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Essence of Puglia

Escorted Small Group Tour | Oct 13 - 21, 2025

Join us for a nine-day adventure in Puglia, a historic crossroads of culture, trade, and tradition. If you haven’t heard of Puglia (Apulia), it’s likely because you’ve been focused on Italy’s other famous regions—but trust us, this is the next big thing.

Picture whitewashed villages, iconic trulli houses, endless olive groves, and peaceful coastlines. Imagine hilltop towns that feel like magical fortresses, and a blend of Western and Eastern influences in the art, architecture, and grandeur of Duomos. In Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," stroll through stunning streets lined with history.

Experience vibrant morning markets, lively conversations in Pugliese-Italian-English, and the warm hospitality of locals eager to share their delicious dishes and wines. Relax with a glass of rosé in ancient piazzas and embrace the true essence of Puglia.

Are you ready to discover this hidden gem? Andiamo!

Stefano, your I for Italia expert and company founder, will escort and assist the group throughout the tour
Experience the authentic heart of Apulia, with its stunning rural landscapes, world-renowned historic villages, and traditional Masseria
Stay in a stunning Boutique hotel in Lecce and a beautiful, family-owned Masseria in the Apulian countryside, one of the region's finest Masseria, offering a perfect blend of luxury and tradition
Immerse yourself in local culture with various unique and memorable experiences
Private visit to extra virgin olive oil and wine production with tasting in a local farmhouse
Private demonstration and visit to papier-mâché artisanal boutique in Lecce
Private visit to local dairy farm with burrata and other local cheeses demonstration and tasting
Private bread making class in Matera
Exclusive, private dinner in a 17th century palazzo in Lecce

Accommodation: A stunning, traditional Boutique Hotel in Lecce and an authentic Masseria Pugliese (Apulian Farmhouse).

Transportation: High-quality private transportation

Experiences: Focus on history, architecture, culture, hands-on activities, and Southern Italian lifestyle!

Meals: Excellent, farm-to-table breakfasts, local, family-owned traditional restaurants for selected lunches and dinners. Enjoy the simplicity and flavors of the Mediterranean Diet.

Group Size: Up to 14 guests

Accommodation (8 nights)
City Taxes
All breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 dinners
1 Cooking Class – Private Farewell Cooking Class
Bread Making Experience – Private Bread Making Class in Matera
Private City Tours with a licensed Tour Guide (4 Half-Days & 3 Full Days)
EVO Oil Experience – Private Visit to Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Wine Production with Tasting in Local Farmhouse
Papier-Mâché Experience – Private Demonstration & Visit to Papier-Mâché Artisanal Boutique in Lecce
Burrata Experience – Private Visit to Local Dairy Farm with Burrata and Other Local Cheeses Demonstration and Tasting
Ancient EVO Oil Mill – Private Visit to Ancient Extra Virgin Olive Oil Mill and "Monumental Olive Groves"
Private Palazzo Dinner – Exclusive, Private Dinner in a 17th Century Palazzo in Lecce
I for Italia Tour Guide – Stefano, Your I for Italia Expert and Company Founder, Will Escort and Assist the Group Throughout the Tour
Private Transportation

Image by José Jóvena

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

Bari to Bari

Double or Twin Room with Bathroom (Per Person)

$4,990

USD

Preview the Itinerary

October 13, 2025 • Bari to Lecce

Upon arrival at Bari International Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your charming boutique hotel in the heart of Lecce. Alternatively, if you're already in Italy, we can arrange transfers from Lecce or Bari train stations (for those arriving on the designated day). Once in Lecce, settle into your hotel, enjoy a welcome drink, and get a brief introduction to your journey. Spend the afternoon strolling through the vibrant historic center before a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant.

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October 14, 2025 • Lecce

After breakfast, meet our expert guide for a full day exploring Lecce, the "Florence of Southern Italy." Visit iconic landmarks like Piazza Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza Sant’Oronzo, with a break for traditional caffè leccese and pastries. Enjoy lunch at Tre Rane, then visit a historic papier-mâché workshop. Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in Lecce's lively atmosphere. In the evening, Stefano, your tour leader, will recommend his favorite local spots for dinner and drinks.

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October 15, 2025 • Otranto & Galatina

After breakfast, we’ll head to Otranto, Italy’s easternmost city, to explore its charming seaside town and stunning Cathedral. By noon, we’ll arrive at a beautiful Masseria for a guided tour with owner Sandra, including the historic underground oil mill and the "Cathedral of Wine," followed by a lunch of local products and wines. In the afternoon, visit Galatina to see the frescoes in the Basilica of St. Catherine, stroll through Baroque streets, and taste the legendary pasticciotto at a historic bakery. Tonight, dress up for an elegant private dinner at a noble 1700s residence in Lecce.

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October 16, 2025 • Ostuni

After breakfast, check out and head to Ostuni, stopping en route at a stunning 17th-century Masseria, renowned for its cheese production. Owner Pietro will guide you through the process of making Mozzarella, Burrata, and other Apulian cheeses, before a delicious tasting of cheeses, cured meats, fresh produce, and baked goods. In the afternoon, explore Ostuni, the "White City," with its whitewashed houses and winding streets leading to the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Finally, transfer to the Itria Valley for check-in to your home for the next four nights.

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October 17, 2025 • Fasano & Monopoli

After breakfast, transfer to Fasano to visit an 18th-century Masseria, where owner Rosaria will guide you through ancient olive groves and a medieval oil mill, followed by a tasting of their exceptional EVO oil. Next, explore Monopoli, a picturesque seaside town with whitewashed streets, ancient walls, and landmarks like the Co-Cathedral Basilica, the Church of Purgatory, and Charles V Castle. Enjoy a stroll along the charming port before returning to the Masseria for dinner and overnight.

*Activity is not included

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October 19, 2025 • Matera

After breakfast, transfer to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 2019 European Capital of Culture. Explore the Sassi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements, and discover ancient cave dwellings and Rupestrian Churches. Enjoy lunch at a cave restaurant, followed by a hands-on bread-making workshop to learn about Matera's famous bread. Celebrate an unforgettable day in this fascinating city.

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October 20, 2025 • Martina Franca & Locorotondo

After breakfast at the Masseria, transfer to Martina Franca, the elegant "Living Room" of the Itria Valley, to visit the Baroque Basilica of San Martino and admire its charming houses. Next, explore Locorotondo, a hilltop village with whitewashed houses and stunning views, perfect for a stroll and lunch. Return to the Masseria to relax before a memorable farewell evening, featuring a hands-on pasta-making workshop and a delicious dinner with local products in Martina Franca. Let’s celebrate an unforgettable week in Puglia!

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October 21, 2025 • Bari

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to Bari, Puglia’s vibrant capital. Depending on your plans, we’ll drop you off at Bari Train Station or the airport. If time permits, explore Bari’s Old Town, visit the Basilica of San Nicola, and watch local women handcraft orecchiette pasta. Enjoy free time for shopping or a leisurely stroll. Let us know if you're extending your stay—we’re happy to assist with your travel plans.

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Essence of Puglia

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Image by Olga Angelucci

Extend Your Stay

We get it, Italy is addictive. Which is why we’d love to help you spend a few days in Puglia or any other Italian region either before or after your Essence of Puglia group tour. Our Bespoke Travel Designers can help you plan the perfect extension to your stay based on your budget and interests!

Bespoke Itineraries

Passport & Visa Requirements

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends and should have a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.

Holders of U.S. and Canadian passports are not required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Italy for stays of up to 90 days.

Vaccination Requirements

IMPORTANT NOTICE on COVID-RELATED REGULATIONS: As of June 1st, a Green Pass or equivalent Vaccination certificate is no longer needed to enter Italy. All Covid-19 related entry restrictions have been lifted. This means that you do not need to show either any vaccination proof or a negative Covid test to enter Italy. Starting June 12th negative COVID tests will not be required to enter the US. Please visit CDC’s website to read the most up-to-date entry requirements which might still be subject to change. At the time of writing, their updated requirements include: “As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID- 19 before they board their flight.“

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