Day 1 | Bari

Welcome to Bari! Meet our driver at Bari Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Day at your disposal. Overnight.

Day 2 | Bari

Breakfast at the hotel. After a delicious meal 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. Spend the afternoon at your leisure and then enjoy dinner on us and stay overnight in Bari. (B,D)

Day 3 | Bari - Trani - Castel del Monte - Alberobello

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Bari by coach to Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia'. Discover its art, monuments, the Jewish quarter, and the stunning white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, visit Castel Del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman. Explore this octagonal fortress, surrounded by mystery.

Continue to Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO listed Trulli, dry-stone cone-shaped houses dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy a welcome toast with local white wine and Apulian taralli. Overnight stay in Alberobello and dinner included. (B,D)

Day 4 | Alberobello - Matera - Alberobello

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then prepare for a visit to Matera. The coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the "Sassi di Matera" (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9,000 years, that are part of the historic center of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful "Campanile" (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the "Sassi".

Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Another delicious dinner and overnight in Alberobello. (B,D)

Day 5 | Alberobello - Locorotondo - Ostuni - Lecce

Breakfast in the hotel. Afterwards, leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the "white towns" of Puglia and take in the local scene. Board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni; located between the "Trulli" region and Salento, this town overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees.

There is time at your disposal to explore another "white town" with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world's famous ostuni olive oil (all at your own expenses). In the late afternoon, reboard the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner in Lecce and overnight. (B,D)

Day 6 | Lecce - Otranto - Dinner at Masseria L'Uliveto - Lecce

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce. Learn its rich history, explore the old town center, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. Afterward, depart for Otranto by coach, with free time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Otranto at your own pace, known for its blend of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Visit the iconic Cathedral, housing the bones of 813 martyrs and a marvelous mosaic floor.

In the evening, head to Maglie for dinner at Masseria L'Uliveto, an ancient farm offering regional cuisine. This dinner will leave a lasting impression on your tastebuds! Then return to Lecce for overnight. (B,D)

Day 7 | Lecce - Martina Franca - Cooking Experience & Lunch - Monopoli - Bari

After breakfast, head back to Bari, passing through the unique landscape of the Murge plateau. In the morning visit Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town with churches, noble buildings, and Piazza Plebiscito. Explore the Cathedral, Ducal Palace, and Torre dell'Orologio, followed by free time. Continue through Valle d'Itria, filled with olive trees and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone for an incredible cooking experience.

Here, learn to make fresh pasta like orecchiette, cavatelli, and strascinate, while enjoying local wines. Savor the lunch made with your creations as you take in the incredible environment. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified citadel by the sea with stunning views, then head to Bari for your overnight stay. You will be returning to Hotel Excelsior from the beginning of the tour. (B,L)

Day 8 | Bari

Breakfast at the hotel and then a transfer to Bari airport for your flight home. (B)