Puglia: its Beauty and Flavors

Period: All year round – for individuals and small groups

Discover the beauty of Salento and Gargano, the baroque art of Lecce, the centuries-old olive groves, the ancient villages, and the breathtaking cliffs and beaches. Let yourself be captivated by the flavors, colors, and atmosphere of a region kissed by the sun and nature.

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Day 1 – Arrival in Bari

Arrival at Bari airport or railway station. Meet your tour guide and transfer to the hotel.
Welcome drink and overnight stay in Bari.

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Day 2 – Bari

An ancient maritime city with a strong mercantile tradition, Bari has always been a key political, cultural, and commercial hub of the region. The city is also famous for housing part of the relics of Saint Nicholas, making its Basilica an important place of worship for both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Our walking tour will begin at “Frederick II’s Castle”, an impressive fortress built on the edge of the old town and now a museum complex. Beyond the castle’s moat lies the famous “Orecchiette Street”, where women still prepare and dry handmade pasta right outside their doors. A brief chat with them is like stepping into a centuries-old tradition.

We continue through the narrow streets of the old town to visit “the Cathedral of San Sabino”, “the Basilica of Saint Nicholas”, and “the Margherita Theatre”. Don’t miss a taste of the traditional “focaccia barese” at one of Bari Vecchia’s historic bakeries.

Free time in the afternoon. Later, we’ll explore “Largo delle Albicocche” and “Piazza Ferrarese”, with its scenic seaside wall, before enjoying a sunset aperitif at “Fortino Sant’Antonio” followed by dinner in a typical restaurant.
Overnight stay in Bari.

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Day 3 – Bari, Trani & Castel del Monte

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Trani, a beautiful coastal city known for its artistic and architectural treasures. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral and the “Castle of Frederick II”, built to defend the harbor.

We then continue along the “Olive Oil Route” to reach “Castel del Monte” in Andria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mysterious octagonal castle dominates the surrounding valleys and coastline, and its perfect geometry gives it an aura of mysticism.

Return to Bari in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay in Bari.

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Day 4 – Bari, Alberobello & the Itria Valley

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Alberobello, world-renowned for its “Trulli”, unique conical stone houses now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll explore the historic districts of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, stroll up to “St. Anthony’s Church”, and visit the “Sovereign Trullo”, the only two-storey trullo in town.

Free time to explore, shop, and take photos before heading towards “Locorotondo”, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, where we’ll enjoy lunch in a traditional “Masseria” surrounded by centuries-old olive trees.

After visiting Locorotondo, we’ll return to Alberobello for the unforgettable experience of spending the night in a traditional trullo B&B.
Overnight stay in Alberobello.

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Day 5 – From Alberobello to Ostuni and Lecce

After breakfast in your trullo, we’ll travel through the “Plain of the Ancient Olive Trees” and visit the “Park of Monumental Olive Trees”, a striking coastal area stretching from Fasano to Ostuni and Carovigno.

We’ll continue to Ostuni, the “White City”, a dazzling hilltop town famous for its labyrinth of narrow alleys, stairways, and whitewashed houses overlooking the Itria Valley.

Lunch will feature the authentic flavors of Salento cuisine, followed by an olive oil tasting in a traditional farm. We then continue along the coastline to reach Lecce in the late afternoon.
Check-in at the hotel and evening walk through the historic center.
Overnight stay in Lecce.

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Day 6 – Lecce

The charm of Lecce lies in its Baroque architecture, which adorns churches, convents, and palaces throughout its historic center. The sunlight enhances every detail—from the soft lines of the facades in the morning to the golden glow at sunset.

Our guided tour includes “Piazza Sant’Oronzo”, with its ancient Roman Amphitheatre, the “Duomo Square”, one of Italy’s most beautiful, and the stunning “Basilica of Santa Croce”, the city’s most emblematic monument. Along the way, we’ll stop to sample some of Lecce’s famous delicacies.
Overnight stay in Lecce.

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Day 7 – A Day in Salento

A land of art, Mediterranean cuisine, and genuine hospitality, Salento stretches between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. We begin our day in Otranto, Italy’s easternmost town, known for its impressive castle and cathedral with remarkable mosaic floors.

We continue along the coast through “Castro Marina” (the legendary landing place of Aeneas), “Specchia”—one of Italy’s most beautiful villages—and reach “Santa Maria di Leuca”, the southernmost tip of Salento where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea.

After visiting the sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, we drive north to Gallipoli, the “Pearl of the Ionian”, famous for its golden beaches, baroque architecture, and lively atmosphere.

Throughout the day, we’ll stop at charming agritourisms to enjoy regional products such as homemade pasta, extra virgin olive oil, local wines, and traditional desserts.
Overnight stay in Lecce.

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Day 8 – Departure

At the scheduled time, transfer to Bari airport or railway station for your departure.

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Optional Transfers:
Available from/to Naples or Rome airports and railway stations upon request.

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Package Includes:

• 7 nights in 4-star hotels with breakfast service
• Private coach for the entire tour (minimum 8 participants)
• Professional tour escort throughout the tour (minimum 8 participants)
• Local guides where specified
• Guided tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
• City taxes
• One free double room for every 18 paying guests

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Not Included:

• Personal expenses
• Lunches, dinners, and tastings not explicitly included in the package
• Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included Services”