A Taste of Puglia with Alberobello, Matera, Lecce & Polignano
Discover the Authentic Soul of Italy’s Heel
Escape to Puglia, the sun-drenched heart of southern Italy. This 7-night fully escorted tour is a food-lover’s dream, offering a true feast for the senses. From the comfort of a 4-star hotel, you’ll journey with our expert guide to discover the very best of this enchanting region.
We’ll explore the conical-roofed trulli of Alberobello, wander the ancient cave city of Matera, and marvel at the Baroque splendour of Lecce. With return flights from Dublin, all your transfers, and a half-board dining plan included, this is the perfect, hassle-free way to experience the sights, tastes, and traditions of Puglia.
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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!
Did you know?
- Puglia – The Heel of Italy: Puglia, located in southern Italy, forms the “heel” of Italy’s boot. It’s famous for its olive groves, baroque architecture, and stunning coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
- Alberobello – Trulli Town: Alberobello is renowned for its trulli, unique white, cone-roofed stone houses. The Trulli District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Puglia.
- Matera – Ancient Cave City: Matera, in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, is known for its Sassi districts, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone. It was a European Capital of Culture in 2019.
- Lecce – The Florence of the South: Lecce is celebrated for its baroque architecture, especially in buildings like the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. It’s a cultural and artistic hub of Puglia.
- Polignano a Mare – Cliffside Beauty: Polignano a Mare is a picturesque seaside town famous for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and historic centre. It’s also known for Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant in a sea cave.
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* Hotel Relais Porta del Sud
- All coach transfers
- Half Board
- Excursion to Ostuni & Alberobello
- Excursion to Matera & Altamura
- Excursion to Lecce & Otranto
- Excursion to Trani & Polignano
- The assistance of our tour leaderThe assistance of our tour guide
Your Day-by-Day Escorted Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Puglia
Your Italian adventure begins. Fly direct from Dublin, and upon arrival, you will be met by our friendly tour leader. We will transfer you by comfortable coach to the 4-star Hotel Relais Porta del Sud, your welcoming base for the next seven nights. Settle in and enjoy your first delicious dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: The Whitewashed City & Trulli Magic (Ostuni & Alberobello)
Today is dedicated to two of Puglia’s most iconic towns. We first visit Ostuni, the “White City,” a stunning maze of whitewashed streets perched on a hilltop. Afterwards, we head to Alberobello, the magical UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique trulli—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. You’ll also be treated to a tasting of the region’s “green gold” at a local olive oil mill.
Day 3: Ancient Cave Dwellings (Matera & Altamura)
Prepare to be astonished as we travel to the neighbouring region of Basilicata to visit Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. You’ll explore the Sassi di Matera, a breathtaking city of cave dwellings carved directly into the rock. We will also visit the nearby town of Altamura, renowned for its ancient origins and its delicious, traditional DOP bread.
Day 4: A Day at Your Leisure
Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may choose to relax by the hotel swimming pool, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or perhaps revisit a local village. Your tour leader will be on hand to offer suggestions for exploring this beautiful part of Puglia on your own.
Day 5: The ‘Florence of the South’ (Lecce & Otranto)
This morning, we journey to Lecce, a city so beautiful it’s often called the “Florence of the South.” Our guided tour will reveal its treasures, from the ancient Roman amphitheatre to the stunning Baroque facades carved from golden Lecce stone. In the afternoon, we visit the charming seaside town of Otranto, Italy’s easternmost point, where you can explore the historic castle and charming shops.
Day 6: Jewel of the Adriatic (Trani & Polignano a Mare)
Discover two of Puglia’s coastal gems today. We begin in Trani, a sophisticated port town known for its magnificent cathedral, which sits right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. Later, we travel to the breathtaking Polignano a Mare, a town built on sheer limestone cliffs. You’ll have time to admire the stunning views and perhaps find the famous cove beach, Lama Monachile.
Day 7: Final Day of Relaxation
Enjoy your last full day in Puglia at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, savour a final gelato, or simply soak up the Italian sun at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 8: Arrivederci! (Return to Dublin)
After breakfast, we will transfer by coach to the airport for your return flight to Dublin, filled with wonderful memories of your taste of Puglia.
Prices
| Dates | Cabin Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Mar 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1389 | Book Now |
| 01 Apr 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1479 | Book Now |
| 08 Apr 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1389 | Book Now |
| 15 Apr 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1399 | Book Now |
| 22 Apr 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1399 | Book Now |
| 29 Apr 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1399 | Book Now |
| 06 May 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1429 | Book Now |
| 19 May 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1439 | Book Now |
| 26 May 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1459 | Book Now |
| 02 Jun 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1459 | Book Now |
| 09 Jun 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1459 | Book Now |
| 16 Jun 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1459 | Book Now |
| 02 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1489 | Book Now |
| 09 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1489 | Book Now |
| 16 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1479 | Book Now |
| 23 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1479 | Book Now |
| 30 Sep 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1439 | Book Now |
| 07 Oct 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1439 | Book Now |
| 14 Oct 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1389 | Book Now |
| 21 Oct 2026 | Twin Sharing | €1389 | Book Now |
Agent
Booking Remarks
Booking deposit €150Prices are per person based on two sharing.
Single Supplement from €210
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
TF
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
Puglia, Italy
Travel to Puglia
You will be met at the airport by your tour guide for the week before being transferred by coach to the 4-star Hotel Relais Porta del Sud. This excellent hotel has a wonderful, rustic Apulian farmhouse aesthetic yet offers all modern comforts and amenities to it’s guests. Tucked away in secluded and peaceful surroundings, your days at leisure can be spent unwinding by the poolside and there will be evening entertainment on 3 evenings during your stay too.
Ostuni, Italy
Alberobello, Italy
Puglia, Italy
Ostuni & Alberobello with Olive Oil Tasting
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Puglia with a visit to a traditional farmhouse, or ‘Masseria,’ where you’ll sample some of the finest locally produced olive oil. Here, you’ll taste authentic Apulian fare, take in the surroundings, and relax at this charming spot.
Next, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello, famous for its unique “trulli” houses with their iconic conical roofs. A stroll through the cobblestone streets of this remarkable village offers a glimpse into the past lives of farming families in this region.
Finish the day with a visit to Ostuni, the picturesque “White City” perched on a hilltop. With its winding cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses adorned with flowers, Ostuni is a beautiful end to a day of Apulian discovery. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink and live piano music at the hotel.
Matera, Italy
Altamura, Italy
Matera & Altamura
After breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Matera, designated a European Capital of Culture in 2019. Matera’s unique “sassi” dwellings—caves carved into tufa limestone—create a landscape reminiscent of biblical times. These UNESCO-protected structures are among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements and have been used in films such as Passion of the Christ and 007 – No Time to Die.
Continue to the nearby town of Altamura, known for its charming historic center and rich cultural heritage. Return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Puglia, Italy
At Your Leisure
After spending a couple of days exploring this fascinating area of Italy, you now have a day to rest up and spend the day however you choose. You may be happy to take a day enjoying the sunshine and the peacefulness of the hotel’s swimming pool and lounge area.
If, however, you are still thirsty for activities, simply speak to your tour guide about the options available to you today. Puglia is just full of little gems waiting to be explored. During dinner on this evening, enjoy some live Apulian entertainment.
Lecce, Italy
Otranto, Italy
Lecce & Otranto
Today’s excursion brings you to the historic city of Lecce, known as “The Florence of the South” for its stunning Baroque architecture. Discover the city’s landmarks, including the Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Oronzo, and admire the intricate details of buildings crafted from “Lecce stone,” a soft limestone often used for sculptures and decorative facades.
In the afternoon, travel to Otranto, a seaside town where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. Explore the old town’s charming shops and cafés, and visit the historic castle, which has guarded the town for centuries. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Puglia, Italy
At Your Leisure
Spend another day at your leisure today, the perfect time to get some well-earned rest and relaxation in. Should you wish to do more exploration today, it might be the perfect opportunity to visit Locorotondo, a town steeped in history, with roots that date back to the medieval era. It’s worth taking some time to explore the town’s many churches and other historic buildings and to wander the ancient streets discovering its architectural gems. Your tour guide will offer you assistance should you wish to venture out on your day at leisure.
Trani, Italy
Polignano, Italy
Cheese Tasting, Polignano & Locorotondo
Start the day with a visit to a local cheese producer, famous for crafting the region’s delicious burrata cheese. Watch a demonstration of traditional cheese-making techniques and enjoy a taste of this creamy delicacy.
Continue to the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, renowned for its striking whitewashed buildings, cliffside views, and ancient streets. The birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno, who sang “Volare,” Polignano offers plenty to explore.
Conclude the day with a visit to Locorotondo, one of Puglia’s most picturesque villages, where you’ll have time to explore its quaint streets and lovely architecture before returning to the hotel.
Puglia, Italy
Return to Dublin
Today you will enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel. You can spend some time in the Italian sunshine, before being transferred back to the airport for your flight to return home in the evening.
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