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Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

8 days
From Matera to Lecce
3.7
11 traveler reviews
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy - Exodus Adventure Travels
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Plan your adventure:
Tour Operator:
Exodus Adventure Travels
Max group size:
16
Physical rating:
Easy
Age range:
16 to 99
Operated in:
English
Tour id:
88588
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Stroll the streets of Lecce and see its Baroque heritage
  • Explore Otranto - one of Puglia's most charming cities
  • Enjoy an olive oil tasting & a cooking class in masseria
  • Visit the Castellana Caves, Italy's biggest cave system
  • Go sightseeing in amazing Matera, a historic hilltop town

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Start Matera
  2. Day 2 Full day of sightseeing in Matera, including a tour of the Sassi District; overnight in Matera (breakfast)
  3. Day 3 Drive to Alberobello via the fishing town of Polignano a Mare; wine tasting (breakfast)
  4. Day 4 Free day. Visit the Castellana Caves or Monopoli by the Adriatic Sea (breakfast)
  5. Day 5 Explore the hilltop town of Ostuni; olive oil tasting and pasta-making demonstration in traditional 'masseria' (breakfast,lunch)
  6. Day 6 Transfer to Otranto; visit the historic centre; afternoon optional coastal walk or relax at the beach (seasonal); transfer to Lecce (breakfast)
  7. Day 7 Morning free time; afternoon guided tour of baroque Lecce (breakfast)
  8. Day 8 End Lecce (breakfast)
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Number of tours

437

Age Range

16 to 80 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

84%

For almost 50 years Exodus has been a pioneer of active small group adventure tourism that gives back to the communities they visit through sustainable guided and self-guided tours, ranging from Responsible Wildlife to Walking and Trekking, Cycling, Cultural, Family and Polar adventures to 90+...

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Cancellation Policy

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Travel Insurance

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Customer Reviews

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  • N
    · July 16th, 2023
    Gabriel, our guide was well organized, funny, very knowledgeable and helpful. The tour itself had an excellent balance of activities and free time. The only negative was that it was 35+ degrees, but even then, there was enough shade and indoor things to see to balance out the heat. My daughter and I really enjoyed the tour and our small group of 20 made it a more intimate tour. Thank you!!
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    Our local team will be thrilled to hear that Gabriel was such a good guide for you! Thank you for taking the time to let us know you had a great adventure on Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy tour. We always appreciate hearing back from our travellers.... Show more
    Trip date: July 2023
  • RW
    · June 19th, 2023
    Although I have traveled often this was my first experience with an organized/guided tour. The tour was exactly as described. Our guide Gabriele was an outstanding host. He ensured we were well informed of all details throughout our journey which made it stress free and fun. He went above and beyond organizing a few group dinners. The one that stands out in my mind was our dinner in Lecce in a piazza under a star and moonlit sky. It was like a dream. Accommodations were characteristic of the town, clean and with friendly staff. Daily breakfast were fresh , abundant with plenty of variety. My personal favourite Apricot Crostata! If you take this trip here a few tips; - wear comfortable shoes with good treads. It would be difficult to navigate Materra and Alberobello in flip flops. - arrive hungry saving room for a gelato or two - be prepared to pay a small city tax to each hotel. It’s minor but in my opinion it would be more convenient for staff and guests if it were included. - take lots of pictures Pulgia…you won’t be disappointed. The tour was busy yet somehow I returned home relaxed. Buon Viaggio!!
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    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We are so happy to hear that you had a great time on our Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy tour and we really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and providing us with feedback and photos. We are thrilled that you had such a good experience on your... Show more
    Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 1Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 2Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 3Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 4Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 5Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 6
    Trip date: May 2023
  • Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy reviewer 3
    · June 14th, 2023
    This was my first organized week long tour, so I had a lot of questions.The website is very easy to use and when we called with specific questions we got a very polite and knowledgeable person. She handled our needs and I will use tour radar again for searching and booking a tour and have recommended it to friends I know. Thanks for a great holiday.
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    Thank you so much for letting us know about how great the booking process went! We are so happy you enjoyed Discover the Heel of Italy tour. We hope that you will continue to tell others about your amazing adventure and we hope you will choose Exodus... Show more
    Trip date: May 2023
  • Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy reviewer 4
    · June 24th, 2022
    @ExodusTravels #exodustravels We won't use Exodus again. I booked the wrong holiday and was offered the tiniest credit to switch. wouldn't even let us use the airport transfer we had paid for! Not valued despite nearly £20k spent . Now enjoying a great trip with Cycle Puglia.
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We would like to thank you for your feedback, John, although we are very sorry to learn of your disappointment regarding your recent booking experience with Exodus. In circumstances where a client wishes to cancel their existing booking and join a new... Show more
    Trip date: June 2022
  • PH
    · June 4th, 2022
    Poor Communication: This review is emailed to me but it is in someone else's name - again! My name was wrong when I tried to check in at the first hotel and also on the tour guide's trip manifesto. Too many emails - confusing. Slow to answer pertinent questions. Some info rather late and some non-existent. I need to knwo when and where our tour is meeting so I can make plans for my days travelling prior to the tour. My friend wanted to join the tour. No one ever sent a definitive answer so she made other plans. Turns out there was room for her to share my room.
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2022
  • DJ
    · April 20th, 2022
    The tour provided transportation and accomodations. The content of the tour was was often shallow. One local guide in Lecce was very good. The guide in Mattera was rushed and drowned out by church bells--he did not pause. The tour guide often gave confusing directions and seldom had good local maps as the afternoon of the day was usually free time. Higlights of the tour was a visit to the olive grove. TRhe wine tasting in Alberello was also good.
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We would like to thank David for his review, although we regret that he was did not feel that enough information was given at times on his trip. We have received very positive feedback on this itinerary in the past, and we note that the Exodus tour... Show more
    Trip date: April 2022
  • RD
    · October 28th, 2019
    The tour was interesting and worthwhile. Guide Damiano was a really lovely guy with lots of excellent information. I would have liked a lot more info on local food each night at dinner time and evening meals included
    Trip date: September 2019
  • Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy reviewer 8
    · October 18th, 2019
    We really enjoyed our small group tour of the Puglia region. The itinerary was terrific, the accommodation very good, the included meals wonderful, and our guide Antonino was excellent. We had a genial group of Brits and Aussies in our troupe of eleven, and the whole exercise was great fun. Our guide's knowledge of the places we went was comprehensive, and the restaurants he recommended gave us the opportunity to experience authentic local regional food and wines. In terms of value for money and enjoyment, it is hard to envisage a better deal than this small group tour.
    Show more
    Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 1Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 2Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 3Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 4Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 5Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy customer review photo 6
    Trip date: September 2019
  • RD
    · May 30th, 2019
    The tour was fine. The highlight was staying in a trulla for 2 nights. In fact, that is why I chose this tour. Giuseppe was terrific—good sense of humor, knowledgeable, aware of traveller’s needs. Most breakfasts were delicious, the few dinners were great. The towns were beautiful and as described. Sadly the weather (rain and chilly) kept some of us from fully exploring the town. The description of “gentle walks” was a bit misleading since 3 1/2 miles (each way) required that some of us take a taxi instead. The one suggestion I would make is to take more advantage of the time in the bus to give an education on the area, —history, geography, and any interesting tidbits that could b added. It seems the perfect time to enhance the travelers knowledge of the area.
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2019
  • LW
    · May 28th, 2019
    overall the tour was very good, our guide Christina could not have been better. I have one complaint which I hope you rectify, our first nights accommodation was not what we paid for. We paid for single occupation in the rooms for the hotels, however the first night we had to share, as we had paid I am expecting a refund for that night.
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2019

Dates & Availability

8 days
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
From Matera to Lecce

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What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • How can I check flight arrival times for transfers?

      Your flight arrival times should align with the group transfers detailed in your Final Joining Instructions.

    • Can I join the group transfer from Lecce to the airport?

      Yes, you can join the scheduled group departure transfer from Lecce to Bari Airport.

    • What is the check-in time on the first day of the tour?

      You can arrive at any time, and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening.

    • Is there an option for pre or post-tour accommodation?

      Additional accommodation can be arranged upon request, subject to availability.

    • How can I request a price match for my booking?

      You can refer to the booking reference and inquire about the price match directly with customer service.

    • What should I do if I have not received joining instructions?

      If you haven't received your joining instructions, please check your email or contact customer service for assistance.

    • Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?

      There is indeed a single supplement applicable for solo accommodation.

    • What meals are included in the tour?

      The tour includes all breakfasts, one lunch, and wine tasting experiences. Suggestions for other meals will be provided on tour.

    • What documentation is needed for the tour?

      Travelers need to ensure they have valid travel documents for Italy, including a passport and any necessary visas.

    • How do I find out the exact group size for my tour?

      We currently have 8 people booked on this departure, with ages ranging from the 50s to 70s.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Exodus Adventure Travels with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.

    Good to Know

    • Currency
      Euro
      Italy
    • Plugs & Adapters

      As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, L.

      Type C
      Italy
      Type E
      Italy
      Type F
      Italy
      Type L
      Italy
    • Visa
      • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
      • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
    • Payment information
      • For any tour departing before February 22nd, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after February 22nd, 2025, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Exodus Adventure Travels. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 90 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
      • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Exodus Adventure Travels will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
      • The following cards are accepted for "Exodus Adventure Travels" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Accessibility
      Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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