Welcome to this immersive journey through the heart of one of Italy’s most trending regions – Puglia.
Over the course of this carefully crafted tour, you will experience Puglia’s rich blend of history, culture, and, of course, its celebrated cuisine. From the charming streets of Bari to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Basilicata’s Matera, each stop is designed to provide you with authentic, local experiences. Whether you’re strolling through ancient towns, enjoying a private cooking class with a local chef, or sampling Puglia’s world-renowned wines, this journey will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Along the way, you’ll not only savor the delicious flavors of Puglia but also explore its artistic and cultural heritage. This tour is designed to blend the joy Puglia with a touch of your very own bella vita.
Accommodations and Transportation:
Meals:
Group Excursions and Experiences:
Benvenuti a Puglia!
You’ll touch down at the airport by 3 pm, where the group will gather and head to our charming hotel in the heart of town.
After checking in and freshening up, we’ll dive straight into the Pugliese lifestyle with a local guide who knows all the best spots and hidden stories. Get ready to stroll through the lively streets of Bari and soak in the beauty of this coastal gem.
We’ll wander the cobbled streets of Bari’s Old Town, where you’ll be wowed by the Basilica of St. Nicholas (don’t forget to check out the sacred crypt!), the stunning San Sabino Cathedral, and scenic squares with Adriatic Sea views.
Oh, and did we mention orecchiette? A stop in the famous orecchiette street is a must! You’ll get to try some local dishes along the way—because, after all, no visit to Bari is complete without a taste of its traditional flavors. Buon appetito!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves for an unforgettable cooking class in Molfetta! You’ll dive into the heart of Apulian cuisine, learning to whip up traditional dishes that are packed with flavor and history. With a passionate local chef and mamma leading the way, you’ll master recipes passed down through generations—and trust us, you’ll be tasting the love in every bite.
After we’ve cooked and eaten to our heart’s content (yes, wine is included 🍷), we’ll stroll through Molfetta’s charming streets. This vibrant fishing town is full of character, and you’ll discover its best-kept secrets as we wander the picturesque alleys and soak in the local landmarks.
Next, we’re heading to Andria for a sweet adventure at the Mucci Museum! This hidden gem is all about confetti—those iconic, sugar-coated almonds that have been a symbol of Italian celebrations for centuries.
Established in 1894 by Nicola Mucci, this museum is a sugary wonderland where you’ll dive into the history and craft behind these colorful treats. From the old-school methods to modern-day magic, you’ll learn all about the meticulous process that makes these confections so special.
With confetti in every color and flavor imaginable, this visit is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Get ready to be enchanted by this delicious piece of Italian tradition—because nothing says “celebration” quite like confetti!
Return to Bari. Evening on your own. Overnight in Bari.
Start your day with a warm welcome in Altamura at Panificio, a historic bakery where the legendary Altamura bread has been baked for centuries! Meet the passionate owner who’ll share the story of why this bread is world-famous, and of course, you’ll sample some freshly baked goodies while you’re there.
Next, we’ll stretch our legs with a stroll through Altamura’s charming streets, visiting the stunning Altamura Cathedral. But we’re not done with the local treats yet! We’ll stop at the historic Caffè Ronchi Striccoli, where you’ll try Amaro Padre Peppe (a bold herbal liquor) and the indulgent Tetta della Monaca (a local pastry that’s a must-try!). This is a true foodie’s dream!
Then, we will get ready for a unique ride through Matera—Italy’s famous “Sassi” town—aboard an iconic Ape Calessino (Tuk Tuk)! Matera’s ancient caves and winding streets have been the backdrop for films like “The Passion of the Christ” and “James Bond: No Time to Die,” and now you’ll get to explore it all without breaking a sweat.
With your local guide leading the way, you’ll zip through the historic Sasso Caveoso neighborhood, checking out the cave houses, magnificent churches, and jaw-dropping views of the valley below. Be sure to have your camera ready—this UNESCO World Heritage site is packed with picture-perfect moments!
Return to Bari. Evening on your own. Overnight in Bari.
We’ll bid farewell to Bari and will discover the magic of Locorotondo, a town that literally comes full circle! Known for its unique round layout and charming whitewashed homes, Locorotondo’s name—taken from the Latin Locus Rotundus—means “round place,” and you’ll see why the minute you step foot in this picture-perfect village.
Set in the stunning Valle d’Itria, Locorotondo is surrounded by rolling vineyards and ancient olive groves, making it a hot spot for wine lovers, especially fans of the crisp Locorotondo DOC white wine. Recognized as one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Villages” and proudly sporting the Orange Flag for its beauty and accessibility, this town is full of history and charm. As you stroll through its narrow, winding streets, you’ll notice the traditional cummerse houses with their signature sloping stone roofs—a true nod to the region’s architectural heritage.
When it’s time to indulge, we’ll head to a nearby restaurant for an unforgettable meal. This cozy spot offers up the best of Apulian cuisine, blending local flavors with a top-notch selection of wines. The menu is all about seasonal ingredients, and you’ll be savoring dishes inspired by the surrounding region, paired with some of Puglia’s finest wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro.
Following lunch, we’ll drive to Lecce, the beating heart of Puglia, where history, culture, and southern Italian charm come together in one unforgettable place.
Known for its stunning baroque architecture and lively atmosphere, Lecce is the kind of city that sweeps you off your feet with every twist and turn of its cobblestone streets. Whether it’s the warm hospitality of the locals, the incredible food (trust us, the pasticciotto is a must-try!), or the creative energy that fills the air, Lecce is the perfect blend of old-world beauty and vibrant modern life. From chic cafes and buzzing piazzas to hidden artisan workshops, Lecce is where tradition and innovation meet in the most delightful way possible. We’ll check into our hotel and have the rest of the day on your own. Overnight in Lecce.
This morning we will head outside of Lecce to visit a 150+ year-old cascina, a hidden gem in the heart of the Cupa Valley, that stands as a living testament to the rural tales and traditions of Salento.
Nestled in this lush treasure trove of biodiversity, you’ll meet Giorgia and Francesco, who offer everything from fruit trees and exotic plants to four hectares of indigenous vineyards—primarily the legendary Negroamaro grape—each offering a taste of forgotten flavors as you explore the botanical and agricultural paths.
The magic comes alive in its palmento, the ancient winemaking heart of the estate. It’s from here that Giorgia’s passion project was born—a family-driven, slow, and eco-sustainable venture that’s all about preserving the time-honored traditions of rural agriculture and winemaking in Salento.
This is more than just a vineyard; it’s a living, breathing celebration of Salento’s agricultural roots, brought to life through Giorgia’s commitment to sustainability and authentic, slow living. If you’re looking for a taste of history, with a twist of innovation, this is the place to be!
Lunch is included on the farm. Then, we’ll return to Lecce and have the rest of the day on our own. Overnight Lecce.
We’ll maximize our last full day in Puglia by diving first into the world of cartapesta (that’s paper-mâché, Lecce-style!) and discover the magic behind this centuries-old Salento art.
Combining paper-mâché and clay, the artisans of Lecce have been crafting both sacred and quirky statues for generations. Now, it’s your turn to get hands-on in this unique workshop! You’ll learn all about the history and techniques behind the craft, and then roll up your sleeves to work on your masterpiece. It’s not just a lesson—it’s a journey into Lecce’s artistic soul!
After the workshop, we will explore Lecce’s breathtaking Baroque charm with a private guided food tour. Lecce is a living work of art, full of intricately detailed churches and grand historic buildings. We will skip a seated lunch today and will instead stroll through the city center, snacking as we go and soaking in the atmosphere of this gorgeous town.
We will have a break to rest and pack, then we will end the day with a sunset aperitivo in Gallipoli. You’ll enjoy some of the best views in Puglia while savoring delicious local snacks.
Return to Lecce. Overnight in Lecce.
You’ll have breakfast, then will depart for the Bari Airport.
Ciao for now, Puglia Bella.
We love private tours and can often include extra fun elements that aren’t available to individual travelers. If you’d like a bilingual escort or driver, just let us know. We’ll be happy to plan your custom vacation accordingly.
This is a great question because there is sometimes overlap amongst the three which leads to confusion. To keep it quick though, a travel consultant is a local expert, meaning she only focuses on a specific part of the world, in some cases one country, in other cases (like mine) part of one country. This person usually lives (or has lived for an extended amount of time) in the place she consults on and has an intimate knowledge of the area.
A travel agent is similar in that she helps her clients put their trips together. A travel agent can specialize in a country but oftentimes hasn’t lived there and/or may not have traveled to all of the places her clients are going. A travel agent can search for and book flights and cruises that travel consultants can’t or choose not to book.
I often work with travel agents who want to ensure they are offering the best service to their clients. The travel agent will contact me and together we’ll put the Calabria/southern Italy section of their client’s vacation together.
A tour operator packages trip elements into travel packages that they either sell directly or through travel agents. Some travel consultants (like me) are registered as a tour operator for legal business purposes.
When you book a custom vacation, there is more going into your trip than simply recommending a hotel or a cooking class. I am invested in my clients’ trips and I work with them to choose the right base locations, to map out their ideal route and to ensure the hotels, guides, excursions and activities are right for them.
It’s been estimated the average person spends 100 hours researching, planning and booking a vacation. My clients either don’t have this kind of time to devote to planning their trip or they want to ensure they are making the right decisions for their vacation.
Besides the fact that I’m being paid by my clients to plan their trips, I choose not to accept commissions from hotels, car companies, chefs or other vendors because I don’t like the potential conflict of interest. If I don’t accept commission from anyone, then my clients know I always have their best interest in mind.
I don’t – but I can either coordinate with your travel agent, recommend an agent to you for group travel or tell you about the airlines I personally choose when I’m traveling.
