Puglia Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,957 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Puglia tours
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Table of contents
- The best Puglia tour packages
- What people love about Puglia Tours
- Travel Puglia your way
- Best tour companies for Puglia tours
- Popular Puglia Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Puglia tour
- Discover Puglia tours for every budget
- Puglia tours for every type of group
- Top Puglia travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Puglia
- Contact our Puglia travel experts
- What our customers ask about Puglia Tours & Trips
The best Puglia tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaPuglia travel expert at TourRadar
Cycling Puglia & Matera
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour - couldn't have wished for a better guide or company.”
Suzanne, traveled in April
Rolling through Puglia's finest landscapes from cave-dwelling Matera to baroque Lecce spans 8 memorable days. UNESCO sites including Alberobello's trulli houses, crystal waters at Porto Cesareo, and stays in historic hotels and working masseria delight cyclists aged 5+. 10+ reviews rate this around $2,900 adventure 4.4/5.
Duration 8 days Destinations Matera, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Otranto, Lecce Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$4,400
Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was exactly as described. The one that stands out in my mind was our dinner in Lecce in a piazza under a star and moonlit sky. It was like a dream.”
Rosina, traveled in May
Eight days reveal Matera's UNESCO Sassi caves and Lecce's baroque beauty. Hotel La Terra in Ostuni, 1000-year-old olive groves, and pasta-making in an authentic masseria create lasting memories. Perfect for ages 5+, featuring trulli house stays in Alberobello and coastal walks in Otranto with 4.4/5 rated itinerary.
Duration 8 days Destinations Matera, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Castellana, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,840
Explore Southern Italy
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great itinerary. Fabulous food.”
Catherine, traveled in May
Puglia's treasures unfold from Trani's 'Southern Pearl' to Lecce's ornate baroque churches. Ancient olive mills, traditional trulli houses in Alberobello, and Ostuni's whitewashed streets await. Guided walking tours and regional food experiences complete this cultural immersion.
Duration 10 days Destinations Minori, Trani, Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello, Matera, Bari Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,005
20% Off- NZ$4,004You save $1,001
Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience
76 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a marvellous time with the small and personal nature of the tour, which allowed us to experience this part of Italy with much more of a 'local flavour'.”
Michael, traveled in October
A family-run masseria near Gallipoli hosts intimate tours rated 4.8/5 by 70+ travelers. Lecce's baroque treasures, Alberobello's trulli houses, and Otranto's medieval quarters enchant visitors. Chef Emilio leads cooking classes, with daily guided excursions and 6 farm-fresh dinners with wine pairings.
Duration 7 days Destinations Brindisi, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Lecce, Alberobello, Ostuni, Maglie, Otranto Age Range Ages 20+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Soleto Travel From $4,231
15% Off- NZ$3,596You save $635
Whitewashed streets of Ostuni lead to the Gothic architecture of Nardo. Converted 13th-century Baronial Palaces offer unique accommodations near Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli houses and ancient olive farms. Local culture comes alive through cooking classes and wine tastings, alongside expert-guided tours of Lecce's baroque treasures.
Duration 8 days Destinations Polignano a Mare, Nardo, Matera, Naples Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From $8,925
20% Off- NZ$7,140You save $1,785
What people love about Puglia Tours
- Cycling Puglia & Matera
We thoroughly enjoyed our cycle tour. Most hotels were comfy and we had great nights out for supper where Antonio Desantis booked when we arrived in a new place. Antonio was a friendly, sincere young man who had a lot of responsibility taking care of us. He was a good cyclist and watched over us like a shepherd his flock. Pierrot, our driver was also very friendly and helpful and kept our precious things safe enroute. They were considerate of our needs and Antonio joined in our evenings when he didn't have to. Our gear was in good condition and overall the cycling was pleasurable. We had 3 days of rain and I became a better cyclist as a result of the people on the trip who were more experienced or familiar with bike tours. We had one cyclist hurt himself on day one but it was through no fault of Antonio's. Just bad weather and slippery surfaces. This has a very sobering effect on the group which was not a bad thing. The two guides handled this injury very well I thought! Our hotels were mostly great. Hotel Albania was our least favourite and we could only access WiFi in the lobby. My husband was not pleased! I also felt there was a lack of washing and drying facilities considering these hotels cater to thousands of cyclists. Too few places to dry our wet gear or wash off the mud. I think Albania was the only place with a drying rack in the corridor. So out of 10 we would give the trip a 9.
- Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel
This was a wonderful trip. We visited many, many historic sites and towns, including Alberobello and it’s Trulli houses, Matera and the cave dwelling areas, the Castellana caves, old olive groves, and much more. We had a wine tasting and tour through a beautiful old winery, we walked the coast along Otranto and stopped for a picnic. We had a fun (and funny) pasta making lesson and a delicious dinner in that same restaurant. Overall, the food was excellent. Our small group of 7 or 8, plus our guide Giuseppi and our guide in training, Agatha, made it easy to get to know everyone. Giuseppi was very knowledgeable, friendly, and spoke excellent English. We feel that we now have a really good sense of Puglia. We highly recommend this trip.
Interesting cities each with a unique character.
Explore Southern Italy
Travel Puglia your way
Puglia's explorer tours really get into the heart of the region over 8-10 well-paced days. You'll discover the remarkable cave homes of Matera and distinctive trulli houses of Alberobello - both UNESCO sites that tell incredible stories. Our travelers often mention how special it feels to taste olive oil at its source in Ostuni, where some trees have stood for 3,000 years. The journey weaves through medieval Trani's streets and takes in Lecce's hidden baroque corners. What works so well is having both guided visits and personal time - you might end up having a chat with local fishermen in Polignano a Mare or joining locals for their evening walk through Matera's ancient sassi district.
Select from our extensive range of 55 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Puglia with our expert guides leading the way.
Our most engaging cultural tours span 6-10 days, starting with immersive walks through Bari's medieval streets before venturing to UNESCO treasures. You'll explore Alberobello's distinctive trulli homes and the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, but what makes these journeys special are the genuine connections with local residents. Small groups of 12-14 travelers join family kitchens for traditional pasta-making lessons, visit centuries-old olive estates with roots in Roman times, and sample wines in historic masserie farmhouses. Our travelers tell us they particularly value how we balance structured visits with independent exploration time. The converted palazzos and traditional farmhouses where guests stay add depth to the cultural experience, while guides like Francesco and Michele bring regional history to life through their deep local knowledge. As you walk Ostuni's winding white lanes or discover the hidden Jewish heritage of Trani, these tours emphasize authentic cultural exchanges that go well beyond surface-level tourism. The intimate group size lets you slip into family bakeries in Altamura, where you'll learn traditional bread-making techniques, and explore Lecce's lesser-known baroque treasures with expert local guides who know every hidden corner.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Puglia. We have 17 adventures that vary from 4 days to 12 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Best tour companies for Puglia tours
Looking at what our travelers say, three companies stand out for Puglia tours, each with their own strengths and quirks. Explore and Culture Trip get lots of positive mentions for how they organize their trips, and Francesco's name keeps coming up as a guide who really makes the experience special - he's got that perfect mix of knowledge and attention to detail that makes a difference. Culture Trip puts together good itineraries, but there's a bit of a catch - some of our customers mention they could be clearer about where the hotels are located. A few found themselves staying further from the action than they expected, which is worth keeping in mind when booking. Exodus seems to have found their groove with cycling tours in Puglia. Their guide Michele gets particularly good feedback for adapting routes and showing off the region's best spots. While some cyclists found certain routes more challenging than expected, most people appreciate how Exodus balances scenic paths with comfortable places to stay - especially in Matera. The bike routes take you through some really interesting areas and the accommodations give you a proper rest after a day's cycling. These companies each have their strong points, so it really comes down to what kind of experience you're after - whether that's guided walking tours with Culture Trip and Explore, or getting on two wheels with Exodus to see the region.
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Popular Puglia Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Puglia tour
Bari works out as the main gateway for getting into Puglia, with 45 of our tours starting from this seaside city. While you can also kick things off from Rome, Matera, Lecce and also Naples, Bari's location and flight connections make it particularly handy. Our booking patterns show most people plan about 105 days ahead - that's roughly 3.5 months before they want to travel. This advance planning really helps, especially if you're aiming for summer when those unique trulli stays and cooking classes tend to get snapped up fast. The sweet spot for a proper Puglia trip is 7-10 days - that gives you time to take in everything from Lecce's fancy baroque buildings to the seaside views in Polignano a Mare. What our guests really love are the morning market runs and joining the locals for their evening passeggiata stroll. The traditional masserias - converted farmhouses - offer a special place to stay that connects you right to Puglia's farming roots.
Discover Puglia tours for every budget
The 6-9 day Puglia tours pack great value while covering the key spots. Starting in Bari's old quarter, groups head to Alberobello where the unique trulli houses dot the landscape. Our travelers love getting hands-on with activities - you'll make pasta from scratch, visit local cheese makers for fresh burrata and explore the ancient cave homes of Matera. The 3-star hotels are comfortable and clean, but the real highlight comes from local connections. Expert guides show you hidden corners of baroque Lecce and take you to family olive farms where you'll learn about local production. Many tours stop at white-washed Ostuni and also the seaside town of Polignano a Mare with its crystal-clear swimming spots.
Our luxury Puglia trips run 7-10 days with stays in historic masserias and boutique hotels. You'll enjoy private concerts in Naples, exclusive tastings at old vineyards and cooking sessions with respected local chefs. The accommodations are special - think converted palazzos in Lecce and unique cave hotels carved into Matera's rock. Private transfers throughout mean flexibility, while expert guides focus just on your group. Our travelers particularly value the dining arrangements at acclaimed local restaurants. Many routes include quiet spots like Trani's historic Jewish quarter and also peaceful beaches along both coastlines.
Puglia budget tours
Puglia tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
67 tours in PugliaThe social side really shines on our 7-14 day group tours through Puglia. Popular routes start from Naples or Bari, mixing Amalfi Coast charm with Puglia's authentic character. Groups of 12-20 travelers share experiences like hiking above Minori on the Path of Lemons, learning traditional dances in Lecce and eating together at local trattorias. Our customers appreciate having both guided activities and free time - join others for dinner or explore solo. Many tours include nights in trulli houses in Alberobello and also walks across Tibetan-style bridges spanning Matera's deep ravines.
Small Group
41 tours in PugliaThe intimate feel of our small-group Puglia tours, running 7-10 days with just 12-14 travelers, creates natural bonds between guests and local hosts. Cycling tours led by guides like Michele draw consistent praise for their thoughtful route planning, though several cyclists mention the terrain being more challenging than anticipated, making e-bike options sensible for blending views with ease. Our guests particularly love staying in traditional trulli houses and masserias, where they connect with local families through pasta-making sessions, watch olive pressing up close, and explore Matera's cave dwellings away from tourist crowds. The specialized food tours keep numbers very small at 4-6 people, giving everyone proper time to work alongside Altamura's traditional bakers and local pasta artisans in their workshops. Culture-focused walking tours combine daily routes of 3-8 kilometers through Alta Murgia National Park and visits to UNESCO sites, with authentic experiences like dining in historic courtyards and meeting cheese producers in their facilities, all with intentionally limited group sizes.
Private / Personalized
22 tours in PugliaFor a genuine slice of Puglian life, our private family-hosted tours offer deep local connections over 6-10 days. You'll stay in traditional farmhouses, eating home-cooked meals from garden ingredients and exploring hidden corners with your hosts. Our guests often tell us about the real connections they make - learning family pasta recipes, visiting small wine, olive oil and cheese producers and also discovering quiet swimming coves along the coast. Since it's all private, activities adjust to match your interests, from extra time in baroque Lecce to more cooking lessons in the farmhouse kitchen.
Top Puglia travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day Puglia tours really shine when it comes to genuine local experiences. You'll find several excellent options combining stays at family masserias with daily outings to key locations. Our customers particularly enjoy the hands-on cooking sessions with local chefs, visits to coastal caves and also olive oil tastings at historical farms. One intimate option limits groups to 4 people, letting you stay at a working olive farm where your host prepares evening meals using fresh garden ingredients. If you're drawn to the coast, we offer routes from Polignano a Mare's dramatic cliffs to Gallipoli's swimming spots and also the quiet coves near Santa Maria di Leuca. History buffs can opt for tours dedicating full days to exploring Matera's cave homes and Alberobello's trulli houses, where local guides share fascinating stories about these UNESCO heritage sites.
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Ten-day tours let you properly settle into Puglia's daily rhythms. Our most complete routes begin in Naples, moving south through the Amalfi Coast before reaching Puglia's main sites. You'll discover hidden spots in Lecce, watching papier-mâché craftsmen at work, and explore Ostuni's narrow lanes in traditional three-wheeled Ape cars. These longer trips strike a nice balance between guided activities and free time - our guests often mention how much they value those free afternoons for market visits or relaxing at beachfront cafes. The food experiences really stand out, from wine sampling on Mt. Vesuvius to watching mozzarella making at family farms and also joining cooking sessions in local homes.
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Our two-week tours offer a thorough exploration of southern Italy. These trips typically cover the Amalfi Coast, Puglia and also parts of Basilicata, with a comfortable pace staying 3-4 nights in each key spot instead of constant moves. Our travelers appreciate having time to walk the Path of Lemons near Minori, really get to know Matera's cave neighborhoods and settle into places like Alberobello, where you can stay in an actual trulli house. These longer journeys include special touches like private folk music shows, tours of ancient underground water systems and also workshops learning traditional crafts such as Lecce's distinctive Baroque papier-mâché.
Demographics
Solo travelers really connect with our week-long Puglia adventures, where groups of 10-14 people quickly become friends over plates of fresh seafood and local pasta. The cycling routes take you through quiet countryside paths and past centuries-old olive groves, with stops at traditional masserias along the way. You'll stay in authentic trulli houses in Alberobello and also cave hotels carved into Matera's ancient sassi. Our guides are great at bringing solo guests into the local scene - they'll take you to meet artisan cheese makers, set up wine tastings and point you toward the best evening spots in places like Gallipoli where the locals hang out.
Young adults connect well with Puglia's week-long tours that blend energetic exploration, cultural connections and guided discoveries. Our travelers especially enjoy small group cycling tours through the Valle d'Itria, where e-bikes help conquer those hillside climbs while you pedal past centuries-old olive groves and traditional limestone walls. Groups of 10-14 travelers quickly form bonds in places like Gallipoli over fresh seafood feasts, regional wine tastings and local food experiences. Many choose itineraries with nights in authentic trulli houses in Alberobello and also restored cave hotels within Matera's sassi quarters. The tours stand out for their hands-on elements - from cooking workshops in family homes, to traditional pasta-making lessons and visits to small cheese producers in the countryside. Several routes link coastal towns like Monopoli and Polignano a Mare with inland locations, combining morning cultural visits, afternoon swims in secluded coves and also free time to wander. What makes these tours work for younger travelers is the smart mix of guided activities and independent exploring, plus meaningful touches like meeting food artisans and discovering quiet swimming spots along both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
Our 6-9 day Puglia tours work beautifully for senior travelers, moving at just the right pace to soak in all the culture. You'll explore medieval churches in Trani, learn why Lecce's baroque style is so special and dig into the fascinating story of Matera's cave homes. The 4-star hotels are all centrally located, making it easy to step out and explore. Groups stay small at 12-14 people, and our local guides really know their history - they make every site come alive with stories. There's a good mix of guided visits and free time, with comfortable minibus transfers between towns. Our senior guests particularly enjoy olive oil tastings at historic farms, watching traditional bread-making in Altamura's family bakeries and also taking relaxed walks along Otranto's seaside paths.
- Solo Travelers68 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples55 tours
- Seniors (50+)39 tours
Best time to visit Puglia
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall is all about harvest season, with tours that get you involved in grape picking at family vineyards and olive gathering in ancient groves. Matera takes on a special quality in autumn - our travelers often mention how the evening lights create something magical in the sassi neighborhoods. You'll find special cooking workshops using just-picked ingredients, plus visits to Altamura's bakeries where you'll see how they make their famous bread. The routes from Monopoli to Gallipoli cross both coasts, with quiet beaches and perfect weather for mixing walks with cultural stops. The harvest season really brings out connections with local families, who often share their traditions with our small groups.
- 45 tours
- popular 61 tours
- 34 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings a different side of Puglia, when the olive harvest is in full swing and historic sites feel more intimate. Our small groups start in Bari then wind through Trani's medieval Jewish quarter and up to the fascinating Castel del Monte. You'll warm up in traditional masserias during hands-on pasta making classes, right next to fireplaces that have seen centuries of winters come and go. Many of our visitors tell us that exploring Matera's cave homes without summer crowds lets them really connect with the place, especially when followed by wine tastings in snug underground cellars. The season's quiet pace means more genuine time with local families, who often invite our groups to join their winter celebrations and help prepare seasonal dishes.
- popular 17 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring fills Puglia's countryside with wildflowers, and the mild weather makes it perfect for active tours. Our cycling and walking routes through Alberobello's trulli district get excellent feedback, especially when combined with rides past blooming orchards and olive groves. If you join us in April or May, you'll stop at local cheese makers to try fresh mozzarella and burrata right where it's made. The spring light makes Lecce's baroque details pop, while coastal paths to Otranto and Polignano a Mare are peaceful before the summer rush. The cycling tours cover about 35km each day with plenty of stops for coffee, gelato and cultural visits - our guests love how we mix active mornings with laid-back afternoon exploring.
- 22 tours
- 35 tours
- popular 36 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours take full advantage of Puglia's two coasts, starting with culture early then cooling off in clear waters later. Many guests particularly enjoy staying in traditional trulli houses in Alberobello, which stay naturally cool when temperatures rise. We walk through Ostuni's white-washed lanes in the morning, then head to local masserias for olive oil tastings in cool tasting rooms. Some evenings include cooking classes using what's in season, followed by dinner outdoors in historic courtyards. The coast offers secret swimming spots near Monopoli and Gallipoli, while inland routes through Valle d'Itria catch refreshing breezes.
- popular 33 tours
- 23 tours
- 25 tours
Contact our Puglia travel experts
Joachim
Expert in Puglia at TourRadar
Joachim is one of our seasoned Puglia Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Puglia tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Puglia Tours & Trips
How long should I spend exploring Puglia to really get the most out of it?
You'll want at least 7 days to properly experience what Puglia has to offer - that'll give you time to see the main spots like Bari Matera Valle d'Itria Lecce and the beautiful Salento coast. If you can stretch it to 10 or 11 days even better because then you can really dive into some hidden gems like the amazing Castellana Caves and spend evenings trying multi-course dinners in Lecce's historic center.
What local dishes should I definitely try and where's the best place to find them?
You've got to try orecchiette - these little ear-shaped pasta served with turnip tops are everywhere in Puglia especially in local spots around Bari and Lecce. The Pane di Altamura bread is something special too it's got this amazing crust and protected DOP status try it fresh from the bakeries in Altamura with some local olive oil. Burrata's another must-try it's this incredibly creamy mozzarella filled with stracciatella you'll find the best stuff from local cheesemakers in Andria and Putignano. For seafood head to coastal towns like Monopoli and Otranto where you can get super fresh catches done the traditional way - the mixed seafood fry or spaghetti with clams are absolutely delicious.
What are some lesser-known places worth checking out?
While everyone heads to Alberobello and Matera check out Trani - it's got this stunning 12th-century cathedral right on the seawall plus a fascinating Jewish quarter and lovely harbor. Ostuni's amazing too they call it the White City because of all these gorgeous whitewashed houses and the views of the Adriatic are incredible. Otranto's really special being Italy's easternmost point with this beautiful medieval center and a cathedral that's got this incredible mosaic floor plus there's this stunning Bauxite quarry lake nearby.
What local cultural experiences can I get involved in?
You can really immerse yourself in Puglian culture by staying at a masseria these traditional farmhouses where you'll learn about olive oil making and cooking. Taking a cooking class in Bari or Lecce is fantastic you'll learn to make proper orecchiette from local experts. The olive oil tours are fascinating some mills date back to Roman times and you'll see both ancient and modern production methods. Wine tastings are a must try the local Primitivo and Negroamaro varieties at places like Cantina Albea. And if you can catch a festival like the Festa di San Nicola in Bari or see some traditional pizzica e taranta dancing in Lecce you'll experience something really special.