SHORTLIST

Secrets of Puglia 2025

The enchanting Italian region of Puglia is famous for its historic cities, quaint fishing villages and exquisite cuisine. From Naples to Bari, Lecce, Martina Franca, Matera and back again, we’ll delve into the area’s many splendours – touring historic towns, discovering local traditions and indulging in a tasting or two along the way.

Tour details
Tour Provider Back-Roads Touring Co
Price From
$5,469
Number of Days
9
Start Location
Naples, Italy
End Location
Naples, Italy
Age Range
Avg. 60+
Group Size
4 to 18
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy
Itinerary Open all
Naples (Italy)

A hub of intoxicating culture and historic masterpieces – we’ll meet the group in the vibrant city of Naples. After settling in, tonight we’ll have the opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal. Accommodation: Palazzo Salgar (or similar)

Naples – Bari – Polignano a Mare Region

After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and traverse the road less travelled to the first stop of our journey: Bari. Whilst we’re here, we’ll uncover the city’s seaside charms and rich history with a local guide, seeking sights such as ladies making pasta by hand along narrow streets and opulent opera theatres in the modern French district. Following the tour, we’ll head to our hotel in the Polignano a Mare region where you can spend the evening relaxing at your leisure.
Accommodation: San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Polignano a Mare Region – Andria – Polignano a Mare Region

Today, we’ll make tracks to Andria – home to 13th-century citadel and castle, Castel del Monte aka ‘Castle of the Mountain’. Whilst we’re here, a local expert will reveal how mozzarella and burrata are made – and we’ll have the chance to taste both delicious cheeses before we return to the comforts of our hotel on the outskirts of Polignano. Here, we’ll have the rest of the evening to enjoy the vibrant small town’s restaurant scene or relax beside the hotel’s pool.
Accommodation: San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Polignano a Mare Region – Castellana Caves and Alberobello – Lecce

Our first stop of the day will be a visit to the spellbinding Castellana Caves. This expansive cave system boasts a unique landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over 2 million years. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace – visiting the breathtaking Grotta Bianca is a must! Onwards to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its charming cone-topped trulli. After learning more about the limestone buildings on a locally guided walking tour, we’ll move back to Lecce. The evening is yours to leisurely explore the city or unwind at the hotel.
Accommodation: Palazzo Rollo (or similar)

Lecce

We have a full day in splendid Lecce. To begin, we’ll spend the morning on an in-depth walking tour. From resplendent church facades to intricately detailed gargoyles, our local guide will take us around the exquisite Baroque architecture that gives the city its distinctive character. The remainder of the day is ours to explore.
Accommodation: Palazzo Rollo (or similar)

Lecce – Manduria and Martina Franca – Itria Valley

Today, we’ll make our way into the stunning Manduria region. We’ll savour a tasting of the area’s famous Primitivo wine – a unique blend that draws its intense flavours and deep colours from local indigenous grapes. Following that, we’ll move on to the striking town of Martina Franca where we’ll relish some time to ourselves, before travelling to Itria Valley. This evening, we’ll clink glasses over an included meal and share stories of our day.
Accommodation: Hotel San Michele (or similar)

Itria Valley – Ostuni – Itria Valley

Our journey continues to Ostuni – also known as the ‘White City’ thanks to its collection of white-washed buildings. Upon our arrival, we’ll learn the secrets behind some traditional cuisine at a cooking demonstration and savour our sumptuous creations for lunch. Stomachs full, the afternoon is to be enjoyed at your leisure. Get lost along the narrow streets in the Old Town, take in the beauty of Otsuni Cathedral, or wander through the bustling Piazza della Libertá - Otsuni’s largest square. Later, we’ll return to our hotel in Itria Valley for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel San Michele (or similar)

Itria Valley – Matera

Today, we’ll drive to Matera – the jewel of the Basilicata region. Here, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the ancient Sassi cave dwellings with our local guide who’ll provide a fascinating insight into Matera’s extraordinary history. Later, we’ll enjoy some relaxation time at our hotel, before coming together for tonight’s final group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation: Matera Hotel Sassi (or similar)

Matera – Altamura – Naples

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to beautiful Matera as we hit the road once more. Our morning takes us to the medieval streets of Altamura which we’ll explore with a local guide. We’ll take part in a bread tasting session at a quaint bakery to round off our visit. Coming full circle this afternoon – our tour will end in Naples.

Inclusions
  • - 7 nights in hand-picked accommodation

  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Sassi di Matera cave dwellings
  • Sample the rich flavours of Manduria’s famous Primitivo wines with a local tasting
  • Explore the awe-inspiring expanse of Castellana Caves
  • Breakfasts: 8
  • Lunches: 1
  • Dinners: 3
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
03 Apr 2025 11 Apr 2025 Fully Booked $5,579
17 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025 Fully Booked $5,579
01 May 2025 09 May 2025 2 $6,169
08 May 2025 16 May 2025 6 $6,169
15 May 2025 23 May 2025 3 $6,169
22 May 2025 30 May 2025 Fully Booked $6,169
05 Jun 2025 13 Jun 2025 Fully Booked $6,169
19 Jun 2025 27 Jun 2025 Fully Booked $6,169
24 Jul 2025 01 Aug 2025 1 $6,059
28 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 Fully Booked $6,169
04 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025 Fully Booked $6,279
08 Sep 2025 16 Sep 2025 Fully Booked $6,279
11 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025 Fully Booked $6,279
18 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025 Fully Booked $6,279
25 Sep 2025 03 Oct 2025 1 $6,279
02 Oct 2025 10 Oct 2025 Fully Booked $5,579
09 Oct 2025 17 Oct 2025 5 $5,579
16 Oct 2025 24 Oct 2025 Fully Booked $5,579
06 Nov 2025 14 Nov 2025 16 $5,469