Undiscovered Italy – Highlights of Puglia
Travel with us to discover the enchanting region of Puglia, on the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’. On this 7-night escorted tour, we’ll have plenty of time to explore the culture and heritage of this area, including landmark cities like Lecce – the ‘Florence of the South’, Bari with its atmospheric seaport, and the unspoiled heritage towns of Trani and Ostuni. We’ll discover sandy beaches, rolling green hilltops, and incredible art and architecture. Known for its superb olive oils and wines, Puglia has its own unique cuisine, including the famous ‘orecchiette’ pasta. With a convenient direct flight from Dublin to Bari, there’s never been a better time to discover this unique part of Italy!
What’s Included:
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return direct flights from Dublin
- All Airport taxes and charges
- 10kg check-in bag per person
- 7 nights in the 4* Hotel Monte Sarago
- All coach transfers
- Half Board
- Sample the flavours & history of Puglia with a full day trip to Alberobello & Martina Franca.
- Enjoy an optional trip to the city of Matera, whose architecture is carved into the surrounding mountain.
- Uncover baroque facades & an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the city of Lecce on a full day trip.
- Take in the stunning Adriatic coastline on a visit to Puglia’s most beautiful seaside towns, Bari & Trani.
- The assistance of our tour leader
- The assistance of our tour guide
Tour Highlights & Excursions
- Lecce: Uncover baroque facades & an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the city known as the ‘Florence of the South’ on a full-day guided trip.
- Alberobello & Martina Franca: Sample the flavours & history of Puglia with a full-day trip to Alberobello (for its Trulli constructions) and Martina Franca (for fresh olive oil tasting).
- Adriatic Coastline: Take in the stunning coast on a visit to Puglia’s most beautiful seaside towns, Bari (the regional capital) & Trani (with its historic castle).
- Optional Excursion to Matera: Enjoy an optional full-day trip to the UNESCO-listed Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, and its famous Sassi di Matera cave-like dwellings.
More On Escorted Tours
Our full range of Escorted Tours
Please note that while this is our planned itinerary, we may have to make slight changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Regardless, we’ll pack in as much beauty and adventure as possible on this holiday of a lifetime!
Accommodation: Hotel Monte Sarago,
Hotel Monte Sarago is ideally located, just a ten-minute walk from Ostuni’s attractive historic centre, and 6km from the sandy beach at Vilanova. The hotel is modern and stylish with a very good standard of accommodation. Hotel facilities include a rooftop bar and restaurant offering panoramic views, and is the ideal place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Please Note: The area around the hotel and certain locations visited during the excursions can be hilly and, therefore, may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Bari, Italy – Arrival and Transfer
Depart for Bari today, where we will be met on arrival by our expert guide, who will accompany us on the transfer to our hotel, the Hotel Monte Sarago.
Day 2: Alberobello – Trulli & Local Flavours
We set off this morning for a guided excursion to Alberobello, known for its UNESCO protected conical-shaped Trulli constructions. We will savour a tasting at one of the local wine cellars and enjoy olive oil tasting in Martina Franca. There will be free time for independent sightseeing before returning.
Day 3: Ostuni, Puglia – Free Time
Enjoy a day at leisure to see more of Ostuni and perhaps take a trip to the coast, just 6km away. Our guide will be pleased to provide information on getting around.
Day 4: Lecce – ‘The Florence of the South’
We travel to the baroque city of Lecce this morning. Our guided walking tour takes us through the historic centre, characterised by the white and gold colour of the famous Lecce stone. There will be free time for lunch and to sample delicacies unique to the region.
Day 5: Free Time at Leisure (Optional Matera Excursion)
Today is a free day to relax and discover the charms of Ostuni. Explore the historic town centre and enjoy a coffee or gelato. An Optional full-day excursion to Matera is available, including a guided walking tour through the labyrinth of streets of the Sassi di Matera.
Day 6: Trani & Bari – Coastal Gems
We set off to visit the beautiful town of Trani, where traces of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman civilisations can be found. After free time for lunch, we continue with a visit to Bari, the capital of Puglia. We will uncover more on a guided walking tour of the old town centre, including visits to the churches of San Nicola and San Gregorio.
Day 7: Explore Puglia At Your Own Pace
We’ll enjoy a free day for relaxing or independent sightseeing. Our guide will be on hand to suggest activities based on your interests.
Day 8: Bari – Depart Italy
Time to say ‘arrivederci’ to lovely Puglia, and transfer to the airport for our flight home from Bari.
Prices
| Dates | Cabin Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Apr 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1599 | Enquire Now |
| 22 Apr 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1539 | Enquire Now |
| 06 May 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1599 | Enquire Now |
| 13 May 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1669 | Enquire Now |
| 20 May 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1699 | Enquire Now |
| 02 Jun 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1499 | Enquire Now |
| 09 Jun 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1479 | Enquire Now |
| 16 Jun 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1479 | Enquire Now |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1479 | Enquire Now |
| 01 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1499 | Enquire Now |
| 09 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1729 | Enquire Now |
| 16 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1699 | Enquire Now |
| 23 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1669 | Enquire Now |
| 29 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1559 | Enquire Now |
| 14 Oct 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1549 | Enquire Now |
Agent
Booking Remarks
Booking deposit €300Prices 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
TD
Good to Know
All of our tours include some level of walking activity and may include ascending/descending steps. Guests should be in relatively good health and have adequate mobility.Itinerary
Bari, Italy
Transfer to Hotel
Depart for Bari today, where we will be met on arrival by our expert guide, who will accompany us on the transfer to our hotel.
Alberobello, Italy
Full Day Guided Excursion
Full DayWe set off from our hotel this morning for an excursion to Alberobello, known for its UNESCO protected conical-shaped Trulli constructions. We will savour a tasting at one of the local wine cellars and more local flavours with olive oil tasting in Martina Franca. There will be free time for some independent sightseeing in Alberobello before returning to our hotel
Puglia, Italy
Free Time in Puglia
Full DayEnjoy a day at leisure to see more of Ostuni and perhaps take a trip to the coast, just 6km away. Our guide will be pleased to provide information on getting around in the area.
Lecce, Italy
Guided Excursion to Lecce
Full DayLet’s join our guide this morning and travel to the baroque city of Lecce, also known as the Florence of the South. Our guided walking tour takes us through the historic centre, which is characterised by the white and gold colour of the famous Lecce stone. (Entrances not included)
There will be free time for lunch in Lecce (not included) and our guide can suggest places which offer delicacies unique to the region.
Puglia, Italy
Free Time at Leisure
Full DayToday is a free day, to relax and discover the charms of Ostuni. Explore the historic town centre and enjoy a coffee or a refreshing gelato while admiring the panoramic views. Our expert local guide will be happy to suggest activities and advise on must-see highlights.
Optional Excursion to Matera
Optional full day excursion to the European Capital of Culture 2019 and UNESCO listed town of Matera. Home to the Sassi di Matera cave-like dwellings your excursion will include a guided walking tour through the labyrinth of alleys and streets followed by free time at leisure for sightseeing and shopping before returning to your hotel. This excursion is subject to minimum numbers.
Trani, Italy
Trani
Full DayThis morning we set off from our hotel to visit the beautiful town of Trani, where traces of Arab, Byzantine and Norman civilisations can be found.
Bari
After some free time for lunch (own arrangements) we continue with a visit to Bari, capital of the Puglia region. We will uncover more on a guided walking tour of the old town centre, including visits to the churches of San Nicola and San Gregorio.
Puglia, Italy
Explore Puglia At Your Own Pace
MorningWe’ll enjoy a free day for relaxing or independent sightseeing. Our guide will be on hand to suggest activities based on your interests.
Bari, Italy
Depart Italy
Time to say ‘arrivederci’ to lovely Puglia, and transfer to the airport for our flight home.
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