Premium Puglia

Premium Puglia

586 Views
8 Days From

$4535

Premium Puglia

8 Days Starting in Bari and ending in Naples

Visiting: Bari, Nardo, Matera, Naples

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ZMPM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Interests:

Cultural

From: $4535

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders come together on an eight-day Premium adventure through Italy’s Puglia region. Understated and unbelievably beautiful, this lesser-visited corner of Italy delivers in historical, cultural and natural sights. Begin in the coastal town of Bari, admire unusual trulli buildings in Alberobello, stay in a former palace in Nardo, explore ancient sassi homes in Matera and discover the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. With a local leader by your side and expert guides joining you along the way, you’ll really get a kick out of this adventure.

Highlights

  • Spend two nights at your spectacular Feature Stay accommodation in Nardo. Once a 13th century Baronial Palace, then a 17th century Carmelite monastery, the historic property has been converted into a fabulous hotel with modern comforts.

  • Join an expert local guide to learn about and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD.

  • Explore the truly unique town of Alberobello under the guidance of a local expert. Alberobello is famed for its thousands of fairy-tale trulli homes built in the 14th century.

  • Discover an awe-inspiring maze of ancient sassi homes in the town of Matera, believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world.

  • Visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that has been active since Roman times. Learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste the farm’s olive oil, and dine on delicious regional specialties.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bari

Location: Bari

Accommodation: Hotel Nicolaus or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal city of Bari, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers joining you on your adventure. If you arrive early, why not wander the mazelike Old Town or see the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola – a key pilgrimage site that holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. You could also pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your meeting, get to know your group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.

Included Activities:
-Bari - Dinner in a Local Restaurant

Day 2: Bari

Location: Bari

Accommodation: Hotel Nicolaus or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli (dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century). While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, see the Church de Sant’Antonio – a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. You’ll then visit Polignano a Mare to explore another gorgeous coastal town popular for its beaches, rugged cliffside dwellings and bright turquoise waters. Tonight, you’re free back in Bari to find some dinner.

Included Activities:
-Bari - Alberobello and Polignano a Mare - Half Day Trip

Day 3: Nardo

Location: Nardo

Accommodation: Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that’s been active since Roman times. You’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. Then, visit the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. From here, travel to the quiet town of Nardo and join an expert local guide for a walking tour through the Old Town, where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos. Tonight, settle into your Feature Stay accommodation – three 13th century Baronial Palaces, once home to aristocracy from the Kingdom of Naples, which have been converted into a hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the palaces and grounds that feature artwork and sculptures by local artists. In Palazzo Mignano, you’ll find an excellent on-site restaurant offering Salento dishes and a panoramic view from the terrace.

Included Activities:
-Nardo - Lunch in Ostuni
-Nardo - Ostuni Farm Visit and Olive Oil Tasting
-Nardo - Walking Tour

Day 4: Nardo

Location: Nardo

Accommodation: Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this morning. You’ll also have some free time to explore this historic city on your own before heading back to Nardo. Later this afternoon, perhaps head to the beach, which is only 15 minutes away, or join a pasta making or wine tasting class at your hotel.

Day 5: Matera

Location: Matera

Accommodation: La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then, it’s time to say goodbye and travel to Matera – an ancient city on a rocky outcrop. Along the way, stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Matera. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.

Included Activities:
-Matera - Winery Visit With Lunch

Day 6: Matera

Location: Matera

Accommodation: La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today, dive into Matera’s Old Town, made famous by sassi – more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also visit an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets, cisterns and churches.

Included Activities:
-Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern Visit

Day 7: Naples

Location: Naples

Accommodation: Culture Hotel Centro Storico or Similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you’ll join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.

Included Activities:
-Naples - Pompeii Visit
-Naples - Dinner In Naples

Day 8: Naples

Location: Naples

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time discovering Naples, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Comfortable Hotel (5 nights), Feature Stay (2 night)

  • Polignano a Mare - Welcome Dinner

  • Alberobello - Half Day Trip

  • Ostuni - Olive Oil Tasting

  • Nardo - Walking Tour

  • Lecce - Walking Tour

  • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern

  • Matera - Guided Walking Tour

  • Pompeii - Walking Tour with Local Guide

  • Pompeii - Archaeological Site

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

show more

Transport

  • TRAINS
  • The main mode of transportation on this trip is by train. Italian long-distance and inter-regional trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Regional and metropolitan trains are usually a bit more basic and can be quite busy, but this just adds to the experience. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long (and short) distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre of your next destination.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

  • TRAINS
  • The main mode of transportation on this trip is by train. Italian long-distance and inter-regional trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Regional and metropolitan trains are usually a bit more basic and can be quite busy, but this just adds to the experience. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long (and short) distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre of your next destination.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
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Apr 23, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026
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May 07, 2026 - May 14, 2026
$4950

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May 14, 2026 - May 21, 2026
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Saturday - Saturday

May 23, 2026 - May 30, 2026
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Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
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Saturday - Saturday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$5140

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$4950

Monday - Monday

Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026
$4950

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 06, 2026 - Oct 13, 2026
$4760

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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