Grand Tour of Puglia & Matera

Grand Tour of Puglia & Matera

| Escorted Group Tours | Italy
This escorted journey through Puglia and Matera reveals the timeless beauty of southern Italy, blending history, culture, and landscapes into one unforgettable experience. From Trani’s majestic seaside cathedral to the UNESCO-listed trulli of Alberobello and the atmospheric cave dwellings of Matera, every day offers a new highlight. Explore sacred sites such as Monte Sant’Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo, stroll through Lecce’s dazzling Baroque streets, and wander the whitewashed alleys of Ostuni. The itinerary strikes a balance between guided visits and authentic culinary experiences, featuring tastings of extra-virgin olive oil and local specialities, such as Altamura bread and Bari focaccia. With seamless planning, expert guidance, and carefully selected accommodations, this tour captures the essence of southern Italy at its finest.
What We Love
  • Gargano National Park
  • Iconic Landmarks
  • Adriatic and Inland Gems
  • Balanced Itinerary
  • Multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Amanda
Reservations

We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.

Caroline
Reservations

We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.

At a Glance

Duration:

7  Nights

Tour Type:

Escorted Coach Tour 

Rating:

4*

Board Basis:

Full Board

Departures:

Every Saturday Between May – October*

*On Request

Start / Finish:

Puglia – Puglia

More Information

What's Included

Exclusions

Other

Why we like it

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Bari

Day 2

Trani - Barletta - Monte Sant’Angelo

Day 3

Vieste - Umbra Forest

Day 4

San Giovanni Rotondo - Bari - Valle d’Itria

Day 5

Castellana Caves - Alberobello - Ostuni

Day 6

Lecce - Otranto

Day 7

Matera

Day 8

Depart from Bari

Day 1 | Arrival in Bari
Arrival in Bari/Barletta and check-in at the hotel (rooms available from 4:00 pm). Before dinner, meet the guide/escort for a welcome cocktail and tour presentation. Dinner and overnight stay.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 2 | Trani - Barletta - Monte Sant’Angelo
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Trani and its imposing Romanesque cathedral overlooking the sea. Continue to Barletta for a walking tour of the historic centre, including the Norman-Swabian Castle, Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the bronze “Colossus of Barletta,” and the “Cantina della Sfida.” Lunch included. Proceed to Monte Sant’Angelo to visit the Sanctuary and Grotto of Saint Michael the Archangel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight stay in the planned location.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3 | Vieste - Umbra Forest
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel through the Umbra Forest, the largest deciduous woodland in Italy and the heart of Gargano National Park, en route to Vieste, a charming seaside resort perched on the cliffs. Lunch included during the excursion, followed by a guided visit and free time in the historic centre. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4 | San Giovanni Rotondo - Bari - Valle d’Itria
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for San Giovanni Rotondo, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Padre Pio, who lived here for more than 50 years. Continue to a traditional oil mill for an olive oil tasting served with Altamura bread. Lunch during the excursion includes a taste of Bari’s famous focaccia. Visit Bari’s historic centre and its architectural jewel, the Basilica of San Nicola, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque style. Transfer to the Valle d’Itria for hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 5 | Castellana Caves - Alberobello - Ostuni
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Castellana Caves, Italy’s most visited underground cave system. Continue to Alberobello, the UNESCO-listed “Capital of the Trulli,” for a walking tour of its fairy tale limestone dwellings. Lunch included. In the afternoon, visit Ostuni, the striking “White City,” with its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and charming medieval lanes. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 6 | Lecce - Otranto
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its rich Baroque heritage. Explore the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Duomo, and Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Enjoy a small oil tasting. Lunch included. In the afternoon, travel to Otranto, the “Gateway to the East.” Highlights include the magnificent Romanesque cathedral with its vast mosaic floor, the Chapel of the Martyrs, and the atmospheric crypt. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 7 | Matera
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for its rock-hewn dwellings, churches, and workshops. Special attention is given to the Sassi districts of Barisano and Caveoso. Lunch included. Continue to Bari or surrounding area for hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 8 | Depart from Bari
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport.
 

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
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