Puglia offers a surprisingly rich mix of history, landscapes and local traditions, and our 2026 small group tour is designed to help you experience it at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.
Over fourteen days you’ll explore Baroque Lecce, the whitewashed hilltowns of the Valle d’Itria, the dramatic Gargano coastline and the seaside charm of Polignano a Mare. With handpicked boutique hotels, regional food and wine experiences, and the ease of travelling in a small group, this journey gives Australian travellers an authentic introduction to Italy’s beautiful south.
Tour Dates and Prices
19 April – 2 May 2026 – bookings closed.
10 – 23 May 2026 – booked out.
13 – 26 September 2026 – limited places remaining.
4 -17 October 2026
AUD 10, 170 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 11, 970 per person (solo traveller)
Tour Highlights
Discover some of the experiences that make this small-group journey through Puglia so enjoyable.
– Wander the Baroque streets of Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” and enjoy its ornate architecture and lively piazzas.
– Explore Puglia’s coastline with visits to Otranto, Bari, Trani and Polignano a Mare, each offering its own blend of history and seaside charm.
– Enjoy a private tasting and lunch at a celebrated local winery, experiencing the flavours and hospitality of Puglia’s wine country.
– Visit a traditional family-run olive farm where ancient methods of olive oil production are still practised with care and pride.
– Cruise along the dramatic Gargano coast, taking in its limestone cliffs, hidden coves and sea-sculpted caves.
– Stroll through the whitewashed lanes of hilltop towns such as Martina Franca and Locorotondo.
– Dine well throughout the tour with five lunches and five dinners at handpicked restaurants known for their regional specialities.
Enquire about our 2026 Puglia tours
If you’d like more information about our 2026 Puglia tour or wish to enquire about joining a departure, please click the Enquire Now button below to send us an email. We’ll respond with further details.
14 Day Puglia Itinerary
Days 1 – 3 Lecce and the Salento Peninsula
Welcome to Puglia. Your journey begins in Lecce, often referred to as the Florence of the South for its magnificent Baroque architecture. Explore the city’s ornate façades and winding streets on a guided tour that brings its rich history and cultural heritage to life.
Venture across the Salento Peninsula, visiting the picturesque towns of Galatina and Otranto. In Galatina, marvel at the frescoes of the Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, then enjoy a taste of the region’s signature pasticciotto in a historic local bakery. Otranto enchants with its azure waters, golden beaches, and the captivating mosaics of its Norman cathedral—a vivid window into Puglia’s layered past.
Days 4–6: Valle d’Itria, Alberobello and more
Next, journey into the Valle d’Itria, a landscape of rolling hills and olive groves punctuated by trulli, the cone-roofed stone houses unique to the region. Visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where these architectural curiosities create an almost fairytale atmosphere.
Wander the whitewashed lanes of Locorotondo and Martina Franca, both known for their historic centres and lively local markets. Enjoy visits to family-run wineries and cheese producers, where you’ll gain insight into traditional methods and sample local specialities.
In Grottaglie, renowned for its pottery heritage, meet artisans who continue centuries-old ceramic traditions in their studios and workshops.
Days 7–9: The Gargano Peninsula
The journey continues north to the Gargano Peninsula, where dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and forested slopes create one of southern Italy’s most diverse landscapes.
Take to the sea on a scenic boat trip along the coast, discovering hidden grottos and striking limestone formations. Back on land, visit Monte Sant’Angelo, home to the ancient Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, a revered pilgrimage site.
Savour a leisurely lunch at a traditional trabucco—an old wooden fishing platform-turned-restaurant—where you’ll enjoy freshly caught seafood in an unforgettable coastal setting.
Days 10–14: Polignano a Mare, Bari and Matera
Conclude your adventure in Polignano a Mare, an enchanting town perched above the Adriatic Sea. Known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, it’s also a hub of fine dining and relaxed seaside living. Stroll its narrow lanes, browse local boutiques, or simply take in the views from a cliffside terrace.
Day trips to Bari and Trani offer more cultural treasures, including Romanesque cathedrals and historic harbours that echo Puglia’s maritime past.
Visit a traditional olive oil estate, where you’ll learn about ancient cultivation techniques and sample the region’s ‘liquid gold’.
Your final day takes you across the regional border into Basilicata for a visit to Matera. Explore the extraordinary sassicave dwellings—once abandoned, now revived—and uncover the compelling stories of this city carved from stone.
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, but they may differ slightly in size, outlook and configuration. Once you enquire about your preferred departure, we’ll confirm the specific hotels for your dates.
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 Policastro Boutique Hotel or Palazzo de Noha (or similar standard).
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.
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.
Polignano a Mare
Our final stay is in Polignano a Mare at the 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 town.
What’s included?
– Boutique accommodation for 13 nights
– Daily breakfast
– Five lunches and five dinners at selected local restaurants
– Wine, or something softer, with lunches and dinners
– All activities and entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
– Private transport throughout the tour
– Winery visit and tasting
– Olive oil estate visit
– Boat excursion along the Gargano coast (weather permitting)
– Expert tour leader throughout
– Local guides in key locations
What’s not included?
– International flights
– Travel insurance (required)
– Airport transfers at the start or end of the tour
– Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
– Personal expenses and incidentals
– Optional activities during free time
Why travel to Puglia with Italian Tours?
We’ve been running tours to Puglia since 2016, and over the years we’ve refined an itinerary that shows the region at its best. Our small group size keeps the experience relaxed and personal, allowing you to explore at an unhurried pace and enjoy the food, history and landscapes that make this part of Italy so rewarding.
As an Australian-owned company with long-standing ties to Italy, we understand how our guests like to travel. We choose boutique accommodation, local guides and family-run producers who share their knowledge with warmth and pride. With your tour leader looking after the details throughout, you can simply enjoy a comfortable and well-organised holiday in one of Italy’s most fascinating regions.
Ideal for travellers who appreciate …
This tour is suited to travellers who enjoy small-group travel, boutique accommodation and exploring Puglia at a relaxed yet active pace. Mobility is essential for travelling with Italian Tours, as many of the towns we visit have uneven streets, cobblestones and historic centres best explored on foot. This style of travel tends to appeal to guests who enjoy cultural experiences and comfort, including many travellers in the over-55 age group. If you appreciate good food and wine, local culture and discovering places slightly off the main tourist trail, you’ll find this a comfortable and rewarding way to experience southern Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many people are in the group?
We travel in small groups of around 12 guests. This keeps the experience relaxed and personal and allows us to use boutique accommodation and visit smaller local producers.
Are flights included?
No, international flights are not included. Many guests choose to arrive in Italy earlier or extend their stay. We’re happy to advise on the best arrival and departure points.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes — we welcome solo travellers on all our tours. Our small group size makes it easy to feel part of the group, and most of our departures include several solo travellers. It’s a friendly, comfortable way to explore Puglia without having to travel independently.
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 masserie-style properties, room sizes and layouts can vary slightly, but all are of a high standard and chosen for their character and location.
Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins in Lecce. Most guests arrive via Brindisi Airport or on the fast Frecciarossa train that connects Rome and Lecce.
Where does the tour finish?
The tour ends in Polignano a Mare. We provide a complimentary group transfer to Bari train station or Bari Airport on the last morning of the tour.
What standard of accommodation can I expect?
We stay in boutique hotels and masseria-style properties chosen for their comfort, character and location. Most of our accommodation is in the four-star range, with the occasional exceptional three-star property. As availability can vary between departures, the exact hotels will be confirmed when you enquire.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Most dietary needs can be catered for, but please let us know when you book so we can confirm with our hotels and restaurants.
Is the pace of the tour relaxed?
Yes. Our itineraries are designed to be enjoyable and unhurried, with a balance of guided visits, scenic drives and free time.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests travelling with Italian Tours.
Other small group tours to Italy in 2026
If Puglia isn’t quite the right fit for you this year, we also offer a range of small-group journeys across Italy. Each tour features boutique accommodation, local experiences and our relaxed, unhurried style. Please have a look at some of our other tours below.
ITALIAN LAKES DISCOVERY TOUR
9 DAYS
May & September 2026
Lake Maggiore & Lake Como
Experience the elegance of northern Italy on a relaxed small-group journey to Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Explore historic villas and lakeside towns, enjoy scenic drives, and unwind amid some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE VENETO
14 DAYS
June 2026
Venice, Prosecco Hills, Vicenza & Verona
Discover Venice, Verona and the Prosecco Hills on a thoughtfully paced tour blending art, history and regional food and wine. Meet local producers, explore grand villas and historic towns, and enjoy the charm of northern Italy at an unhurried pace.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE DOLOMITES
13 DAYS
September 2026
Trento, Ortisei, Merano, Riva del Garda
Explore the dramatic landscapes and alpine culture of the Dolomites on a small-group tour designed for travellers who enjoy gentle walking, mountain scenery and regional food. Visit charming towns, scenic valleys and historic sites in this stunning corner of northern Italy.
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