Personally Escorted Small Group Tours of Puglia and Calabria, September, 2027

Today we start the tour by meeting our local guide for a fascinating walking tour through Bari’s enchanting old town. As we wander the narrow lanes of Bari Vecchia, we’ll visit the famous “Pasta Street,” where local Nonna’s handcraft orecchiette outside their homes—a heartwarming and authentic glimpse into daily life and tradition. Later, we take a short drive to the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic. Enjoy time to stroll through its whitewashed streets, take in breathtaking coastal views, and perhaps sample the town’s famous gelato. The afternoon is at leisure before we reunite in the early evening for a glass of wine and a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.

Overnight in our beautiful Hotel near Bari Vecchia.

After breakfast, we leave Bari and head into the countryside to visit a traditional Masseria—a historic farmhouse estate. Here, we’ll spend a memorable day learning to make cheese, cooking regional dishes, and enjoying a long, leisurely lunch in a beautiful rural setting. In the late afternoon, we continue to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic landscapes.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in for a 2-night stay at a beautifully restored cave hotel nestled in the heart of the Sassi, offering a truly unique and atmospheric experience.

After breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide for a fascinating tour of the “Sassi of Matera.” As we wander through this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, we’ll explore ancient cave dwellings and learn about the city’s layered history and cultural significance—one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting local museums, enjoying a quiet moment with a view, or discovering hidden corners of this unforgettable city.

Today, we depart Matera and journey toward the elegant Baroque city of Lecce, famed for its ornate architecture and vibrant culture. Along the way, we’ll stop in Locorotondo, a delightful hilltop village known for its circular layout, whitewashed houses, and flower-filled balconies. We’ll then visit Ostuni, the “White City,” where dazzling white buildings and winding cobblestone streets create a magical, timeless atmosphere. We arrive in Lecce in the late afternoon, ready to soak in its rich history and southern Italian charm.

Check in for our 3-night stay in our palazzo hotel located in the historic centre.

Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion exploring two of Apulia’s coastal gems. Our first stop is Gallipoli, a historic town on the Ionian Sea known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and fortified old town set on an island. Once a humble fishing village, Gallipoli still boasts a lively fish market—one of the most renowned in the region. Later, we head to Otranto, a stunning seaside town where history, architecture, and dramatic coastal views come together. With its medieval charm and turquoise waters, Otranto is one of the most picturesque destinations in Southern Italy.

This morning, we’ll join our local guide for a walking tour of Lecce, uncovering the city’s rich history, striking Baroque architecture, and vibrant culture. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace—whether that means discovering hidden piazzas, browsing artisan boutiques, or simply relaxing with a coffee in one of the lively squares.

After breakfast, we depart Lecce and make our way to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the heart of Apulia. On arrival, we’ll meet our local guide to discover the fascinating history of the town’s iconic Trulli—over 1,500 whitewashed, cone-roofed dwellings dating back to the 14th century.  The late afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure—perfect for wandering the quaint streets or sampling local cuisine.

We then check in for a unique 1-night stay in a traditional trullo, offering an authentic and charming local experience.

After breakfast, we check out and continue our journey south through Calabria to the stunning          seaside town of Tropea. Along the way, we’ll stop at a beautiful hilltop Castello — a                            sixteenth‑century gem built by the tenth Count of Altomonte. We’ll soak up the views from the          surrounding vineyards and olive groves, wander a little, and settle in for a relaxed lunch made with  local ingredients. It’s a simple, warm, and very real taste of the countryside. After lunch we continue to Tropea. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is famed not only for its dramatic views and golden beaches but also for its sweet red onions. Located along the breathtaking Costa degli Dei—the Coast of the Gods—this picturesque town offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and natural beauty. The rest of the afternoon is leisurely. Explore the charming seaside village of Tropea at your own pace—wander its historic streets, relax on stunning beaches, or savour local delicacies in quaint cafés.
Check in for our 2-night stay near the town centre

This morning, we depart Tropea and make our way to Reggio Calabria, a vibrant coastal city just           across the Strait of Messina from Sicily. Along the way, we’ll stop in one of Calabria’s beautiful             seaside towns and wander through its charming streets to soak up the local atmosphere. We then        continue to Reggio Calabria

Check in for a 2‑night stay at our seaside hotel, offering wonderful views and easy access to the city’s  highlights.

In the morning, we meet up with our local guide for an easy-going walking tour of the city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like — take your time exploring at your own pace. In the evening we will gather at our restaurant and toast the end of our journey through Puglia and Calabria while we reminisce about the wonderful experiences we’ve shared.

Our unforgettable journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning.