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Puglia Discovery, Private Tour of Puglia Private Driver in Pugila to Santa Cesarea Terme, Salento, Puglia Puglia Discovery, Private Tour of Puglia Puglia Private Tours

Private · Bari

Puglia Discovery (6 nights/ 7 days ): Mostly All Inclusive Private Tour of Puglia including Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto Bari and incredible wine tastings and olive farms

7 Days Puglia

The Overview

Overview

Our Puglia Discovery Experience is a great option for first time visitors or returning visitors to the Puglia region who want to experience the region with local hosts and visit the region in a relaxing, comfortable way with visits to local farms, wine producers and local artisans in unique coastal and country locations. 

This itinerary was designed and created by Jesse Andrews, the owner of Italy Vacation Specialists who lead cycling tours in Puglia from 2005-2009 and knows every aspect of the region.  

It's a journey into the heart of Puglia, with our local English-speaking driver guides and wonderful local operators, will lead you with a lasting impression of Puglia, which we hope will have you coming back to stay longer and discover much more! 

Duration

7 days

6 nights

Pricing

On request

Tailored to your dates and group.

Our Puglia Discovery Experience is a great option for first time visitors or returning visitors to the Puglia region who want to experience the region with local hosts and visit the region in a relaxing, comfortable way with visits to local farms, wine producers and local artisans in unique coastal and country locations.

Regions
Puglia
Tour Style
Private
Departs From
Bari
Meeting Point
Airport
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 3 lunches · 2 dinners · 1 wine tasting
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Puglia

Chapter 1 · Days 1–7

Welcome to Puglia

Imagine Italy as a shapely leg whose foot is shod by a Manolo Blahnik high-heeled boot.  Puglia (Apulia), rarely visited by English-speaking travelers, is Italy's elegant stiletto heel.  The southern reaches of the Salentine Peninsula are virtually surrounded by the immemorial waters of the Adriatic on the east, the Ionian Sea to the south east, and the…

Explore Puglia
Day 1

Puglia, Bari Puglia, Polignano a Mare

Arrival in Bari: Private Transfer to Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni, Polignano a Mare

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Arrival in Bari: Private Transfer to Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni, Polignano a Mare — photo 1 Arrival in Bari: Private Transfer to Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni, Polignano a Mare — photo 2 Arrival in Bari: Private Transfer to Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni, Polignano a Mare — photo 3

Upon arrival in Bari, we will be there to meet you at the airport to begin your fantastic adventure through the region of Puglia, the 'heel' of the Italian peninsula!    

Driving south from Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, we will venture along a very beautiful coastal road dotted by small towns and summer resorts. 

Puglia is known as the 'Maldives' of Italy for the long stretches of white sand, particularly in the southern end of the region, so make sure to bring your swimsuits and get ready to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean sea! 

Dinner and overnight at the beautiful roof-top terrace at Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni in Polignano a Mare at their fantastic sea-view sea-view facing restaurant unlike any you have ever seen before. 

Relax in total paradise! 

Where we meet Airport
Day 2

Puglia, Polignano a Mare Puglia, Polignano a Mare

Free Day in Polignano a Mare (Optional Dining Experience at Grotta Palazzese)

  • Breakfast
Free Day in Polignano a Mare (Optional Dining Experience at Grotta Palazzese) — photo 1 Free Day in Polignano a Mare (Optional Dining Experience at Grotta Palazzese) — photo 2 Free Day in Polignano a Mare (Optional Dining Experience at Grotta Palazzese) — photo 3

Enjoy a leisurely and incredible buffet breakfast this morning and then, take your time to enjoy the beaches, stores, art-galleries, cafes or bars alive in the alley ways, piazzas and streets and coves of Polignano a Mare.

One of the most famous restaurants in Italy, the Grotta Palazzese is located in Polignano a Mare and should you wish, we will set you up with a reservation at your preferred time.   We recommend a later lunch, when you can really see the water.  Note, however that the cost per person starts at 150 EURO and this does not include alcohol.  

The restaurant 2 years ago suffered some bad publicity from food poisoning, which some of our clients also suffered from, for this reason we always recommend the Covo Dei Saraceni restaurant as the best alternative, however for those of you who have this place on your bucket list and don't want to miss it, we always hope this establishment the best and know they will be getting better and doing more for their clients now that they are open again! 

We also provide optional private boating experiences, though Polignano from the beach, the cliffs or the sea is truly spectacular we want this day to be one where you fall in LOVE with the Pugliese lifestyle and just take things at leisure. 

No matter what you decide to do, this day is really for you to enjoy this beautiful town, the beaches and fine dining establishments at your leisure!

Overnight in Polignano a Mare! 

 

Day 3

Puglia, Alberobello Puglia, Ostuni Puglia, Otranto

Into Puglia's Magnificent Countryside: The Itria Valley

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Wine Tasting
Into Puglia's Magnificent Countryside: The Itria Valley — photo 1 Into Puglia's Magnificent Countryside: The Itria Valley — photo 2 Into Puglia's Magnificent Countryside: The Itria Valley — photo 3 Into Puglia's Magnificent Countryside: The Itria Valley — photo 4 Into Puglia's Magnificent Countryside: The Itria Valley — photo 5

On our way south to the region of Salento (southern Puglia) today, we take you through an incredible valley known as the 'Itria Valley' where we will stop in Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Ostuni on our way south to the Salento region!

This valley is dotted by olive groves, beautiful 'trulli' which seem like houses out of a fairy-tale, lovely vineyards and various farms.

Today, on our way south we will stop at a local farm and you can taste some local products on our way south.

Upon arrival at the hotel this evening, you will be greeted with a magical coast at the Hotel Belvedere and have the possibility to take a walk to the Cave of Poetry, or just sit on the beach enjoying the crystal clear waters and sunset. 

Overnight & Dinner at the 'Belvedere Salento'. 

Day 4

Puglia, Otranto Puglia, Torre dell' Orso

Beach Day in Torre Dell'Orso or Optional Otranto Coast Small Group Boat tour

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Beach Day in Torre Dell'Orso or Optional Otranto Coast Small Group Boat tour — photo 1 Beach Day in Torre Dell'Orso or Optional Otranto Coast Small Group Boat tour — photo 2 Beach Day in Torre Dell'Orso or Optional Otranto Coast Small Group Boat tour — photo 3 Beach Day in Torre Dell'Orso or Optional Otranto Coast Small Group Boat tour — photo 4 Beach Day in Torre Dell'Orso or Optional Otranto Coast Small Group Boat tour — photo 5

After a long drive through the incredible countryside yesterday, we advise you to take things easy this morning and enjoy a fantastic buffet breakfast and swim at the roof-top pool.

There are beautiful sea-side walks along beautiful white sand beaches and gorgeous coastal towns to explore. 

Depending on what you feel like, we can also arrange a private boat tour (which would be an additional cost) from Otranto or the hotel, though we advise a day of leisure and perhaps a lovely dinner in Otranto, which has a lively historic center which offers lots of fun dinner and lounge activities late into the evening.

Overnight at Hotel Belvedere. 

 

Day 5

Puglia, Lecce

Morning tour of Lecce with Lunch: Afternoon Free Beach Time

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Morning tour of Lecce with Lunch: Afternoon Free Beach Time — photo 1 Morning tour of Lecce with Lunch: Afternoon Free Beach Time — photo 2 Morning tour of Lecce with Lunch: Afternoon Free Beach Time — photo 3

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel this morning we will head the Lecce, one of southern Italy's most beautiful cities famous for the Greek and Roman ruins as well as the wonderful Baroque architecture which seems to sparkle like gold in the mid-day sun.

Here, you will enjoy a brief walking tour with our local guide who can show you some of the highlights of this city's culture, art works and architecture, not to mention introducing you to some of the best local coffee, foods, wines and many other fun aspects of this city that you wouldn't discover on your own!

Light lunch in Lecce and then return to the hotel in the afternoon for free time at the beach and overnight. 

Dinner at the hotel and overnight. 

 

Day 6

Puglia, Monopoli Puglia, Monopoli

Otranto - Monopoli - Bari

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Otranto - Monopoli - Bari — photo 1 Otranto - Monopoli - Bari — photo 2

After breakfast this morning we will head north back to Bari where you will enjoy your final last night in Puglia's capital city of Bari, a glorious sea-side town.  En-route, we will stop in Monopoli, which is a fun and interesting sea-side town that may make a great base for lunch.  We can modify this as per your desires en-route.

Enjoy your final evening in a sea-front facing hotel on the sea.side promenade.

This evening, we will take you into the historic center of Bari where you will enjoy the rich night life and culture of this unique southern-Italian city, which is so unique and beautiful, you can't help but to feel alive walking through the streets here.

Dinner in Bari and overnight at the hotel. 

Day 7

Puglia, Bari

Private Transfer to Bari Airport or Rail

  • Breakfast
Private Transfer to Bari Airport or Rail — photo 1 Private Transfer to Bari Airport or Rail — photo 2 Private Transfer to Bari Airport or Rail — photo 3 Private Transfer to Bari Airport or Rail — photo 4 Private Transfer to Bari Airport or Rail — photo 5

After buffet breakfast at your hotel this morning, depending on the time of your flight or train, we will be there to meet you at the hotel and privately transfer you to meet the next leg of your journey.

Time to say 'Arrivaderci Puglia' and see you soon! 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • English speaking professional tour guide
  • Excellent Photo Opportunities
  • Gelato stop
  • Great Smiles
  • Hotel Pick up and Drop Off
  • Market Tour
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Our Concierge Service
  • Private transfers throughout
  • Road Tolls
  • Special Attention for Lovers~!
  • Specialized and Personal Service
  • Tastings of local products
  • The Most Fun Possible!!!! :)
  • Translation Services
  • Transportation in luxury vehicle
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
  • Wine Tastings
  • Winery Visits

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic Beverages During Meals
  • Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • Gratuities of any type
  • Local City Hotel Tax Paid Directly to Hotel
  • Optional excursions during your tour
  • Travel Insurance
Your rooms

Where You'll Stay

Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a property of similar standard.

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere

Puglia, Lecce

Set in Torre dell’Orso the Hotel began life in 1965 thanks to the intuition of a local entrepreneur who captured the beauty of a unique location domin...

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Hotel Covo dei Saraceni

Hotel Covo dei Saraceni

Puglia, Polignano a Mare

In Polignano a Mare, Covo dei Saraceni is on a panoramic cliff-top location above a pebble beach. This 4-star hotel features a traditional restaurant...

Discover Property
Palace Hotel Bari

Palace Hotel Bari

Puglia, Bari

From 1956 The Palace Hotel has been hosting various personalities from politics and entertainment and still nowadays it is the hotel preferred by memb...

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In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Bari

Bari and beyond

7 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Airport

Where it starts

Bari

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

Are the hotels shown the ones we will stay in?

Usually, yes. Hotels are subject to availability, and if one is full on your dates we will replace it with a property of a similar standard and tell you before you book. Never a surprise on arrival.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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