Personally Escorted Small Group Tours of Puglia and Calabria 2027

This morning, we embark on a walking tour of Lamezzia, embracing the beauty around us, followed by a free afternoon to explore at our leisure. In the evening, we’ll gather for a glass of prosecco, celebrating the beginning of our journey together, culminating with a welcome dinner.

2-night stay near the centre.

This morning, we will take an excursion to Pizzo and Tropea. Tropea, renowned for producing the world’s sweetest red onion, is a charming town perched on a hill that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is situated along the coastline known as the Costa degli Dei, or the Coast of the Gods.

After breakfast, depart from Lamezzia Terme and travel to Santa Severina before arriving in Crotone in the afternoon. Santa Severina, situated between the Ionian Sea and Sila National Park in the Neto River Valley, is renowned for its monumental Castle of Santa Severina, one of the best-preserved castles open for visitors in Calabria.

Dinner tonight is included.

Check-in for our 1-night stay on the outskirts of Crotone

Today we will leave Crotone and head to Matera. Along the way, we will make a stop in a Calabrian village and visit an interesting museum before arriving in Matera in the late afternoon. This city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region of Basilicata.

Check-in for our 2-night stay in a restored cave hotel in the heart of the Sassi of Matera.

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide to explore and learn about the fascinating history

of the “Sassi of Matera”, a unique area that holds evidence of human settlements from the Palaeolithic to the present day. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.

Today, we will leave Matera and travel to Bari, the second-largest city in Southern Italy. On our journey, we will stop at Polignano a Mare, a beautiful town that overlooks the stunning azure waters of the Adriatic Sea and is home to some of Puglia’s finest beaches.

Check-in for our 2-night stay in our hotel located a few steps from the historic centre.

This morning, we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of Bari, a city rich in vibrant traditions and flavours. Bari boasts a beautiful waterfront and a charming old town, steeped in art and history. We will stroll down “Pasta Street,” where we can observe local grandmothers, or “Nonne,” as they skilfully make pasta. The afternoon will be free to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, we will leave Bari and head to the countryside to visit a local Masseria where we will spend the day making cheese, cooking, and eating before continuing our journey to Alberobello, located in the heart of Puglia.

Check-in for our 1-night stay in a typical trullo.

This morning, we will meet our local guide to learn about the UNESCO-listed Trulli, which are over 1,500 cone-shaped houses dating back to the 14th century.

After lunch, we will continue our journey through Puglia, visiting a small picturesque town before arriving in Ostuni with its white-washed buildings and historic charm.

Check-in for our 2-night stay near the old town centre.

This morning, we visit a local olive grove, where we will delve into the rich history of olive cultivation in Puglia—an age-old tradition that dates back thousands of years to the Neolithic period. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape and discover the fascinating stories behind one of the region’s most cherished agricultural practices. Savor a delightful light lunch featuring dishes crafted with the finest olive oil, celebrating the essence of Puglian cuisine – the heart and soul of this remarkable region!

After breakfast, we will depart from the beautiful town of Ostuni and travel to Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South.’ This Baroque city in Puglia’s Salento region, features stunning architecture, historic sites, and a vibrant culture. Upon our arrival, we will meet our guide for a walking tour, after which you’ll have the afternoon free to explore at leisure.

Check-in for our 2-night stay is located in an eighteenth-century baronial palace.

Today, we have a full-day excursion planned. We will visit Gallipoli, a beautiful town located on the Ionic Sea. It is renowned for its impressive beaches and charming small-fortified historical city centre. Gallipoli was once a small fishing village, and to this day, visitors can stroll around the fish market, one of the most famous markets in Puglia.

Another place we will be visiting is Otranto – a perfect blend of history, architecture, breathtaking views, and amazing beaches, making it one of the most picturesque and charming towns in Puglia.

We continue our journey south to the beautiful hilltop village of Altomonte in Calabria. On the way, we will stop at a lemon grove and experience an authentic Calabrian lunch surrounded by the sweet fragrance of lemon trees.

Check-in for our 2-night stay in a family-owned hotel for 2 nights.

Dinner will be a traditional Calabrian meal at the family restaurant located in the hotel.

After a morning stroll in the charming town of Altomonte, we embark on an excursion to the picturesque countryside, where we visit a stunning castle steeped in history and beauty. Here, we immerse ourselves in the local culture by trying our hand at cooking authentic regional dishes. Finally, after all our hard work, we sit down to savor the delicious meal we have prepared while enjoying a glass of exquisite local wine. This experience promises not only to tantalize your taste buds but also to create lasting memories.

Leaving Altomonte behind, we visit a local winery for wine tasting and a light lunch before stopping in Stilo, a village near the Ionian Sea. We continue to Siderno for our overnight stay.

Check-in for our 1-night stay in a hotel on the Ionian coast.

On the final leg of our tour, we make our way to Reggio Calabria, stopping in small villages. Tonight, dinner is included. You have the opportunity to taste many authentic dishes of the region.

Check-in for a 2-night stay in our central hotel.

In the morning, we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of Reggio Calabria, a city that overlooks the sea and is rich in history and culture. The afternoon is free to explore or indulge in some last-minute shopping.

In the early evening, we will gather to say “arrivederci” to Puglia, Calabria, and our new friends at our farewell dinner.

Our tour ends after breakfast today.