Puglia Express: 5 Days of Southern Charm
Puglia Express: 5 Days of Southern Charm
5 Days Starting and ending in Bari, Italy
Visiting: Bari, Itria Valley, Matera
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1838
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 5
Age range:
7-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Puglia Express: 5 Days of Southern Charm" tour and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Southern Italy. This delightful journey includes accommodation in 4-star hotels, with three nights in the picturesque Itria Valley and one night in the Bari area. Travel in comfort with a motorcoach bus and a multilingual tour guide, and enjoy full board meals featuring regional cuisine, inclusive of drinks. Highlights include exploring the Grotte di Castellana, the trulli houses of Alberobello, the whitewashed city of Ostuni, the Baroque splendor of Lecce, and the historic Sassi of Matera. Savor the local flavors with an oil tasting and unwind with a welcoming cocktail. This tour promises a rich cultural and gastronomic experience in the heart of Puglia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bari Arrival
Location: Bari
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Bari and meet your driver at approximately 5:45 p.m. at the designated meeting point provided before departure. Transfer to the Itria Valley and check in at the hotel. Before dinner, you’ll meet with your guide for a welcome cocktail and a presentation of the tour. Dinner and overnight accommodation will follow.
Day 2 : Itria Valley > Castellana > Alberobello > Ostuni > Itria Valley
Location: Itria Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by an exciting journey to the Grotte di Castellana, where you'll explore the fascinating caves. From there, venture to Alberobello, renowned as the 'capital of the Trulli,' and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets adorned with traditional trulli houses. After a morning of exploration, relish a delicious lunch before setting out for Ostuni, often referred to as the 'white city' due to its distinctive whitewashed buildings. Stroll through the picturesque historic center and discover the allure of its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. As the day unfolds, return to the hotel in the enchanting Itria Valley area, where a delightful dinner awaits, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region and reflect on the day's discoveries.
Day 3 : Itria Valley > Lecce > Otranto > Itria Valley
Location: Itria Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lo Smeraldo, Itria Valley, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Commence your day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, followed by an enchanting journey to Lecce, often hailed as the 'Florence of the South' and the capital of the Pugliese Baroque. Immerse yourself in the rich history as you explore the historic center, featuring gems such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Duomo, and Piazza San Oronzo. Following this cultural exploration, indulge in an oil tasting to savor the flavors of the region. After a delightful lunch, the afternoon unfolds with a departure to Otranto, aptly named the 'Gate of the East.' Discover the Romanesque Cathedral, the captivating chapel of the tomb of the Holy Martyrs, and the evocative Crypt. As the day concludes, return to the hotel in the scenic Itria Valley, where a delectable dinner awaits, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's cultural and gastronomic delights.
Day 4 : Itria Valley > Matera > Bari Area
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior, Bari Area, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for an exploration of Matera's historic center. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is renowned for its famous 'Sassi' neighborhoods, featuring houses, cellars, and churches intricately carved into the rock. Pay particular attention to the captivating 'Sassi' Barisano and Caveoso neighborhoods, each telling a unique story of the city's rich history. After an engaging morning, savor a leisurely lunch before embarking on a journey to Bari or its surroundings. Transfer to central Apulia, where you'll find accommodation in a hotel in the Bari/Barletta area or its enchanting surroundings. As the day concludes, relish a delightful dinner, reflecting on the unique experiences and architectural wonders encountered during your visit to Matera.
Day 5 : Departure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a morning breakfast at the hotel before checking out. For added convenience, consider the optional private transfer to the airport or train station. Arrivederci!
What's Included
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Accommodation in 4-star hotels
Accommodation in 4-star hotels is provided throughout the tour.
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3 nights in the Itria Valley
Enjoy 3 nights of accommodation in the picturesque Itria Valley.
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1 night in the Bari area
Spend 1 night in the Bari area, experiencing the local charm.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided by a motorcoach bus and a multilingual tour guide from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the last day.
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Full board meal basis
Full board meal basis with a fixed regional menu (4 courses) offered from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day.
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Inclusive of drinks during meals
Drinks during meals, including wine and mineral water, are included.
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Welcoming cocktail
A welcoming cocktail for all participants is included.
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Audio-receiving devices
Use of audio-receiving devices throughout the entire tour is provided.
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Oil tasting
An oil tasting session to savor the flavors of the region is included.
What's Not Included
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International or domestic airfare
International or domestic airfare is not included.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
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Gratuities to guides and drivers
Gratuities to guides and drivers are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Porterage service
Porterage service is not included.
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Additional meals
Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Entrance fees to monuments or museums
Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Local city tax
Local city tax for overnight stays is not included.
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Visas
Visas required for entry into the country as necessary are not included.
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Personal expenses
Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included is not covered.
Mode of Transport
Transportation is provided by a motorcoach bus, accompanied by a multilingual tour guide from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the last day.
Accommodation
Enjoy your stay in 4-star hotels, with 3 nights in the picturesque Itria Valley and 1 night in the Bari area, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in 4-star hotels. You will spend 3 nights in the Itria Valley and 1 night in the Bari area.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour offers a full board meal basis with a fixed regional menu (4 courses) from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day. Drinks during meals, including wine and mineral water, are also included.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided by a motorcoach bus and a multilingual tour guide from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the last day.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a welcoming cocktail for all participants and an oil tasting to savor the flavors of the region.
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What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Bari and meet your driver at approximately 5:45 p.m. at the designated meeting point. You will then transfer to the Itria Valley and check in at the hotel. Before dinner, you will meet with your guide for a welcome cocktail and a presentation of the tour. Dinner and overnight accommodation will follow.
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What are some of the key sites visited on the second day?
On the second day, you will visit the Grotte di Castellana, explore the unique trulli houses in Alberobello, and stroll through the historic center of Ostuni, known as the 'white city.'
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What can I expect on the third day of the tour?
The third day includes a visit to Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South,' where you will explore the historic center and enjoy an oil tasting. In the afternoon, you will visit Otranto, including its Romanesque Cathedral and the chapel of the tomb of the Holy Martyrs.
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What is the highlight of the fourth day?
The highlight of the fourth day is an exploration of Matera's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its 'Sassi' neighborhoods with houses, cellars, and churches carved into the rock.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will have breakfast at the hotel before checking out. There is an optional private transfer to the airport or train station available for added convenience.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.
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Free Date Changes
Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of omega tours charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.