NEW! Fantasia of Puglia 8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1:

Welcome to Bari! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and day at your leisure. Overnight.

Day 2:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and meet our Tour Leader for a morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Visit the old city center, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle, with its breathtaking views (Castle entry at your own expense). Continue to Piazza Mercantile and see the ancient Column of Justice.After the visit, you'll have free time for lunch. While not included in the package, we recommend you enjoy a meal at a typical local restaurant in the city center or explore the area for some delicious street food. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Your journey will continue towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight stay. Dinner included.

Day 4:

Today’s destination is Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique cities in the world. After breakfast, depart by coach to explore the legendary “Sassi di Matera”, ancient cave dwellings inhabited since prehistoric times and carved directly into the limestone. These extraordinary cave homes and alleys represent a living history that spans over 9,000 years, offering a glimpse into human resilience and adaptation. Continue with a visit to the majestic Romanesque Cathedral, proudly dominating the skyline with its striking Campanile (bell tower) and panoramic position overlooking the Sassi. From here, enjoy a stunning view of the stone labyrinth below. The guided tour will provide insight into Matera’s unique architectural and cultural heritage. In the late afternoon, return to Alberobello. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay in Alberobello.

Day 5:

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy free time to visit this small town, part of the famous “white towns” of Puglia. Board the coach again and travel to Ostuni, located between the Trulli region and Salento, overlooking the coastal plain rich with ancient olive trees. Free time to explore another white town, with time for lunch, shopping, and tasting several local products including the world-famous Ostuni olive oil (all expenses at your own cost). In the late afternoon, board the coach again and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6:

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce, visit the old town center, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, board on the coach and leave Lecce. You will reach Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your pace. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst the others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. Wander around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. Be sure to see the iconic Cathedral where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. See its marvelous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance. In the early evening, reach Maglie where you will have dinner at the “Masseria L’Uliveto”. Visit this ancient farm, learn about the history and culture of Puglia. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce. Overnight.

Day 7:

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Bari driving through the "Murge plateau" with a unique landscape. You’ll get to see Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village full of churches, noble buildings, and squares perfect for a stage setting. The urban focal point is Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. Free time here. We’ll continue driving through the Valle d'Itria, a rural area full of olive trees and vineyards. You’ll then arrive at Masseria Montenapoleone, where you will immerse yourself in the heart of traditional Pugliese cuisine. Under the guidance of the expert massaro, you’ll learn how to prepare the famous fresh pasta. You’ll create orecchiette, cavatelli, and strascinate, using a mix of semolina and flour, adding just the right amount of water and salt. While you’re kneading and shaping the dough, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the different types of wheat grown in the masseria and local traditions, all accompanied by a good glass of wine to fuel your creativity. At the end of your experience, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with the products you’ve worked on, alongside other local specialties made with fresh, organic ingredients from the masseria. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Getting lost in the intricate little streets of Monopoli is an almost mystical experience. From its port, like many other Apulian ports, the crusaders left Puglia in the Middle Ages to reach the Holy Land and free it from the Muslims. A rich commerce with Constantinople flourished, which is why an oriental atmosphere can still be felt here. After Monopoli, a short drive will take you to Bari. Overnight is in Bari.

Day 8:

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, take advantage of any last-minute free time for shopping or sightseeing. Transfer to the airport is included. End of our services.