A Taste of Puglia with Alberobello, Matera, Lecce & Polignano
This Taste of Puglia tour is a 7-night escorted tour designed for travellers who want to discover the authentic culture and flavours of Italy’s sun-drenched heel. Flying direct from Dublin, you will be based in the 4-star Hotel Relais Porta del Sud, a charming property that combines traditional Apulian farmhouse style with excellent modern facilities, including a swimming pool. The itinerary is carefully organised to show you the most famous sights of the region while ensuring you have plenty of time to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
Throughout the week, you will be accompanied by an expert tour leader and local guides who will share the fascinating history of this unique corner of Italy. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello, where you can wander through streets lined with iconic white stone trulli houses. We also travel to the remarkable city of Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region, famous for its ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the limestone. For those who appreciate art and architecture, the city of Lecce, with its golden Baroque buildings, is sure to be a standout moment of the trip.
Puglia is world-renowned for its food, and this holiday ensures you taste the very best of it. You will visit a local olive oil mill to sample ‘green gold’ and a cheese producer to see how creamy burrata is crafted using traditional methods. The coastal scenery is equally impressive, with visits to the cliffside town of Polignano a Mare and the historic harbour town of Otranto. This is a half-board holiday, meaning your breakfast and dinner are included each day, allowing you to enjoy authentic regional cuisine at your hotel every evening.
With return flights, transfers, and luggage all included, this Taste of Puglia tour offers great value and a straightforward way to see one of Italy’s most enchanting regions without the stress of planning. Whether you are admiring the view from the whitewashed streets of Ostuni or enjoying a coffee in the historic port of Trani, you will find Puglia a welcoming and beautiful destination. This holiday is ideally suited for those looking for a mix of guided discovery and leisure time in one of Europe’s most captivating coastal landscapes.
What type of walking is involved in this tour?
Is luggage included in the price?
What does the half-board plan include?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return direct flights from Dublin
- All airport taxes and charges
- 20kg check-in bag per person
- 7 nights in the 4-star Hotel Relais Porta del Sud
- All coach transfers
- Half-board dining plan
- Excursion to Ostuni and Alberobello
- Excursion to Matera and Altamura
- Excursion to Lecce and Otranto
- Excursion to Trani and Polignano
- The assistance of our tour leader and tour guide
Itinerary
1Arrival in Southern Italy+
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our friendly tour leader and transferred by coach to your base for the week. The 4-star Hotel Relais Porta del Sud offers a traditional Apulian farmhouse feel with modern comforts. After settling into your room, join your fellow travellers for your first group dinner at the hotel.
2The Taste of Puglia tour in Alberobello and Ostuni+
Today we visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, famous for its unique white-washed houses with conical stone roofs. You will also enjoy a tasting of local olive oil at a traditional farmhouse. Later, we explore Ostuni, known as the 'White City,' a hilltop maze of bright streets and colourful flowers before returning for dinner.
3Ancient History in Matera and Altamura+
We travel to the neighbouring region of Basilicata to see Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world. You will explore the 'Sassi,' a series of ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone hills. Our day continues in Altamura, a town famous for its historic centre and traditional stone-baked bread, before we head back to the hotel.
4A Day of Leisure+
Enjoy a full day to relax at your own pace. You can lounge by the hotel's swimming pool or stroll through the nearby countryside. Your tour leader will be available to suggest local sights if you wish to venture out. In the evening, enjoy traditional Apulian entertainment during dinner at the hotel.
5Baroque Splendour in Lecce and Otranto+
Today's excursion takes us to Lecce, often called the 'Florence of the South' due to its ornate Baroque architecture and golden stone buildings. We will see the Roman amphitheatre before heading to the coastal town of Otranto. Located where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, Otranto offers a charming historic castle and seaside views.
6Rest and Relaxation+
Spend another day enjoying the peaceful hotel grounds or exploring the local area. You might choose to visit the nearby historic town of Locorotondo, famous for its circular layout and quaint streets. Your guide is on hand to help with any local travel arrangements for your day at leisure.
7Coastal Gems and Local Flavours+
We begin our day with a visit to a local cheese producer to see how the region's famous burrata is made, including a tasting session. We then travel to Polignano a Mare, a stunning town perched on limestone cliffs above the sea. We conclude our tour with a visit to the picturesque village of Locorotondo for a final look at Puglia's unique architecture.
8Return to Dublin+
After a final breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time in the sunshine before your afternoon coach transfer to the airport. Your direct flight returns you to Dublin in the evening with many fond memories of your time in Southern Italy.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Jun 2026Twin | 16 Jun 2026 | Twin | €1,475 | Enquire Now |
| 29 Aug 2026Twin | 29 Aug 2026 | Twin | €1,550 | Enquire Now |
| 05 Sep 2026Twin | 05 Sep 2026 | Twin | €1,565 | Enquire Now |
| 12 Sep 2026Twin | 12 Sep 2026 | Twin | €1,585 | Enquire Now |
| 19 Sep 2026Twin | 19 Sep 2026 | Twin | €1,585 | Enquire Now |
| 26 Sep 2026Twin | 26 Sep 2026 | Twin | €1,565 | Enquire Now |
| 03 Oct 2026Twin | 03 Oct 2026 | Twin | €1,495 | Enquire Now |
| 10 Oct 2026Twin | 10 Oct 2026 | Twin | €1,455 | Enquire Now |
| 17 Oct 2026Twin | 17 Oct 2026 | Twin | €1,395 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: TF
