Undiscovered Italy – Highlights of Puglia

from€1329
for 7 nights
Close-up of hands skillfully shaping fresh orecchiette pasta on a wooden board. This traditional Puglian pasta, resembling little ears, is a highlight of the local cuisine and a must-try on any trip to this beautiful region of Italy. Experience the authentic flavours of Puglia!
The well-preserved ruins of Lecce's Roman amphitheatre bask in the Italian sunshine under a partly cloudy sky. Ancient stone seating curves around the central arena, hinting at the spectacles of the past. Vibrant pink bougainvillea adds a splash of colour to the foreground, contrasting with the weathered stone and the bell tower rising in the background. Discover the rich history of Puglia!
A breathtaking panoramic view of the ancient Sassi di Matera, a cave city in Basilicata, Italy. Stone dwellings are stacked upon each other, creating a mesmerizing honeycomb effect under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A prominent bell tower rises above the historical settlement. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site near Puglia!
A charming street scene in Alberobello, Puglia, featuring the distinctive conical roofs of the traditional trulli houses against a clear blue sky. Whitewashed walls line the cobblestone path, adorned with potted plants adding splashes of greenery. Explore the magical atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site on your Italian adventure.
The imposing Castello Svevo di Trani stands proudly on the coastline of Puglia, its sturdy stone walls reflected in the calm turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. The clear blue sky enhances the castle's majestic presence. Explore the historical wonders of this coastal fortress during your Italian escape.
A picturesque harbour scene in Trani, Puglia, with calm turquoise waters reflecting the charming waterfront buildings and a prominent cathedral bell tower under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Fishing boats bob gently in the marina. Experience the beauty of Puglia's coastal towns.
A captivating close-up of the unique conical roofs of several trulli houses in Alberobello, Puglia, set against a brilliant clear blue sky. The intricate stonework of the roofs and the whitewashed walls below showcase the distinctive architecture of this region. Discover the magic of these historical dwellings in Italy

Travel with us to discover the enchanting region of Puglia, on the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’.

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

Travel with us to discover the enchanting region of Puglia, on the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’. On this trip to Italy, we’ll have plenty of time to explore both the culture and the 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 with panoramic views and incredible art and architecture. Known for its superb olive oils and wines, Puglia has its own unique cuisine, including the famous ‘orecchiette’ pasta. We’ll have the opportunity to sample some of these local flavours on a full day excursion to Alberobello for homegrown produce and regional wines, and Martina Franca for fresh olive oil. With a convenient direct flight from Dublin to Bari, there’s never been a better time to discover this unique part of Italy!

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!

Hotel Monte Sarago

Hotel Monte Sarago is ideally located, just ten minutes’ 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, therefore may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

* Some hotel facilities may be seasonally operated or under maintenance and therefore unavailable at the time of your stay. Charges may apply for certain facilities.

 

 

Prices
Dates Cabin Type Price
24 Sep 2025 Twin Sharing €1649 Enquire Now
01 Oct 2025 Twin Sharing €1499 Enquire Now
08 Oct 2025 Twin Sharing €1449€1399 Enquire Now
15 Oct 2025 Twin Sharing €1449€1329 Enquire Now
15 Apr 2026 Twin Sharing €1599 Enquire Now
22 Apr 2026 Twin Sharing €1489 Enquire Now
06 May 2026 Twin Sharing €1559€1449 Enquire Now
13 May 2026 Twin Sharing €1539 Enquire Now
20 May 2026 Twin Sharing €1499 Enquire Now
09 Jun 2026 Twin Sharing €1399 Enquire Now
16 Jun 2026 Twin Sharing €1429€1399 Enquire Now
23 Jun 2026 Twin Sharing €1399€1379 Enquire Now
01 Sep 2026 Twin Sharing €1559€1459 Enquire Now
08 Sep 2026 Twin Sharing €1629 Enquire Now
22 Sep 2026 Twin Sharing €1559 Enquire Now
29 Sep 2026 Twin Sharing €1559 Enquire Now
07 Oct 2026 Twin Sharing €1559€1449 Enquire Now
14 Oct 2026 Twin Sharing €1449 Enquire Now
21 Oct 2026 Twin Sharing €1549 Enquire Now
Agent
Celine K
Celine K
Phone:
01-2941000
Email:
book@travelescapes.ie
Booking Remarks
Booking deposit €300
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
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
Day 1

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.

(Arrivals from London will visit Bari & Trani today before transferring to the hotel)

Day 2

Alberobello, Italy

Full Day Guided Excursion

Time: Full DayFull Day

We 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

Day 3

Puglia, Italy

Free Time in Puglia

Time: Full DayFull Day

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 in the area.

Day 4

Lecce, Italy

Guided Excursion to Lecce

Time: Full DayFull Day

Let’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.

Day 5

Puglia, Italy

Free Time at Leisure

Time: Full DayFull Day

Today 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.

Day 6

Trani, Italy

Trani

Time: Full DayFull Day

This 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.

Day 7

Puglia, Italy

Explore Puglia At Your Own Pace

Time: MorningMorning

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, Italy

Depart Italy

Time to say ‘arrivederci’ to lovely Puglia, and transfer to the airport for our flight home.

View full itinerary

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