Puglia and the Salento Peninsula
| PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
|
AUD
$8,790
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
| PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
|
AUD
$8,790
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
Introduction
Discover Puglia, a region steeped in history, art, and culinary delights.
From the Baroque grandeur of Lecce to the mystical trulli houses of Alberobello, each day promises a new adventure. Travel to the Salento region and immerse yourself in its rich culture, savour its delectable cuisine, and witness breathtaking coastal landscapes. Let Italy’s hidden towns captivate your senses and leave you with incredible memories.
This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bari > Nardo
Arrive at Bari airport and transfer to the charming town of Nardo, known for its Baroque palaces and renowned Negroamaro wine.
Day 2 : Nardo > Lecce > Galatina > Nardo
In the morning meet your guide and transfer to Lecce for a private tour of the historic town centre. Learn about the unique Leccese Baroque style, the work of skilled craftsmen who created intricate designs using the local pink limestone.
Time at leisure to discover the hidden corners of the city before you continue your journey. Stop for a visit to the hidden gem that is Galatina, renowned for its exquisite church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria which features medieval frescoes. Return to Nardo to overnight.
Day 3 : Nardo > Otranto > Nardo
Today you will spend time in Otranto, located at the eastern point of Italy overlooking the Adriatic. Otranto, also called “The Door to the Orient”, is home to the famous Santa Maria Annunziata Cathedral that was first opened to prayer in 1088, and is considered the biggest church in Puglia. The village is also home to an Aragonese castle complete with towers, bastions and fortified walls.
Next, you will enjoy a scenic drive to a local cheese farm. On the way, admire an ancient tower that overlooks the sea and learn about the interesting history of the people who live in this region. During your visit to the cheese farm you will hear more about the preparation of local culinary delicacies made with ancient techniques. Enjoy a light lunch at the farm, tasting local products such as ham, salami, capocollo, local cheeses and friselle (Italian twice-baked bread) with fresh tomatoes. Later, drive through the enchanting Salento landscape and visit a winery famous for its typical Apulian award-winning wines. Transfer back to Nardo later in the afternoon.
Day 4 : Nardo
This morning you will join a special cooking class with a chef at a local villa. Here you will learn about the history and traditions that make up the elegant and fresh local cuisine of this region. After lunch your driver will take you to a historic winery which produces the famous Negramaro wine and excellent extra virgin olive oil.
Day 5 : Nardo > Alberobello > Ostuni
Depart the Salento area and drive north where you will discover two jewels of the Apulia region: Ostuni and Alberobello. Enjoy a walking tour of Alberobello with a visit to the popular Monti district, a hillside town popular for its “trulli” dry stone houses and their conical rooftops. Drive to the charming town of Ostuni with its whitewashed old town for an overnight stay.
Day 6 : Ostuni > Polignano a Mare > Monopoli > Ostuni
Today you will visit two enchanting seaside villages: Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. You will have time at leisure to explore and get lost among the wonderful narrow streets of Polignano. This small village is located on the coast between Bari and Brindisi, featuring a lively, untouched historic centre characterised by the many balconies with breathtaking sea views and white walled houses. Continue your exploration to Monopoli, just along the coast from Polignano a Mare. This quiet medieval port town has a sandy beach and a promenade to stroll along while admiring the traditional blue fishing boats bobbing in the Porto Vecchio harbour. Later, transfer back to Ostuni.
Day 7 : Ostuni > Matera > Ostuni
Today you will discover Matera, a remote and timeless corner of Italy filled with ancient history, beautiful architecture and vibrant streets. Walk through the old Matera area, called “I Sassi“ and a maze of caves, ancient churches and stone facades carved from a massive slope of yellowed tufa. Matera was home to communities from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. In more recent times it was a monastic settlement and a centre of a vibrant peasant culture which settled in the surrounding hills and plains. Afternoon at leisure in Matera, before you transfer back to Ostuni.
Day 8 : Ostuni > Bari
After breakfast you will have some time at leisure before a private transfer takes you to Bari airport, where arrangements conclude.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), AUD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2025 |
|||
|
4-star |
|||
| 1 Jan – 31 Dec |
AU$8,790 |
||
2025
4-star
1 Jan – 31 Dec
Twin: from $8790
Departs
| Daily, year-round |
Included
- Tailor-made journey
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 7 breakfasts and 2 lunches
- Meet & Greet at Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- English-speaking local guides
- Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Private cooking class
- Two shared wine tastings
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary unless listed as not included
Not Included
- Entrance fees to the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria in Galatina
- City tax paid directly to your hotel
- Gratuities
Important Notes
- Please enquire about pricing for a single travelling alone
- Surcharges apply for Easter/Holy Week and the Christmas/New Year period
- Surcharges may also apply during festivals and National holidays
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
