From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
While it may lack the famous beach resorts and iconic landmarks of other Italian hotspots, Puglia is a surprising gem of southeastern Italy, often luring travelers back for repeat stays.
Idyllic coastal landscapes, rich history, archaeological treasures and medieval architecture await here in the whitewashed heel of Italy—and with its languid pace, sunny Mediterranean climate and lack of tourist hordes, this is one corner of Italy that should be on your radar.
From laidback fishing villages to bustling ports and beautiful medieval old towns, you’ll encounter rich history, unique local cuisine and some of Italy’s friendliest people.
Walk or cycle down ancient paths that follow the pretty coastline and cut through a scenic hinterland of red earth, vineyards and endless olive groves, dotted with sandstone castles, tiny churches and quirky cone-roofed houses.
Visit Roman ruins, relax on beautiful beaches and wander the cobbled backstreets of Lecce—the elegant “Florence of the south”—with a gelato in hand.
Join us we discover delightful Puglia!
8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate
6Days
Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
In Puglia we use a range of 2-3 star hotels, often family run. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.
Simple yet rich in local character, the B&B’s chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.
Similar to Bed & Breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en-suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.
A traditional style of building specific to Puglia, a Trullo features a conical roof and is made of stone.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the ‘White City’ of Ostuni
Visit Otranto Cathedral for its 12th century ‘Tree of Life’ mosaic floor and its Chapel of the Dead, in which the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed
Explore the Sassi cave houses of UNESCO-listed Matera
Stay in a Trulli stone cottage
The elegant city of Lecce is known for its baroque and Roman masterpieces including the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Porta Napoli and the Duomo
Navigate orchards and olive groves using traditional ‘tratturi’, a system of ancient roads and footpaths still used by the locals
Follow the breathtaking Cipolliane Path along the Adriatic coast
Visit the solitary Punta Palascia lighthouse, which is perched on a rocky promontory and marks the easternmost point of Italy and the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
The ancient walled Messapian town of Castro is renowned for its abundance of churches and important works of art
Marina Serra boasts some outstanding swimming spots, including a natural pool that’s perfect for kids
Puglia has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and low rainfall.
Spring and Autumn are usually warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 18 - 25 degrees Celsius / 64 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes higher.
Please note that some trips do not operate in August because it is too hot for walking and cycling.
Italy is +2 hours ahead of UTC/GMT
Italian (official), German, French, Slovene
Euro
+39
Electricity in Italy is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.