Budget Puglia Explorer

Upon arrival in Bari, make your way to the accommodation. At 7 PM, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Then, we will embark on a walking tour through Bari’s old town and take in the views of the harbour at sunset. Afterward, we head to a local spot along the bay to enjoy fresh seafood and regional delicacies.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 39. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Bari - Alberobello - Monopoli - Polignano a Mare - Bari. After breakfast, meet your tour leader before we depart for Alberobello, home to hundreds of trulli—white, cone-shaped houses that have been an architectural tradition for thousands of years, earning the village UNESCO World Heritage status. The unique buildings, now housing shops, hotels, and restaurants, create a fairy-tale atmosphere. We will explore the Rione Monti, followed by some free time for shopping, relaxation, or further exploration at your own pace.

Our next stop is the town of Monopoli, previously a small fishing village located on the Adriatic Sea. This enchanting city features narrow cobblestone streets, excellent local cuisine, historic fortresses, and a picturesque harbor. Here you will have some free time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local spots.

Our final stop is in Polignano a Mare, the most picturesque place to visit in Puglia. We’ll make a brief stop to take in the stunning view of the town’s medieval buildings perched atop limestone cliffs, before returning to Bari, where your evening is at leisure.

Bari - Ostuni - Lecce. Today, we depart for the white city, Otsuni, where we will walk through the white alleys this morning. After, you will have free time to explore its historic landmarks, vibrant markets, scenic waterfront, and charming cafés, or visit museums, art galleries, and nearby viewpoints.

Later, we will depart for Lecce. Upon arrival, we will check into our accommodation before embarking on a walking tour through the city in the evening. After you will have a chance to enjoy some local food.

Lecce - Faraglioni - Torre Dell’orso - Lecce - Otranto - Lecce. This morning, we will drive along the Adriatic coast to visit scenic spots. Our first stop is in Faraglioni, where we will take a moment to admire the breathtaking Sea Stacks of Sant’Andrea, sculpted over time by the relentless force of wind and waves carving into the soft coastal cliffs.

Our next stop is the beach in Torre Dell’Orso, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand, earning it the nickname "the Italian Caribbean." Here, you will have free time to enjoy the beach, you can choose to swim, sunbathe, explore the coastline or make your way to a restaurant to enjoy some lunch nearby - don't forget your towel and a swimsuit!

After a refreshing swim, we'll head back to Lecce, where you'll have some free time to freshen up before we travel to Otranto for the evening. Famous for its picturesque coastal setting and vibrant ambiance, Otranto boasts stunning views, historic sites like its cathedral, and a lively promenade. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Lecce. Enjoy a nice meal with the group (not included) before we head back to Lecce.

Lecce - Gallipoli. You’ll have the morning free to explore Lecce at your own pace. Whether you’d like to enjoy breakfast at a local spot, sip coffee at a café, do some shopping, or venture further to discover more of the city, the choice is yours.

In the afternoon, we’ll meet up with your tour leader to continue our journey to Gallipoli, located on the Ionian coast and renowned for its lively bars, clubs, and vibrant evening atmosphere. Along the way, we'll make a stop at Punta Suina, where you will have the chance to swim at this quaint beach before arriving in Gallipoli.

Once we have arrived in Gallipoli and checked in, you then will have the rest of the day to head out for dinner, a few drinks, and maybe a night at one of the clubs.

Today, you can enjoy a full day at leisure in Gallipoli. You can relax on the beach to recover, explore the town’s history, or take a boat trip to Marina di Leuca — the choice is yours. If you are looking for more to do today, you can speak to the tour leader who will be able to assist with suggestions for activities that can be done.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a final dinner as a group, and after that, you will have the rest of the night to enjoy the night life in Gallipoli or relax at the hotel.

Gallipoli - Matera - Bari. This morning, we depart from Gallipoli and head towards the Basilicata region, neighbouring Puglia, to the city of Matera. Known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in history, Matera is carved into a hill, offering stunning scenic views. With its rich history, UNESCO World Heritage status, and designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2019

Once we arrive in Matera, we will embark on our final walking tour through the city, famous for its ancient cave dwellings, stunning hillside views, and rich UNESCO-listed history. Afterward, we will make our way back to Bari. The tour ends on arrival in Bari, and you can make your own way to the airport or your next destination. Safe travels!