Discover the Secrets of Puglia & Matera
Puglia Small Group Tour – Embark on our small group tour through Puglia and Matera, where the timeless beauty of southern Italy unfolds in sunlit olive groves, whitewashed towns, and the scent of the Adriatic breeze. This enchanting region at the heel of Italy’s boot is a place where simplicity and elegance live side by side. Ancient stone villages glow in the afternoon light, fishermen mend their nets by the harbor, and long tables are set beneath the branches of centuries-old trees. Life here follows a graceful rhythm, shaped by family, food, and the joy of shared moments.
This captivating region remains one of Italy’s most treasured secrets. From the storybook trulli of Alberobello to the baroque streets of Lecce, Puglia invites you to slow down and savor life as the locals do. Along the way, discover places where time seems to stand still, from the Romanesque cathedrals that line the coast to the extraordinary cave dwellings of Matera, a city carved from stone and steeped in history.
Here, every meal is a celebration, every encounter a connection, and every corner tells a story of authenticity and charm. With Secret Italia Tours, you are invited to experience this land not through hurried sightseeing but through genuine discovery, quiet comfort, and the simple pleasure of traveling among friends.
Upcoming Tour Dates 10 Days / 9 Nights
Last Minute
Pricing: € 3,700
Price is per person based on double room occupancy
Single supplement available at the cost of € 1,000
Experience the beauty
Tour Highlights
- City tours of Matera, Lecce, Castel del Monte, Otranto, Bari and more!
- Tour of Bari and its famous fish market
- Primitivo wine tasting in Gioia del Colle
- Tour of the historic Casa Cisterna & Chiesa Rupestre in Matera
- Burrata cheese-making experience
- Papier-mache workshop
- Hands-on cooking workshop in the house of an Apulian Family
- Traditional restaurant & regional cuisine experiences
- Olive oil tasting experience in Ostuni
- Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Castel Del Monte
- Private boat tour in Polignano a Mare
Overnight Accomodations
Tour Itinerary
Additional Information
- Small group tour of 12-15 participants
- Knowledgeable English-speaking tour director
- Entrance fees for all sites
- Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned motor coach
- Local guides in the outlined cities and towns as per itinerary
- Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
- Baggage transfers or porters
- All breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso or tea
- Transfers to and from Bari airport. We suggest arriving a day or two before the tour begins to acclimate to the time zone
- On Day 1 at 9:30 am, please meet our Tour Manager and Driver outside the Oriente Hotel with your luggage
- Activity level: Moderate
- Terms & Conditions/single supplement and FAQ
- Baggage transfers or porters at the Hotel in Bari
- Travel insurance and visa fees/Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
- Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
- Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
- Gratuities for the tour director and local driver
- Single room supplement
- Airfares
- Extend your stay in Bari, Ostuni or Vieste
Tour Reviews
Beautiful Puglia
My sister and I have just returned from a wonderful tour from Bari through the delightful area of Puglia. A small group of like minded travellers looked after by the amazing tour guide Sarah and Georgio, the talented driver. The tour was fashioned in a way that we had enough free time to explore on our own. Sarah was so knowledgeable about the area and delighted us with her commentary. And the accommodations were well above what we were expecting. I cannot recommend Secret Italia enough
Response from Secret Italia Tours
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Puglia tour and that the experience lived up to your expectations. Our team loves showcasing the region’s beauty, culture, and flavors, so your kind words mean a lot. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Italy soon!
"Bellissima Puglia and Matera" Small Group Tour is Fantastico
This tour with Secret Italia was my wife’s and my first tour outside of cruises, so we were a bit skeptical of what we were getting into. Fear not first time tour members, it could not have been better from start to finish. Communications with Manuela (more than she would want I suspect) was easy and responses were prompt. And our tour group leader, Nikol, WOW, she was fantastic. She did an excellent job of corralling our group, which was basically like herding cats for 10 days (she must be exhausted)! Nikol is well organized and efficient, not to mention beautiful, fun, energetic and she went above and beyond for any requests or issues that arose with any group member. The tour itself was wonderful, with Lecce and Matera being favorite overnight locations, as well as day trips that included Alterobella and Locorotondo that were gems. Excursions were great, with an unbelievable wine tasting, a cheese making demonstration, folk dancing and of course the cooking class being some of the highlights. Our group consisted of 16 individuals, mostly from the US with one couple each from Scotland and Australia. I have never experienced group dynamics like those of our group, everyone was fun, participated, was respectful of each other and just generally had a great time. We bonded so well in fact that we are talking about doing another tour together in the not too distant future – how does that happen over a 10-day period? We would highly recommend this tour for anyone and will definitely keep Secret Italia near as we plan future trips abroad.
Puglia is the best!!!
Hi Manuela
I must tell you that our recent tour to Puglia with our guide Nikol was totally wonderful, and partularly so because of the complete profesionalism,warmth and empathy towards all in our diverse group that she showed..she was perfect..great fun and full of laughter
The hotels, restaurants,and guides were also very good…a really great tour
We have no hesitation in recommending your tour, and particularly touring with Nikol
Would you please pass these comments on to Nicol
Thanks
Jenny and Cliff Tarry
In love with Bellissima Puglia!!!
Buongiorno Manuela, Katrin and Aldo!
We have arrived home from our trip to Italy and wanted to share our thoughts on this magnificent trip!
Everything was perfect – from Sarah, our Tour Manager; Giorgio our shuttle driver; the hotels, the food, the local tour guides – all AMAZING! Sarah added so much to the experience, her knowledge of the trip, the locations, as well as cultural and personal experiences that she shared, gave the trip a feeling of immersion into Italy and well as the Italian people. We also appreciated her ability to answer all questions with grace and calm. The balance of group time vs on our own time was perfect. We realized that being a part of a smaller group, allowed us access to hotels that really made the trip special. And having our bags in our rooms as we arrived was a bonus we had not realized would be so appreciated. As newcomers to Secret Italia, I wanted to extend my gratitude to you Manuela, for your patience in answering all of our questions. As someone who greatly appreciates organization, I wanted to commend you on your superior skills!
We hope to be on another Secret Italia trip in the near future – Until then mille grazie and buona giornata!
Lisa & Joe
Puglia Amore Mio - A beautiful tour
Dear Katrin
We had an amazing tour of Puglia! Our guide Maria was amazing with great local knowledge & a fun sense of humor. Maria was a really lovely person who went above & beyond to ensure we had an amazing time. All the hotels were of a very high standard & in great locations in each town. What really made the tour extra special was the different ‘experiences’ we participated in which really gave us a feel for the region & the unique artisans that make it so special. I will be recommending Secret Italia tours to friends & family.
Experience the Best
Why Book with Us?
Authentic Travel Experiences
We believe in showcasing the true heart of the Mediterranean. Our meticulously crafted tours delve beyond the surface, immersing you in the local culture, cuisine, and hidden gems that only true insiders know.
Small Group Exclusivity
Our tours are limited to a maximum of 12-15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. You'll enjoy meaningful interactions, flexibility, and the chance to forge genuine connections with both locals and fellow travelers.
Passionate Local Expertise
Our team is deeply rooted in Europe, with extensive knowledge and a love for sharing our homeland. We take pride in hand-selecting accommodations, activities, and experiences that reflect our passion for authentic Mediterranean living.
Stress-Free Travel
Leave the planning to us! We handle every detail, from logistics to unique cultural encounters, allowing you to relax and fully savor every moment of your Italian adventure.
Sustainable Tourism
We are dedicated to responsible travel practices that respect the environment and support local communities. We strive to leave a positive impact wherever we go.
Competitive Rates
Enjoy exceptional value on your European journey. We offer transparent pricing and zero booking fees, ensuring you get the best possible experience for your budget.