Explore Puglia’s timeless beauty on a boutique small group tour.
19 April – 2 May 2026
10 – 23 May 2026
13 – 26 September 2026
4 -17 October 2026
AUD 10, 170 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 11, 970 per person (solo traveller)
Begin your journey in Lecce, a Baroque gem known for its lively piazzas and pedestrian-friendly charm. From there, explore the Salento Peninsula, stopping in picturesque towns that reflect the region’s rich heritage and sun-soaked beauty.
Venture into the Valle d’Itria, home to olive groves, vineyards, and the iconic trulli houses. Meet local artisans and learn about traditional food and wine production that define Puglia’s culinary identity.
The journey continues to the dramatic landscapes of the Gargano Peninsula, where forested hills meet the Adriatic, before ending in Polignano a Mare, a cliffside town famed for its striking sea views and coastal charm.
To make the most of your time, we stay in four handpicked hotels: three nights in Lecce, three in Valle d’Itria, three in Gargano, and four in Polignano a Mare. This balances exploration with relaxation throughout the tour.
Highlights
- Wander the Baroque streets of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” and admire its ornate architecture and vibrant piazzas.
- Explore Puglia’s breathtaking coastline with visits to seaside gems like Otranto, Bari, Trani, and Polignano a Mare.
- 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 towering limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and sea-sculpted caves.
- Stroll through the whitewashed lanes of hilltop towns, including the charming Martina Franca and Locorotondo.
- Dine in style with five included lunches and five dinners, each at handpicked restaurants known for their regional specialities.
Itinerary
Days 1 – 3 Baroque Beginnings: Discovering Lecce and Salento’s Charms
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: Heart of Puglia – Artisans and Hilltowns of the Valle d’Itria
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: Caves and Coastlines – Navigating 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: Coastal Charms – Unwinding in Polignano a Mare
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.
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