Puglia has long been a destination I have wanted to take our culinary adventurers. In Melbourne I worked for a couple from Puglia and vicariously fell for this region, often referred to as the heel of Italy’s boot.
My favourite wine, a Primitivo comes from here. And if that wasn’t enough this region of Southern Italy has so much in common with my beloved Sicily, from the weather to the layers of history and stunning coastlines – how could I not love it and want to share it with you!
Our 2026 tour has SOLD OUT
Dates for 2027 are 20-26th September. Note this run after our Taste of Sicily Tour which you can join together for an epic Taste of Southern Italy adventure
Highlights
- Visit to an olive oil farm and private picnic among the groves
- Bari street food tour
- Local cooking class
- Visit to an award-winning winery & wine tasting
- Walking experience in the UNESCO towns of Alberobello & Matera as well as Lecce and Ostuni
- Burrata-making experience and tasting
- Bread-making laboratory in Altamura with bread tasting
Cost
$7995pp twin share (2027 tour)
Single supplement $2500
When
This tour is scheduled each year for the end of September and can be joined to our Taste of Sicily tour. Late September/early October is the perfect time to visit, autumn is Southern Italy means you can still enjoy warm weather but not large crowds.
This tour is also the perfect private tour if you have a group of 6-12 people wanting to enjoy a bespoke intimate tour.
Itinerary
Day 1
We kick off our Taste of Puglia tour in Bari which is serviced by an airport and train station. We suggest you arrive in Bari around midday/early afternoon so you can settle into the hotel before we meet for our first dinner together and begin our week in Puglia.
If you arrive the day before we ca organise an additional nights accommodation at our hotel.
DAY 2
Today we are discovering Bari, Puglia’s prosperous seaside capital with the aid of our expert local guide. Stroll the tangled streets and the charming old town to discover the lively market, the spacious medieval piazzas and the beautiful San Nicola Basilica, home of Saint Nicholas, one of the most beloved saints in the world and father of the legend of Santa Claus. The city also boasts a lovely seafront promenade and an elegant pedestrian shopping area. Your culinary experience will start at the fish market where you’ll meet local fishermen and, if you are feeling brave, taste a wide choice of raw seafood! Then we’ll move to the old town and see the local ladies making pasta in the narrow streets outside their homes and sample the whole range of the local street food – focaccia, panzerotti, sgagliozze and popizze just to name a few!
In the afternoon we will head to Leonardo Trulli Resort, our base for the rest of our stay.
Tonight we will enjoy a beautiful meal cooked by the resort chefs.
DAY 3
Get ready for a superb day! Today we visit the famous Trulli of Alberobello. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello you will see a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses. Our expert guide and local superstar will bring the history of this picturesque town to life.
Next, we’ll meet a local cheese-maker to discover more about mozzarella’s wildly indulgent cousin, burrata. This delicious fresh cheese is one of Puglia’s most celebrated products. He will demonstrate the art of making fresh burrata and let you try twisting a knot of mozzarella or two! Enjoy a light tasting lunch at the farm. After we will stop in the hilltop town of Locorotondo for stunning views over the Itria Valley. Return transfer to your hotel and remainder of the day at leisure before dinner.
DAY 4
Today we’re off to discover the magical “white city” of Ostuni – an imposing citadel overlooking the olive plains all the way to the Adriatic. The tiny winding streets of the oldest quarter are known by the Arabic term the “Casbah” and certainly look more Greek or eastern than the stereotypical piazzas of northern Italy. Our guide will reveal some of the hidden treasures of the town.
Next, we will travel to the olive plains of central Puglia to discover one of Puglia’s most important treasures: olive oil! The olive mill on this ancient estate has been in use for thousands of years and provides a fascinating insight into olive oil production. We’ll walk the beautiful grounds of the estate and of course enjoy some olive oil tasting. Sit down to enjoy an unforgettable private dining experience in the monumental olive groves.
In the evening, we’ll transfer you to a lovely historic farmhouse just outside the charming town of Conversano. The Masseria is home to the country kitchen of Mara & Marina, passionate cooks who will host you for this evening’s delicious dinner. Marina is also a sommelier so you can be sure the wines will be perfectly paired with the cuisine! The meal will involve the freshest, seasonal ingredients for a traditional meal. In the setting of the courtyard, we will prepare a big family table for county-style dining. Mara & Marina will be happy to share the secrets of local dishes and ancient techniques.
DAY 5
This morning, we visit the town of Altamura where you will stop at a DOP bread producer for an insider look at how the traditional breads of the region are made.
Learn the art of making bread from scratch, covering techniques like mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking. It includes guidance on ingredients, tips for achieving the perfect crust and crumb.
The visit will conclude with a tasting of the renowned Altamura bread and some incredible focaccia.
Next, we’ll move to Matera.
Upon arrival, meet our local guide who will take you to a walking tour of the town.
A unique and ancient city perched high on a beautiful hillside and only recently seen by foreign eyes. This famed UNESCO World Heritage Site is just across the border from Puglia, in the Basilicata Region and has been awarded “European Capital of Culture 2019”. Our expert guide will lead you on a walking tour of the ‘sassi’, ancient cave dwellings restored for current use as homes, shops and restaurants.
Enjoy a delicious lunch based on the exceptional cuisine of this region before returning to your hotel for a light dinner.
DAY 6
You can’t leave Lecce without a taste of its gastronomic delicacies: the famous “pasticciotto” (custard-filled pastry ) and “rustico” Leccese (pastry disc filled with a savory mixture of béchamel sauce, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese). We will make sure you savour these flavours of Salento.
We will then travel to one of Puglia’s renowned wineries, set in the most well-suited terroirs for the cultivation of vines in Italy. Here, the art of winemaking has been handed down from generation to generation, but new and dynamic wine-making techniques are also at work. Enjoy a walk through the vineyards, discovering the estate and its history, culminating in a generous tasting of their wines, paired with delicious local dishes for lunch. Live the dream of the wine-makers for a day and share their stories with them.
Then it’s back home to share our final meal together.
DAY 7
After check-out you will be transferred to Bari or Brindisi airport for your onward flight or journey back home.
What’s included on our Taste of Puglia Tour
- 6 nights beautiful accommodation (1 in Bari and 5 in Leonardo Trulli Resort)
- All breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 5 dinners
- Visit to an olive oil farm and private picnic among the groves
- Bari street food tour
- Local cooking class
- Visit to an award-winning winery & wine tasting
- Walking experience in the UNESCO towns of Alberobello & Matera as well as Lecce and Ostuni
- Burrata-making experience and tasting
- Bread-making laboratory in Altamura with bread tasting
- Return transfer to Bari or Brindisi
- Local expert guides
- Kiwi host
Not Included on our Taste of Puglia Tour
- Flights
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Accommodation in Puglia
We spend 1 night in a hotel in central Bari and then 5 in a gorgeous Masseria.
Group size
Taste of tours specialises in small group tours with groups usually around 8-12, never more than 14 guests.
Activity Level
Due to the nature of small Italian towns this tour does require you to have a reasonable level of fitness. The towns are pedestrianised and this means the only way to see and experience them is on foot. While you do not need to be able to run marathons you will be on your feet for 3-4 hours at a time. Being able to walk 10,000 steps is recommended. Note – the streets are often cobbled and uneven, which is harder on the body.
If you have any mobility issues, please let us know before booking.
Packing tips
2 pairs of comfortable flat shoes! Make sure these are not new, but worn in. Being able to alternate your footwear also helps with achy feet.
Togs. The resort has a pool and it is all ours so what better way to relax each afternoon than a swim.
Lightweight rain jacket. Pack some murphy’s law insurance by way of a lightweight jacket because if it rains we are still going to head out and explore these beautiful towns.
Check out more of my tips here
What our guests have said
FAQ
I’m travelling solo, what are my options?
More than half our guests a solo travellers. If you are travelling alone our tours are a great way to meet likeminded travellers.
If you want your own space paying a single supplement will mean you have your own room.
If you are an easy-going traveller and happy to share, we can introduce you to other solo guests to see if you would get on. We leave the decision to you if you want to share.
What is the average age of travellers?
Our youngest guests was 24, our oldest 85. The majority of our guests are aged between 55-75 years old.
As they say age is just a number, and like life the real requirement is a great attitude!
What’s Included?
A lot! This is a food tour, so we include all your meals, and this often includes wine at lunch and dinner. All the activities listed are included as well as local guides, a Kiwi host, air-conditioned transport.
What’s not included?
Flights, travel insurance, tips.
How do I book?
Fill out the booking form here.
As soon as the tour meets its min number, we will be in touch along with an invoice for your deposit (25% non-refundable). Once the deposit has been paid your place is secured.
The balance for the tour is due 90 days before the tour begins.
If you would like to set up a payment plan please let us know and we can break the tour cost into monthly or weekly instalments.
How do I get there?
The tour begins and ends in Bari. Bari has a busy airport but is also connected to other parts of Italy by Train. There are also twice weekly sailings from Bari to Dubrovnik and Split (Croatia) + sailings to Greece.
I’m gluten free, is this an issue?
Possibly. If you are a coeliac, you will miss out on the beautiful fresh pasta dishes this region is famous for. We can though offer alternatives; we are more concerned about your experience.
If you have chosen a gluten free diet because your digestive system works better this way, we would suggest trying some of the local pasta to see how you react. Many of our guests who are gluten free in NZ enjoy the pasta and bread in Italy without any issues.
I’m vegetarian, is this a problem?
No. We are happy to accommodate a vegetarian diet.
Do you organise private tours of Puglia?
Yes. This tour is a perfect tour for a small group of friends! Ideal group size is 8-12pax and we can tweak the itinerary and possibly accommodation (staying in a private villa) to suit you. Email me to discuss the options hello@tasteoftours.com
Click here to book our Puglia Tour
