Pearls of Puglia & Matera

07 Apr - 15 Apr 2026 (9 Days / 8 Nights)
AUD $6,898

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What can you expect?

The tour highlights Italy’s rich cultural and culinary heritage visiting the southern region of Puglia & Matera. The journey through these regions will focus on visiting unique medieval villages and castles and experiencing specialty regional cuisine with local wines.

The central Apennine Mountain range acts as a great natural border separating Italy from East and West. For this reason, the Adriatic regions of Italy are so diverse from their more famous western and northern counterparts.

The authenticity of cuisine and culture as well as the diversity of the landscape makes Puglia and Basilicata so new and exciting to visit.

On tour, the group will share meals ‘Italian Style’; It is all about sharing food and moments together. It is a way of life and an expression of something simple, beautiful and pure.

This tour will be personally guided by a representative of Vita Italian Tours. We feel very excited to introduce our travellers to this area of Italy. It is where our ancestors come from and where many of our relatives still live today.

You will be escorted throughout your stay and we will ensure you have a wonderful experience.

2026 Tour Departures: The Pearls of Puglia & Matera (9 Days / 8 Nights)

07 April 2026 | 4 May 2026

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What’s included?

All land travel in air-conditioned luxury small coach
Accommodation for 7-nights in 4-star hotels in Trani, Polignano a Mare & Lecce
8 Breakfasts
5 Dinners.
2 lunches (Meals include special lunches and dinners in traditional local restaurants, osterie and private dining experiences as detailed in the itinerary).
Mineral Water included with every meal
Admission to all museums and historical sites included in the itinerary.
Personal guided tours to all towns mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of the tour leader/guide throughout the tour.

Detailed itinerary

Meals Included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1: Trani / Castel del Monte (D): Your exciting journey in Puglia begins in the beautiful seaside town of Trani. Your tour leader/guide will meet you at 0900 in the hotel foyer to commence the tour. The morning will consist of a leisurely walking tour of the historical centre of Trani visiting the stunning Romanesque Cathedral, the Jewish Ghetto and other iconic buildings in this beautiful town. In the afternoon, there will be a short drive through the Pugliese countryside full of olive groves and traditional farmhouses to reach the famous 13th century castle built by Frederick II of Swabia. The castle is recognised by UNESCO and will give an insight into the history and legacy left by Frederick II and his descendants in this part of Italy. Dinner in Trani in a local restaurant.
Day 2 Trani / Bari (BD): Today there will be most of the day spent visiting the capital of Puglia: the bustling City of Bari. Your guide will lead you through the old part of the City where you will visit the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman Castle. The tour then continues through the quaint back streets of Bari Historical Centre where you will still be able to see pasta making in the open air. There will be time to have lunch and savour local delicacies. In the afternoon, the group will travel back to Trani. Dinner in Trani in a local restaurant.
Day 3 Trani / Monopoli / Polignano a Mare (BD): We say goodbye to Trani and make our way to another spectacular town situated along the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare. On the way the group will have a special tasting in a traditional Frantoio specialising in local production of extra virgin olive oil. Before reaching Polignano there will also be a visit to the picturesque seaside town of Monopoli known for its whitewash houses, historic port and characteristic alleyways. After check-in at the hotel in Polignano a Mare there will be a leisurely walk through the historical centre. Dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 4 Polignano a Mare / Alberobello (BL): Our second day in this part of Puglia will give the group an insight into the remarkable diversity this region has to offer when compared to the rest of Italy. We will visit beautiful town of Alberobello, one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Puglia. It is famous for the iconic ‘Trulli’; traditional round-shaped and whitewashed stone houses with conical stone roofs. We will have lunch in Alberobello in a restaurant to enjoy the distinct local cuisine and wine. Then it is back to Polignano for a free afternoon and evening.
Day 5 Polignano a Mare / Lecce (BD): After breakfast, we say goodbye to Polignano a Mare for a day dedicated to discovering the splendid city of Lecce, famous for its Baroque buildings built in soft local honey coloured stone. Your local guide will take the group on a stroll through the elegant city centre with the Piazza del Duomo. After a break for lunch, we will proceed to the hotel for check-in. Free afternoon. Dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 6 Lecce / Otranto (BL): It is an early morning start as we journey to the seaside city of Otranto, known as the ‘Pearl of Salento’. There is so much to explore in this enchanting town full of charm and history. Enjoy a traditional lunch by the sea before some free time to explore the small streets and artisan boutiques or perhaps enjoy a drink at one of the many bars overlooking the Adriatic. Free evening in Lecce.
Day 7 Lecce / Matera (BD): Our time in Lecce and Puglia culminates as we travel across the border into the region of Basilicata to what will surely be a highlight of the tour, the amazing city of Matera. Matera is recognised by UNESCO for its famous underground dwellings dug into the rock where the local people lived up until the 1950’s. Many of these caves have become tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and wellness centres. Our hotel is located in the heart of the Sassi District of Matera walking distance to all the major sites. Dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 8 Matera (BD): Today will be dedicated to exploring the famous Sassi District of Matera guided by a local expert who will narrate the history and development of this unique city situated among the labyrinth of the many narrow alleyways of the caves. The afternoon will be free for travellers to further explore the city. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 9 Matera / Bari Airport (B): After breakfast, your air-conditioned coach will take the group to Bari Airport where the tour ends.

Pricing

AUD $6,898 pp twin share

The cost of the tour, land content only, is AUD $6,898.00 per person in twin share accommodation. A deposit of AUD $500 is required to reserve a place on the tour which is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled. The full balance is due 90 days before departure. Single supplements are available at an additional cost of AUD $1,490.00. The tour is costed on a minimum of 6 and maximum of 16 people travelling on tour.

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Our guests say it all

Loved all experiences – both cultural and culinary, the historical villages and everything they had to offer. A marvellous trip to an amazing area.

— C Munns (NSW)
Spectacular South, September 2024

This is our second tour to Puglia but we found this tour to be so much more immersive than our last experience. The highlight for us both was Matera, the Cave stay is a once in a lifetime experience. An awesome package. You exceeded our expectations again!

— K and A Sidoti (Vic)
Spectacular South

What an experience – enlightening, enchanting and amazing, all rolled into 13 days. We thank you and congratulate you on looking after us all with good humour and good advice, and letting us spend time with you for an amazing 13 days.

— L Deans (NSW)
Spectacular South

Additional information

The weather: It is springtime. It can get warm during the day however the evenings may be cool. For May in southern Italy, we recommend light, comfortable clothing, a light jacket with your favourite walking shoes. We do not place age limitations on the tour and welcome anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness. It is important to note that the countryside is undulating and hilly. Many hill-towns have their historical centres closed to traffic and therefore lots of walking is required. Be expected to spend a few hours a day at a time on your feet with breaks for sightseeing, coffee and a taste of the local produce.

The program appears to be full; however, it is mixed with long restful lunches and leisure time for your enjoyment and comfort.

We will always do our best to accommodate everyone including offering alternative arrangements were possible.

If you need to, you can always take time off from the organised program.

Items not included:

Airfares.
Travel insurance (it is compulsory for every traveller to have taken out a travel insurance policy in order to partake on a Vita Italian Tours). If you require, we can assist in organising a policy for you.
Admission fees to places other than those specifically itemised in the itinerary.
Meals on tour except when specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Drinks outside normal mealtimes or additional wine and other drinks in restaurants such as Tea & Coffee.
Personal transport costs, phone calls and other personal needs.
Accommodation Tax in all cities Trani, Polignano a Mare, Lecce.

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