A Grand Tour of Puglia's Wonders
A Grand Tour of Puglia's Wonders
8 Days Starting and ending in Bari, Italy
Visiting: Bari, Gargano, Barletta, Itria Valley, Lecce, Matera
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1686
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 5
Age range:
7-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "A Grand Tour of Puglia's Wonders" and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Italy. This enchanting journey begins in Bari, where you'll be welcomed with a cocktail and an introduction to the tour. Explore the seaside charm of Trani, the spiritual sites of San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant'Angelo, and the vast salt marshes of Margherita of Savoy. Traverse the lush Umbra forest in Gargano National Park, and wander through the historic centers of Vieste, Barletta, and Bari. Discover the unique trulli houses in Alberobello, the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni, and the Baroque splendor of Lecce. Conclude your adventure in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient rock-carved neighborhoods. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, full-board meals, and guided tours, making this an unforgettable exploration of Puglia's wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bari Arrival
Location: Bari
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior, Bari Area, or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Bari/Barletta and check in at the hotel, available from 4:00 pm. Before dinner, gather with your guide for a welcome cocktail and an introduction to the tour. Enjoy dinner and settle into your hotel accommodation in the Bari/Barletta area. Meals: D
Day 2 : Trani > San Giovanni Rotondo > Monte Sant'angelo > Gargano
Location: Gargano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vittoria, Gargano Area, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and head to Trani to explore the Cathedral on the sea. Continue your journey to San Giovanni Rotondo, a pilgrimage site drawing faithful individuals from around the world. En route, pass by the salt marshes of Margherita of Savoy, the largest in Europe, and observe a colony of pink flamingos. After a satisfying lunch, visit the places where St. Pio devoted more than 50 years to his life's work, leaving a profound legacy.
Following this, proceed to Monte Sant’Angelo, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Sanctuary with the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel. Conclude the day by checking in to a hotel in the Gargano area and enjoying a delightful dinner. Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 : Gargano > Vieste > Umbra Forest > Gargano
Location: Gargano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vittoria, Gargano Area, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Commence your day with breakfast at the hotel and set out for Vieste along the scenic Gargano coast, renowned as the most famous tourist town in the region. Embark on a guided tour of its charming historic center, and afterward, enjoy some leisure time and lunch.
In the afternoon, journey back to the hotel, traversing the "Umbra forest," the largest lush forest in Italy and the heart of the Gargano National Park. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at the hotel in the Gargano area. Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 : Gargano > Barletta > Bari > Itria Valley
Location: Barletta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Indulge in a delightful morning with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Barletta. Wander through the charming old town, marveling at iconic landmarks such as the Norman Castle, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, the renowned Colossus of Barletta, also known as "Eraclio," and the intriguing "Basement of the Challenge." Following this cultural exploration, delve into the world of local flavors with a visit to an authentic oil mill, where you'll savor a tasting of the renowned Altamura bread.
After a satisfying lunch, the adventure continues to Bari, where the historical center awaits. Explore the Basilica of St. Nicholas, a masterpiece of Pugliese Romanesque architecture. As the day unfolds, we transfer to a hotel nestled in the scenic Itria Valley, where a delightful dinner awaits, providing a perfect conclusion to a day filled with history, culture, and culinary delights. Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 : Itria Valley > Castellana > Alberobello > Ostuni > Itria Valley
Location: Itria Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by an exciting journey to the Grotte di Castellana, where you'll explore the fascinating caves. From there, venture to Alberobello, renowned as the "capital of the Trulli," and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets adorned with traditional trulli houses.
After a morning of exploration, relish a delicious lunch before setting out for Ostuni, often referred to as the "white city" due to its distinctive whitewashed buildings. Stroll through the picturesque historic center and discover the allure of its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. As the day unfolds, return to the hotel in the enchanting Itria Valley area, where a delightful dinner awaits, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region and reflect on the day's discoveries. Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 : Itria Valley > Lecce > Otranto > Itria Valley
Location: Lecce
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Commence your day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, followed by an enchanting journey to Lecce, often hailed as the "Florence of the South" and the capital of the Pugliese Baroque. Immerse yourself in the rich history as you explore the historic center, featuring gems such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Duomo, and Piazza San Oronzo. Following this cultural exploration, indulge in an oil tasting to savor the flavors of the region.
After a delightful lunch, the afternoon unfolds with a departure to Otranto, aptly named the "Gate of the East." Discover the Romanesque Cathedral, the captivating chapel of the tomb of the Holy Martyrs, and the evocative Crypt. As the day concludes, return to the hotel in the scenic Itria Valley, where a delectable dinner awaits, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's cultural and gastronomic delights. Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 : Itria Valley > Matera > Bari Area
Location: Matera
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior, Bari Area, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for an exploration of Matera's historic center. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is renowned for its famous "Sassi" neighborhoods, featuring houses, cellars, and churches intricately carved into the rock. Pay particular attention to the captivating "Sassi" Barisano and Caveoso neighborhoods, each telling a unique story of the city's rich history.
After an engaging morning, savor a leisurely lunch before embarking on a journey to Bari or its surroundings. Transfer to central Apulia, where you'll find accommodation in a hotel in the Bari/Barletta area or its enchanting surroundings. As the day concludes, relish a delightful dinner, reflecting on the unique experiences and architectural wonders encountered during your visit to Matera. Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Bari
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a morning breakfast at the hotel before checking out. For added convenience, consider the optional private transfer to the airport or train station. Arrivederci! Meals: B
What's Included
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Accommodation in 4-star hotels
Stay in comfortable 4-star hotels throughout the tour.
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2 nights in the Bari area
Enjoy 2 nights of accommodation in the Bari area.
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2 nights in the Gargano area
Stay for 2 nights in the scenic Gargano area.
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3 nights in the Itria Valley
Spend 3 nights in the beautiful Itria Valley.
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Transportation by motorcoach bus and multilingual tour guide
Transportation is provided by a motorcoach bus and a multilingual tour guide from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the last day.
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Full board meal basis with a fixed regional menu
Enjoy a full board meal basis with a fixed regional menu (4 courses) offered from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day.
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Inclusive of drinks during meals
Drinks during meals, including wine and mineral water, are included.
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Use of audio-receiving devices
Use of audio-receiving devices throughout the entire tour.
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Welcoming cocktail
A welcoming cocktail for all participants.
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Tasting session featuring typical Bari bread and olive oil
Enjoy a tasting session featuring typical Bari bread and olive oil.
What's Not Included
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International or domestic airfare
Airfare for international or domestic flights is not included.
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Airport transfers
Transfers to and from the airport are not included.
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Gratuities to guides and drivers
Tips for guides and drivers are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Porterage service
Porterage service is not included.
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Additional meals
Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Entrance fees to monuments or museums
Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Local city tax for overnight stays
Local city tax for overnight stays is not included.
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Visas
Visas required for entry into the country as necessary are not included.
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Personal expenses
Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in the inclusions is not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation is provided by a motorcoach bus and a multilingual tour guide from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the last day, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in 4-star hotels with 2 nights in the Bari area, 2 nights in the Gargano area, and 3 nights in the Itria Valley, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in 4-star hotels. You will stay 2 nights in the Bari area, 2 nights in the Gargano area, and 3 nights in the Itria Valley.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes a full board meal basis with a fixed regional menu (4 courses) offered from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day. Drinks during meals, including wine and mineral water, are also included.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided by a motorcoach bus and a multilingual tour guide from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the last day.
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Are there any special tastings included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a tasting session featuring typical Bari bread and olive oil.
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What is the significance of Monte Sant’Angelo in the tour?
Monte Sant’Angelo is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, you will explore the Sanctuary with the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel.
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What can I expect to see in Matera?
In Matera, you will explore the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera is renowned for its famous 'Sassi' neighborhoods, featuring houses, cellars, and churches intricately carved into the rock.
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What activities are planned in the Itria Valley?
In the Itria Valley, you will visit the Grotte di Castellana, explore Alberobello, known as the 'capital of the Trulli,' and stroll through Ostuni, often referred to as the 'white city.'
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What historical sites will be visited in Bari?
In Bari, you will explore the historical center, including the Basilica of St. Nicholas, a masterpiece of Pugliese Romanesque architecture.
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Is there a welcome event at the beginning of the tour?
Yes, on the first day, there is a welcome cocktail with your guide for an introduction to the tour before dinner.
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Are there any optional services available at the end of the tour?
Yes, there is an optional private transfer to the airport or train station available at the end of the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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