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Citalia has been helping customers discover the very best of Italy for over 90 years. Their passionate Italy Experts are in the perfect position to share their biggest highlights, unique experiences and well-kept secret spots of Italy that make this country so exciting.

Italy is a feast for the senses, with so much to explore. Each of Citalia’s hotels has been specially selected by their team to make sure your stay is as enjoyable and authentic as possible.

It might be because of its fantastic location in a city’s centro storico or on a Tuscan hilltop, or it might be a fascinating history or heritage that they think you’ll love.

Why Travel with Citalia?

With so much choice in such a spectacular and diverse country, deciding what’s exactly right for you can be tricky, however Citalia’s Italy Experts and the Italian Holiday Finder help to make this process a lot easier.

Filtering through their best holidays based on your personal wishes.

Experience a unique Italian holiday tailored perfectly for you

• Let destination experts curate your trip.
• Offering flexibility, choice and bespoke itineraries.
• With hand-picked hotels in the perfect locations.
• Award winning tour operator, passionate about creating the perfect holiday.

Ask an advisor

Speak to a silver travel advisor for advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect holiday., 0800 412 5678, alternatively you can contact our travel partner directly., 01293 765 055, destinations & tours, key destinations, classic journey by train.

Take the Venice Simplon Orient Express through glorious European landscapes to magical cities, filled with art, music and culture. And the finest restaurants too. Italian railways are perfect for two centre holidays.

Family Holidays

Enjoy multi generational holidays on Italy’s excellent beaches, staying in family hotels or relaxing villas. Space for grandparents to escape and explore

Boutique Hotels

Head to the romantic countryside for exceptional hotels, uniquely created in traditional buildings, the trulli in Alberobello or a waterside palazzo in Venice.

Tours & Excursions

Join a guided tour which make planning your trip easy, with transport and accommodation all organised plus outstanding guides. Tour museums, galleries and churches and have cookery lessons too! You could add a day’s excursion to any holiday to discover more.

Villas And Apartments

Take a road trip to rural of coastal self-catering villas to please yourselves on an Italian escape. With city apartments in grand buildings, you’ll be inspired by the views and central locations.

Best of both worlds

Save up to £100 when booking a twin-centre holiday or £150 when booking a multi-centre holiday.

Valid for holidays departing before 31 October 2023. Minimum stay 7 nights.

Book before 28 February 2023.

Call 0800 412 5678 for more information or to book.

We regularly receive special offers and discounts from our travel partners. For the latest offers and a bespoke quotation speak to our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 .

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©2023 Silver Travel Advisor, All Rights Reserved. ABTA: P8411. Silver Travel Advisor is a UK registered limited company. Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide financial protection for your money when you buy a package holiday. If you buy other travel arrangements such as accommodation only this protection doesn’t apply.

Silver Travel Advisor sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number P8411. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com .

Hays Travel Limited are registered in England and Wales with company number 01990682 and VAT number 193167195. Registered office: 25 Vine Place, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR1 3NA. Silver Travel Advisor is a trading name registered with company number 07408308 and VAT number 100952746. Registered office: Unit 13e, 92 Burton Road, Sheffield, S3 8BX. Email: [email protected] . Call 0800 412 5678. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm & Saturday 10am – 4pm.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here .

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With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

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This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

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The Ultimate Guide to Italy with Citalia

BY Citalia Partnership

20th Mar 2023 Travel Guides

Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Italy!

City: Verona

Lake: Lake Como

Coast: Liguria

Island: Sicily

Countryside: Puglia

Citalia's choice: sightseeing from sorrento, discover the real italy with citalia     .

The world at your fingertips

Launched in 1922, Reader ' s Digest has built 100 years of trust with a loyal audience and has become the largest circulating magazine in the world

Travel inspiration: 8 of the best Italy wine holidays

• Top Italy wine travel guides
• Wineries to visit

From tuition and tastings in Puglia to epicurean treats in Montalcino - here are some of the best Italian wine holidays to give you inspiration for your next trip.

1. Italy wine holidays: Gastronomy on the Amalfi Coast

Stay in five-star Hotel Santa Caterina, with its far-reaching views along the Amalfi coast, a luxurious beach club and two restaurants, for a four-day ‘Luxury Amalfi Coast Wine Experience’.

Amalfi Coast vineyards and Gulf of Salerno (Alamy)

The wine here is fascinating, made from rare, centuries-old grape varieties first cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and served alongside mouthwatering seasonal food. The trip includes a private cruise to Capri and a visit to an organic vineyard. Try Greco di Tufo DOCG or Falanghina white wines with local seafood.

From: £2,885 per person, including flights, departures between April and October

Contact: SmoothRed (020 8877 4940; smoothred.co.uk )

2. Italy wine holidays: Barolo and Barbaresco in Piemonte

Head to this rural corner of north-west Italy to discover the region’s great wines on a five-day ‘Wine tour of Piemonte’.

Vineyards in Piemonte (Alamy)

Staying at the four-star Relais Villa d’Amelia near Alba, there are daily excursions to local vineyards for private tastings plus the chance to try local specialities including pastas, cheeses, chocolate truffles and snails.

From: £2,630 per person, including flights, departing on October 4, 2017, and May 14 and October 3, 2018

Contact: Expressions (01392 441245; expressionsholidays.co.uk )

3. Italy wine holidays: Winery and spa in Lombardy

Combine gastronomy and spa treatments at the exclusive five-star L’Albereta resort in the vineyards of Franciacorta, near the shores of Lake Iseo in northern Italy.

As well as its prestigious spa, the hotel neighbours the Bellavista winery. The producers of Franciacorta commonly make their sparkling wines in the same way as those of Champagne in France and the area is emerging as one of Italy’s premier sparkling wine regions.

From: €260 per room, per night based on two sharing

Contact: L’Albereta (00 39 030 776 0550; albereta.it )

Book your break to Italy with LastMinute.com

4. Italy wine holidays: Top tipples in Tuscany

Join an all-inclusive, six-day ‘Ultimate Tuscany’ tour of one of Italy’s most gastronomic regions, in the company of Jane Hunt, expert lecturer and Master of Wine.

Tuscany’s bountiful vineyards (Alamy)

The high-class itinerary includes a chance to try Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido, one of Italy’s greatest red wines, and the elegant Volpaia wines of Chianti, with visits to Montalcino and Siena.

From: £3,450 per person, including flights, departing on October 23

Contact: Arblaster & Clarke (01730 263111; arblasterandclarke.com )

See more Tuscan wineries to visit with this Decanter guide

5. italy wine holidays: tasting lessons in puglia.

Enrol on a five-day wine course at the five-star Borgo Egnazia hotel’s wine academy which is supervised by Giuseppe Cupertino, head of the Italian Sommelier Foundation.

Borgo Egnazia

Through wine tasting and food pairings, the course provides a technical understanding of various types of wine, vines and vinification methods. The hotel’s two restaurants focus on top local cuisine under the supervision of Michelin-starred chef and consultant, Andrea Ribaldone.

From: €240 per night on a B&B basis, for two people sharing a Corte Bella room

Contact: Borgo Egnazia (00 39 080 225 5850; borgoegnazia.com )

6. Italy wine holidays: Prosecco in the Veneto

Discover the best vineyards on a private, three-day ‘Hidden Gem Villa Abbazia’ tour, staying in the Villa Abbazia, a five-star hotel with 18 rooms decorated in elegant Venetian style.

Prosecco vineyards (Alamy)

Tour highlights include a chauffeured visit to a premium winery in the Valobbiadene area, a tasting in Vidor and a six-course dinner, with four glasses of paired wine, served in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

From: £480 per person, excluding flights, departures between March and December

Contact: Grape Escapes (01920 46 86 66; grapeescapes.net )

7. Italy wine holidays: Epicurean treats in Montalcino

Book a stay at the luxurious, five-star Castiglion del Bosco, an 800-year-old estate within 5,000 acres of woodland and vineyards in Tuscany’s UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia.

Abbey of Sant’Antimo with vineyards

Serving wine and grappa produced from its onsite Brunello di Montalcino winery, the hotel offers two restaurants (one serving traditional Tuscan cuisine), an organic vegetable garden and a cooking school, plus a pampering spa and private golf club.

From: £684 per night, for two people sharing a deluxe room

Contact: Rosewood (00 39 0577 1913001; rosewoodhotels.com )

Read our insider guide to Montalcino wine tours

8. italy wine holidays: trails in northern italy.

Combine culture and fine wines on a 15-day, self-guided ‘Wine Trail’ starting in Piedmont’s capital, Turin, with its Martini & Rossi wine history museum.

Aperitivo in Piazza San Carlo, Turin (Alamy)

Taking in Bardolino, Merano, Verona, Bologna and Florence, the itinerary includes visits to a variety of vineyards and wine cellars for a chance to meet local vintners, learn about Italian wine production, and explore the different wines of the region.

From: £1,419 per person, including flights

Contact: Citalia (01293 832241; citalia.com )

Decanter experts have not necessarily visited the venues or tours listed here. Find expert guides below on our wine travel page .

More wine holiday ideas:

8 of the best wine destinations to visit in october.

Great places to drink wine this October...

Best Florence wine bars and restaurants

Where to wine and dine...

Wine holidays: Most read travel guides of 2017

Time to plan some wine holidays?

Luxury travel: Italian wine tour ideas

Explore Italy’s best wine regions via castles, palazzos and boutique hotels…

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Didn’t book with them. Attitude.

Didn’t book with them. The quote was very different to their advertised prices and when queried I got attitude back in email. Won’t be using. Can’t say how good they’d be if booked.

Date of experience : 02 March 2024

Supa-dupa Citalia

Supa-dupa Citalia! Such efficient, friendly staff with real experience of the destinations! Fab hotels & a fantastic choice...anything seems possible! Linda sorted our holiday in Sicily last year, she listened to what we were looking for & matched us up to the perfect hotel. This year it's Venice & Lake Como & once again we've left the hotels for her to recommend based on our budget & needs!

Date of experience : 04 October 2018

Great Service

I was delighted with the pre travel and during travel support from Citalia. Support was always available on email and telephone and responses were immediate and effective - just what you want. Citalia, please just dump the TUI ground support !

Date of experience : 08 October 2023

5 Stars Citalia

I would certainly recommend Citalia. All the staff were so helpful, friendly and very efficient.If we had any questions they would reply immediately .Everything on our holiday went very smoothly. A great company to book your holiday through. A special thank you to Jade who went the extra mile.

Date of experience : 30 August 2023

Service above and beyond

I learned at 10pm last night that I could not take the holiday I had planned in 2 weeks due to quarantine. I found a holiday I liked the look of online, but had some questions & tweaks I wanted to make. Lucia was beyond helpful - the dates I wanted were showing as unavailable so she rang the hotel to confirm they could accommodate me, then arranged email confirmation of same so that she could book my flight. All sorted out in under 3 hours. Perfect peace of mind in troubled times

Date of experience : 15 August 2020

We always use Citalia when going to…

We always use Citalia when going to Italy and have had the pleasure of dealing with Katie Barton for the last several years. She has always guided us to the best and most appropriate venues, hotels and restaurants and has dealt promptly with all our requests. We'll be using Citalia, and Katie, next year when we return.

Date of experience : 05 June 2019

Shoddy treatment from Citalia

I should have holidayed in the Italian Lakes in April. Citalia cancelled because of CV19 and have refused to provide a cash refund. I am currently pursuing a section 75 claim via Halifax MasterCard. Suffice to say I will keep clear of The Hayes & Jarvis group of companies for all of my future holiday needs. Just about to add my weight to the complainants who are contacting the CMA.

Date of experience : 11 May 2020

Richie of Citalia was extremely helpful…

Richie of Citalia was extremely helpful in sorting out our three centre vacation. He phoned when he said he would and he found out information for us and gave us his professional advice on excursions to take. We feel he provided us with a first class service and we have complete faith in him to follow through with our booking.

Date of experience : 22 October 2018

Our go to for Italy

We have booked through Citalia quite a few times now. They are always so helpful and attention to detail is very good. They also respond to communications very quickly and efficiently too. We have enjoyed every single holiday we have booked with them. We especially like the way you can return to the same person to book a holiday or check details. They get to know what you like and your little idiocyncracies!

Date of experience : 13 November 2018

First Class Service

Just booked our trip to Sardinia. Miranda has been extremely helpful in the search for our family holiday next year. We feel completely at ease knowing that Miranda is our point of contact from now till our return and reasuured with Citalia's 'book with confidence' promise. Thank you

Date of experience : 01 October 2020

We changed our holiday plans last…

We changed our holiday plans last minute due to covid. Erin at citalia came up with excellent option. So reassuring to be in citalia's capable hands, hassle free and efficient. I had previously used Citalia at Easter which had to be cancelled - Citalia did it all. Will use Citalia again and again, just wish they went to France too!

Date of experience : 02 September 2020

Communication is Key!

So our holiday next week has finally been cancelled. Yet to find out our options. Appreciate it’s a difficult challenging time, but it’s the same for all of us. Communication is key, at the moment it’s non existent. We have booked numerous times with Citalia. Am now questioning whether to again.

Date of experience : 02 July 2020

Holiday in Viareggio

We have been to this resort and hotel many times with Citalia and as usual very much enjoyed it. In light of the current coronavirus situation we had originally booked a week but decided to extend it by a further week as we were enjoying it so much and felt safe in Italy. A big thank you to all the staff involved in arranging this holiday.

Date of experience : 02 October 2020

Lack of Expertise

Have been attempting to put together a holiday to Sardinia and Sorrento. Chose Citalia as supposed experts. So far after a month still incomplete. Difficulty in ‘speaking’ to staff. Calls not returned. Promised return calls not made. E mails not answered Latest failure regards the reservation of a hotel on Sardinia. Citalia representative claims they are awaiting signature of contract but the Hotel claim they do not open until about 10 days after my proposed stay with them. A deposit has been taken , but confidence is now somewhat compromised. In future I will rely on my own ‘expertise’

Date of experience : 05 October 2018

Holiday in Verona and Florence

This is the second experience with Citalia in the last 12 months. The last trip to Venice and Rome was very good, and we look forward to having a similar experience this time. The firm's Italy experts were all very helpful and knowledgeable, and nothing was too much trouble. Almost inevitably, last time, there were a very few minor 'glitches' in the programme beyond the control of Citalia, but on the whole the holiday went very smoothly. Thoroughly recommended.

Date of experience : 19 November 2018

Was feeling a bit tentative.....

Was feeling a bit tentative about booking a holiday in Italy during the pandemic crisis. Needn’t have worried. Helen at Citalia dealt with the whole process in a most professional, friendly and efficient way. Thank you Helen you made the whole thing a pleasant experience!

Date of experience : 08 September 2020

Initially I was disappointed that the…

Initially I was disappointed that the online quote changed as I tried to book online and could not be found when I phoned the helpline. However, Lucia was very helpful in trying to match my budget. The hotel I found was great with superb, clean, individual rooms. They were better than the pictures. Our deluxe room had an excellent view; loved the spa bath with it's own view of the mountains. Other luxuries like sparkling wine on arrival and silver service whenever we ordered tea made our trip feel like a real treat. Although staff were very pleasant and aimed to be helpful we were given poor information about several trips.

Date of experience : 08 November 2018

Not Citalia We Used Previously...

Hotel Ristorante Giardinetto, Laker Orta June 11-18 Poor service from Citalia. Requested a lake view room and prepared to pay for the upgrade but informed that were no rooms free. Rooms available when we arrived. Offered a choice of carriers, easyJet or Flybe. Choose Flybe. Outbound flight delayed over an hour. The excuse was that the co-pilot was taken ill. Return flight delayed by 2.5hrs. Announced that the pilot had been taken ill. When this coincidence was mentioned to cabin crew, someone did remark that the airline was short of pilots. As Citalia presents itself as an upmarket agency then the carriers offered should provide an appropriate quality of service.

Date of experience : 30 June 2019

Really organised company

Really organised company. We done the booking online and the next day they contacted us to say the luggage had not gone on the booking. We had to book that direct with BA then citalia refunded that part off the holiday. Makes you feel like someone is checking the booking for you rather than you having to notice the mistake.

Date of experience : 04 January 2019

Best travel Agent for the Imperial Hotel Tramontano

Citalia is the best travel agent with which to book a holiday at the popular hotel Tramontano in Sorrento. There is an option to pay for half board or, like me, receive a 20% discount on the a la carte menu. As the number 1 Italian specialist, they offer the best deals.

Date of experience : 12 November 2018

THE 10 BEST Puglia Tours & Excursions

Puglia tours.

• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day Tour by Car and Walking among the Apulian Beauties

2. Small Group Boat Excursion to Polignano a Mare

3. Charming Exclusive Customized tours with your real Apulian friend

4. Puglia Cooking class "Le orecchiette, che pasta!"

5. Street Food Tour in Bari old town - Do Eat Better Experience

6. Wine Experience: vineyard, wines and food

7. Apulian cooking class fresh pasta and focaccia

8. Dinner in the vineyard with wine tasting and walk

9. UNESCO's Alberobello and Matera from Bari

10. Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour

11. Guided Tour by Catamaran with Aperitif from Polignano a Mare

12. Boat trip to the Polignano a Mare caves

13. Tour to 4 Towns of Salento: Otranto, Leuca, Gallipoli, Galatina

14. Unesco Tour from Polignano: Guided tour of Alberobello and Matera

15. Bari Walking City Tour

16. The Original Street Food Walking Tour in Bari

17. Tour of LOCOROTONDO and ALBEROBELLO departing from Bari

18. Alberobello, Monopoli Polignano Small-Group Guided Tour from Bari

19. Alberobello Guided tour by Segway, Mini Golf Cart, Rickshaw

20. Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. Departing from Lecce

21. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce

22. Mozzarella Experience - Cheese Tour and tastings to Masseria Fragnite

23. Bari Walking Tour with Pasta Experience

24. Private Tour: Lecce Guided Walking Tour

25. Tour of Matera and Altamura

26. Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif

27. Full Day Tour of Otranto City and its Amazing Seacoast from Lecce

28. Private Wine Tour from Ostuni with Lunch including Alberobello and Locorotondo

29. Ebike tours: Alberobello and the wines of Valle d'Itria

30. Discover the best cellars of Salento

What travelers are saying.

• Small Group Boat Excursion to Polignano a Mare
• Full Day Tour by Car and Walking among the Apulian Beauties
• Boat trip to the Polignano a Mare caves
• Bari Walking Tour with Pasta Experience
• Bari Walking City Tour
• Leucos Escursioni
• Leuca Explorer
• Minerva Noleggio
• Poseidon Escursioni
• Capitan Morgan Castro
• In barca nel Salento
• Escursioni Nemo
• Biagio Tour
• Sea Tour Gallipoli

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A Week In... Puglia

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

ALL SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES averaging 24 Tauck guests – A small group size means a more personal travel experience highlighted by stays at chic smaller hotels in fabulous locations

A two-night stay in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Basilicata, with sightseeing by tuk-tuk and guided exploration of the Sassi cave-dwelling settlement

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Two nights in the Baroque city of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South"

Lunch at a winery known for Puglian Primitivo wine A visit to Alberobello's famous limestone  trulli  houses

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Explore the long heel of Italy's boot to discover sights, tastes, and gorgeous seascapes you'll find nowhere else... like Matera, where the Sassi houses are caverns and the streets are sometimes the roofs of other houses... Trulli houses, tiny fairy castles made of limestone slabs, built without mortar...

Baccanti ristorani, matera, explore polignano a mare, discover the cliffside grottoes and seaside charms of polignano a mare on the adriatic.

If you're of "a certain age," you might remember an Italian pop song from the late 1950s that crossed the Atlantic and became an international hit. Its actual title is "Nel blu dipinto di blu", but it's better known around the world as "Volare" ("To Fly"). It was co-written and performed by Italian singer, songwriter, actor (and, later in life, politician) Domenico Modugno, and is closely identified with his hometown, Polignano a Mare, perched on the Adriatic Sea near Bari in Puglia. Spend some time exploring this seaside town known for its cliff diving and the deep blue grottoes that inspired the song.

The "Sassi" cave dwellings of Matera

Ride a tuk-tuk amidst the "sassi" cave dwellings of matera, a unesco world heritage site.

Hop aboard a tuk-tuk for a ride through the winding streets of Matera in Basilicata, where you'll see a series of rock or cave dwellings that date back to Paleolithic times. Known as Sassi (for "stone"), these dwellings, piled atop one another across a steep ravine, were once natural caves and grottoes that over the centuries were adapted by human settlers as homes. Devoid of residents since the 1960s, the Sassi of Matera are now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you'll explore with a local guide who will share insights on the site, which served as a location in the Mel Gibson film "The Passion of the Christ."

Spend two nights at five-star Borgo Egnazia

The picturesque piazza is the beating heart of the borgo's life....

Your two-night stay will be memorable – In the words of the hotel itself..."The architecture of the Borgo expresses ancient wisdom and beauty of an authentic Puglian village: through the tuff stones cut by hand, the blue windows that awake memories and the gardens adorned with olive trees. The Puglian tradition is sitting in every corner and the closer you get to admire it, the more you become part of it... Walking through the narrow stone alleys is like being carried away on a journey into the past, suspended in a timeless dimension..."

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Palazzo gattini.

Matera, Italy

Risorgimento Resort

Lecce, Italy

Borgo Egnazia

Savalletri di Fasano, Italy

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $449  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $600 per person

59-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.

Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com , by clicking here .

We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly. 

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Italy is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

In addition, coach travel along the many "Yellow Roads" on this tour are very windy and may cause you some discomfort if you are prone to motion sickness. If you are, we advise bringing motion sickness remedies or medication with you.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Puglia enjoys a comfortable Mediterranean climate with hot sunny summers and mild winters. Summer lasts from June until September, and is hot and sunny with rainfall increasing after July, to a peak in September and October. The average summer temperature is not too hot and ranges between 26°C (79°F) and 30°C (85°F), and remains warm through September with an average of 26°C (79°F). The beaches along the Adriatic coast benefit from being sheltered and the average water temperature of between 20°C (68°F) and 26°C (79°F) makes it comfortable for bathers for the whole summer season. Because of Puglia's southern position on the Italian peninsula, it has long summer days with as many as 14 hours of sunshine per day at the height of summer.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

When packing for your trip to Italy, it is important to keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and the current weather conditions for that time. The weather in Italy is temperate and unpredictable. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but certainly be comfortable.

Most Catholic churches in Italy require that your knees and shoulders be covered when you enter, even during the hot days of summer. This is particularly important when you visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where shorts and tank tops are not allowed.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. By law in Italy, irons and ironing boards are not made available to guests at the hotels. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Italy:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Best of Puglia

Southern italy tour | small group tour.

Puglia is a region in Southern Italy with so much to offer even seasoned travellers. Puglia offers unique sights, such as the trulli conical stone houses, and the nearby cave town of Matera. Stunning landscapes, such as the very photogenic town of Polignano A Mare which is poised on the rocks high above the turquoise sea. Amazing food – the creamy burrata cheese, the ripe figs. Each day includes organised activities, visits to all the key sights and a progressive discovery of the local Puglia cuisine. We enjoy long lunches, taking time over the multiple courses to enjoy the atmosphere and to relax.   Check out our Southern Italy Tour reviews on Tripadvisor.

• Accommodation
• Dates/Price

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Alberobello (with its conical trulli houses) and Matera (with its cave houses)
• Key locations such as Ostuni, Polignano A Mare, Lecce, Trani, Monopoli, Egnazia and Locorotondo
• Discover how the range of civilisations that have settled in Puglia have all left their mark. For example, within walking distance you can find a Spanish palazzo, a Byzantine church and a Roman amphitheatre
• A culinary focus - we try recipes handed down through the generations and allow you to connect with this ancient wisdom. Match this with Puglia’s wonderful burrata cheese, and with wines found only in this part of Italy – this is a food-lovers’ dream. Later in a masseria (a 16th century farmhouse), a chef helps us cook a fantastic final meal together
• Experience ‘living traditions’, such as visiting a 4th generation olive oil producer, and a convent where the nuns make biscotti in a centuries' old manner (which we sample of course)

BEST OF PUGLIA TOUR

• Our tours are a balance between being informative (historical details, examples of the culture and lifestyle) as well as having everything that makes for an enjoyable trip (long lunches in good restaurants, a relaxed pace, free time in places we visit)
• We stay for the week in one place, the town of Polignano A Mare. Here people have the time to share a smile or a chat in the piazza – and by the end of the week you’ll be greeting the locals too!
• Our Small Group Tour has a maximum of 14 people
• You have our tour manager with you throughout the week, available to provide support and assistance when you need it. Many people appreciate having someone to turn to who is familiar with the local area, whether it be for help getting something from a pharmacy / drugstore, or simply where to find the best gelato!
• This is the trip that you’d design for yourself. We are Italy... with pleasure
• Our 7-day tour starts and finishes in Bari

What our customers say about Italy With Pleasure

Distinctive character, unique locations

In Puglia we stay in either the town of Ostuni or Polignano A Mare.

Ostuni is a hilltop town, with evocative lanes amongst the whitewashed buildings, and piazzas with the traditional ‘passeggiata’ in full swing each evening. Here we stay at the Hotel Monte Sarago.

Polignano A Mare has a charming historic centre is lined with elegant old buildings, and plenty of opportunities for a coffee or a meal close to the hotel. Here we stay at the hotel Giovi Relais. Both hotels are 4 star.

We find that people very much appreciate that the tour is based in one place for the week, meaning that there is no need to pack/unpack, and you really get to know the town where you are staying.

Some reviews of our tours:

“The best of Puglia tour exceeded all expectations. Small groups lend themselves to a more meaningful and personal experience. Our tour guide was excellent as were the local guides. The accommodation was great and the meals provided were delicious. The highlights were the Trulli houses and the caves in Matera. We really did see the best of Puglia and would thoroughly recommend Italy with Pleasure. We also completed the Sicily tour, and again had a wonderful time and had many interesting experiences. The cooking schools on both trips were great fun.”

“I’ve been to Italy many times..never to Puglia…thanks to Italy With pleasure it is my new favorite place!!! loved the history, food and amazing wine...small groups, one wonderful hotel, great day trips and the best guide (Mark) I have ever had”

“You must use these guys if you are doing tours in the regions of Italy they operate in. We toured with them in Puglia, they do small group tours and are simply the best we have experienced throughout Europe.”

“Malcolm and Antonella from Italy with Pleasure organised and hosted an amazing tour of Puglia. The locations they brought us too were fantastic and our meals were superb. Both of their knowledge with regard to this region is incredible. I cannot recommend this tour and them highly enough. Riccardo who they brought on the trip to help host us was very helpful too. My wife and I will be availing of their other tours in Italy in the coming years.”

“I can't thank the small tour group, Italy With Pleasure, enough for a fantastic trip to Puglia. The group size was perfect and our guide, Anita, was amazing, knowledgeable and so caring of everyone. This area of Italy for non-Italian speaking guests was the absolute best way to visit. I was amazed at the beautiful cultural sites in all the towns AND the fabulous late luncheons featuring the local specialties. Spectacular! I have never had such great food on a tour or anywhere. Thanks again and I have already shared our great experience with a number of my friends and family.”

See these and other reviews on Google Reviews, TripAdvisor and other review sites.

Day 1 - BUONGIORNO PUGLIA!

We meet in Bari, the main city of Puglia, and from here we start our discovery of the region. Our first stop is Monopoli, a vibrant town on the coast. Here we get our first chance to experience the lifestyle of small town Puglia. Monopoli is centred around a fishing port, with small wooden fishing boats heading out each day, and then selling their catch on the pier.

Towards evening we reach the town of Polignano A Mare, where we stay in for the next six nights. We stay in the historic centre of town, where the piazzas have the traditional ‘passeggiata’ in full swing each evening. Over the next few days you'll have plenty of time to explore the town at your own pace.

Polignano a Mare is situated on the coast, an impressive town clinging to a promontory suspended above the Adriatic’s turquoise waters. With a history spanning back to the 4th century BC as a Greek settlement, Polignano a Mare is a charming town centred around the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. The town was on the ancient Roman Trajan’s Way, and you can still see the remains of this route. Polignano a Mare encircles a pebble beach, nestled in a cove between rocky cliffs. The beach is suitable for swimming.

Tonight we dine together, having our first introduction to the cuisine of Puglia. Throughout the week meals are in restaurants designed to showcase the region’s cuisine, with the specific venues all carefully selected by us. This is in order to provide a variety of food styles over the duration of the tour.

Meals: Dinner (4 courses including wine)

Day 2 - INTO THE FAIRYTALE

We depart for our first stop, Alberobello.

The picturesque Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a unique town with streets lined with 'trulli'. In fact it is known in Italy as the “Capital of trulli”.

Trulli are small stone houses with a distinctive conical roof, built 300-400 years ago.

By walking along its narrow streets, you will be fascinated by the magical and fairytale atmosphere of this place. We explore this town together, and learn about why and how these dwellings were built, and about the cryptic symbols painted on the roof-cones.

Before lunch you have some free time to browse the shops of Alberobello and to wander around.

We then move on to the town of Ostuni, known as “la città bianca” (the white town). Ostuni is a cluster of whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop overlooking the coast. Walking through the narrow streets of Ostuni is like being in a forgotten time, evocative and ancient, looking out over an expanse of olive trees. We advise keeping your camera at the ready!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Day 3 - THE MARVELS OF ELEGANT BAROQUE

Today we travel to Lecce, a city that flourished in the 17th century when extravagant and elegant baroque buildings were built by the ruling classes. The baroque style features ornate decorations covering the facades of churches and palaces.

We take a private tour around Lecce with a local expert guide to have the key sights explained to us. The baroque style here is distinct from that in other parts of Italy, both stylistically and in the use of the beige coloured local stone. As well as the architectural and historical features, we make a point of interacting with locals - artisans in their studio creating the local papier mache figures, nuns baking in their convent in the way they have since medieval times. Lecce is an elegant town in which to indulge in more modern pleasures. There are many interesting boutiques and cafes, and the piazzas are full of life in this important southern Italian centre. After some free time in central Lecce we have lunch in a local restaurant, where we dine on the food specific to this part of Puglia, called 'the Salento'.

Day 4 - A STEP BACK IN TIME

This morning we travel to the town of Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region. Visiting Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is like a step back in time. In fact this is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world. The oldest cave dwellings go back to the Bronze Age. The town consists of houses carved out of the rock face along the side of a steep ravine. We meet with a local guide here who gives us an interesting insight into life in Matera, both now and in the past. In fact his grandparents lived in these caves. We visit the 'sassi' cave area, and enter one of the typical houses built into the rock, showing the difficult existence in these conditions. We also visit a cave church hewn out of the rock, featuring Byzantine frescoes and with interesting histories as their usage has evolved and adapted to the conditions over the years. Matera was used for the filming of Mel Gibson's “The Passion of the Christ” - you'll see why it is so easy to imagine Matera as being completely removed from the modern age. Since we are in the Basilicata region, our lunch here focuses on the specialties from this inland region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (4 courses including wine)

Day 5 - Egnazia - Trani

Today we have a day of two parts - history in the morning, followed by relaxing in a lovely coastal town in the afternoon.

Our first visit is to the ancient Roman site of Egnazia. This was a key stop on the Roman road Trajan's Way, well used in ancient times as a route to the Near East. Egnazia was a significant town, and today we can see many reminders of its past importance - wandering through the town we see where bakeries, gymnasiums and temples were located. The Roman road runs through the town, the rut marks left by the carriage wheels provide a direct connection to the past. Looking out to the coast we see where the local boats docked, having loaded up with olive oil and grain.

Continuing on we reach the town of Trani, a key summer destination for Italians and it is invariably one of the most loved visits for people on our tour. We start outside the stunning Romanesque cathedral perched right on the waterfront, and go on firstly to one of the key locations for the Knights Templar. We see the site where this fascinating order based themselves, originally the final point for their missions to leave these shores to head to the near east. Moving through the old Jewish quarter of town reveals much about how the way life in Trani was conducted, in particular seeing how the synagogues have evolved through the eras.

Today the harbour in Trani is a fishing port ringed by waterfront restaurants. Each morning the fishermen sell their fresh fish from the pier where they dock. Lunch is in a seaside restaurant making the most of this fresh catch.

Day 6 - MARKETS - LOCOROTONDO - WINERY - COOKING

This morning is the weekly market day in Locorotondo, we get to see how the locals do their shopping – rows and rows of stalls with cheese, seasonal fruit, vegetables, and other fresh produce. We take the time to look around Locorotondo, an absolutely gorgeous town, in fact voted as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy ("Borghi piu belli d'Italia").

After browsing the market we depart to visit a family run winery, focussed on making quality wines from the traditional varieties that are grown in this area such as fiano minutolo and susumaniello. The winemaker takes us through the vineyard, and we taste a range of wines. Some of these wine varieties were so rare that they were not made commercially up until a few years ago.

Today we take the opportunity to show you a local folk dance called the ‘pizzica’. This is a fascinating experience, as it reveals much about the culture and traditions of Puglia. The pizzica dance is specific to this area, and many people who visit Puglia do not get the chance to see it. You’ll love this private performance, while relaxing with a glass of prosecco.

In the evening we have a special touch for our final evening, taking a cooking lesson from a local chef. Since you’ve been with us for a week now you will all be Puglia food experts. The focus will be on cooking typical Puglia dishes, first taking you through the types of ingredients used and their provenance. The cuisine of Puglia is based on the produce at a very local level, so is different to the food from other Italian regions.

Seasonal vegetables, as well as focaccia and other breads, dominate this cuisine. All these are based on the abundant fresh ingredients as well as the ever-present extra virgin olive oil - a simple and effective cuisine. Recipes have been handed down through the generations and are truly expressive of the Mediterranean diet. The session is hands on and we are all involved in making a series of dishes, and we finish off the session by dining on the meal we’ve prepared.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (4 courses including wine)

Note: pizzica dance performance is based on availability/group size.

Day 7 - ARRIVEDERCI PUGLIA!

By now you know the local barista by name and he knows which coffee you order - but we must say 'arrivederci'.

We organise transport for you to your departure point in Bari and bid you “buon viaggio”.

The tour finishes in Bari at 11 a.m.

Meals: Breakfast

Best of Puglia Tour Dates 2024:

5 - 11 May 12 - 18 May 19 - 25 May 26 - May - 1 June 2 - 8 June 9 - 15 June 16 - 22 June 14 - 20 July 1 - 7 September 8 - 14 September 15 - 21 September 22 - 28 September 29 Sep - 5 October 6 - 12 October 13 - 19 October

Tour Price: €2500

* Price listed is based on twin share * Single supplement of €300 for solo travellers

Tour Price Includes:

• All Accommodation is included
• Meals as listed in the itinerary: breakfast every morning, plus a main meal each day of 3-4 courses including wine
• All costs/entry fees for activities listed in the itinerary are included
• All transport during the tour is included. Travel is in our van/minibus with a professional driver
• 'Italy With Pleasure' provides a tour manager for the duration of the trip on hand to provide any support that you need

“The tour was first class, excellent in every way. An amazing way to see & learn about Puglia. The accommodation, sightseeing, superb food & mini van with great driver and Anita leading the group was sensational. We highly recommend this is the best way to see and learn about Puglia”

“We travelled to Puglia with friends in 2019 and loved the experiences arranged for us by Italy With Pleasure. The tour group was only 7 people, so the spectacular tour manager could easily cater to each of our needs and wants. The visits to the various towns and monuments coincided with some of the best and most regional meals we have ever had. Food and wine were plentiful and the selected venue's proprietors were very committed to ensuring that we all enjoyed our multi course meals and learned as much as we wanted about the unique cuisines that changed from town to town. Italy With Pleasure selected wisely on all counts and we thoroughly enjoyed our travels with them.”

“The Puglia tour, September 2022, exceeded our expectations. We have travelled a bit but have never participated in an organized tour group. Our tour participants were inclusive and a joy to get to know. Andy was an excellent guide/facilitator. He is so knowledgeable and filled with interesting factoids. He guided our group of 16 with humor and patience. He even made sure the restaurants we were scheduled to eat at knew our dietary restrictions. (Italians are so very accommodating) Each restaurant was carefully chosen, the food/wine excellent and we were treated as honored guests.”

“Our hotel in Polignano a Mare was very comfortable and the breakfast had a wide selection of lovely food. I cannot choose a single place I "loved the most". Each town was unique and the history varied and rich. A highlight was our "cooking class" and "learning" a folk dance on Friday evening. The whole experience was such fun.”

“Italy's history is vast and ancient. Malcolm and Antonella selected outstanding "subject matter experts" to guide us in the World Heritage Sites we visited. My favorite subject matter expert was Tiziana. She possesses a depth of knowledge and is able to tie the vast, varied history of this region together in a clear, concise way. The pandemic delayed our trip by 2.5 years. During that time, Malcolm and Antonella were readily available for all of our questions. This is the first time were we not ready to come home. A truly lovely adventure.”

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Puglia Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Puglia. We've got 126 trips going to Puglia, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

126 Puglia tour packages with 876 reviews

• Food & Culinary

Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience

Just got done with Taste of Salento with Emilio and Carla. Fantastic tour. If your looking for a small group experience or solo tour that is relaxed and eating fantastic food then this tour is for you. Family oriented , professional and friendly. They really went above and beyond. taking you to many different places

Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour

SOLETO TRAVEL: First of all, Omar at Soleto Travel was great, from my first inquiry to the last day of the trip. He returned emails promptly, answered questions clearly, made suggestions and generally made the whole experience very easy. I highly recommend Soleto travel and would not hesitate to book any of their tours. The trip I took was Discover Matera and a Taste of Salento. I was a solo female traveler on this tour and just took a leap of faith - it was well worth it. TASTE OF SALENTO: Pretend that someone told you that you had long lost relatives who owned an olive oil farm in Salento and wanted you to come visit for six days? That is exactly what this felt like. From the moment Antonio (the father) picked me up at the train station to the moment Emilio dropped me off in Matera, I could not have been treated more warmly. This did not feel like a “tour”, it felt like a “stay”. Don’t get caught up in the printed itinerary and stated activities. Emilio adjusts the schedule based on the season, the weather and other circumstances. You might not get every single thing listed, but you will get a lot more that are not. Emilio fixes a light breakfast every morning and explains where we’re going and what we’re doing that day. Because this experience is capped at four people (we had two), Emilio drives you in the family car to all the cool places (many that would be inaccessible by a tour bus). You walk around while he explains the history of the place or his experiences there. You get free time to walk around, grab a bite, shop or just sit and appreciate the experience. The highlight of every day was dinner. Emilio is a fabulous chef and prides himself on cooking fresh, organic, local food paired with local wine (all served with his family’s organic olive oil of course). His passion is evident and every meal was excellent. Two of the days we had Carlo as a guide, who was fun and knowledgeable. One day Emilio’s wife Clara took us wine tasting and sightseeing. And of course Antonio, who was a character, popped by to say hi and stir up trouble! I could go on and on but I will stop and just say this: If you want a 4-star hotel with a “farm” theme in a big city, this is not for you. This is an actual farm in a very small town with very comfortable accommodations run by a sweet and generous couple (plus four kids and a dog) who want nothing more than for you to learn about, experience, and hopefully appreciate, the land they love. No tour buses, no guides with hankies tied to poles, no one-size-fits-all restaurants or cookie-cutter tours. Live like a local, with locals, for a one-of-a-kind experience. I highly recommend it. DISCOVER MATERA: I knew nothing about Matera so I was excited to arrive and see this beautiful city. The only thing I would mention is the whole city is practically stairs, including up to the room, so it might be a difficult city for some people with mobility issues so keep that in mind when booking. That said it is such a beautiful and unique city and I loved just wandering around and getting lost in all the little streets and passages. The accommodations were fabulous and so unique (a room built into a cave!) My guide was Cosimo, who took me one day on a city tour and the next on a tour of Murgia Materana, the park across the ravine. He was so knowledgable, friendly and patient with all my questions. Even though I was the only one, our tour went beyond the allotted time and he did not complain or try to rush me. I also got a private food and wine tasting with Lucca who was also wonderful, knowledgeable and generous. The place I stayed had a restaurant, but because I was the only one there, I would have my breakfast on site and then they would book dinner for me at a nice local restaurant. I loved Matera and wish I had a couple more days there. All in all this was the perfect vacation. The people were wonderful, the food and wine delicious, the history fascinating, the scenery breathtaking and the experience unique. I highly recommend this tour and Soleto Travel to anyone!

Best of Apulia region - 9 days (Small Group)

The destinations and hotel accomodations were excellent. We did this trip during the late May and early June timeframe. Our tour was promoted as a 14 person max tour which was not exactly true. There were 2 groups of people split by English Speaking and Spanish Speaking. There were 2 seperate groups but touring the same places, hotels and restuarants. More people then to deal with and figure out logistics and wait time. Overall fairly smooth but room for improvement by decreasing wait time staying on schedule. The tour left a little late each morning so we had less time to see the sights and our free time to explore on our own. Our guides English comprehension was limited and difficult to understand the English with her heavy Italy accent. The tour would be much better just having a group of 20 or less and a better guide that could explain the sights better.

• In-depth Cultural

Premium Puglia

Seductive Southern Italy

TourRadar trip was fabulous from start to finish. Every hotel was excellent. Any meal which was included in tour was great. Every guide along the way was extremely informative and friendly. Our tour leader Francesco was absolutely amazing from the first moment we met him in Naples until our departures in Lecce. Francesco was genuinely caring, considerate towards every person in our group, highly amusing and entertaining... the perfect tour leader!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

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.

• Sightseeing

Explore Southern Italy (from Amalfi to Bari)

• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Beautiful Puglia and Campania

Beautiful Puglia

Puglia and Matera tour 5 days from Bari: special price

Private 6 days tour Unesco Wonders of Puglia and Matera

Wonderful places and professional guides.

Magical Apulia region - 6 Days (Small Group)

Angela shared many great places with us and was very flexible with changing needs. Alberobello hotel was maybe 3 star, not 4 star like Bari and Lecce hotels. Salvatore was a great driver.

• Wine tasting

Highlights of Puglia

Am a first timer with Explore & it was an excellent trip! Our guide Sonia was fantastic: vibrant, informed, a wonderful storyteller & kind and flexible. Trip flow was very good, the right mix of activity and free time. Hotels and bus transports were comfortable. The meals could be more balanced and improved. Too many "snack" tastings in lieu of proper lunches felt after a few days. Wonderful Matera and final night dinners though the 4th and 5th night dinners were disappointing & did not do justice to the beautiful town. Overall a great trip. Would go with Explore and Sonia again.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Self-Guided Cycling

Cycle Puglia

The accommodations were outstanding on this bike tour. Friendly and comfortable

Cycling Puglia & Matera

The bike tour was fabulous - the itinery covered many interesting towns, great scenery from contry to ocean, much variation and it was never too hard.

What people love about Puglia Tours

Continued.. Besides both Carla and Emilios own knowlege and history of each place they had Profesional guides to take you around to the other places. Nice to be in a private car. Great food like I said before. Emilio really takes care and you can see the passion in every dish he makes. Very well put together tour. Loved my stay at the farmhouse learning about the olive trees. Overall a Wonderful experience during my week in brindisi. Will visit again! Crystal

This was an outstanding experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend it. With Emilio and Clara and their family in Salento, I got to experience authentic Italian life as well as sightseeing some incredible towns. I felt like I was staying with good friends who had so much knowledge and desire to showcase the typical foods from the region. Emilio runs a restaurant at the olive oil farm and each meal was delicious. Understanding the production of olive oil was fascinating. And they give flexibility on the time you wish to spend at each place. Each day was different and they change the schedule to suit the weather so you get the best out of the places you visit. My time in Matera was just as outstanding. Mr Cosimo, my guide was very kind and shared so much history of the town with me. He looked after me like a good friend. It was amazing. He gave me great suggestions about restaurants for my free time. The hotel was stunning and had a Roman bath where I could relax. Omar from Soleto Travel was always very helpful in answering any questions and prompt. I am so happy I found this tour.

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.