Family traditions, unexpected history, and exceptional cuisine make Puglia a destination for true explorers. Starting at USD $8,450 per person (6-12 travelers).
The Puglia Paradise Tour
Pristine beaches, 3,000 years of history, and fresh local food are just the beginning.
11 Days/10 Nights (2 Nights in Bari + 1 Nights in Matera + 4 Nights in Lecce + 3 Nights in Masseria)*
Starting at USD $8,450 price
per person based on double occupancy (12 travelers max). Call us to
reserve your spot today.
Those who love traveling to Italy and have been yearning to experience the authentic lifestyle need to look no further. Here, far away from crowds, you'll see places where traditions are kept at the forefront of daily life, and meal preparation is a ritual to be respected and appreciated every day, with friends, and family. Wander through the maze of cobbled stone streets of charming white-washed towns like Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Otranto, a photographer's delight, where quaint courtyards, ornate staircases, and balconies overflowing with flowers will surprise you at every corner.
Let this lesser-known Italian region pleasantly surprise you with its authentic and natural beauty.
Travel back in time as you visit the amazing caves in Matera, an ancient village carved out of rock, rising above a dramatic landscape of slopes and ravines.
See the peculiar Trulli, cone-shaped dwellings made with dry-stone walls in Alberobello and the surrounding countryside. Ride through the Plain of Fasano, where the fields are dotted with massive thousand-year old olive trees as far as the eye can see. Take a journey in the ancient lands of Negroamaro and Primitivo wines, where you'll visit an elegant boutique winery.
In the elegant city of Lecce, you'll discover the intricate designs of Baroque architecture, view a private "taranta" dance show, and learn about the local craft of papier-mache'.
Food lovers will find a home in this culturally rich region, where you can savor tasty Mediterranean delicacies from both local farms and coastal areas: from fresh-caught fish and seafood dishes, to the artisanal mozzarella called "Burrata" (creamy, rich, and decadent!), traditional meatballs with tomato sauce, home-made "orecchiette" pasta, fragrant extra virgin olive oil, and so much more.
Immerse Yourself in Unexpected Beauty
Our Puglia guided tours are designed so that our travelers are able to experience this Italian region to the fullest extent. And they are designed as such because we want you to be exposed to an authentic Italian lifestyle that is virtually untouched by time.
Puglia is much more than just a place where historical buildings still stand to this very day. It’s also a place where many of the citizens have a profound respect for customs that are somewhat lost in other regions of Italy that have adopted modernity.
In Puglia, old customs and traditions are still practiced to this very day. And through our guided tours of Puglia, you’ll be able to witness them in person.
Nada’s Italy Small Group Tours of Puglia
If you yearn to discover an Italian region that’s been barely touched by time, you will find this in Puglia. And this is because a trip to this Italian region will expose you to a myriad of historical sites, authentic Italian traditions, and equally authentic Italian food and wine.
While here, you’ll learn about plenty of customs that are practiced nearly every day including the art of papier-mâché and the traditional Southern Italian dance of “Taranta”. Such customs are an integral part of this Italian region, which is why it’s a Puglia must see for travelers who search for something out of the ordinary. You’ll also be able to experience and witness up close many of the historical buildings that occupy this Italian region as some are adorned with accessories that highlight their beauty even to this day. But most of all, of course, you can indulge yourself in the food and wine culture as you witness the practice of Italian cuisine in person.
Our authentic Puglia tours are a definite must for anyone and anybody who wants to learn and even see in person what authentic Italian culture is like.
*Nada's Italy works with centrally-located luxury boutique hotels of the highest quality standards and amenities, which we regularly inspect and evaluate. For specific information about accommodations selected for this tour, please contact us with your travel dates.
Overview
- EXPLORE: Bari, Matera, Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, Lecce, Ostuni, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Galatina, Altamura.
- Experience Puglia with a small group of 6-12 travelers.
- Savor regional specialties and home-made meals in family-owned trattorias.
- Stay in a "cave dwelling" turned luxury hotel in Matera and other uniquely luxurious accommodations.
- Walk up the picturesque cobblestone alleyways of white-washed villages such as Cisternino, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Otranto, among many others.
- Discover Bari, Lecce, and Puglia's amazing historical sites with expert local guides.
- Visit a local olive mill and learn about how olive oil was made.
- Learn about the traditional bread of Altamura in a typical bakery.
- Explore the Trulli of Alberobello and the Valle d'Itria.
- Enjoy
a tour of a winery that produces the deep, dark, fruity Salice Salentino.
- Take a fun cooking class
making tasty local dishes in a family-owned countryside Masseria.
- Take a leisure boat ride down the south-eastern coast of Puglia, floating by alcoves and clear blue waters.
- Visit Castel del Monte, a fascinating 12th century castle wrapped in mystery.
- Dive into local traditions such as the enthralling Taranta dance and papier mache' crafts.
(Itinerary is subject to change with or without notice. The sequence
of day trips may vary. A final itinerary will be given to travelers
prior to the start of the trip.)
Friday | Day 1 | Benvenuto: Welcome!
Welcome to Puglia! Start your journey uncovering one of Italy's last hidden gems. Tonight you will rest in a luxury hotel within walking distance of "Bari Vecchia" (the historic district of Bari) and relax after a long trip overseas. Enjoy a leisure walk through the picturesque streets of Bari with our expert City Guide who will introduce you to the main sites, churches, buildings, and traditions that Bari is known for, including the Basilica di San Nicola, which holds St. Nicholas' tomb under its main altar. We'll walk along the ancient walls, so we can better enjoy the view of the sea and harbor. The old town of Bari appears to revel in its own traditions. You may run into old ladies sitting by their front door, kneading fresh pasta and leaving the "orecchiette" (ear-shaped pasta) to dry out in the sun. Enjoy a delicious home-style meal with regional specialties with your fellow travelers.
Meals included: dinner
Saturday | Day 2 | Castel del Monte & Lecce
We'll leave the city of Bari to head inland, where we'll slowly see the stern and imposing Castel del Monte in the distance. This impressive structure dominates the surrounding countryside from a high viewpoint, where nothing interrupts its 360-degree view. There is a strong element of mystery within the castle, built in the 1240's by Emperor Frederick II of Svevia. The intent was not to create a defensive fortress, but rather a study & knowledge center where science, theology, philosophy, and alchemy experts from all over the Mediterranean could meet and exchange their thoughts & findings. The number 8, symbolizing the infinite nature of the Divine, appears repeatedly, almost obsessively, within the 8 rooms, the octagonal base, 8 towers each with 8 sides, and other architectural elements within the castle. We'll take a guided tour of this amazing site, a Unesco World Heritage site since 1996. We continue our drive to Lecce, aka "the Florence of the South". We continue our drive to Lecce, aka "the Florence of the South", we will have a group lunch on the way to Lecce, then we'll check into one of the most elegant parts of the city, where different architectural styles live together in perfect harmony. Enjoy a group dinner, carefully chosen among dozens of local traditional restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Sunday | Day 3 | From the Sea to the Olive Groves
Leave Lecce and head East for a relaxing day on the water of the Adriatic Sea. From the port of Otranto, we’ll be boarding a traditional sail boat that will take us along the beautiful coast of the region, where sandy beaches alternate with green-blue caves and craggy outcrops facing the clear waters of the Adriatic. We’ll enjoy a typical aperitivo on the boat, perhaps take a refreshing swim, before heading back to Otranto to continue our journey. Once back in Otranto, the easternmost Italian city, with a charming historical center, an imposing castle “Castello Aragonese”, and many picturesque viewpoints of the sea. Not to be missed is the Cattedrale dell’Annunziata, where you can see a massive mosaic floor dating back to the 12th century, with semi-precious stones depicting the Tree of Life, with fascinating scenes that mix sacred stories with profane ones. Walk around the cobblestone alleys decorated with flowers and stop by hidden gems such as the Byzantine Basilica of Saint Peter’s. Once we return to Lecce, you’ll be able to enjoy dinner on your own..
Meals included: breakfast, Aperitivo
Monday | Day 4 | Elegant Lecce
After breakfast, an expert local guide will meet us at the hotel to introduce us to Lecce's famous landmarks including the splendid Roman Amphitheater, the richly decorated Cathedral of Maria SS. Assunta. The way the light reflects on the buildings of Lecce is truly remarkable; making them spectacular by day, almost made of gold, but most strikingly dramatic at night time. We’ll be driving north, stopping at a local boutique winery, where the intense and full-bodied Salice Salentino wine is made from dark purple grapes of Negroamaro (which translated to “black-bitter”). We’ll learn about the production of the area, aging techniques, and then sit down for a wine tasting and delicious home-made lunch. We return to the hotel. We visit a traditional papier mâché workshop, where you can learn all about the ancient craft and why it bloomed in Lecce. You enjoy the rest of the evening on your own.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Tuesday | Day 5 | Galatina & Gallipoli
Today we'll be visiting Gallipoli, a fishing village with beautiful sea views and alleyways lined with clotheslines and locals leaning over balconies, conversing and greeting visitors as they walk by. We continue on towards the west coast, stopping in Galatina, a village where ornate palaces, rich portals, and Baroque churches boast the most elegant embellishments of Rococo' style. A must-see is the Romanesque-Gothic Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, where you'll be able to admire some of the most breath-taking frescoes from the School of Giotto, of which the importance is only second to the Basilica of Assisi. Before we head out to dinner back in Lecce, we'll be entertained by a local dance crew performing the famous "Taranta", among the most recognized forms of traditional southern Italian folk dance. It's characterized by a fast upbeat tempo, performed by a supposed victim of a "tarantula" bite, who is able to "shake off" through contortions and perspiration the delirium attributed to the spider's venom.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Wednesday | Day 6 | Altamura & the Magical Matera
Today we are exploring Altamura a charming town with beautiful palaces and churches such as the imposing Cattedrale dell’Assunta. Here, we’ll stop for leisurely lunch. Taste the first bakery product in Europe branded “DOP” (a certification that protects the traditional recipe, process, and place of production) the famous Pane di Altamura, prepared with “mother yeast”, ground wheat flower from the Murge area of Puglia, and baked in a wood brick oven. It dates back to Medieval times and is often in the shape of a “priest’s hat”. We’ll visit a local bakery where you’ll learn how this traditional bread is made. After some free time to stroll around Altamura, we continue our drive to Matera's deep and complex history through the centuries. Said to be one of the world’s oldest towns, dating back to pre-historic times Matera is known for its "Sassi", incredible cave dwellings dug into the limestone rock. The dramatic landscape surrounding the town as it rises from a deep gorge created by the Gravina river, give Matera an almost surreal atmosphere. Enjoy a group dinner, carefully chosen among dozens of local traditional restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Thursday | Day 7 | Puglia's Wine & Culinary Tradition
After check-out, we’ll be driving south, and stop along the way in the picturesque village of Ostuni. From the road below, it looks like a floating mirage of white light mid-way between the sea and land. From the ancient town, up the hill, you can see a beautiful coastline wrapped by lush green fields. The medieval heart of the town, called “Terra”, is crisscrossed by narrow alleys, steep stairways, craft shops, family-style restaurants, and small courtyards adorned with geranium planters. The 15TH century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral boasts a rare 24-SPOKE rose portal. We’ll be driving, stopping at a local Masseria to enjoy a fun group cooking class at a traditional family Masseria, a fortified farmhouse in typical Pugliese style, dating back to the 1600’s. This charming building allows to really sample life in southern Italy with the family’s warm hospitality. After lunch with local specialties, we’ll arrive at our resort, where you can enjoy a nice Italian aperitivo and relax by the pool, spending time on your own, and completely free your mind.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Aperitivo
Friday | Day 8 | Reflections of the Past
Today we’re exploring the beating heart of the Valle D’Itria, the heart of the region of Puglia. Visit Locorotondo, a circular-base village with stunning views of the countryside. We visit a traditional family-run urban winery, their vineyard, and taste their wine and local delicacies. We enjoy a pleasant walk in the narrow streets around the white-washed houses of Locorotondo. Time in the afternoon to explore Martina Franca, the largest town in the Valley. Explore its old center which boasts beautiful baroque architecture and quaint streets. Taste some local Gelato and then have some free time. Enjoy a group dinner, carefully chosen among dozens of local traditional restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast, light lunch, dinner
Saturday | Day 9 | Alberobello and the Trulli
Explore the beating heart of the Valle D'Itria, Alberobello, one of the world's most unique places and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit the community of Trulli, dating back to the 1400's with our expert City Guide, who will tell us about life in these peculiar cone-shaped dwellings and how they came to be. Enjoy lunch on you own in Alberobello, before heading altogether towards Cisternino, considered one of the most fascinating villages in the whole area. Time to stroll around before returning to the hotel for some time to rest. Tonight, you’ll learn about olive oil and savor home-made dishes at a nearby family-owned farm, surrounded by thousand-year- old olive groves and beautiful lush gardens with large tropical plants and fragrant citrus trees.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Sunday | Day 10 | The Coastal Flair of Polignano a Mare
After checking out from the hotel, we'll drive back up to Bari. On the way, we'll make a stop in Polignano a Mare a small village sitting on the edge of a dramatic cave overlooking the sea and then continue to Monopoli where we will enjoy a group lunch, before we head back to Bari.. After check-in, enjoy some extra time to experience the history and liveliness of Bari, explore its vivacious nightlife and bustling streets. Let the memories of the trip fill up your thoughts before returning home.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Monday | Day 11 | Arrivederci! Until we meet... and eat again!
Thank you for choosing Nada's Italy for your Italian adventure. We hope to have you back and experience more parts of this colorful culture again soon! Until next time, beautiful ITALIA says Ciao!
Meals included: breakfast
- 2 Nights in Bari + 1 Nights in Matera + 4 Nights in Lecce + 3 nights in Masseria. A trip totaling 11 Days/10 Nights (depart the US on Thursday and return on Monday).
- This tour begins and ends in Bari.
- Small group travel: maximum of 12 travelers per group!
- Fully escorted day trips with professional private drivers and full-time service of English-speaking Italian Nada's Italy Tour Director.
-
Meals included: all breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners (included meals are shown at bottom of the description for each day.)
- Beverages included: bottled water, soft drinks (in limited amounts), coffee, and 2 glasses of wine per person (choice of red or white) with included lunches and dinners.
- Destinations Included: Bari, Matera, Castel del Monte, Altamura, Lecce, Locorotondo, Gallipoli, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Alberobello, Galatina, Otranto, St. Maria di Leuca, among others (tinerary and destinations may vary depending on the time of year and are subject to weather conditions.)
- Unique Activities included: Tours of historic sites by Nada's Italy local City Guides (Bari, Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Lecce, and Matera), visit to a 15th century bakery in Altamura, boutique winery tour & lunch, boat excursion with lunch, visit to an ancient underground olive mill, cooking class in family Masseria, visit to a papier-mache' shop in Lecce, Taranta dance show, and much more!
- Private Transportation for day trips and transfers in comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes Executive vans (does not include: transfer from and to the airport, airfare, or any other personal travel expenses).
- A+ Rated Customer Service With Nada's Italy you can rest assured that your travel experience will be completely stress-free. Your personal Journey Coordinator will
assist you with any additional services you may need, provide expert
packing and travel advice, and answer any questions you may have before
your trip.
- Return Traveler Program: receive up to $800 credit per person towards any future trips you take with Nada's Italy!
- No bag limit (many tour companies have a 1-bag limit per person).
- Taxes & Fees: Local VAT taxes and government fees, City Tax, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, parking fees.
- Staff & restaurant tips (additional gratuities can be given at the sole discretion of each individual traveler).
What's Not Included in Tour Package
Trip
price does not include airfare and anything that is not specified to be
included. Price does not include any personal related expenses or
travel-related expenses outside of the scheduled itineraries. The food
& wine that is included is what is presented during meals.
Before you sign up, please note the following:
>
The
first day of this tour is Friday (you will need to book your flight from
the USA on Thursday to get to Bari on Friday). The last day of this
tour is Monday (arrival in the U.S. is the same day of departure on your
way back). Some tours start and end in different cities, make sure to
book your flights accordingly.
> Airfare is not included.
Nada's Italy can assist with Business and First Class airfare. Please
let us know if you need information about arrival and departure airport
for this tour.
> Reminders, hotel information, and arrival
instructions will be sent only by email, please make sure we have your current email address.
> Transfers
to and from the airport are not included in the tour rate. Please
contact us if you'd like to add transfers to your tour package.
> You
must be in good physical condition to sign-up for this trip! There will be a lot of
walking uphill, downhill, walking over uneven pavement, and standing for
extended periods of time. An average walking tour is about 2-3 hours without sitting.
> Even though tips to staff and
restaurants are included, it is suggested that you put aside
approximately $100 (US) in combined gratuities for your driver &
Tour Director for your trip (and any voluntary additional restaurant
gratuities are at your discretion).
> Nada's Italy strongly
recommends that you purchase Travel Insurance for your trip. For
suggestions on policies and a quote, please contact us.
> You should know that
air conditioning in Italy, as well as WIFI connection, are not always as
reliable as they are in the United States.
> The hotel
staff
assigns rooms to guests, some rooms may include stairs. A view is not
guaranteed. As Nada's Italy works mainly with luxury historic inns and
small upscale boutique hotels, rooms differ in size and layout. In
general, Italian bedrooms and bathrooms are smaller compared to US
standards. Each room has its own en-suite
bathroom with shower and/or tub, hair-dryer, and basic toiletry set.
Please
contact us if you have specific requests/needs.
> It is your
responsibility to obtain the required documents to travel to Italy,
please verify with your own country's travel laws and government
agencies. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
> In
the unlikely event your tour does not reach the minimum participation
requirement of 6 travelers, we will work with you to choose another
available tour or tour date. We will do our best to make the transition
as smooth as possible.
> Add extra nights and extend your stay in this amazing country. Contact us for a quote (subject to availability).
> Please note: while we do our best to adhere to our published
itineraries, they may be changed at the discretion of the Tour Leader
due to weather conditions and any other unforeseeable circumstances.
> Unless stated otherwise, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy, land only, in USD, and subject to availability. Rates may vary by departure date and are subject to change without notice. Nada’s Italy reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update rates, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.
Signature Extensions
The Soul of The Amalfi Coast
Feed your wanderlust with this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension to the Amalfi Coast. Explore Sorrento’s bustling streets and enjoy breath-taking views of the Gulf of Naples. Visit the awe-inspiring coastal villages, including Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano, then discover the ancient city of Pompeii.
The Soul of Florence
Explore the gorgeous city of Florence on this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension with a deep dive into the masterpieces of the Renaissance. Learn about Florentine culture and local cuisine. Take a day-trip to the romantic Tuscan countryside and visit charming medieval hilltop towns and wineries, making this the perfect finish to your fabulous journey.
The Soul of Venice
Treat yourself to an unforgettable trip to Venice on this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension. Discover Venice’s history, traditions, culture, and visit its most famous sites such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. You’ll also cruise in the Venetian Lagoon by private boat and visit the charming island communities of Murano and Burano.
The Soul of Rome
With so much to see and experience, this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension to one of the world’s most beautiful cities is sure to take your breath away! Discover Rome's world-renown ancient sites, magnificent artwork, and vibrant local culture the way only Nada's Italy can deliver.
The Soul of Paris
Complete your grand adventure with this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension to Paris, the City of Lights, with its iconic architecture, elegant boulevards, and high-end boutiques. Take a day trip outside Paris to discover the Palace of Versailles and its wonderful gardens, savor delicious Parisian cuisine and enjoy all this magnificent city has to offer.
The Soul of Barcelona
The spirit of Spain and Catalonia’s bright Mediterranean culture and lifestyle will be the highlight in this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension. Get immersed in Barcelona's lively atmosphere and rich cuisine on a tasty culinary tour in the old fishing district. Be a part of the excitement in its bustling local markets, explore world-renown sites and the waterfront, combining all with the best tapas.
What Our Clients Say
A truly unique Spain experience!!!
Muchas gracias to all of you at Nada's Italy for a truly unique Spain experience!!! As with our Italy trip, Nada's Italy's "The Magic of Spain" trip lived up to its name. You put together an itinerary that not only included the "must-sees" of each city but more importantly, showed us Spain through the eyes of the locals and to me that is a true testament to Nada's Italy's promise to offer their customers "tours for people that don't go on tours".
Teresa
Wonderful experience!
Would do it all over again, without hesitation. We lucked out with our tour group of 12, adding to the uniqueness. We all had a great time together, and with our incredible guide, Clarissa (and MariaElana and our driver JohnLuka) made this a trip to remember. Nancy B, New York
Nancy
The tour exceeded my expectations!
Terry and I just returned from Nada’s Italian Treasure tour. We had an amazing time from the moment we met to the day we had to say goodbye. Each city was special in its own way, every restaurant chosen unique in its specialties of the region, each activity culturally and historically informative. What made the trip perfect was our guide Cristina Bastiani. She is hard working, friendly, caring, very knowledgeable and sweet. We looked forward to seeing her everyday and consider her our friend. The tour exceeded my expectations in how well organized it was and we now feel that the only way to see Italy is with Nada!
Maria
I Would Recommend this Tour to Anyone and Everyone!
I found Nada's Italy online and am so glad I did. We wanted a small group experience. The people we met on other tours were so frustrated. Cristina, our tour leader, was wonderful and fun. Thanks to all your staff for making our experience great!
Judy
Definitely Travel with Nada's Italy Again!
The Secret Escape tour was a wonderful trip. We enjoyed our traveling companions, the fabulous food and incredible Tuscan country side and coast. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, fun and took care of every detail. We can't wait to go back and see more if Italy!
Bob and Sally