- 9 Days
- Bari | Lecce
“Uncover the flavors of Puglia, Italy's heel: savor local cuisine, soak up history & discover authentic Italian charm“
Tour Highlights
Bari Private Tour
Cheese-Making Class
Wine and Food Tasting
Pasta-Making Class
Conical Trulli Homes
Country Home Dining
Sea Cave by Boat
about this tour
about this tour
Discover Puglia through its food culture, traditions, and gentle southern rhythm. You experience dishes shaped by land and sea, from the breads and focaccia of Altamura to the fresh seafood of Polignano a Mare, with tastings that reflect the region’s long connection to farming and coastal life. You learn to make orecchiette in a rural masseria, try olive oil from ancient groves, and enjoy meals paired with wines produced on countryside estates across Salento. Visit Bari Vecchia and the Sassi quarters of Matera, where stone streets and historic dwellings show how communities adapted to this landscape over centuries. Spend time in smaller towns across the Itria Valley, including the trulli district of Alberobello and the lanes of Locorotondo, each known for its crafts, food traditions, and local character. This journey focuses on meeting the people who keep regional customs alive. You join workshops and share meals in welcoming settings, walking through rural areas shaped by agriculture and community values. It is a route that encourages slow travel and authentic connection, allowing you to understand Puglia through its flavours and the stories of those who live here. Whether shaping pasta dough, tasting wine among the vines, or hearing local memories in a family setting, each moment adds depth to your experience. By the end of the journey, you carry a sense of place built through shared meals, thoughtful encounters, and the everyday life of Puglia.
Travel to a farmhouse set in the Mercadante forest, where you’ll learn how cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, scamorza, and burrata are made using traditional methods. Local producers will guide you through each step, offering insight into the care and skill involved in the process. After the demonstration, enjoy a tasting session followed by a generous lunch made entirely from ingredients grown or prepared on the farm. It’s a chance to slow down and appreciate the thoughtful work behind everyday foods.
1
Arrival in BariUpon landing at Bari Airport, you will take a short transfer to your hotel located in Bari city center. This region of Italy is known as Apulia, or Puglia in Italian. It forms the "heel" of the country. You can easily walk to the city's seafront, where you can enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea reflecting the city lights. Bari Vecchia, the old town, is also within walking distance. This historic area offers a mix of traditional shops, local businesses, and modern establishments. In the evening, try the traditional dishes such as popizze (fried dough pockets filled with ricotta cheese) and teglia barese (a rice, potato, and mussel dish) in a local restaurant.
overnight
Upon landing at Bari Airport, you will take a short transfer to your hotel located in Bari city center. This region of Italy is known as Apulia, or Puglia in…2
Altamura - Cheese & Focaccia - MateraAfter breakfast, depart for Altamura. This city is home to a unique cathedral, the only one built by Emperor Frederick II. The well-preserved old town offers a glimpse into medieval life. Enjoy the region's renowned bread and focaccia, freshly baked in a traditional oven. Continue to a nearby farmhouse nestled in the Mercadante forest. Observe the process of transforming milk into cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, scamorza, and burrata. Savor a lunch featuring the farm's fresh produce. In the afternoon, journey to Matera, an ancient city with distinctive cave dwellings known as the Sassi. Explore these unique homes and the city's historic center. Return to Bari in the evening.
overnight
After breakfast, depart for Altamura. This city is home to a unique cathedral, the only one built by Emperor Frederick II. The well-preserved old town offers a glimpse into medieval…3
Bari TourBegin the day with breakfast followed by a unique guided tour of Bari. Participate in a lively and interactive exploration of the city, including a visit to the cathedral, a shared place of worship for Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Discover the surprising connection to Santa Claus. A complimentary lunch will be provided. In the afternoon visit an ancient farmhouse for a hands-on pasta-making class focused on orecchiette. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner featuring a selection of Apulian delicacies, including homemade pasta, local cold cuts, and cheeses. Return to Bari in the evening.
overnight
Begin the day with breakfast followed by a unique guided tour of Bari. Participate in a lively and interactive exploration of the city, including a visit to the cathedral, a…4
Alberobello - LocorotondoAfter breakfast, depart for Alberobello, the heart of the Puglia region renowned for its distinctive trulli. These ancient stone dwellings, capped with curious conical roofs, dot the countryside amidst rolling hills, vineyards, and centuries-old olive trees. Enjoy the opportunity to build your own miniature version of these iconic structures. Explore the town, discovering shops and craft activities within the trulli. Savor the flavors of the region with a tasting of local products. Continue to Locorotondo, a picturesque town celebrated for its circular layout and whitewashed houses. Experience the local charm with a visit to the "cummesse" and savor a traditional dinner featuring roasted "bombette". Return to Bari in the evening
overnight
After breakfast, depart for Alberobello, the heart of the Puglia region renowned for its distinctive trulli. These ancient stone dwellings, capped with curious conical roofs, dot the countryside amidst rolling…5
Polignano a Mare - OstuniAfter breakfast, depart for Polignano a Mare, a renowned seaside village perched on the Adriatic Sea. Discover the town's historic center and learn about its famous native son, singer Domenico Modugno, creator of the iconic song "Volare." There will be a stop for a seafood lunch, a quintessential taste of the region. In the afternoon, continue onwards to Ostuni, nestled between the hills and the sea. The town is characterized by its lime houses, and known as the the “città bianca” (white city). Ostuni's strategic location positions it as a gateway to the Salento region, the southernmost tip of Puglia, a land embraced by the sea and distinguished by its unique character. Following this visit, transport to your hotel in Lecce's historical center. The evening is at your leisure to explore the area and try one of the traditional local restaurants.
overnight
After breakfast, depart for Polignano a Mare, a renowned seaside village perched on the Adriatic Sea. Discover the town's historic center and learn about its famous native son, singer Domenico…6
Gallipoli - Salento Wine & FoodToday begins with a visit to Gallipoli, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. The small town is known for its historic center, which stands on an offshore island, and for the crystal-clear waters that surround it. The town boasts a castle, reminiscent of Matera's Sassi architecture, and numerous churches, contributing to its rich artistic heritage. Here, tourism coexists with fishing and the slow rhythms of southern life. Once you have seen Gallipoli, there is a visit to a typical Salento masseria (country property), for a wine tour and to taste some local products starting with the renowned "primitivo," accompanied by the famous taralli and other local delicacies. Later, return to the hotel in Lecce.
overnight
Today begins with a visit to Gallipoli, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. The small town is known for its historic center, which stands on an offshore island, and for…7
Lecce TourToday is dedicated to exploring Lecce, often referred to as the "Florence of the South." Discover the city's renowned Baroque architecture, including the cathedral with its unique double facade and the intricate sculptures adorning the Santa Croce rose window. Uncover remnants of the Roman era, starting with the city's amphitheater. There will be plenty of time to wander through the historic center, and visit artisan shops filled with unique treasures. Conclude the day with a delicious pizza, a testament to Puglia's strong pizza-making tradition.
overnight
Today is dedicated to exploring Lecce, often referred to as the "Florence of the South." Discover the city's renowned Baroque architecture, including the cathedral with its unique double facade and…8
Santa Maria di Leuca - Sea Cave by BoatThis morning begins with a transfer to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas converge dramatically. This unique location makes it one of Italy's most enchanting seaside destinations. From here, there is a boat excursion to the Zinzulusa sea cave, a remarkable natural formation featuring stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The cave is known for its archaeological significance as well as its natural beauty, discoveries within the cave suggest it was once a place of worship. After a day by the sea, what better than a seafood dinner in Otranto, the pearl of the Adriatic and easternmost point of Italy. This ancient city has a rich history spanning Italic, Greek, and Roman periods. The city is also a poignant reminder of the population's heroic resistance to the Turkish siege, as evidenced in the cathedral, where they house the skulls of 800 martyrs. After dinner, there is transport back to the hotel in Lecce.
overnight
This morning begins with a transfer to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas converge dramatically. This unique location makes it one of Italy's most enchanting seaside…9
Departure DayYour guide will advise you of collection time from your hotel for transfer to the airport. If you have a later flight, the morning is yours at leisure. We trust you have enjoyed the flavors and history of this special part of the world!
overnight
Your guide will advise you of collection time from your hotel for transfer to the airport. If you have a later flight, the morning is yours at leisure. We trust…
Why Book With Us?
FAQs
1. What do we do on the private tour of Bari and nearby towns?
In Bari you explore the old streets with a private guide, stopping at key squares, churches, and local spots that show how the city works today. The itinerary also includes time in towns like Matera and smaller villages, so you see both historic centres and everyday neighbourhood life.
2. What is the cheese-making class in Puglia like?
You visit a local producer and watch how traditional cheeses are made, then roll up your sleeves to try simple steps yourself. At the end you sit down to taste the cheeses, often with bread, olives, or other small bites.
3. How does the pasta-making class and country home dining work?
In the pasta class a local cook shows you how to mix, roll, and shape typical Puglian pasta by hand. Later, a country home dinner brings you to a family or farmhouse setting, where you share a full meal based on local recipes, often paired with regional wine.
4. How are wine, olive oil, and food tastings included on this tour?
You visit wineries and olive oil producers to hear how grapes and olives are grown and processed, followed by guided tastings. These sessions are usually linked with small plates or regional dishes, so you taste how local food and drink match together.
5. What do we see at the trulli homes and on the sea cave boat trip?
You spend time walking among the conical trulli houses, learning how and why they were built in this style. On another day, a boat trip takes you along the coast to see sea caves from the water, with time to enjoy the coastline and the light on the rock formations.
Our in-country expert
Recommended tours in Italy
How We Work
EXPLORE THIS JOURNEY
Book this trip with your choice of hotels and the option to add extra nights at the start or end of your trip.
CUSTOMIZE THIS JOURNEY
Create your dream trip with the assistance of Finest Journeys expert travel consultants.
CRAFT MY OWN JOURNEY
Build your own dream trip with our easy to use trip planning tools
The choice is yours and the Finest Journeys team are always here to help and our concierges and in-country teams will look after you throughout your journey from booking until return.
How We Work
1-Enquire
Fill out our form or give us a call on 1-800-227-1393 to tell us more about your trip.
2-Talk With Us
An expert will get in touch the following day to help you curate your bespoke tour itinerary.
3-Trip Creation
We'll take care of every detail to bring your dream trip to life.
4-Confirmation
You will receive an email from our team confirming all of the important details about your trip.
5-Travel With Ease
Our concierges and in-country teams will look after you throughout your journey from booking until return.