Wonders of Puglia by Private Car | Partially Guided Tour | 9 Days

DAY 1:                    BARI

Own arrival to Bari hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bari.  

DAY 2:                     BARI  

After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of Bari’s historic centre, Bari Vecchia. Stroll through its charming alleys and hidden squares while learning about the city’s rich history. Visit landmarks such as the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Castello Svevo, Piazza Mercantile, Piazza Ferrarese, Piazza del Sedile, and the Basilica di San Sabino. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Bari. (B)

DAY 3:                     BARI – TRANI – ANDRIA (MASSERIA) – CASTEL DEL MONTE – BARI

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Then head to Andria for a delicious lunch and wine tasting at a traditional masseria (farmhouse). On the way back to Bari, we will make a stop at Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique octagonal design and mysterious origins. Return to Bari. Overnight in Bari. (B, L)

DAY 4:                    BARI – ALBEROBELLO – MATERA – BARI

After breakfast, visit Alberobello, the UNESCO-listed “Città dei Trulli,” known for its unique conical-roofed stone houses. Continue to Matera, the stunning “City of Stones,” with ancient cave dwellings and winding alleys that feel like a real-life nativity scene. Enjoy panoramic views before returning to Bari. Overnight in Bari. (B)

DAY 5:                    BARI – POLIGNANO A MARE – OSTUNI – LECCE    

After breakfast, we will head to Polignano a Mare, the stunning coastal hometown of singer Domenico Modugno, famed for her song Volare. Perched on cliffs, its coastline features picturesque coves and inlets. Next, we will visit Ostuni, the charming “White City,” with its Norman-built walls and hilltop views. Explore its historic centre, sample local delicacies, and browse shops. Finally, transfer to Lecce for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 6:                    LECCE    

After breakfast, meet your guide for a 3-hour walking tour of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South” for its rich artistic and cultural heritage. Admire its stunning Baroque architecture, including the Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo dei Celestini, Piazza Sant’Oronzo with its Roman amphitheatre, and the Church of Santa Chiara. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Lecce. (B)

Day 7:                    LECCE – OTRANTO – SANTA CESAREA TERME – SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA – LECCE   

After breakfast, meet your driver for a 30-minute drive to Otranto, a town with a rich history shaped by Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences, visible in its architecture and landmarks. After lunch (not included), stop at Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina. Then, continue to Santa Maria di Leuca, known for its Liberty-style homes and iconic lighthouse. Visit the Sanctuary de Finibus Terrae, built to commemorate St. Peter’s passage to Italy. Return to Lecce. Overnight in Lecce. (B)

DAY 8:                    LECCE – GALATINA – MASSERIA L’ULIVETO – GALLIPOLI – LECCE   

After breakfast, visit Galatina to see the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, the Baroque Church of San Pietro, and learn about the local tarantismo and folk dances. Enjoy lunch at L’Uliveto, a beautiful Masseria (large farm). Continue to Gallipoli, a Greek-origin city with medieval walls and lively summer nightlife. Return to Lecce. Overnight in Lecce. (B, L)

DAY 9:                    LECCE

After breakfast, transfer to Brindisi Airport or port. End of our services. (B)

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR):

BARI: Hotel Oriente  

LECCE: Patria Palace   

INCLUDES:

• 8 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels
• Meals as per itinerary
• Transport as per itinerary, private car with English- or Italian-speaking driver
• Local guide in Bari for 2 hours, Trani and Castel del Monte (full day), Alberobello for 2 hours, Matera for 2 hours, Lecce for 3 hours, Otranto for 2 hours, Galatina and Gallipoli for 4 hours
• Wine tasting in a masseria near Andria

THINGS TO NOTE:

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes.
• Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.
• Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.
• A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.