abaco tour puglia

Emergency Banner Component

A Week In... Puglia

Select Year

Select the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Small Group
• 2025 Small Group

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

ALL SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES averaging 24 Tauck guests – A small group size means a more personal travel experience highlighted by stays at chic smaller hotels in fabulous locations

A two-night stay in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Basilicata, with sightseeing by tuk-tuk and guided exploration of the Sassi cave-dwelling settlement

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Two nights in the Baroque city of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South"

Lunch at a winery known for Puglian Primitivo wine A visit to Alberobello's famous limestone  trulli  houses

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Explore the long heel of Italy's boot to discover sights, tastes, and gorgeous seascapes you'll find nowhere else... like Matera, where the Sassi houses are caverns and the streets are sometimes the roofs of other houses... Trulli houses, tiny fairy castles made of limestone slabs, built without mortar...

Baccanti ristorani, matera, explore polignano a mare, discover the cliffside grottoes and seaside charms of polignano a mare on the adriatic.

If you're of "a certain age," you might remember an Italian pop song from the late 1950s that crossed the Atlantic and became an international hit. Its actual title is "Nel blu dipinto di blu", but it's better known around the world as "Volare" ("To Fly"). It was co-written and performed by Italian singer, songwriter, actor (and, later in life, politician) Domenico Modugno, and is closely identified with his hometown, Polignano a Mare, perched on the Adriatic Sea near Bari in Puglia. Spend some time exploring this seaside town known for its cliff diving and the deep blue grottoes that inspired the song.

The "Sassi" cave dwellings of Matera

Ride a tuk-tuk amidst the "sassi" cave dwellings of matera, a unesco world heritage site.

Hop aboard a tuk-tuk for a ride through the winding streets of Matera in Basilicata, where you'll see a series of rock or cave dwellings that date back to Paleolithic times. Known as Sassi (for "stone"), these dwellings, piled atop one another across a steep ravine, were once natural caves and grottoes that over the centuries were adapted by human settlers as homes. Devoid of residents since the 1960s, the Sassi of Matera are now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you'll explore with a local guide who will share insights on the site, which served as a location in the Mel Gibson film "The Passion of the Christ."

Spend two nights at five-star Borgo Egnazia

The picturesque piazza is the beating heart of the borgo's life....

Your two-night stay will be memorable – In the words of the hotel itself..."The architecture of the Borgo expresses ancient wisdom and beauty of an authentic Puglian village: through the tuff stones cut by hand, the blue windows that awake memories and the gardens adorned with olive trees. The Puglian tradition is sitting in every corner and the closer you get to admire it, the more you become part of it... Walking through the narrow stone alleys is like being carried away on a journey into the past, suspended in a timeless dimension..."

Download, Print Or Share

Take The Details With You

Download day-by-day details.

All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

Tour Planner

Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

Request A Tour Planner

Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Palazzo gattini.

Matera, Italy

Risorgimento Resort

Lecce, Italy

Borgo Egnazia

Savalletri di Fasano, Italy

Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

Pricing & Dates are not available yet. Please check back soon.

No departures found.

Try using less filters or select a different year.

Want More Detailed Information?

Request a Tour Planner

Call 800-788-7885

About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $449  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $600 per person

59-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.

Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com , by clicking here .

We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly. 

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Italy is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

In addition, coach travel along the many "Yellow Roads" on this tour are very windy and may cause you some discomfort if you are prone to motion sickness. If you are, we advise bringing motion sickness remedies or medication with you.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Puglia enjoys a comfortable Mediterranean climate with hot sunny summers and mild winters. Summer lasts from June until September, and is hot and sunny with rainfall increasing after July, to a peak in September and October. The average summer temperature is not too hot and ranges between 26°C (79°F) and 30°C (85°F), and remains warm through September with an average of 26°C (79°F). The beaches along the Adriatic coast benefit from being sheltered and the average water temperature of between 20°C (68°F) and 26°C (79°F) makes it comfortable for bathers for the whole summer season. Because of Puglia's southern position on the Italian peninsula, it has long summer days with as many as 14 hours of sunshine per day at the height of summer.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

When packing for your trip to Italy, it is important to keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and the current weather conditions for that time. The weather in Italy is temperate and unpredictable. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but certainly be comfortable.

Most Catholic churches in Italy require that your knees and shoulders be covered when you enter, even during the hot days of summer. This is particularly important when you visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where shorts and tank tops are not allowed.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. By law in Italy, irons and ironing boards are not made available to guests at the hotels. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Italy:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Leave Your Worries At Home

One upfront price – no hidden costs, tauck directors – simply the best, never settle for ordinary.

• {{ forumDate }} {{ forumTopic }} ({{ totalForumComments }})

From the Forum

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Related Journeys

Other Journeys You May Enjoy

A sicilian odyssey.

From $8,990

Land Journey

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Travel Protection
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

2024 SPECIAL: Book with no deposit and cancellation free of charge for small group tours 2024

By using this website, you agree to the use of cookie as described in our privacy policy OK

Discover the puglian side of Italy and enjoy UNESCO TRULLI !

PUGLIA TOURS 2024 - SOUTHERN ITALY

As a licensed tour company, we are proud to advise you on the different activities, locations and tours you can enjoy in Puglia, Italy. We know that an unforgettable trip doesn't depend only on a good selection of places to see. A memorable tour is created out of the perfect harmony between you as travellers and us as hosts. Whether you are travelling alone, with your family or with friends, feel free to contact us! After talking with you, we'll be able to offer you a personalised tour that allows you to discover Puglia in an authentic way.

Ciao, I'm Pietro!

I’m a travel designer and tour guide. I was born and raised in Puglia, but I spent many years studying and working abroad. During my years outside of Italy, I enjoyed showing my international friends the hidden places of my homeland while on vacation in Southern Italy.

I was always very proud and happy to arrange holidays for me and my friends and experience together undiscovered places of Puglia. One day, six years ago, I realized this must be my job! So I moved back to the south of Italy and started working as a tour guide with big groups in Puglia.

This was such a joy for me, but I felt I was still missing something. I didn't appreciate guiding a lot of people in overcrowded places! But most of all I was missing the human contact with my guests. One year later, I decided to focus on small and individual guided tours of Puglia.

Ciao, piacere di conoscerti!

I’m Pietro, tour designer and guide. I was born and raised in Puglia, but have spent many years studying and working abroad. During my university years outside of Italy, I enjoyed showing my international friends all the hidden places of my region while on vacation in southern Italy. I was always very proud and happy to arrange holidays for me and my friends and experience the undiscovered places of Puglia together. Then one day, seven years ago, I came to the realisation that I should make this my job! So I moved back to the south of Italy and started working as a tour guide, taking big groups around Puglia. This was such a joy for me, but I felt that I was still missing something. I didn’t appreciate guiding a lot of people in overcrowded places, moving quickly from place to place without having the time to really make the most of it. But, most of all, I was missing the personal contact with my guests. One year later, I decided to focus on small and individual guided tours of Puglia. And so Puglialy was born.

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING...

TRAVEL TIPS - TOURS TO PUGLIA

Are you looking for a different kind of trip off the beaten path, but don’t know exactly where? Are you passionate about Italian food and culture but have never discovered Puglia? Puglia might lack the reputation and popularity of other corners of Italy such as Tuscany, Venice, and Rome, and is not as visited by tourists as often as the northern Italian cultural sites, but it is exactly this – together with the age-old cultural and gastronomic traditions, the beauty of its undiscovered landscape, and the fascinating history and architecture – that make this less touristy region of Italy even more charming and authentic.

If you’re still in two minds if Puglia is the right place for your next holiday, I’m here to provide you with all the information you need to decide whether you should visit Puglia or not. And, let’s face it, who is better placed to advise you than a passionate native? Feel free to contact me for any general information – I’m happy to get back to you as quickly as possible with recommendations on where to visit, when to visit, how to get here, and anything else related to my homeland.

SOUTHERN ITALY: PUGLIA MAP & POINTS OF INTEREST - GET INSPIRED!

Cultural visits   nature walkings   wine&food tastings  .

Click on the markers or click on the city name of the map to get more information about Puglia destinations, places to see, and Puglia tourist attractions:

TRAVEL PLANNING - PLACES TO VISIT FOR PERFECT TOURS OF PUGLIA

Planning a trip can be hard work and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the information you might find on the internet.

I remember when I planned my first trip to Ireland and found so many blogs, websites and guides that it really confused me. It made me think: “if only I had an Irish friend, willing to help me decide where to stay, what to see, and what to do when visiting his homeland?” That could have spared me all my efforts. I would have saved a lot of time and I would have been sure I wouldn’t miss anything.

Now imagine you had an Italian friend by the name of Pietro, a native Pugliese who was very passionate about his roots and culture, knew your language and culture, and even worked as a tour guide in Puglia? Wouldn’t it be the perfect solution to all of your questions?

Guess what? Here I am! And I’m ready and happy to help you plan your tour of Puglia! All you need to do is write me a few lines to let me know all the relevant information about your planned trip, such as dates, preferences, number of guests, etc, and I’ll quickly design and send to you a personalised day-by-day itinerary for a southern Italy tour to Puglia that suits you perfectly.

PUGLIA - WHY TRAVEL HERE?

You might be wondering if Italy has places like Rome, Naples, Venice, and Florence to offer, why you would want to travel to Puglia in the first place. However, a better question might be why don’t you want to travel to Puglia? As a fairly undiscovered part of Italy, our Puglia tours will take you to some of the best places the country has to offer, but without the tourist crowds. In Puglia you can marvel at wonderful examples of architecture from different eras of history, taste delicious Puglian cuisine, and visit the corners of the area that would be impossible if you were travelling by yourself.

The region is home to a number of beautiful places which you’ll have the chance to explore on one of our tours of Puglia, Italy. Some offer great examples of Baroque and Romanesque architecture, such as Bari and Lecce. Some architectural styles go even further back in time, like the sassi in Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world, or are simply completely unique, such as the traditional trulli houses in Alberobello and the surrounding area. Puglia also has many picturesque coastal towns and villages for you to wander around and enjoy the sparkling waters of the Adriatic, like Polignano a Mare and Trani.

But it’s not just cities and towns that you can visit. On our Puglia guided tours, we offer a whole host of traditional Puglian experiences for you to enjoy, such as cheese tasting, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, and a visit to a street food market.

Puglia has some of the best natural areas in the whole of Italy and for the active among you, we can arrange tours of Puglia which will introduce you to spectacular scenery. One day you could be hiking through the Parco della Murgia Materana, where you can discover many examples of humankind’s history from Prehistoric times while admiring the abundance of flora and fauna here. The next day you could find yourself biking through Parco delle Dune Costiere, taking you past ancient olive groves and arable land.

Best of all, you can discover all these places with a native Pugliese who will not just take you around these wonderful places, but will also give you an insider’s view and lots of information about the history and culture of everywhere you go. Because we run small group and individual tours, you get a much more personalised experience as we have the time to get to know you, regale you with our stories and share our love of Puglia with you. On our Puglia Italy tours you’ll not just go home at the end of your trip feeling relaxed and fulfilled, but also feeling that you have learned something about our wonderful region.

PUGLIA TOURS WITH PUGLIALY

Food & wine tour

Cultural tour

Countryside

Must-see of Puglia : if you want a tour which takes you around the main points of interest and UNESCO sites, then this tour is a perfect way to spend four days in Puglia, taking you to delightful towns such as Lecce, Matera and Ostuni.

Food and wine tour of Puglia : this tour takes you on a delicious adventure into the fantastic cuisine Puglia has to offer. You’ll get the chance to visit olive farms, street food markets and cheese farms, sample exquisite wines and some of the best seafood the country has to offer, and even take part in a cookery class – a wonderful way to spend a week in Puglia.

Cultural tour of Puglia : ideal for those interested in the more cultural side of Puglia, this tour takes you around the most important UNESCO world heritage sites, the must-see museums and archaeological sites and the best examples of Romanesque and Baroque architecture the region has to offer.

Countryside of Puglia : Puglia is a fantastic area for hiking and biking, so for those of you who love getting out in nature, this Puglia Italy itinerary is a great option. You’ll walk and cycle through the areas most stunning natural landscapes, from rolling fields to undulating sand dunes.

Arte Wine Travel di Pietro Calabrese

Via Abate Angelo Tamborrino 28

72017 Ostuni (BR)

P.I. IT 02577710748

Terms and conditions

Privacy policy

Top Tours in Puglia, Italy

Puglia tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day Tour by Car and Walking among the Apulian Beauties

2. Small Group Boat Excursion to Polignano a Mare

3. Charming Exclusive Customized tours with your real Apulian friend

4. Puglia Cooking class "Le orecchiette, che pasta!"

5. Private Tour: Lecce Guided Walking Tour

6. Street Food Tour in Bari old town - Do Eat Better Experience

7. Wine Experience: vineyard, wines and food

8. Apulian cooking class fresh pasta and focaccia

9. UNESCO's Alberobello and Matera from Bari

10. Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour

11. Unesco Tour from Bari: Guided Visit to Alberobello and Matera

12. Tour to 4 Towns of Salento: Otranto, Leuca, Gallipoli, Galatina

13. Boat trip to the Polignano a Mare caves

14. Guided Tour by Catamaran with Aperitif from Polignano a Mare

15. Alberobello Guided tour by Segway, Mini Golf Cart, Rickshaw

16. Unesco Tour from Polignano: Guided tour of Alberobello and Matera

17. The Original Street Food Walking Tour in Bari

18. Bari Walking City Tour

19. Alberobello, Monopoli Polignano Small-Group Guided Tour from Bari

20. Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. Departing from Lecce

21. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce

22. Ostuni, Cisternino and Locorotondo tour lasting 8 hours

23. Bari Walking Tour with Pasta Experience

24. Mozzarella Experience - Cheese Tour and tastings to Masseria Fragnite

25. Tour of Matera and Altamura

26. Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif

27. Private Wine Tour from Ostuni with Lunch including Alberobello and Locorotondo

28. San Giovanni Rotondo private guide: amazing spiritual experience with St. Pio

29. Full Day Tour of Otranto City and its Amazing Seacoast from Lecce

30. Discover the best cellars of Salento

What travellers are saying.

• Small Group Boat Excursion to Polignano a Mare
• Full Day Tour by Car and Walking among the Apulian Beauties
• Boat trip to the Polignano a Mare caves
• Bari Walking Tour with Pasta Experience
• Bari Walking City Tour
• Leucos Escursioni
• Leuca Explorer
• Minerva Noleggio
• Poseidon Escursioni
• Capitan Morgan Castro
• In barca nel Salento
• Escursioni Nemo
• Biagio Tour
• Sea Tour Gallipoli

Gran tour della Puglia

Extra services.

• Supplemento singola + €140
• Bambini 3/12 anni in 3° letto €470
• Bambini 3/12 anni in 2°/4° letto €680
• Riduzione Trasporto Libero - €100

Share this tour

Description

Una terra per intenditori, per chi non ha fretta di vedere tutto e subito ma è disposto a vagare tanto tra le stradine dell’interno traboccanti di arte barocca quanto lungo le coste dai mille disegni, fermandosi anche solo per ammirare un magnifico tramonto che si spegne sul mare cristallino…

Numero partecipanti : minimo 20 - massimo 45 Trattamento : Pensione completa con bevande

1° giorno: arrivo in PUGLIA Partenza verso la Puglia, splendida regione in cui arte e natura si fondono armonicamente creando suggestioni magiche. Pranzo libero lungo il percorso. Sistemazione e cena in hotel nella Puglia settentrionale.

2° giorno: TRANI, BARI, MONOPOLI Partenza verso sud per la visita di: Trani dominata dalla regina delle chiese romaniche di Puglia, sita su un’ampia piazza affacciata direttamente sul mare. Sarà poi la volta di Bari, con il suo centro storico, un dedalo di vicoli, corti e palazzi, con la Basilica di San Nicola, di stile romanico, caratteristico dell’architettura normanna. Monopoli affacciata sullo splendido mare Bandiera Blu e divisa in 99 contrade: suo monumento simbolo è il castello Carlo V, fortificazione di origine aragonese (esterni). Pranzo in ristorante, sistemazione e cena in hotel.

3° giorno: IL SALENTO - LECCE e OTRANTO Incontro con la guida e partenza verso sud, ci attende il Salento! Visita guidata di Lecce, celebre città del Barocco detta anche la “Firenze del Sud”. Durante la visita scopriremo anche il Duomo (esterni) con il suo particolare campanile e la spettacolare chiesa di Santa Croce (incluso) situata nel cuore della città, costruita con la tipica pietra leccese dal colore ambrato. Raggiungeremo poi Otranto, la città più ad est d’Italia, inserita nella lista del Borghi più belli d'Italia. Ne scopriremo il centro storico in cui le bianche case si specchiano sulle animate piazzette e sul mare. Pranzo in agriturismo, cena in hotel.

4° giorno: MARTINA FRANCA, LOCOROTONDO e POLIGNANO A MARE Visita guidata di uno dei borghi più caratteristici della Valle d'Itria, nella cosiddetta Murgia dei Trulli: Martina Franca, crogiolo di storia e arte con le caratteristiche casette bianche che si sviluppano in verticale e Si dipanano in stradine tortuose, e il barocco sontuoso di Palazzo Ducale. Continuazione con la visita della bianca Locorotondo, tra i Borghi più Belli d'Italia dalla caratteristica forma circolare. Prosecuzione per Polignano a Mare, che si staglia sull’Adriatico offrendo una suggestiva vista scenografica della costa. Le sue vedute sono così belle da aver reso questo borgo antico famoso in tutto il mondo. Pranzo in ristorante, cena in hotel.

5° giorno: ALBEROBELLO, OSTUNI e DEGUSTAZIONE IN FRANTOIO Incontro con la guida e partenza per Alberobello, il paese dei trulli! Saremo accolti da un paesaggio unico al mondo dichiarato Patrimonio dell’Umanità dall’UNESCO. Passeggiata tra le strette viuzze della cittadina ammirandone da vicino le tipiche abitazioni in pietra. Proseguimento per Ostuni, la “Città Bianca”, deliziosa cittadina dall’eccezionale patrimonio paesaggistico ed architettonico. Ci addentreremo nell’incantevole centro storico e visiteremo la cattedrale in stile romanico-gotico apprezzandone la suggestiva facciata e l’enorme rosone. Per concludere in bellezza la giornata ci fermeremo in un frantoio per una degustazione di olio tipico pugliese ! Pranzo in ristorante, cena in hotel.

6° giorno: IN BASILICATA - MATERA Partenza per Matera, indimenticabile “Città dei Sassi”, le cui abitazioni rupestri furono abitate dalla preistoria agli anni ’50. Visita guidata del centro città, con la Cattedrale (incluso), e dell’area dei “Sassi”, patrimonio UNESCO, con ingresso alla casa sasso e a una chiesa rupestre. Nel pomeriggio partenza verso l’Abruzzo. Pranzo in ristorante, sistemazione e cena in hotel.

7° giorno: GRADARA, rientro Partenza per il rientro con sosta nello splendido borgo di Gradara per il pranzo in ristorante e arrivo previsto in serata.

Services included

• Pullman Gran Turismo
• Sistemazione in 3 diversi hotel 3/4****
• Tassa di soggiorno in hotel
• Pensione completa dalla cena del 1° giorno al pranzo del 7° giorno
• Bevande ai pasti (1/4 vino e ½ acqua)
• 4 intere e 1 ½ guida locale professionista
• Ingressi: cattedrale, casa sasso e chiesa rupestre a Matera, Chiesa di S. Croce a Lecce
• Degustazione di olio extravergine
• Auricolari durante le visite
• Accompagnatore AbacoViaggi®
• Assicurazione medico-bagaglio

Services not included

• Eventuali altri ingressi
• Caffè ai pasti
• Assicurazione annullamento viaggio facoltativa (consigliata, 5% del totale)
• Quanto non espressamente indicato alla voce “la quota comprende”

Il numero dei partecipanti è limitato, pertanto è consigliabile prenotare al più presto.

AbacoViaggi ha la facoltà di modificare ordine visite e programma per motivi organizzativi senza alterare la qualità dei servizi. Il viaggio si svolgerà anche in caso di variazioni o annullamenti di eventi pubblici/mercatini/ingressi. Ove possibile sarà previsto un programma alternativo in base alle possibilità e alle norme vigenti. Orari: i tour in pullman iniziano generalmente la mattina e terminano in serata, salvo diversamente specificato. I voli aerei possono essere diretti o con scalo. Orari e tratte dei voli aerei, se indicati, sono soggetti a variazione. Orari dei pullman, dei voli e nomi hotel verranno comunicati da 5 giorni antepartenza. Luoghi di partenza: a questo link trovate i punti di partenza dei nostri tour, soggetti a disponibilità: https://www.abacoviaggi.com/partenze/ Documento: i partecipanti dovranno essere muniti di documento/certificazioni sanitarie valide per la destinazione scelta, in stato di perfetta integrità. Non sono previsti rimborsi per viaggiatori sprovvisti di documenti idonei. Informazioni sui documenti per cittadini italiani su www.viaggiaresicuri.it , per i cittadini stranieri si rimanda al proprio consolato. Per le norme relative all'espatrio di minori, minori di anni 14 e persone di cui è necessaria l'Autorizzazione emessa dalla Autorità Giudiziaria, si rimanda espressamente alle prescrizioni indicate sul sito della Polizia di Stato www.poliziadistato.it . Accessibilità: i tour AbacoViaggi, salvo ove diversamente specificato, non sono adatti a persone con deficit motori-mentali-sensoriali gravi, e in generale con necessità di un'assistenza personalizzata o che richieda adattamenti dei servizi forniti agli altri viaggiatori. Non vengono accettate persone non autosufficienti che non siano accompagnate da qualcuno che si occupi di loro. Assicurazione: è sempre inclusa nella quota l’assicurazione medico-bagaglio. AbacoViaggi® propone la copertura FACOLTATIVA in caso di annullamento viaggio a seguito di circostanze documentabili, involontarie e imprevedibili (non legate a preesistenze) al momento della prenotazione (con scoperto del 15% con un minimo di € 70 sull'importo penale). Tutte le normative a questo link: www.abacoviaggi.com/faq Privacy: i dati personali dei viaggiatori saranno trattati in forma manuale e/o elettronica nel rispetto della normativa vigente. Privacy Policy completa su questo sito o in agenzia. Normativa completa e condizioni generali di contratto di vendita di pacchetti turistici si trovano in questo sito o in agenzia viaggi. Organizzazione Tecnica: AbacoViaggi®.

Similar Tours

Napoli, Capri, la Costiera Amalfitana e la Reggia di Caserta

Umbria insolita

Matera e la Basilicata

select number of passengers

Login to the website.

Access with your Facebook Account

Or Access with your Email Address

• New to the website?
• Forgot your password?
• Didn't receive confirmation instructions?

By Logging In, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and state that you have read our Privacy Policy including our Cookie Policy.

• Are you already registered?

A Visitor’s Guide to Abaco (Updated September 2023)

Our Visitor’s Guide to Abaco provides all the information you need to get here, stay here, eat here and play here .

If you visit the Bahamas and don’t get beyond Nassau, you’ve barely scratched the surface. For a truly authentic Bahamian experience, you really need to visit one of the country’s out islands, also known as the “Family Islands.”

Among the most popular family islands is a 120-mile-long island chain in the northwestern Bahamas, comprised of Abaco, Little Abaco and a scattering of smaller cays, and collectively referred to as “The Abacos.”

Here, there are no duty-free shops or noisy casinos, no high-rise hotels or smoke-belching Jitneys, no Bay Street peddlers hawking cheap t-shirts.

Instead, we have vast stretches of pristine beaches, spectacular clear, aquamarine waters, quaint fishing villages, welcoming locals, and a relaxed, family-friendly feel. Abaco is popular with boaters, fishermen and lovers of all water sports. It’s a favourite destination for spectacular weddings, memorable honeymoons and unforgettable family vacations. 

Want to learn more? See ABOUT ABACO or A BRIEF HISTORY OF ABACO .

GETTING HERE

Most international visitors to Abaco arrive via commercial airliner into the Leonard Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour. (There’s another, smaller airport at Treasure Cay, but the only flights landing there are primarily charter airlines and private planes. There are also smaller airports at Moore’s Island, Sandy Point, Walker’s Cay and Spanish Cay.) 

Abaco is served by American Airlines , Delta Airlines and Silver Airways , as well as several smaller, charter carriers, all of whom fly direct from Florida or other southeastern U.S. states. See HERE for a list of commercial airlines currently serving Abaco.

You can also fly to Abaco from the Bahamian capital of Nassau. The flight takes a little over 30 minutes.

BY PRIVATE VESSEL

Given that Abaco boasts some of the most spectacular boating waters on the planet, it’s not surprising that many visitors arrive by sea. If you’re entering the Bahamas aboard a private vessel, you’ll first need to obtain a cruising permit. you can do this online or upon arrival at Bahamas Customs and Immigration.

Upon arrival (whether or not you obtained a cruising permit online) you’ll need to clear customs and immigration.

To do this, you’ll need to go to one of the official ports of entry, and present the following:

• A completed Bahamas Customs Clearance Form
• One Bahamas Immigration Card per person on board
• Proof of Citizenship (i.e., passport) for each person aboard
• Registration documents (title/proof of ownership) for the vessel

For the latest list of official ports of entry for Abaco, and other detailed guidelines, see Bahamas Boating Regulations .

If you’re arriving by sea or plan to rent a boat during your stay, Steve Dodge’s book, The Cruising Guide to Abaco is considered a vital resource by visitors who spend time on the local waters.

At some times of the year, you can travel to Abaco by passenger ferry from Nassau. For more information, visit Bahamas Ferries .

Not a fan of flying? It’s possible to get from Florida to Abaco by taking the Balearia Caribbean Fast Ferry from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama, the Bahamian island immediately west of Abaco, and then a short ferry ride to Crown Haven, at the north end of Little Abaco. Rental cars and/or taxis can be pre-arranged to meet you upon arrival in Crown Haven.

BY MAILBOAT

If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also possible to travel from Nassau to Abaco via mailboat. The M/V Legacy sails weekly between Nassau, Marsh Harbour and several of the Abaco Cays. The trip takes about twelve hours, and provides a fascinating glimpse into Abaco’s past, when mailboats were the only travel option available to most Abaconians.

For more information, contact Dean’s Shipping at (242) 367-2653, (242) 394-0245 or [email protected].

Want to learn more about mailboat travel in Abaco and throughout the Bahamas? Fred Braman’s book Cruising by MailBoat: History, Culture and Adventure in the Bahama Islands is an excellent guide.

GETTING AROUND

If you arrive at Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay on a regularly scheduled flight, there will most likely be taxis waiting. Still, it’s a good idea to pre-book your transportation.

If you’re travelling from Marsh Harbour to Treasure Cay or the Green Turtle Cay ferry dock, budget about 45 minutes and $100 or so, one way. Most taxis are minivan-type vehicles that comfortably seat at least four adults plus luggage.

Here’s a recent list of taxi services on the Abaco mainland .

INTER-ABACO FERRIES

To get from the Abaco mainland to the cays, you’ll need to take a ferry . Regular ferry service is available on the following routes:

• Crown Haven (on Little Abaco) to/from Maclean Town, Grand Bahama
• Treasure Cay to/from Green Turtle Cay
• Red Bay to/from Guana Cay
• Marsh Harbour to/from Man-O-War, Guana Cay, Scotland Cay and Elbow Cay.

Click HERE for full details, schedules and pricing. Note that some ferry services also offer charters above and beyond their regular schedules.

CAR RENTALS

If you’re staying on the Abaco mainland, or if you’re staying on one of the cays but want to explore the mainland, cars are available for rent in both Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour. Here’s a list of CAR RENTAL AGENCIES . Tip: be sure to check in advance, because some of the rental agencies accept cash only.

GOLF CART RENTALS

For visitors to the Abaco Cays or to Treasure Cay (which, despite its name, is actually on the mainland), golf carts are the most common mode of transport. Here’s a list of GOLF CART RENTAL AGENCIES . Note that it’s illegal in the Bahamas for minors to operate a golf cart.

STAYING HERE

From cheap-and-cheerful efficiency apartments to beach-front villas and luxury resorts, Abaco offers accommodation options for every budget. 

Here’s a current list of Abaco resorts and accommodations .

If you’re staying aboard on a vessel, here’s a list of marinas and marine suppliers . You’ll also find lots of great info at the Association of Bahamas Marinas website and terrific anchorages in the Cruising Guide to Abaco .

If you’d like your vacation home or charter vessel provisioned before you arrive, contact your rental agent, a local grocery store , or an Abaco concierge service .

DINING HERE

As with accommodations, Abaco offers a range of dining options from elegant, world-class dining to casual, homemade fare. Establishments – even bars – are kid-friendly, and while the resorts may be a bit more formal, dress codes are pretty casual. Here’s a list of Abaco RESTAURANTS, BARS & TAKEAWAYS .

SHOPPING HERE

Between the commercial center of Marsh Harbour and smaller shops throughout Abaco and the cays, you can find virtually anything you might need. For further details, see the Abaco Business Directory .

PLAYING HERE

Deep sea fishing with a local guide? Visiting the swimming pigs at No Name Cay? Picnicking on a deserted island? The waters around Abaco provide a myriad of opportunities for fun and relaxation. For more information, see Boat Rentals , MARINE SUPPLIE S , Marinas , Fuel and Fishing Guides .

From windswept ocean beaches to shallow turquoise lagoons to mile-long sandbars perfect for walking, there’s an Abaco beach for every mood. Many fishing guides offer beach picnics, and snorkel gear, paddleboards and kayaks can often be rented from local dive shops .

For centuries, fishing has been a way of life for Abaconians. And whether your tastes run toward pier fishing, bonefishing or trolling for big game, you’ll find an experienced guide to help you hook your perfect catch.

Prefer to fish on your own? There are plenty of flats perfect for bonefishing, spots where you an anchor and catch your dinner, and docks from which to cast in a line. Here’s a link to the Bahamian fishing regulations .   

Attractions

Abaco offers live music, cultural experiences, historic museums, nature tours, bird-watching and more. Here’s a list of TOURS, ATTRACTIONS OR SITES OF INTEREST .

Questions? Drop us a note and we’ll do our best to help.

Have we overlooked your favourite Abaco destination or experience in this guide? Let us know and we’ll gladly add it!

And if your Abaco business isn’t listed here , email us the details.

Share this:

You May Also Like

Abaco Business Directory (Updated October 2023)

Abaco in the News (Updated May 2023)

Some Big Milestones for This Little Blog

Discover more from abaco sun.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading