From
$3,949
NZ $3,730

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

8 days
From Matera to Lecce
3.7
11 traveler reviews
From
$3,949
-6%
NZ $3,730
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure

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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 16
Age range 16 to 99
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Stroll the streets of Lecce and see its Baroque heritage
  • Explore Otranto - one of Puglia's most charming cities
  • Enjoy an olive oil tasting & a cooking class in masseria
  • Visit the Castellana Caves, Italy's biggest cave system
  • Go sightseeing in amazing Matera, a historic hilltop town

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Start Matera
  2. Day 2 Full day of sightseeing in Matera, including a tour of the Sassi District; overnight in Matera (breakfast)
  3. Day 3 Drive to Alberobello via the fishing town of Polignano a Mare; wine tasting (breakfast)
  4. Day 4 Free day. Visit the Castellana Caves or Monopoli by the Adriatic Sea (breakfast)
  5. Day 5 Explore the hilltop town of Ostuni; olive oil tasting and pasta-making demonstration in traditional 'masseria' (breakfast,lunch)
  6. Day 6 Transfer to Otranto; visit the historic centre; afternoon optional coastal walk or relax at the beach (seasonal); transfer to Lecce (breakfast)
  7. Day 7 Morning free time; afternoon guided tour of baroque Lecce (breakfast)
  8. Day 8 End Lecce (breakfast)
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Number of tours

444

Age Range

16 to 80 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

80%

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Customer Reviews

  • Most Recent
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  • N
    · July 16th, 2023
    Gabriel, our guide was well organized, funny, very knowledgeable and helpful. The tour itself had an excellent balance of activities and free time. The only negative was that it was 35+ degrees, but even then, there was enough shade and indoor things to see to balance out the heat. My daughter and I really enjoyed the tour and our small group of 20 made it a more intimate tour. Thank you!!
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    Our local team will be thrilled to hear that Gabriel was such a good guide for you! Thank you for taking the time to let us know you had a great adventure on Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy tour. We always appreciate hearing back from our travellers.... Show more
    Trip date: July 2023
  • RW
    · June 19th, 2023
    Although I have traveled often this was my first experience with an organized/guided tour. The tour was exactly as described. Our guide Gabriele was an outstanding host. He ensured we were well informed of all details throughout our journey which made it stress free and fun. He went above and beyond organizing a few group dinners. 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. Accommodations were characteristic of the town, clean and with friendly staff. Daily breakfast were fresh , abundant with plenty of variety. My personal favourite Apricot Crostata! If you take this trip here a few tips; - wear comfortable shoes with good treads. It would be difficult to navigate Materra and Alberobello in flip flops. - arrive hungry saving room for a gelato or two - be prepared to pay a small city tax to each hotel. It’s minor but in my opinion it would be more convenient for staff and guests if it were included. - take lots of pictures Pulgia…you won’t be disappointed. The tour was busy yet somehow I returned home relaxed. Buon Viaggio!!
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    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We are so happy to hear that you had a great time on our Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy tour and we really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and providing us with feedback and photos. We are thrilled that you had such a good experience on your... Show more
    Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 1Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 2Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 3Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 4Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 5Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 6
    Trip date: May 2023
  • Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy reviewer 3
    · June 14th, 2023
    This was my first organized week long tour, so I had a lot of questions.The website is very easy to use and when we called with specific questions we got a very polite and knowledgeable person. She handled our needs and I will use tour radar again for searching and booking a tour and have recommended it to friends I know. Thanks for a great holiday.
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    Thank you so much for letting us know about how great the booking process went! We are so happy you enjoyed Discover the Heel of Italy tour. We hope that you will continue to tell others about your amazing adventure and we hope you will choose Exodus... Show more
    Trip date: May 2023
  • Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy reviewer 4
    · June 24th, 2022
    @ExodusTravels #exodustravels We won't use Exodus again. I booked the wrong holiday and was offered the tiniest credit to switch. wouldn't even let us use the airport transfer we had paid for! Not valued despite nearly £20k spent . Now enjoying a great trip with Cycle Puglia.
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We would like to thank you for your feedback, John, although we are very sorry to learn of your disappointment regarding your recent booking experience with Exodus. In circumstances where a client wishes to cancel their existing booking and join a new... Show more
    Trip date: June 2022
  • PH
    · June 4th, 2022
    Poor Communication: This review is emailed to me but it is in someone else's name - again! My name was wrong when I tried to check in at the first hotel and also on the tour guide's trip manifesto. Too many emails - confusing. Slow to answer pertinent questions. Some info rather late and some non-existent. I need to knwo when and where our tour is meeting so I can make plans for my days travelling prior to the tour. My friend wanted to join the tour. No one ever sent a definitive answer so she made other plans. Turns out there was room for her to share my room.
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2022
  • DJ
    · April 20th, 2022
    The tour provided transportation and accomodations. The content of the tour was was often shallow. One local guide in Lecce was very good. The guide in Mattera was rushed and drowned out by church bells--he did not pause. The tour guide often gave confusing directions and seldom had good local maps as the afternoon of the day was usually free time. Higlights of the tour was a visit to the olive grove. TRhe wine tasting in Alberello was also good.
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We would like to thank David for his review, although we regret that he was did not feel that enough information was given at times on his trip. We have received very positive feedback on this itinerary in the past, and we note that the Exodus tour... Show more
    Trip date: April 2022
  • RD
    · October 28th, 2019
    The tour was interesting and worthwhile. Guide Damiano was a really lovely guy with lots of excellent information. I would have liked a lot more info on local food each night at dinner time and evening meals included
    Show more
    Trip date: September 2019
  • RD
    · May 30th, 2019
    The tour was fine. The highlight was staying in a trulla for 2 nights. In fact, that is why I chose this tour. Giuseppe was terrific—good sense of humor, knowledgeable, aware of traveller’s needs. Most breakfasts were delicious, the few dinners were great. The towns were beautiful and as described. Sadly the weather (rain and chilly) kept some of us from fully exploring the town. The description of “gentle walks” was a bit misleading since 3 1/2 miles (each way) required that some of us take a taxi instead. The one suggestion I would make is to take more advantage of the time in the bus to give an education on the area, —history, geography, and any interesting tidbits that could b added. It seems the perfect time to enhance the travelers knowledge of the area.
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2019
  • LW
    · May 28th, 2019
    overall the tour was very good, our guide Christina could not have been better. I have one complaint which I hope you rectify, our first nights accommodation was not what we paid for. We paid for single occupation in the rooms for the hotels, however the first night we had to share, as we had paid I am expecting a refund for that night.
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2019
  • MS
    · September 10th, 2018
    The tour guide was very knowledgeable . Saw puglia as an introduction but thought it was an expensive tour for what you got .. dissatisfied with only breakfast included in the meals for whole week , the accommodation was disgusting and not always in the center of town . Don’t know where my money went ? Won’t do an exodus tour again ..
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We would like to thank Marilena for her feedback, although we regret that she did not enjoy her tour in Puglia and that it did not meet her expectations. We are sorry that she was disappointed with the accommodation; the hotels used on the trip are all... Show more
    Trip date: September 2018

Dates & Availability

8 days
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
From Matera to Lecce

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From
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Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • D

    Don

    Asked on February 10th, 2025

    is a guaranteed same gender room share with another guest available to save on cost?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten February 2025

      If you sign up in a twin share room and you are traveling solo you will be paired with someone of the same gender. The single supplement is optional.

    • D

      Don

      TravelerWritten February 2025

      which airport should I fly into and return from? Is airport/hotel transfer included and if not, at what price can it be arranged?

    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten February 2025

      The designated arrival and departure airport is Bari Airport (BRI). A scheduled group transfer is available on arrival and departure. Private transfers can be arranged: Arrival transfer to Matera: $220 USD, Departure transfer from Lecce: $410 USD.

    • D
      2 more answers
  • F

    Fernando

    Asked on January 23rd, 2025

    What should I do if I have not received joining instructions?

    Travel Support
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten January 2025

      If you haven't received your joining instructions, please check your email or contact customer service for assistance.

  • L

    Luisa

    Asked on January 4th, 2025

    What is the cost of the tour?

    Price / Availability
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten January 2025

      The tour is priced at US$2179.00 per person for two people sharing.

  • E

    Evelyn

    Asked on November 13th, 2024

    Does the tour include flights from London?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten November 2024

      Flights from London are not included, but we can help you get a quote for them. We can only book flights from London, UK, to the tour destination. You will need to arrange your travel to London in time to catch the flight to Bari Airport (BRI). Many of our North American traveler's book flights directly to the tour destination for convenience, but if the London option works better for you, we're happy to assist.

  • C

    Carl

    Asked on October 6th, 2024

    How do I find out the exact group size for my tour?

    Group size
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten October 2024

      We currently have 8 people booked on this departure, with ages ranging from the 50s to 70s.

  • L

    Lynn

    Asked on October 3rd, 2024

    What is the check-in time on the first day of the tour?

    Accommodation
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten October 2024

      You can arrive at any time, and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening.

  • M

    Mike

    Asked on August 7th, 2024

    Do we make our own way to rail/ bus stations??

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten August 2024

      Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. From the rail or bus station, you need to make your own way. You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A cab from the airport costs approximately €80 and should take 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the bus, bookable on Aeroporti di Puglia, which will cost approximately €4 and take 1hr 15min. You will be dropped off in Piazza Matteotti in Matera and from there, you can take a taxi or walk about 10 minutes to reach your hotel. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.

  • B

    Belinda

    Asked on July 6th, 2024

    What would the check in time on Day 1 Matera for the start of this tour

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten July 2024

      Our tour begins in Lecce. Start hotel: Eos Hotel. You can arrive at any time. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately

  • Z

    Zahie

    Asked on June 30th, 2024

    How do I join the group for the airport transfer?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten July 2024

      You will receive details on where to meet the transfer in your Final Joining Instructions sent before your trip.

  • S

    Sophie

    Asked on June 10th, 2024

    what time must we be at the hotel in Matera to meet the tour on Oct 12? I am coming from Rome. I need to be in Naples on the 19th by 4pm to meet another tour. Can I arrange a transfer to a bus or a train station to get me to Naples?

    Flights / Transfers
    Tour Details
    • Exodus Adventure TravelsOperatorWritten June 2024

      Oct 12, 2024 is a Reserve Puglia itinerary so the start is in Lecce, not Matera. There is an included group arrival transfer that leaves Bari airport around 5:20pm to go to the start hotel in Lecce. Are you able to get a flight into Bari airport that would arrive before 5:20pm on Oct 12, 2024? We can also arrange a private transport Bari Airport to Lecce for $392 USD, if needed. Our included group departure transfer will get to Bari airport from Matera around 4:20pm. We could arrange our private departure transfer Matera to Bari Airport for $158. Otherwise you are free to arrange a transfer to a bus or a train station.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Exodus Adventure Travels with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 88588

  • Currency
    Euro
    Italy
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for type L.

    Type L
    Italy
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before October 15th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 15th, 2025, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Exodus Adventure Travels. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Exodus Adventure Travels will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Exodus Adventure Travels" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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