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
Last Minute
Pricing: € 3,800
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
Your Puglia adventure begins in Bari, a city where ancient alleyways and Romanesque architecture tell stories of centuries past. Take a stroll through its historic quarter with a knowledgeable local guide. Visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas, a masterpiece of this medieval architectural tradition, wander past the Norman Swabian Castle, and the Bari Fish Market with its fresh catch of the day. Afterwards, travel inland to the graceful city of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” a place of golden stone and timeless baroque beauty. Settle into your boutique hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner that celebrates the flavors and warmth of Puglia.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch on your own, dinner included
Accommodations: Overnight in Lecce
This morning begins with a private walking tour through Lecce, the baroque jewel of southern Italy, where ornate mansions and lavish churches glow in the warm hue of its soft golden stone. After the tour, experience the art of papier-mâché, a centuries-old craft that continues to flourish in the hands of local masters. You’ll take part in a hands-on workshop, learning the delicate techniques behind these graceful creations. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps visiting the fascinating Museo Faggiano for a glimpse into the city’s layered past. As evening falls, experience the rhythm of Puglia’s traditions with a private pizzica folk performance, complete with a glass of sparkling prosecco to toast another unforgettable day.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Lecce
This morning, visit a traditional Apulian farmhouse, or masseria, for an intimate cheese-making experience that reveals one of Puglia’s most beloved culinary traditions. Learn how local artisans transform fresh milk into delicate cheeses and enjoy a tasting of their delicious creations. Continue along the Adriatic coast to Cape Otranto, where a restored 19th-century lighthouse overlooks the turquoise waters and, on clear days, offers views all the way to Albania. Spend time exploring Otranto, a picturesque harbor town known for its medieval charm and remarkable 12th-century mosaic floor inside the Cathedral. The afternoon invites you to unwind by the sea, with time to relax on the soft sand or swim in the crystal-clear waters (weather permitting) before returning to Lecce for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Lecce
This morning, depart from Puglia toward the neighboring Basilicata region, a land of hidden beauty and deep history. Stop first in Galatina, once a Greek colony and now home to the magnificent Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, where exquisite fifteenth-century frescoes bring biblical stories to life. Continue to a family-run winery to meet our friend Donato and enjoy a tasting of fine local wines paired with a light lunch, a perfect reflection of southern Italy’s warmth and generosity. In the afternoon, arrive in Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary towns, known for its ancient cave dwellings carved from stone. Settle into your boutique cave hotel and prepare to explore this unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Matera
Today is devoted to discovering Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a true masterpiece of southern Italy. With your expert local guide, explore the labyrinth of cave dwellings known as the Sassi di Matera, carved into the luminous limestone cliffs and once home to generations of artisans and monks. Wander through prehistoric grottoes, ancient tabernacles, and medieval churches adorned with remarkable frescoes, each corner revealing traces of the city’s layered past. Matera’s haunting beauty has made it the backdrop for several acclaimed films, its dramatic scenery perfectly suited to epic storytelling. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore its winding streets and hidden terraces before gathering this evening for dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Matera
This morning, journey through the rugged beauty of the Murgia Valley to the remarkable Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site that crowns the landscape with its perfect octagonal form. Built under Emperor Frederick II, it remains one of Italy’s most captivating medieval masterpieces. We’ll take a guided tour of this amazing site. We then continue to the coastal town of Trani, a place of quiet elegance and deep history, where the Romanesque Cathedral of San Pellegrino rises dramatically above the sea. Wander through the old Jewish quarter with its winding alleys, historic synagogues, and artisan workshops that preserve centuries of tradition. The day concludes in the gleaming white town of Ostuni, where you’ll settle into a central boutique hotel for the next four nights.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni
Enjoy a leisurely morning before experiencing daily life in Puglia through its most cherished traditions. Begin with a visit to a family-run masseria for a guided tour and tasting of their fragrant olive oils, learning firsthand how this liquid gold shapes both the cuisine and culture of southern Italy. Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its conical trulli houses. Step inside an eighteenth-century trullo to discover how these remarkable homes reflect the ingenuity and lifestyle of generations past. Return to Ostuni for free time to explore its romantic streets, then end the day dining in an authentic Apulian bistro among locals, sharing food, conversation, and the spirit of true Italian living.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni
Begin the day in the whitewashed hilltop village of Locorotondo, one of the most picturesque towns in Italy. Its quiet streets curve in graceful circles, framed by flower-filled balconies and sunlit stone archways that speak of centuries of care. After exploring, visit an Apulian family in their colorful trullo home for an intimate hands-on cooking class. Together, prepare a traditional southern Italian dish, learning techniques passed down through generations and sharing in the warmth of true local hospitality. Return to Ostuni to relax and enjoy the evening at leisure, living like a true Italian with good food, good company, and a heart full of joy.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni
Travel to the dazzling coastal town of Polignano a Mare to board a private boat for a scenic cruise along the Adriatic. Sail past hidden coves and majestic limestone cliffs that reveal the natural splendor of Puglia from the sea. After returning to shore, wander through the charming old town, where whitewashed houses seem to float above the turquoise water. Then, continue along the coast to the charming fishing village of Monopoli, where the sea sparkles against whitewashed walls and the spirit of Puglia comes alive. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a celebratory dinner at a restaurant featuring regional specialties, raising a glass to the unforgettable memories of your journey.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni
After breakfast, it is time to say arrivederci to Puglia, a region that has shared its beauty, flavors, and spirit so generously. Transfers are provided to Brindisi or Bari. As you leave behind the whitewashed towns, olive groves, and glittering Adriatic shores, carry with you the memories of a place that welcomes you as family and stays in your heart long after you return home. Enhance your experience by combining our Puglia tour with an unforgettable tour of Sicily and Southern Italy
Meals: Breakfast is included
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 coffee with a set amount included
- 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 09:30, 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
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