Puglia Grand Tour – 13 Nights
From fairytale Trulli homes to rocky sun-soaked beaches, this two-week trip to Puglia is perfect for travelers who want to see authentic Italy. See baroque architecture in Lecce, scrubby pine forests in Gargano National Park, and sunny southern towns of Otranto and Gallipoli. End your trip in the busy port city of Bari where a maze-like old town, deep-fried panzerotto, and 12thcentury churches await.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Trani
VIP Tour of Trani
Start by discovering Trani. ‘The pearl of the Adriatic’, famous for its rich artistic and cultural heritage, vanity is mirrored in the clear blue waters, which surround the cathedral that is among the most beautiful in Italy, whose official name is Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. Under the shadow of the Swabian castle, the Jewish quarter with its three synagogues and the old town, is full of boutiques, shops and lovely locals: the alleys, streets, magnificent buildings and churches are the perfect setting where to live a unique experience.
Our guide will accompany you on your discovery of this wonderful city.
Overnight : Trani
Day 2: Polignano a Mare
Learn to make focaccia
Bari focaccia is a cult. Known to almost everyone, how many have ever prepared, baked and eaten it? We take you to a focaccia barese lesson: you will learn how to knead the dough, knead it, season it and cook it. You will amaze your family and friends when you prepare this tasty typical Apulian dish for them! A private driver will pick you up at your hotel in Trani and take you all the way to Polignano a Mare with a stop at local village to learn how to make your real focaccia barese- can it get any more authentic than that?
Overnight : Polignano a Mare
Day 3: Polignano Boat Tour
Tour the Caves of Polignano
Jagged cliffs overlooking the sea, caves and creeks, sandy coves surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation in complete harmony with the turquoise blue sea, make this strip of coast, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Ardito, and Grotta Palazzese are just some of the most beautiful natural attractions that characterize the entire area, accessible only by sea.
During the experience, swimming breaks are included in the experience and an excellent local prosecco is served on board.
Overnight : Polignano a Mare
Day 4: VIP tour of Ostuni
Discover Ostuni
VIP Private Transfer from Polignano a Mare to Ostuni with stop in Monopoli and Cisternino with lunch
Check-in to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time at your own pace. For those who don’t want to relax by the pool in Masseria, here are some suggestions on what to do:
• Get lost in Ostuni’s historical centre and visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
• Enjoy an ice cream at Cremeria La Scala
• Stroll around la Piazza della Liberta
Overnight : Ostuni
Day 5: Apulian winery with traditional lunch
VIP tour of an Apulian winery with traditional lunch
Visit a wine cellar immersed in the Apulian countryside and discover the history of the family and how the local wine is produced. Walk in the vineyard to discover the secrets of the wine varieties. After learning about the local products and long family tradition, join a tasty four-course lunch paired with four local wines.
Overnight : Ostuni
Day 6: VIP Pasta & Tiramisu Class (private tour)
Become a chef for the day
Spend time in a local’s home in Ostuni, learning the tricks to make fresh pasta and tiramisu in local style. The class shows you how to roll and cut fresh pasta by hand as you learn about the food traditions of Puglia from your host — a local who belongs to a network of home cooks who preserve culinary traditions in the region. Learn new recipes, have fun, and connect with the locals!
Overnight : Ostuni
Day 7: VIP Lecce Tour, with dinner
Walk and eat your way around Lecce
Discover Lecce’s hidden attractions on this outside walking tour of the Duomo, main Piazza and Baroque buildings. This walking tour of Lecce is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this Italian treasure. On a 3 hours guided stroll through this city, you will be introduced to the ancient origins of Lecce and some landmark events in its history. Then, your guide will describe Lecce’s remarkable Baroque architectural heritage, concentrating on the special details that contribute to the theatrical effect of the local architecture, as well as the tradition behind the local crafts (papier-mâché, wrought iron, ceramics and inlaid olive wood). You will then begin your walk through the city, seeing all the main sights, including the Duomo, the main Piazza, the glorious Baroque churches and much more.
Overnight : Lecce
Day 8: VIP Tour of Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, with lunch
Explore Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca
Visit some of the most picturesque towns in Salento: Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. The first stop of the tour is Otranto, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Salento.The town of Otranto is full of history, and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the Aragoneses. You will have free time to visit the splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions and the Walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city. After Otranto you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast ,characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves and bays with rocky bottom. Along the way you will admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina and the Ciolo Fiord. Santa Maria di Leuca is truly the heel of Italy, the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, you will admire spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. After spending some time in beautiful Leuca, a private driver will get you back to your hotel in Lecce.
Overnight : Lecce
Day 9: Leisure day in Gallipoli
Galivant around Galipoli
Enjoy free afternoon in Gallipoli! Suggested places to visit:
• Visit the Ancient Walls of the Old Town
• Stop by the Saint Agatha Cathedral
• Visit Gallipoli Fish Market
• Check on the Gallipoli Castle Museum
• Admire the Greek Fountain
• Check on the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Canneto a baroque-style church containing a stone statue of the Virgin Mary recovered from a fire in a previous church
Overnight : Gallipoli
Day 10: Alberobello with Secret Wine Tasting in Leverano
VIP Tour of Alberobello, with dinner
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and your will start the guided walking tour of the 2 main districts of the old Town Rione Monti and Aia Piccola. The trulli are an important example of rural architecture that still survives today. The panoramic view on Rione Aia Piccola with its infinite expanse of conical roofs is enchanting. Do not miss the opportunity to experience an authentic experience in Alberobello, discover these unique constructions, and learn more about the Italian culture.
Overnight : Alberobello
Day 11: Alberobello to Matera
VIP Sunset Tour of Matera
Explore the lovely Sasso Caveoso district in the city of Matera on our VIP walking tour with our knowledgeable local guide. Visit one cave, one church and the historical center, hearing about the fascinating history and subterranean architecture of the city. See parts of the famous Sassi of Matera, ancient cave dwellings that are still in use today and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel.
Overnight : Matera
Day 12: VIP Hiking Park of Murgia and Rope Bridge
Get active and prepare to be dazzled
The hiking tour in the Park of Murgia is perfect for you if you want to immerse yourself in nature, discover hidden places and satisfy your sense of adventure. You will start your tour in Sassi, walking characteristic paths along the canyon up to Gravina stream, where you will cross the rope bridge that connect the two banks, at 9 meters from the ground. You will admire beautiful landscapes and hidden gems with our hiking guide who will lead you along archaeological paths and paleolithic caves, telling you the history of these prehistoric places. At the end of the tour, you will come back in town on board of our shuttle.
Overnight : Matera
Day 13: Ciao
Enjoy your breakfast and prepare for the flight back home with a private taxi transfer to the airport.
Why Travel with Bellarome
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Help with tracking ancestral roots and arranging to meet relatives with the help of a translator and local anagrapher.
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