and Privacy
From: Get a Free Quote FIT: Private Driver

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 10 guests for 2025 and max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customized European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.