Puglia offers a rich mix of history, landscapes and local traditions, and our 2027 small group tour is designed to help you experience it at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
Over fourteen days you’ll explore the dramatic Gargano Peninsula, the whitewashed towns of the Valle d’Itria, the Baroque elegance of Lecce and the Adriatic coastline from Otranto to Polignano a Mare. With carefully chosen boutique accommodation, regional food and wine experiences, and the ease of travelling in a small group, this journey offers Australian travellers an authentic introduction to Italy’s beautiful south.
Tour Dates and Prices
17 – 30 April 2027
1 -14 May 2027
11 -24 September 2027
AUD 10,460 per person (twin or double share)
AUD 12,260 per person (solo traveller)
Tour Highlights
Discover some of the experiences that make this small-group journey through Puglia so memorable.
– Explore the dramatic coastline of the Gargano Peninsula, including a boat excursion along its limestone cliffs and sea caves.
– Visit the historic pilgrimage town of Monte Sant’Angelo and its extraordinary cave sanctuary dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel.
– Wander the whitewashed towns of the Valle d’Itria, including Locorotondo and the UNESCO-listed trulli town of Alberobello.
– Discover Matera and its remarkable Sassi cave dwellings, one of the most distinctive historic landscapes in Italy.
– Enjoy visits to traditional producers, including a historic cheese-making masseria and a respected local winery.
– Explore Lecce, the elegant Baroque capital of Salento, with its richly decorated churches and lively piazzas.
– Visit coastal towns such as Otranto, Bari and Polignano a Mare, each offering its own blend of history and seaside atmosphere.
– Dine well throughout the tour with five lunches and five dinners at handpicked restaurants known for their regional cuisine.
Enquire About Our 2027 Puglia Tours
If you would like more information about our 2027 Puglia tour, or would like to enquire about joining one of the departures, please click the Enquire Now button below and complete the short enquiry form. We will get back to you with further details.
14 Day Puglia Itinerary
This itinerary gives an overview of the places we visit on our small group tour of Puglia, travelling from the Gargano Peninsula to the Valle d’Itria, Lecce and the Adriatic coast.
Days 1 – 3 | Vieste and the Gargano Peninsula
Our journey begins with a group meeting in Bari before travelling north along the Adriatic coast to the Gargano Peninsula, one of the most distinctive landscapes in southern Italy. With its limestone cliffs, clear waters and small towns perched above the sea, this area offers a striking introduction to Puglia. We stay in the seaside town of Vieste, a relaxed coastal town with narrow streets and sweeping views across the Adriatic.
During our time here, we explore the Gargano coastline by boat, one of the highlights of the peninsula. From the water, the landscape reveals its dramatic character, with towering cliffs, hidden coves and sea caves carved into the limestone. The coastline is wild and beautiful, and seeing it from the sea offers a very different perspective on this part of southern Italy.
We also travel inland to visit Monte Sant’Angelo, an important pilgrimage town known for the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, a remarkable church built within a cave and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later we continue into the Foresta Umbra, a protected woodland in the heart of Gargano National Park, where shaded roads and ancient trees provide a contrast to the coastline.
Days 4 – 6 | The Valle d’Itria
Leaving the Gargano behind, we travel south along the Adriatic coast, stopping in the elegant port town of Trani. Its magnificent Romanesque cathedral rises directly beside the sea, creating one of the most memorable architectural scenes in Puglia. After time to explore the harbour and historic centre, we continue inland to the countryside of the Valle d’Itria.
This region is known for its gently rolling landscapes of olive groves, vineyards and dry-stone walls, as well as the distinctive trulli houses unique to this part of Puglia. During our stay, we visit Locorotondo, often listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, and Alberobello, the UNESCO-listed town famous for its remarkable clusters of cone-roofed trulli.
One of the highlights of this part of the tour is a visit to the remarkable town of Matera, just across the regional border in Basilicata. Known for the ancient cave dwellings of the Sassi, Matera is one of the most fascinating historic settlements in Italy. A guided introduction helps bring its long history to life before there is time to explore the narrow streets and remarkable cave churches.
Days 7 – 9 | Lecce and the Salento Peninsula
From the Valle d’Itria we continue south through the countryside of Puglia, stopping along the way to visit a traditional farmstead known as a masseria. Here we learn about local dairy traditions and the production of some of the region’s best-known cheeses. We also visit Grottaglie, a town long associated with ceramic production, where many small workshops continue to handcraft pottery.
Our next base is Lecce, the elegant Baroque capital of the Salento Peninsula. Built from the warm local limestone known as pietra leccese, the city developed a distinctive Baroque style in the seventeenth century. With a local guide, we explore the historic centre, including Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the lively heart of the city.
We also explore some of the surrounding towns of the Salento region. In Galatina, we visit the Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, home to one of the most impressive fresco cycles in southern Italy. Later, we continue to the coastal town of Otranto, where the cathedral contains a remarkable medieval mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life and a rich collection of biblical and mythical scenes.
Days 10 – 14 | Polignano a Mare and the Adriatic Coast
Leaving Lecce, we travel north through the countryside of southern Puglia to visit one of the region’s respected wine producers. Here we learn about the local grape varieties that thrive in this warm climate, including Primitivo and Negroamaro, before enjoying a tasting and lunch at the winery.
Our final base is the seaside town of Polignano a Mare, set on limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic. From here, we explore several highlights of northern Puglia, including the striking Castel del Monte, the mysterious octagonal castle built in the thirteenth century by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.
We also visit the historic port city of Bari, where the narrow streets of the old town offer a glimpse into everyday life in the region. Our final full day includes a visit to the countryside near Ostuni and to ancient olive groves where some of the trees are more than a thousand years old. That evening we gather for a farewell dinner before our return transfer to Bari the following morning.
Accommodation
We use boutique properties throughout the tour, and as is typical with this style of accommodation, room layouts and features can vary. All rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, though they may differ slightly in size, outlook and configuration. Once you enquire about your preferred departure, we will confirm the specific hotels for your dates.
Gargano Peninsula
During our time on the Gargano Peninsula, we stay in the seaside town of Vieste at the welcoming Hotel Falcone, a comfortable hotel with a generous terrace overlooking the Adriatic and convenient access to the historic centre.
Valle d’Itria
In the Valle d’Itria, we stay in a traditional masseria-style property surrounded by vineyards and countryside. Depending on the departure, this may include Masseria Trulli e Vigne, Il Palmento Hotel Relais, or Leonardo Trulli Resort, all offering a peaceful setting and warm southern Italian hospitality.
Lecce
In Lecce, we stay in a boutique property in the historic centre, within easy walking distance of the town’s lively piazzas and Baroque architecture. Hotels we use here include Pollicastro Boutique Hotel or Palazzo de Noha (or similar standard).
Polignano a Mare
Our final stay is in Polignano a Mare at Covo dei Saraceni, a beautifully positioned hotel set above the cliffs with views over the turquoise sea and back towards the old town. It is an ideal base for exploring the coast and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this charming seaside town.
The hotels listed above are those we typically use on this tour. Final hotel selections may vary depending on availability for your specific departure, but any alternatives will be of a similar style and standard.
What’s included?
– Experienced bilingual tour leader accompanying the group for the duration of the tour
– Accommodation in carefully selected boutique hotels (twin-share basis)
– All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners featuring regional cuisine
– Wine (or a non-alcoholic alternative) is included with all included lunches and dinners
– Private land transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned mini-coach
– Entry fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary
– Expert local guides at key attractions
– Group transfer at the end of the tour to Bari Airport and Bari Centrale train station
What’s not included?
– International flights to and from Italy
– Travel insurance (compulsory for all travellers)
– Meals not listed in the itinerary
– Personal expenses
Why travel to Puglia with Italian Tours?
Italian Tours has been running small group tours of Puglia since 2017, refining the itinerary over time to create a journey that offers a thoughtful and well-paced introduction to the region.
While many Puglia tours focus on a few highlights over five or seven days, our 14-day tour allows time to experience the region more fully, from the dramatic Gargano Peninsula in the north to the Baroque towns and coastal landscapes of the Salento.
Travelling in a small group of no more than twelve people allows us to stay in boutique accommodation, visit local producers and family-run restaurants, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the towns and countryside we explore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many people are in the group?
We travel in small groups of no more than 12 guests. This keeps the experience relaxed and personal, and allows us to stay in boutique accommodation and visit smaller towns, producers and restaurants that larger tours cannot easily access.
Are flights included in the tour price?
No, international flights are not included. Many guests choose to arrive in Italy a few days before the tour begins or extend their stay afterwards. We are happy to advise on convenient arrival and departure points for the tour.
Is this Puglia tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers are very welcome on our small group tours, and many departures include several guests travelling independently. The group size and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to feel part of the group while still enjoying your own space.
What does the single supplement include?
The single supplement covers the cost of having your own room throughout the tour. Solo travellers are accommodated in a double room for sole use. As we stay in boutique hotels and traditional masserie, room layouts and sizes may vary slightly, but all are comfortable and carefully chosen for their character and location.
Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins in Bari, where we arrange a group meeting point before travelling together to our first base on the Gargano Peninsula. Bari is well connected by air and by high-speed train from Rome and other major Italian cities.
Where does the tour finish?
The tour finishes in Polignano a Mare. On the final morning, we provide a group transfer to Bari Airport and Bari Centrale train station.
What standard of accommodation can I expect?
Throughout the tour, we stay in boutique hotels and traditional masseria-style properties selected for their comfort, character and location. Most accommodation is in the four-star range, with the occasional exceptional three-star property. Exact hotels are confirmed when you enquire about a particular departure.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, although we recommend letting us know when you book so we can confirm arrangements with our hotels and restaurants.
Is the pace of the tour relaxed?
Yes. The itinerary has been designed to be enjoyable and well-paced, with a balance of guided visits, scenic drives and free time to explore towns independently.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all guests travelling with Italian Tours.
Other small group tours in 2027
If you’re considering travelling to Italy, you may also enjoy some of our other small group journeys. Like our Puglia tour, each itinerary is designed to travel at a relaxed pace, stay in carefully chosen boutique accommodation, and explore the landscapes, towns and food traditions that make each region unique.
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What our clients say about travelling with Italian Tours
“The tour was absolutely fantastic, and all that it is cracked up to be on your website. We were amazed at the beauty of Puglia and were stunned by the local food. The accommodation was first-rate. The group size is perfect for the sort of tour that you offer.
Our guide, Marco, …was greatly appreciated for his care and sense of humour. He introduced us to many Pugliese dishes and especially to Café Leccese, which became a great hit with the whole group. We are now making it at home!!
Paul and Sue, Puglia, The Road Less Travelled Tour September 2023