Budget Puglia Explorer

Welcome to Apulia! Arrive in Bari and make your way to our accommodation. We meet our tour leader and fellow travellers at 19:00 hr for a welcome briefing outlining the journey ahead.

Once everyone is settled, we set out on an orientation walk through Bari’s atmospheric old town, strolling past historic streets and along the harbour as the sun sets over the Adriatic. Then we get to know each other at a traditional welcome dinner, featuring handmade orecchiette pasta and classic Apulian flavours.

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!

Please also note: If you are travelling from Rome, or Naples, you can receive assistance in organising your transport. Please contact us for more information.

We hop on a local train this morning and travel along the coast to Monopoli, a charming seaside town known for its whitewashed lanes, sandy coves, and postcard-perfect harbour. Here there's free time to swim in the clear Adriatic waters, relax on the beach, or savour a leisurely seaside lunch.

Our coastal journey continues with a short train ride to Polignano a Mare, one of Puglia’s most iconic destinations. Dramatically perched on limestone cliffs, the town offers breathtaking viewpoints, hidden swimming spots, and dazzling blue waters. We visit the statue of Domenico Modugno, the legendary voice behind “Volare,” before enjoying time to explore or unwind by the sea. We return to Bari later in the day, with the option to enjoy an aperitivo by the marina as the sun dips below the horizon.

Today enjoy a full-day private bus excursion to two of Southern Italy’s most extraordinary destinations: Matera and Alberobello. We travel to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique trulli houses. There's free time to explore independently, wandering through a storybook landscape of limestone dwellings topped with conical roofs, browsing artisan shops, cafés, and restaurants set within these ancient structures.

We then continue to UNESCO Listed Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary historic cities. It's astonishing that less than seventy years ago, thousands of people lived here in cave homes, lacking light, water, and basic comforts. As we stroll through the Sassi - the city’s ancient cave quarters, we discover stone homes carved into the rock, dramatic ravine views, winding staircases, and a vibrant mix of workshops, cafés, and gelaterias woven into this remarkable setting.

Bari - Lecce. We board the train from Bari to Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South.” After settling into our accommodation, we enjoy an orientation walk through the historic centre, admiring ornate baroque façades, sun-filled piazzas, and lively artisan boutiques that glow in warm local stone.

Optional Experience: In the evening, you may choose to join an optional dinner at a traditional masseria, a historic countryside estate surrounded by olive groves. Here, we enjoy authentic Apulian dishes prepared with local ingredients in a romantic, candlelit setting.

Lecce - Gallipoli. Today is all about sun, sea, and spectacular scenery. We set off along the stunning Adriatic coastline, stopping first in Otranto, a welcoming seaside town with a relaxed holiday atmosphere and beautiful views.

We continue to Torre dell’Orso, often referred to as the “Italian Caribbean,” where golden sands meet turquoise waters. There is time to swim, relax on the beach, and enjoy lunch by the sea.

Our next stop is the breathtaking Grotta della Poesia, a natural limestone pool carved by the sea and considered one of the most spectacular swimming spots in the world. After soaking up the views and the crystal-clear waters, we travel via Gallipoli, where we enjoy time to stroll through the charming old town before heading to our new base.

We then continue to Gallipoli, a lively coastal town with a charming old town perched on a tiny island. There's time for an evening stroll along the sea before heading to our new accommodation.

Today, you can enjoy a full day at leisure in Gallipoli. You can relax on the beach, explore the town’s history, or book one of the many exciting optional activities. There's boat trips along the coast, cooking classes with a local chef, kayaking and paddleboarding, olive oil or wine tasting — the choice is yours.

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 - Bari. We travel back through Gallipoli and return by train to Lecce and onward to Bari, where the tour concludes.

If you are continuing on to Rome or another destination, assistance with high-speed train tickets is available on request. Extensions in Gallipoli or Bari can also be arranged in advance for those wishing to continue exploring southern Italy.