How long should I spend exploring Puglia to really get the most out of it?

You'll want at least 7 days to properly experience what Puglia has to offer - that'll give you time to see the main spots like Bari Matera Valle d'Itria Lecce and the beautiful Salento coast. If you can stretch it to 10 or 11 days even better because then you can really dive into some hidden gems like the amazing Castellana Caves and spend evenings trying multi-course dinners in Lecce's historic center.

What local dishes should I definitely try and where's the best place to find them?

You've got to try orecchiette - these little ear-shaped pasta served with turnip tops are everywhere in Puglia especially in local spots around Bari and Lecce. The Pane di Altamura bread is something special too it's got this amazing crust and protected DOP status try it fresh from the bakeries in Altamura with some local olive oil. Burrata's another must-try it's this incredibly creamy mozzarella filled with stracciatella you'll find the best stuff from local cheesemakers in Andria and Putignano. For seafood head to coastal towns like Monopoli and Otranto where you can get super fresh catches done the traditional way - the mixed seafood fry or spaghetti with clams are absolutely delicious.

What are some lesser-known places worth checking out?

While everyone heads to Alberobello and Matera check out Trani - it's got this stunning 12th-century cathedral right on the seawall plus a fascinating Jewish quarter and lovely harbor. Ostuni's amazing too they call it the White City because of all these gorgeous whitewashed houses and the views of the Adriatic are incredible. Otranto's really special being Italy's easternmost point with this beautiful medieval center and a cathedral that's got this incredible mosaic floor plus there's this stunning Bauxite quarry lake nearby.

What local cultural experiences can I get involved in?

You can really immerse yourself in Puglian culture by staying at a masseria these traditional farmhouses where you'll learn about olive oil making and cooking. Taking a cooking class in Bari or Lecce is fantastic you'll learn to make proper orecchiette from local experts. The olive oil tours are fascinating some mills date back to Roman times and you'll see both ancient and modern production methods. Wine tastings are a must try the local Primitivo and Negroamaro varieties at places like Cantina Albea. And if you can catch a festival like the Festa di San Nicola in Bari or see some traditional pizzica e taranta dancing in Lecce you'll experience something really special.

Puglia Tours & Trips

The best Puglia tour packages

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In-depth Cultural Explorer Wine tasting +1
Highlights of Puglia
4.5 (55 traveler reviews)
"Staying in a sassi and a trulli enhanced the experience."
Alan, traveled in September
Destinations
Bari, Altamura, Alta Murgia National Park, Matera, Gravina,Putignano,Alberobello,Locorotondo,Castellana,Monopoli,Otranto,Lecce+7 more
Age Range
16 to 85 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
Duration
8 days
From
US$2,490
$249 now + easy payments of $280
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Sep 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x8)$280
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Sep 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x8)$280
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In-depth Cultural Family
Magical Apulia region - 6 Days (Small Group)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Alberobello hotel was maybe 3 star, not 4 star like Bari and Lecce hotels."
Janice, traveled in May
Destinations
Bari, Trani, Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Matera,Locorotondo,Ostuni,Otranto,Lecce+4 more
Age Range
4 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South Italy
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
37% Off
Duration
6 days
From $3,460
US$2,180
$545 now + easy payments of $136
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Nov 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x12)$136
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Active Family
Best of Apulia region - 9 days (Small Group)
2.6 (5 traveler reviews)
"The destinations and hotel accommodations were excellent. The tour would be much better just having a group of 20 or less."
James, traveled in May
Destinations
Bari, Trani, Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Matera,Locorotondo,Ostuni,Otranto,Lecce,Gallipoli,Martina Franca,Polignano a Mare,Monopoli+8 more
Age Range
4 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
37% Off
Duration
9 days
From $5,310
US$3,345
$836 now + easy payments of $228
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Oct 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x11)$228
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Every 2 Weeks (x11)$228
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Hiking & Trekking Food & Culinary Explorer +1
A Taste of Italy - Walking in Puglia
4.7 (19 traveler reviews)
"Matera was a big highlight along with the morning on the farm and lunch at Tre Archi."
David, traveled in September
Destinations
Bari, Altamura, Alta Murgia National Park, Matera,Cisternino,Alberobello+2 more
Age Range
16 to 85 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
37% Off
Duration
8 days
From
US$2,280
$228 now + easy payments of $228
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 12 Oct 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x9)$228
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Every 2 Weeks (x9)$228
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Food & Culinary Explorer
Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience
4.8 (74 traveler reviews)
"Perfect tour. Just what I wanted."
Robbie, traveled in October
Destinations
Brindisi, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Lecce,Alberobello,Ostuni,Maglie,Otranto+4 more
Age Range
20 to 82 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Soleto Travel
20% Off
Duration
7 days
From $2,486
US$1,989
$398 now + easy payments of $106
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Dec 2025
Pay today$398
Every 2 Weeks (x15)$106
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Every 2 Weeks (x15)$106
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Explorer Christmas & New Year
PUGLIA & MATERA - 7 DAYS/6NIGHTS
Destinations
Bari, Alberobello, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni,Lecce,Otranto,Gallipoli,Matera+4 more
Age Range
18 to 39 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Italy on a Budget Tours
20% Off
Duration
7 days
From
US$2,101
$105 now + easy payments of $200
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Sep 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x10)$200
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Every 2 Weeks (x10)$200
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Explorer Self Drive
Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The suggestions for the itinerary and the choice and quality of the accommodations were excellent."
Tony, traveled in April
Destinations
Bari, Brindisi, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Trani,Castel del Monte,Altamura,Matera,Martina Franca,Ostuni,Otranto,Gallipoli,Lecce+8 more
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
TUI Italia
10% Off
Duration
8 days
From $910
US$819
$164 now + easy payments of $56
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x12)$56
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In-depth Cultural Christmas & New Year +1
Discovering Lecce
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent combination of activities and the guides for each were all exceptional."
Sandra, traveled in May
Destinations
Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
TUI Italia
10% Off
Duration
4 days
From $970
US$873
$175 now + easy payments of $47
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Dec 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x15)$47
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Explorer Family Sightseeing Historical +1
Explore Southern Italy
4.3 (15 traveler reviews)
"We all went on amazing adventures and really enjoyed his knowledge of the area. Also, I think I put on 5 kilos from all the amazing food we ate!"
Imogen, traveled in May
Destinations
Minori, Trani, Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello, Matera, Bari
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
Duration
10 days
From $3,015
US$2,713
$400 now + easy payments of $197
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Food & Culinary Explorer
Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour
4.7 (23 traveler reviews)
"We loved their company and the fascinating places we saw there. There were many gastronomic highlights as well."
Robert, traveled in April
Destinations
Brindisi, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Alberobello, Ostuni,Matera+1 more
Age Range
20 to 86 year olds
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Soleto Travel
16% Off
Duration
10 days
From $3,089
US$2,595
$519 now + easy payments of $138
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Dec 2025
Pay today$519
Every 2 Weeks (x15)$138
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Dec 2025
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Every 2 Weeks (x15)$138
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