Puglia Family Trip – 10 day tour
Lecce (2 nights), Ostuni (2 nights), Alberobello (2 nights), Monopoli (2 night), Bari (1 night)
This is a completely customizable sample itinerary, ask us how.
Highlights
- 9 nights in high-end accommodation
- Daily breakfasts of local delicacies
- Private airport and tour transfers
- Tour of Lecce including underground
- Tour of Ostuni the white city
- Kid-friendly beaches
- Stay in a Trullo and make trullo crafts
- Cooking class in Bari
- Private luxury transfers and personal travel services are included
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lecce
Welcome to Lecce
Start south in the Baroque wonder that is Lecce. Often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce offers a wealth of attractions and activities for families. Head out to the main square, Piazza del Duomo, where you can visit the Cathedral (Duomo) and the iconic Bell Tower. The kids will enjoy the lively atmosphere of street performers and vendors. There are also charming parks to discover such as Parco Belloluogo and Villa Comunale, perfect for a walk or a picnic.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 2: Lecce underground tour
Roman Ampitheatre and Museo Faggiano
This is a fascinating tour for all ages. Start with a guided tour of the Roman Amphitheater, a fascinating archeological site dating back to the 2nd century AD. Continue the archeological discovery at Museo Faggiano, an underground museum of archeological excavations and ancient artifacts.
Finish the day with a street food tour sampling delicacies of Lecce such as pasticciotto (sweet) and rustico leccese (savory) topped off with a gelato from one of the city’s renowned gelaterias.
Overnight: Lecce
Day 3: Beach day at Torre Guacetto
Torre Guacetto beach
En route to Ostuni, we’ll stop at Torre Guaceto, a protected natural reserve located along the Adriatic coast between Brindisi and Ostuni, perfect for families who appreciate unspoiled natural beauty. The beach is a haven for kids with soft sand and shallow waters to play in. And despite being a secluded beach, it offers some basic amenities to ensure your comfort throughout the day.
Overnight: Ostuni
Day 4: Guided tour of Ostuni
Discover the white city
Discover the white cityWake up in Ostuni, the “White City”. Take a guided tour of the old town and visit the Ostuni Cathedral or why not dive into some archeology by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Preclassic Civilizations displaying fascinating findings such as the remains of a prehistoric pregnant woman dating back 28,000 years! A knowledgeable guide will make the experience all the more fascinating.
Overnight: Ostuni
Day 5: Trullo time in Alberobello
Stay in a Trullo
Like something from a fairytale, Trulli are known for their distinctive architecture, featuring thick stone walls, conical roofs, and small windows. The interior layout of a trullo is typically cozy and compact, with interconnected circular rooms. Trulli often come with modern amenities and fully equipped kitchens with patios, gardens, or terraces where families can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You may choose to dine in and enjoy your trullo, or venture out for a traditional meal in an authentic restaurant.
Overnight: Alberobello
Day 6: Trullo House Workshop
A trullo-themed day
Explore the Trulli district with a knowledgeable guide who will take you Rione Monti, featuring a concentration of 14th-century Trulli houses, the Museum of Trulli, and the Church of Saint Anthony, depending on your interests.
Finish the day off with some traditional arts and crafts associated with Trulli houses. Kids will enjoy painting miniature Trulli models, crafting pottery, or making traditional Puglian handicrafts under the guidance of skilled artisans. It promises an entertaining experience leaving you with your very own hand-made souvenir to treasure.
Overnight: Alberobello
Day 7: Monopoli and Polignano al Mare
Monopoli on the coast
Heading towards Bari, you’ll be spending the night in the coastal town of Monopoli, near Polignano al Mare. The kids will love the sandy beaches and dining along the Monopoli promenade. It is also a short distance from the picturesque Polignano al Mare, a cove nestled beneath towering limestone cliffs, with crystalline turquoise waters. The old town there is also fun to explore and you might even witness a cliff-diving show, not something you see every day.
Overnight: Monopoli
Day 8: Boat tour of the grotte
Boat tour of Polignano al Mare
Sail along the coastline, passing by towering cliffs and hidden coves of Polignano al Mare. The tour’s highlight is the exploration of sea caves and grottoes carved into the limestone cliffs. Depending on the conditions, you may get around to the Grotta Palazzese, Grotta delle Rondinelle, and Grotta Ardito. The kids will love learning about the geology, history, and marine life from a knowledgeable guide during the tour. Check out our guide on things to do in Polignano al Mare.
Overnight: Monopoli
Day 9: Cooking class in Bari
Learn to make orecchiette pasta
Today we’ll head to the nearby capital of Bari for one last stop before the airport. But a Puglia family trip would not be complete without a Pugliese cooking class and what better dish to learn to make than orecchiette (little ears) pasta? This small, ear-shaped pasta is typically made from durum wheat semolina flour and water, resulting in a firm and slightly chewy texture. The unique shape of orecchiette pasta is achieved by pressing the thumb into each disk to create a small indentation, resembling a tiny ear. Complete the dish with a handmade pesto sauce, sauteed broccoli, or a simple tomato and basil sauce. Delicious!
Overnight: Bari
Day 10: Departure
Arrivederci, Puglia
Explore Bari in the morning and enjoy one last Pugliese breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight home or onward journey. Please note that depending on where you are coming from, this trip might make more sense taken in the reverse or starting and finishing in Bari.
Did you know that this tour is completely customizable? Check out our guide on things to do in Puglia with the family and ask us how to incorporate any of those destinations and activities for you.
Palermo, Two Nights
Walking tour of Palermo
Discover the iconic sights of Palermo on a private guided tour with an expert guide. On this private VIP experience, our expert guide will meet you at your hotel before taking you on a journey of discovery through the most glorious parts of Palermo. As a part of this special day, you will have the chance to see all of Palermo’s main attractions and stunning Baroque architecture, including Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti, the Cathedral, the Martorana, Piazza Pretoria, the Palatine Chapel, the Norman Palace and the popular markets. During your cultural walk, there will be plenty of time to ask your private guide questions and learn more about the history of Palermo and its charming culture.
Excursion to Monreale
Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, the medieval village of Monreale is known for its magnificent Cathedral, which features some of the most beautiful religious mosaics of the 12th century. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily and is a joy to discover on this small-group day trip from Palermo. As well as the Cathedral, you will have time to explore the abbey cloister, which boasts more than 200 intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic.
Segesta, Erice, Marsala and Selinunte, Two Nights
Excursion to Segesta and Erice
Enhance your sightseeing experience of Sicily on an enriching full-day excursion to Erice and Segesta. First, you can delight in the medieval majesty of Erice, a walled town that reigns over the picturesque harbor of Trapani, where you can delve into the historical wonders of one of Sicily’s most in-demand destinations. Through the eyes of your expert guide, you will become acquainted with the city and its key landmarks on an in-depth history tour with the chance to also hike along the coastal reserve.
Next, you will discover Segesta, one of the major cities of the ancient indigenous Elymian people. Here you can visit the Doric temple, which dates back to the late 5th century BC. It was built on a hilltop just outside of the ancient city and has a commanding view of the surrounding area. If anyone needed yet more proof that the Greeks had a good eye for where to build, Segesta would lay any doubts to rest once and for all! Indeed, the setting of the temple is simply beautiful as completely unspoiled rolling green countryside stretches right down to the glistening aquamarine sea.
Wine tasting in Marsala and Selinunte
On this VIP excursion you will be picked up by our private driver at your hotel and leave for Marsala, which was once known as Lilibeo and was founded by refugees fleeing the destruction of Mozia. It was conquered by the Romans at the end of the First Punic War and became a luxurious town featuring glorious palaces and thermal baths. The Arabian settlers called the ancient city Mars-Alì (“the harbor of Alì” or “the big harbor”), but it is now known as Marsala. The modern city is known for its world-famous Marsala wine, as well as for the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1860. On our private adventure, you will discover all the best sights, including the Archaeological Museum and the Salt Road with the Salt Pans. You will also stop in a winery for Marsala wine tasting before reaching Selinunte, an ancient Greek city in the widest archaeological park of Europe. It was founded in the 7th century BC but was destroyed in 409 BC by the Carthaginians allied with Segesta, its eternal rival. The two most important areas you’ll visit are the Eastern Hill with the ruins of three temples, and the Acropolis where Greek and Punic ruins are still visible.
Agrigento, One Night
Valley of the Temples tour
Immerse yourself in Sicily’s Greek past with this tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (entry included).
The UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites and is a joy to discover if you have an interest in history or simply want to learn more about Sicily’s turbulent past. This tour experience takes you to the sacred site, where an expert guide will treat you to a guided walk through the Valley.
As a part of your tour, you will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Herakles, the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). During the tour, your guide will discuss the temples’ construction and tell you about their on-going preservation.
Syracuse and Pantalica, Two Nights
Private walking tour of Syracuse Enjoy a private tour around the historical center of Syracuse with this VIP experience on the ancient island of Ortygia. This private walk begins at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple and leads you to Cathedral Square, which boasts beautiful limestone buildings and Baroque architecture. From here, you will visit the Arethusa Fountain, which is steeped in legend and mystery – your guide will tell you all its secrets! The tour concludes with a visit to the Jewish Quarter and Archimedes Square, where you can admire the Fountain of Diana, which was built in a Neoclassical style and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Ortygia. Naturalistic excursion to Pantalica One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the rocky necropolis of Pantalica, in eastern Sicily. This site is somewhat off the beaten track but certainly worth a visit on your complete Sicily vacation. Pantalica is a prehistoric site dating back to the late Bronze Age (from the 13th to the 8th century BC) and is famous for its necropolis, which features thousands of tombs dug into the overhanging walls of the Anapo Canyon. Pantalica is also famous for its breathtaking natural vistas and unusual wildlife. In fact, it is part of the revered Anapo Valley Nature Reserve, which is a paradise for trekking.
Taormina and Mount Etna, Two Nights
Full-day Mount Etna Jeep tour with wine tasting and lunch
Scale the slopes of Italy’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4×4 Jeep tour from Taormina. As a part of this unique experience, you will travel up rugged mountain tracks in an off-road vehicle and trek by foot to a stunning lookout point with views of lava flow basins and cave tubes created by the 2002 eruption. After descending from the volcano, you will enjoy a decadent and authentic Sicilian lunch of handmade cheeses, cured meats, pasta and dessert served with local wine.
VIP Taormina tour, featuring the Greek Theater
Today you will discover Taormina’s historic secrets and modern delights on a two-hour private tour. This guided experience allows you to explore the highlights of this charming city, including Palazzo Corvaja, the Santa Caterina Church and Vicolo Stretto, which is the narrowest street in town. As a special addition to this Taormina tour, you will enjoy “skip the line” entry to the ancient Greek Theater, which boasts magnificent views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos. There is no better way to discover this unassuming city’s treasured attractions!
Catania, Two Nights
VIP Catania walking tour The scent of fresh lemons and oranges and the harmonized landscape of Mount Etna’s cliffs rolling into the glistening sea set the backdrop for the sublime city of Catania. And on this exclusive tour experience, you will have every opportunity to discover the best of Catania, including Piazza del Duomo, the Amenano Fountain, Castello Ursino, Teatro Massimo, Palazzo Biscari, Saint Agata Dome, Via Etnea, Piazza Stesicoro, which features a Roman Theater, and finally the Bellini Garden. Catania street food experience With our hand-selected local guide, who you can be sure knows where to find only the best Catania cuisine, you will begin this food-tasting experience with a historical overview of the city, including the intricate alleys and squares of Catania’s old town, the ancient central market of Catania, Piazza Duomo, Via Etnea (the main street) and Piazza Stesicoro. But, of course, the most important part of this Catania food tour will be the opportunity to taste no less than 15 popular street foods that the city is famous for: arancino, cipollina, pizzetta, fresh fish, meatballs, local cheese, olives, cannolo with ricotta, cassatella, granita and much more!Palermo, Two Nights
Walking tour of Palermo
Discover the iconic sights of Palermo on a private guided tour with an expert guide. On this private VIP experience, our expert guide will meet you at your hotel before taking you on a journey of discovery through the most glorious parts of Palermo. As a part of this special day, you will have the chance to see all of Palermo’s main attractions and stunning Baroque architecture, including Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti, the Cathedral, the Martorana, Piazza Pretoria, the Palatine Chapel, the Norman Palace and the popular markets. During your cultural walk, there will be plenty of time to ask your private guide questions and learn more about the history of Palermo and its charming culture.
Excursion to Monreale
Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, the medieval village of Monreale is known for its magnificent Cathedral, which features some of the most beautiful religious mosaics of the 12th century. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily and is a joy to discover on this small-group day trip from Palermo. As well as the Cathedral, you will have time to explore the abbey cloister, which boasts more than 200 intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic.Segesta, Erice, Marsala and Selinunte, Two Nights
Excursion to Segesta and Erice
Enhance your sightseeing experience of Sicily on an enriching full-day excursion to Erice and Segesta. First, you can delight in the medieval majesty of Erice, a walled town that reigns over the picturesque harbor of Trapani, where you can delve into the historical wonders of one of Sicily’s most in-demand destinations. Through the eyes of your expert guide, you will become acquainted with the city and its key landmarks on an in-depth history tour with the chance to also hike along the coastal reserve.
Next, you will discover Segesta, one of the major cities of the ancient indigenous Elymian people. Here you can visit the Doric temple, which dates back to the late 5th century BC. It was built on a hilltop just outside of the ancient city and has a commanding view of the surrounding area. If anyone needed yet more proof that the Greeks had a good eye for where to build, Segesta would lay any doubts to rest once and for all! Indeed, the setting of the temple is simply beautiful as completely unspoiled rolling green countryside stretches right down to the glistening aquamarine sea.
Wine tasting in Marsala and Selinunte
On this VIP excursion you will be picked up by our private driver at your hotel and leave for Marsala, which was once known as Lilibeo and was founded by refugees fleeing the destruction of Mozia. It was conquered by the Romans at the end of the First Punic War and became a luxurious town featuring glorious palaces and thermal baths. The Arabian settlers called the ancient city Mars-Alì (“the harbor of Alì” or “the big harbor”), but it is now known as Marsala. The modern city is known for its world-famous Marsala wine, as well as for the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1860. On our private adventure, you will discover all the best sights, including the Archaeological Museum and the Salt Road with the Salt Pans. You will also stop in a winery for Marsala wine tasting before reaching Selinunte, an ancient Greek city in the widest archaeological park of Europe. It was founded in the 7th century BC but was destroyed in 409 BC by the Carthaginians allied with Segesta, its eternal rival. The two most important areas you’ll visit are the Eastern Hill with the ruins of three temples, and the Acropolis where Greek and Punic ruins are still visible.Agrigento, One Night
Valley of the Temples tour
Immerse yourself in Sicily’s Greek past with this tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (entry included).
The UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites and is a joy to discover if you have an interest in history or simply want to learn more about Sicily’s turbulent past. This tour experience takes you to the sacred site, where an expert guide will treat you to a guided walk through the Valley.
As a part of your tour, you will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Herakles, the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). During the tour, your guide will discuss the temples’ construction and tell you about their on-going preservation.Syracuse and Pantalica, Two Nights
Private walking tour of Syracuse Enjoy a private tour around the historical center of Syracuse with this VIP experience on the ancient island of Ortygia. This private walk begins at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple and leads you to Cathedral Square, which boasts beautiful limestone buildings and Baroque architecture. From here, you will visit the Arethusa Fountain, which is steeped in legend and mystery – your guide will tell you all its secrets! The tour concludes with a visit to the Jewish Quarter and Archimedes Square, where you can admire the Fountain of Diana, which was built in a Neoclassical style and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Ortygia. Naturalistic excursion to Pantalica One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the rocky necropolis of Pantalica, in eastern Sicily. This site is somewhat off the beaten track but certainly worth a visit on your complete Sicily vacation. Pantalica is a prehistoric site dating back to the late Bronze Age (from the 13th to the 8th century BC) and is famous for its necropolis, which features thousands of tombs dug into the overhanging walls of the Anapo Canyon. Pantalica is also famous for its breathtaking natural vistas and unusual wildlife. In fact, it is part of the revered Anapo Valley Nature Reserve, which is a paradise for trekking.Taormina and Mount Etna, Two Nights
Full-day Mount Etna Jeep tour with wine tasting and lunch
Scale the slopes of Italy’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4×4 Jeep tour from Taormina. As a part of this unique experience, you will travel up rugged mountain tracks in an off-road vehicle and trek by foot to a stunning lookout point with views of lava flow basins and cave tubes created by the 2002 eruption. After descending from the volcano, you will enjoy a decadent and authentic Sicilian lunch of handmade cheeses, cured meats, pasta and dessert served with local wine.
VIP Taormina tour, featuring the Greek Theater
Today you will discover Taormina’s historic secrets and modern delights on a two-hour private tour. This guided experience allows you to explore the highlights of this charming city, including Palazzo Corvaja, the Santa Caterina Church and Vicolo Stretto, which is the narrowest street in town. As a special addition to this Taormina tour, you will enjoy “skip the line” entry to the ancient Greek Theater, which boasts magnificent views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos. There is no better way to discover this unassuming city’s treasured attractions!Why Travel with Bellarome
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