Personally Escorted Small Group Tours of Puglia and Calabria 2027

Today marks the beginning of our adventure in beautiful Calabria. After settling into our accommodation in the heart of the city, we’ll come together in the evening for a glass of prosecco—a relaxed moment to meet one another and toast to the journey ahead. Our welcome dinner follows, offering a first taste of Calabrian hospitality and cuisine.

We’ll be based here for two nights, giving us time to immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere before continuing our exploration.

In the morning, we’ll meet our local guide for a leisurely walking tour of Reggio Calabria, a vibrant seaside city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking views across the Strait of Messina. Together, we’ll explore its elegant waterfront, historic landmarks, and lively streets that capture the spirit of Calabria.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace—whether that means wandering further through the city, relaxing by the sea, or indulging in some last‑minute shopping.

After breakfast, we depart Reggio Calabria and make our way to the dramatic ghost village of Pentidattilo, perched on the cliffs in the shape of a giant hand. Its quiet lanes and striking scenery offer a glimpse into Calabria’s ancient past.

We then continue to a small Calabrian village, where we’ll have the chance to sample the village’s renowned local speciality—an authentic taste of the region’s culinary heritage or wander the streets simply soaking up the atmosphere before travelling onward to our final destination for the day: Siderno, where we settle in for one night.

Dinner tonight is included at a delightful family‑run trattoria, where we’ll enjoy authentic Calabrian dishes prepared with local ingredients and heartfelt hospitality.

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

After breakfast, we depart Siderno and travel toward the hilltop village of Santa Severina, one of Calabria’s most captivating historic centres. Nestled between the Ionian Sea and the Sila National Park in the Neto River Valley, Santa Severina is best known for its imposing Castle of Santa Severina—one of the best‑preserved fortresses in the region and a remarkable window into Calabria’s medieval past.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Crotone, arriving with time to settle in for one night before dinner. Tonight’s dinner is included, offering another opportunity to enjoy the flavours of the region.

Today we leave Crotone and travel toward the extraordinary city of Matera. Along the way, we stop in the Calabrian village of Rossano, where we’ll visit an intriguing local museum that offers insight into the region’s deep cultural and artistic heritage.

We continue our journey through the landscapes of Calabria and Basilicata, arriving in Matera in the late afternoon. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is famed for its ancient cave dwellings, atmospheric stone lanes, and dramatic setting carved into the hillside.

We check in for our two‑night stay in a beautifully restored cave hotel located in the heart of the Sassi, offering an unforgettable experience of Matera’s unique history and charm.

After breakfast, we meet our local guide to explore the remarkable Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO‑listed district that preserves layers of human history from the Palaeolithic era to modern times. As we wander through its ancient cave dwellings, stone churches, and winding alleyways, we gain insight into one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace—perhaps visiting additional cave houses, enjoying a scenic viewpoint, or simply soaking in the unique atmosphere of Matera.

Today we leave Matera and travel to Bari, the second‑largest city in Southern Italy and the vibrant capital of Puglia. Along the way, we stop in Altamura, a town renowned for its traditional Pane di Altamura, the first bread in Europe to receive DOP status. Here, we’ll have the chance to learn about -and taste- this celebrated local speciality before continuing our journey.

We arrive in Bari in the afternoon and check in for our two‑night stay at a hotel located just steps from the historic centre—perfect for exploring the city’s charming old streets, seaside promenades, and lively piazzas.

This morning, we meet our local guide for a walking tour of Bari, a city rich in vibrant traditions and flavours. We explore its charming old town and beautiful waterfront, discovering the art, history, and daily life that shape this lively coastal capital.

A highlight of our stroll is “Pasta Street,” where local grandmothers—le Nonne—sit outside their doorways skilfully shaping fresh orecchiette by hand, continuing a beloved Bari tradition.

In the afternoon, we travel to the picturesque seaside town of Monopoli, known for its whitewashed lanes, historic harbour, and inviting Adriatic views. After time to wander and enjoy the atmosphere, we return to Bari for the evening.

After breakfast, we leave Bari and head into the Puglian countryside to visit a traditional masseria, a historic farmhouse estate. Here, we spend the day immersed in local traditions—making cheese, cooking regional dishes, and enjoying a meal prepared with fresh ingredients – an authentic and memorable taste of rural Puglia.

In the late afternoon, we continue our journey to Alberobello, located in the heart of the region and famous for its iconic trulli—whitewashed, cone‑roofed stone dwellings found nowhere else in the world. We check in for our one‑night stay in a typical trullo, offering a truly unique and atmospheric experience.

This morning, we meet our local guide to discover the UNESCO‑listed Trulli of Alberobello, more than 1,500 cone‑shaped stone houses dating back to the 14th century. As we explore these remarkable dwellings, we learn about their unique construction, symbolism, and the traditions that have shaped this extraordinary town.

After lunch, we continue our journey through the Puglian countryside, stopping to visit a small picturesque town that captures the charm and character of the region. We then travel onward to Ostuni, the famed “White City,” known for its dazzling white‑washed buildings, winding alleys, and timeless Mediterranean atmosphere.

We check in for our two‑night stay near the old town centre, perfectly situated for exploring Ostuni’s historic heart.

This morning, we visit a local olive grove, where we delve into the ancient history of olive cultivation in Puglia—an enduring tradition that stretches back thousands of years to the Neolithic period. Surrounded by centuries‑old trees and sweeping rural landscapes, we uncover the stories, techniques, and cultural significance behind one of the region’s most treasured agricultural practices.

We then enjoy a light lunch featuring dishes crafted with the finest local olive oil, celebrating the flavours that define Puglian cuisine—the true heart and soul of this remarkable region.

Today we leave Ostuni and enjoy a full day exploring two of Puglia’s most captivating coastal towns before reaching Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South” for its magnificent Baroque architecture.

Our first stop is Otranto, a stunning blend of history, architecture, and breathtaking coastal scenery. With its medieval castle, elegant cathedral, turquoise waters, and winding whitewashed streets, Otranto is considered one of the most picturesque and enchanting towns in the region.

We then continue to Gallipoli, a beautiful town on the Ionian Sea, renowned for its golden beaches and charming fortified old town set on an island connected by a 17th‑century bridge. Once a humble fishing village, Gallipoli still honours its maritime traditions—you can wander through its lively fish market, one of the most famous in Puglia, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of daily life by the sea.

After time to explore and enjoy the beauty of both towns, we travel onward to Lecce, where we check in for our two‑night stay in a historic palazzo located in the heart of the old town.

After breakfast, we meet our local guide for an in‑depth walking tour of Lecce, exploring its magnificent Baroque churches, elegant palaces, and lively historic streets. As we wander through the city’s golden‑stone architecture and atmospheric piazzas, we gain insight into the artistry and history that have earned Lecce its nickname, the “Florence of the South.”

At the end of the tour, you enjoy free time to continue exploring, relax in a café, or browse the local shops at your own pace.

We continue our journey south to the beautiful hilltop village of Altomonte in Calabria. Along the way, we stop at a lemon grove, where we enjoy an authentic Calabrian lunch surrounded by the sweet fragrance of citrus trees—a perfect introduction to the region’s rural traditions and flavours.

Upon arrival in Altomonte, we check in for our two‑night stay at a welcoming family‑owned hotel. Dinner this evening features a traditional Calabrian meal served at the hotel’s family restaurant, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the area.

After a leisurely morning stroll through the charming town of Altomonte, we set out into the picturesque Calabrian countryside to visit a historic castle surrounded by rolling hills and timeless landscapes. Here, we step into local tradition as we join a hands‑on cooking experience, learning to prepare authentic regional dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Once our culinary creations are complete, we sit down to enjoy the delicious meal we’ve prepared, paired with a glass of exquisite local wine—a perfect way to savour the flavours of Calabria. This memorable experience blends history, culture, and cuisine, creating moments you’ll carry with you long after the day ends.

Leaving Altomonte behind, we stop at a local winery to enjoy a guided wine tasting paired with a light lunch, surrounded by the flavours and landscapes of the Calabrian countryside. After this relaxing and delicious break, we continue to Tropea, a beautiful coastal village on the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we check in for our two‑night stay.

This morning, we meet our guide in Tropea to explore this lovely seaside village, renowned for producing the world’s sweetest red onion. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea sits along the spectacular Costa degli Dei—the Coast of the Gods—famous for its turquoise waters and breathtaking views.

After discovering Tropea’s charming lanes, historic churches, and scenic viewpoints, we continue on an excursion to Pizzo, another picturesque coastal town known for its medieval centre, seaside castle, and the famous tartufo dessert.

On the final leg of our tour, we make our way to Reggio Calabria for our stay, stopping in Scilla to explore this picturesque seaside village perched along the Tyrrhenian coast. Its charming harbour, dramatic cliffs, and myth‑filled history make it one of Calabria’s most enchanting coastal gems.

In the early evening, we gather for our farewell dinner, raising a glass to Puglia, Calabria, and the wonderful new friends we’ve made along the way.

Our tour ends after breakfast today and you will be transferred to the airport for your onward travel.