Authentic Puglia Small Group Escorted Tour - Masseria Caselli

Discover the stunning region of Puglia with our 8-day itinerary! From exploring the unique trulli houses in Alberobello to olive oil tasting in Ostuni and baroque architecture in Lecce, this tour is perfect for travellers who want to experience the best of southern Italy. You’ll even learn how to make Puglia’s typical pasta, orecchiette, and enjoy an olive oil tasting. Your base for the week will be at the Masseria Caselli in the heart of Puglia, the perfect place to relax after your day.

Please note: Our small group escorted tours require a minimum number of customers to participate in order to operate successfully. The minimum number on this tour is 10 customers.

Due to the amount of walking and steps involved with this tour, it is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. 

  2024 Tour Departure Dates

  • 15 May 2024
  • 12 June 2024
  • 11 September 2024
  • 25 September 2024

At a glance

  • Enjoy a guided trip of Matera
  • Explore Alberobello
  • Learn how to make pasta
  • Visit Ostuni, Bari and Lecce
  • Visit the caves of Castellana
  • Maximum group size: 18
  • Exclusive to Citalia

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

01293 765055 Or Request a quote
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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Puglia

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a private transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you'll have a welcome meeting with your guide before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Meals included:

  • Dinner
Day 2 : Alberobello – Olive Oil Tasting – Ostuni

Start your day with a visit to Alberobello, the capital of trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Explore the Aia Piccola and Rione Monti areas, which are filled with charming trulli houses, and visit the Sant'Antonio church, also built in trullo style.

Afterward, you'll head to Ostuni, known as the White City for its dazzling white buildings. Overlooking the coast and its monumental olive trees, you'll stop at an oil mill in Cisternino for an olive oil tasting before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 3 : Lecce – Otranto

Today, you'll visit Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its stunning baroque architecture. From the Porta Napoli to the Duomo and the Roman Amphitheatre to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, this city will impress you with its beauty.

After lunch in a typical restaurant, you'll visit Otranto, the southernmost city in Italy, which boasts a picturesque coast and medieval buildings. Explore the narrow alleys and the stunning cathedral with its famous tree mosaic. Dinner will be served at your hotel.

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4 : Day at Leisure

Take a day to explore the area on your own or relax at the hotel.

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 5 : Bari – Polignano a Mare

On this day, you'll start with a visit to the capital city of Bari, where you can see the Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Myra, which houses the saint's bones. You'll also explore the city's medieval center, passing by the Norman castle, cathedral, and Piazza del Ferrarese.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the picturesque seaside town of Polignano a Mare, known for its delicious ice cream and the backdrop of the Red Bull diving competition. Take a stroll through the charming old town and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

This evening, head back to your hotel for dinner.

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 6 : Martina Franca - Cooking Course - Castellana Grotte

This day begins with a visit to Martina Franca, where you can enjoy the well-preserved baroque cityscape. Then, experience a fun and interactive pasta cooking class in the Putignano area, followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, explore the impressive caves of Castellana Grotte and marvel at the stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

In the evening you will enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

 

Day 7 : Altamura – Matera

Travel through a beautiful landscape to Altamura, where you'll have the chance to taste the region's famous Focaccia bread in a local bakery. 

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming old town before heading to the picturesque rock town of Matera. Discover the stunning views and unique cave houses known as the Sassi, which have made Matera a popular UNESCO World Heritage site.

On your last evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with the group at a local restaurant in Ostuni.

Meals included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

 

Day 8 : Puglia to UK

Say goodbye to the group as you leave ‘Italy’s heel’ and head home.

Meals included:

  • Breakfast 

8 days from £2,235 per person

What's included:

  • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners including a special farewell dinner in a local restaurant
  • English speaking guide
  • Orecchiette cooking demonstration
  • Focaccia and bread tasting in a local bakery
  • Entrance fees to Castellana Grotte, Matera Church and the Duomo and Basilica in Lecce
  • Welcome drink

What's not included:

  • Tourist tax (approx €10 - €12 per person for 7 nights)
  • Tips
  • Drinks and any extras
  • Private transfers to and from hotel

Practical Information

Flight Information

Flights to Puglia arrive into Bari (BRI) from London Gatwick and London Stansted or Brindisi (BDS) from London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 3 hours. Please call our Italy Experts in order to book flights to Brindisi.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

01293 765055 Or Request a quote
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