Bari | Fantasia of Puglia | Small Group Tour

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A flavorful journey through Puglia’s most iconic towns and UNESCO treasures on a round-trip journey from Bari. This immersive itinerary blends cultural highlights, charming coastal towns, and hands-on culinary experiences. Travel from Bari to the elegant seaside town of Trani, explore the mysterious Castel del Monte, and wander among the famous trulli homes of Alberobello. Continue to the dramatic cave city of Matera, the whitewashed streets of Locorotondo and Ostuni, and the turquoise coastline of Otranto. Dive deeper into Puglia’s culinary traditions with two local food experiences, a hands-on cooking class, and four included meals featuring regional specialties. Your journey also includes time in Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” the baroque beauty of Martina Franca, the seaside charm of Monopoli, and a final return to Bari.  Perfect for travellers who want to experience Puglia’s culture, cuisine, and coastline all in one unforgettable route.  

Day 1: Bari

Welcome to Bari! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city or relaxing.  Dinner this evening will be at your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Bari

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting the Tour Leader for a morning tour of Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia. Explore the old city center, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle with its breathtaking views (castle entry not included). Stroll through Piazza Mercantile and see the historic Column of Justice.  After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch—we recommend trying a meal at a local restaurant or sampling Bari’s delicious street food. Return for dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

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

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Bari by coach to reach Trani, the “Pearl of Puglia.” Explore this medieval town’s charming streets, its 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 by King Frederick II. This striking octagonal fortress remains one of Puglia’s most iconic landmarks, wrapped in historical mystery.  Continuing to Alberobello, another UNESCO site, famous for its fairy tale-like trulli—cone-shaped limestone houses dating back to the 14th century. Wander through this unique village and enjoy its magical atmosphere.  Dinner and overnight stay in Alberobello. (B,D)

Day 4: Alberobello | Matera | Alberobello

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by coach for Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most unique cities. Explore the legendary Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone and inhabited since prehistoric times, offering a fascinating glimpse into 9,000 years of history.  Visit the majestic Romanesque Cathedral, perched above the Sassi, and enjoy panoramic views of the stone labyrinth below. Your guided tour highlights Matera’s remarkable architectural and cultural heritage.  Return to Alberobello in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 5: Alberobello | Locorotondo | Ostuni | Lecce

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Alberobello by coach and arrive in Locorotondo, one of Puglia’s charming “white towns.” Enjoy free time to explore its quaint streets and picturesque architecture.
Continue to Ostuni, perched between the Trulli region and Salento, overlooking ancient olive groves. Spend time discovering this iconic white town, with opportunities for lunch, shopping, and tasting local specialties, including the famous Ostuni olive oil (at your own expense).  In the late afternoon, travel to Lecce, the heart of Salento. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 6: Lecce | Otranto | Lecce

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of Lecce, exploring the old town center, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo.  Depart Lecce by coach and continue to Otranto, where you will have free time for lunch before exploring the city at your own pace. Discover Otranto’s rich history shaped by Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Visit the Cathedral, home to the bones of 813 martyrs and a magnificent mosaic floor rivaling those of Ravenna.  In the early evening, travel to Maglie for dinner at Masseria L’Uliveto, an ancient farm where you’ll enjoy traditional Puglian dishes and learn about local history and culture. Return to Lecce for overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 7: Lecce | Martina Franca | Monopoli | Bari

After breakfast, depart for Bari via the scenic Murge Plateau. Stop in Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village with stunning churches, noble buildings, and charming squares. Explore Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio at your leisure.  Continue through the Valle d’Itria, a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, to Masseria Montenapoleone for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to make traditional fresh pasta—orecchiette, cavatelli, and strascinate—under the guidance of the expert massaro. Hear stories about local wheat varieties and culinary traditions while enjoying a glass of wine. End the experience with a lunch of your handmade pasta and other regional specialties.  In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a historic fortified port city overlooking the sea. Wander its intricate streets and discover its rich history, from medieval crusaders to vibrant trade with Constantinople.  Return to Bari in the evening for overnight stay. (B,L)

Day 8: Bari

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, take advantage of some last-minute free time for shopping or sightseeing. Your airport transfer is included, marking the end of your Puglia journey. (B)

Guaranteed departures!

Thursday - April 23  /  May 7, 21  /  June 4, 18, 25  /  July 2, 16  /  August 20  /  September 3, 17, 24  /  October 1, 8, 22  /  November 5