Matera
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Puglia Journeys
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Matera
Trulli, Alberobello
Otranto
Lecce
Martina Franca

Puglia Journeys (Tour code: 12366)

Starts and Ends
in Bari
Travel Periods
22 Apr 26 - 04 Nov 26
Travel Style
Escorted Group Tour
Join Puglia Journeys for an 8-day small group tour. Discover Alberobello’s Trulli, Matera’s UNESCO-listed caves, and savour Puglia’s history, culture, and cuisine in southern Italy’s most enchanting towns.

Highlights

Guaranteed Departures

Small group of maximum 25 People

Guided visits in Bari, Matera & Lecce

Discover Alberobello’s iconic Trulli, nestled in picturesque countryside

See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera

Hands-on pasta making with wine at a traditional Masseria

Explore Locorotondo and Ostuni, Puglia’s charming white towns

8 days
From
AUD 4,988
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

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Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

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In partnership

Entire Group Journeys

Overview

Puglia Journeys invites you to discover the heart of southern Italy, beginning in the lively port city of Bari and winding through the region’s most captivating towns and landscapes. This thoughtfully curated itinerary blends guided exploration with leisure, taking you from the historic streets of Bari and the coastal elegance of Trani to the mysterious Castel del Monte and the iconic Trulli houses of Alberobello.

You’ll also experience the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the charm of Puglia’s famous “white towns,” including Locorotondo and Ostuni.

As the journey continues, immerse yourself in the baroque beauty of Lecce, the multicultural history of Otranto, and the seaside allure of Monopoli. Along the way, savour authentic Apulian cuisine with special experiences like a traditional dinner at a masseria and a hands-on pasta-making class. 

Peace of mind booking plan
  1. ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
  2. ENTIRE AUD Prices
  3. ENTIRE Change of Mind
  4. ENTIRE Industry Accredited
  5. ENTIRE On Ground Support
  6. ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

7-night accommodation in 4-star hotels
Transportation by coach
Daily breakfast
4 Meals and 2 Local Food Experiences included
Entrance fees included for: Casa Grotta (Matera), Otranto Cathedral, and the Churches of Lecce
Local Guide in Bari, Matera and Lecce
English-Speaking Only Tour Director throughout the journey
Cooking class experience

Day 1 Bari

Welcome to Bari!

Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy yout transfer to the hotel.

Check-in at the hotel and day at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Excelsior or similar.

Dinner
Bari
Bari

Intro Map

Bari > Trani > Castel del Monte > Alberobello > Matera > Locorotondo > Ostuni > Otranto > Lecce > Martina Franca > Monopoli > Bari

Map

Day 2 Bari

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and meet our tour leader for a morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia.

Visit the old city center, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle, with its breathtaking views (castle entry at your own expense). Continue to Piazza Mercantile and see the ancient Column of Justice.

After the visit, you'll have free time for lunch. While not included in the package, we recommend you enjoy a meal at a typical local restaurant in the city center or explore the area for some delicious street food.

Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Excelsior or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner
Bari
Norman-Swabian Castle

Day 3 Bari Trani Castel Del Monte Alberobello

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral.

In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery.

Your journey will continue towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These drystone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley.

Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a welcome toast with a glass of local white wine and a taste of the famous Apulian taralli.

Overnight stay in Alberobello at Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner
Bari → Trani →  Castel Del Monte → Alberobello
Alberobello

Day 4 Alberobello Matera Alberobello

After breakfast, the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site: Matera.

Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years! that are part of the historic center of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon.

Dinner at the hotel is included.

Overnight stay in Alberobello at Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner
Alberobello → Matera → Alberobello
Sassi di Matera

Day 5 Alberobello Locorotondo Ostuni Lecce

After breakfast, we leave Alberobello and reach Locorotondo by coach.

Enjoy some free time to explore this charming little town, one of Puglia’s famous “white towns.” Hop back on the coach and head to Ostuni, set between the Trulli region and Salento. It overlooks a beautiful plain filled with ancient olive trees.

You’ll have time to wander around, grab some lunch, do a bit of shopping, and try some local specialties, like Ostuni’s world-renowned olive oil (not included).

In the afternoon, we’ll get back on the coach and continue on to Lecce, right in the heart of the Salento region. Later, enjoy a dinner in Lecce.

Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Delle Palme or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner
Alberobello → Locorotondo → Ostuni → Lecce
Locorotondo

Day 6 Lecce Otranto Lecce

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce.

Learn its history, explore the old town center, the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo.

After the visit, you'll board the coach and leave Lecce for Otranto. You'll have free time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Otranto at your own pace. Over centuries, the city has seen invasions leaving traces of Greek, Roman, and Turkish cultures. Wander the old quarters to see this blend. Don't miss the iconic Cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed behind the altar, and its marvelous mosaic floor, rivalling Ravenna's.

In the early evening, reach Maglie for dinner at "Masseria L’Uliveto." Visit this ancient farm, learning about Puglia's history and culture, and enjoy typical regional meals. At night, travel back to Lecce for overnight.

Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Delle Palme or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner
Lecce → Otranto → Lecce
Lecce

Day 7 Lecce Martina Franca Monopoli Bari

After breakfast, we head back to Bari, driving through the unique Murge plateau. We'll visit Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village with churches, noble buildings, and squares. Continue through Valle d’Itria, a rural area of olive trees and vineyards.

Lunch will be at a Masseria, where organic food and excellent extra virgin olive oil are produced, including a tasting.

In the afternoon, explore Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Its intricate streets reveal an oriental atmosphere from ancient commerce and crusader departures. After Monopoli, a short drive returns us to Bari for overnight.

Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Excelsior or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch
Lecce → Martina Franca → Monopoli → Bari
Piazza Plebiscito

Day 8 Bari

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bari Airport.
End of our services.

Breakfast

Additional information

  • No age limit

  • All passengers must be able to indepently board and alight the coach.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

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For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

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Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

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Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

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Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

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Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

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Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

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At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
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Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
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We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

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