THE SOUL OF PUGLIA & MATERA
Among Beauty, Traditions, and Rediscovered Roots
Designed for those who want to experience Puglia not just as a visitor, but as a local, this exclusive 9-day guided tour combines UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning Baroque architecture, and hidden coastal gems with curated culinary tastings—including an exclusive wine experience handpicked by Roscioli—all brought to life by an expert local tour leader born and raised in the region, offering an unforgettable journey of discovery, a heartfelt reconnection with your ancestral roots, or the chance to discover this unique land for the very first time.
Day 1 - Wednesday, April 7
Transfer from Bari to the coastal town of Trani. Upon arrival, check-in at the elegant Hotel Filisio. In the evening, gather in the hotel lobby for an initial briefing with your expert guide, accompanied by a refined Welcome Aperitif. Enjoy a free evening for dinner in Trani—a charming, peaceful maritime gem famous for its vibrant fishing harbor, magnificent seaside Romanesque cathedral, and exceptional local seafood cuisine.
Day 2 – Thursday, April 8
Morning departure by private bus towards the Murgia region to visit Castel del Monte, the famed 13th-century octagonal fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its unique
architectural geometry, fascinating medieval history, and sweeping panoramic views of Apulia.
After enjoying a traditional Pugliese lunch, return to Trani for an insightful guided tour of the majestic Cathedral right by the water’s edge and the historic town center. Free evening and overnight stay in Trani
ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHT: CASTEL DEL MONTE
A masterpiece of medieval military architecture, the castle’s octagonal layout combines elements from Classical Antiquity, the Islamic Orient, and European Gothic art, reflecting the eclectic culture of its legendary creator, Frederick II.
Day 3 – Friday, April 9
Morning departure for Matera (Basilicata), a awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site world-famous for its ancient Sassi—rock-cut cave dwellings carved directly into limestone canyons. Take a guided journey through thousands of years of human history in a landscape so unique it has served as the backdrop for major international cinema.
Following a traditional Lucanian lunch in Matera, journey to Gioia del Colle for an exclusive wine and food tasting at the winery of Nico Chiaromonte. Highly acclaimed and selected by Roscioli, Chiaromonte cultivates century- old, free-standing bush vines at high altitude in the Murgia terroir, producing remarkably powerful, fresh, and elegant organic Primitivo wines.
Return to Hotel Filisio in Trani for a relaxing evening and free dinner
TERROIR INSIGHT: PRIMITIVO DI GIOIA DEL COLLE
Unlike low-lying vineyards, Gioia del Colle’s high-altitude Murgia plateau provides significant day-night temperature
swings, allowing ancient bush vines to yield structured wines with striking minerality, elegance, and natural freshness.
Day 4 – Saturday, April 10
Enjoy a leisurely free morning in Trani for shopping, strolling along the picturesque harbor, or relaxing. Following check-out, savor a special lunch at a quintessential local restaurant in Trani before departing by private bus to
Monopoli.
Check in at the centrally located Hotel Palazzo Indelli. Later, embark on a guided walking tour through Monopoli’s historic center and old port. Monopoli captivates with its whitewashed lanes, medieval castle, vibrant fishing tradition, and crystal-clear turquoise seaside coves (calette). Evening free for dinner in town.
Day 5 – Sunday, April 11
Depart Monopoli for a full-day discovery of Apulia’s iconic Itria Valley. Begin in Locorotondo, a picturesque hilltop village famed for its circular layout, flower-filled alleyways, pointed-roof houses (cummerse), and fine white
wines.
Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a walking tour through a surreal fairytale landscape of over one thousand historic trulli—dry stone dwellings with conical roofs unique to this region. Enjoy a
traditional lunch in Alberobello.
In the afternoon, head to Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically atop sheer sea cliffs overlooking the Adriatic. Take a dedicated guided walk along panoramic balconies, view the iconic cliff-framed beach of Cala Porto, and honor the legacy of native son Domenico Modugno. Late afternoon return to Monopoli
Day 6 – Monday, April 12
Depart Monopoli for Martina Franca, a refined Baroque town celebrated for noble architecture and exceptional culinary traditions. Begin with an experiential tour of an underground olive oil mill and an artisanal dairy with live
cheese-making demonstrations.
Indulge in a specialized tasting of freshly made mozzarella alongside the renowned Capocollo di Martina Franca, a prized Slow Food Presidium cured meat. After a regional lunch in the center, take a guided walking tour highlighting Martina Franca’s elegant Baroque palaces and grand piazzas. Late afternoon return to Monopoli for an evening at leisure.
Day 7 – Tuesday, April 13
Journey south into Salento to discover Lecce, the undisputed “Lady of the Baroque.” Guided walking tour featuring Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the lavish Basilica di Santa Croce, and golden-hued limestone architecture. Enjoy a
typical Salento-style lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Ostuni, the “White City,” cascading down a hilltop with brilliant whitewashed alleys looking out over an ocean of ancient olive trees toward the glittering sea. Return to Hotel Palazzo Indelli in Monopoli for overnight stay
Day 8 – Wednesday, April 14
Morning departure to the spectacular Castellana Caves (Grotte di Castellana), a world-famous karst underground complex with dramatic limestone formations and caverns. After the subterranean tour, enjoy an
authentic regional lunch.
Afternoon exploration of Bari Vecchia, visiting the historic Basilica di San Nicola and the famous street of the orecchiette makers, where local women hand-craft traditional pasta along the narrow stone lanes.
Return to Monopoli for your final evening.
Day 9 – Thursday, April 15
Breakfast at the hotel followed by organized transfers to Bari Airport or Bari Railway Station. End of services.
The hotels included in the price will be as follows:
Please take into consideration the following extension to your stay in the regions:
*Small changes to the itinerary are possible, beyond our control.
**Lilipans Tour is not liable in any way for any activities that the client decides to undertake independently during their stay, which are not expressly indicated in the proposed itinerary.
This tour involves a certain amount of walking, sometimes on unpaved venues, such us vineyards, archaeological sites, and so on, with potential accessibility barriers
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
For all international travel, US citizen’s passports must be valid for at least six months after the end of their stay in Italy, and have at least three blank visa pages. It is your responsibility to confirm that your travel documents meet the entry and exit requirements for the full duration of your trip.
In order to participate in our tours, Travel Insurance taken out in your country of residence is highly recommended.
Before your departure, please update the information on entry requirements to Italy with your embassy. Lilipans is not responsible for any incomplete or irregular passengers’ travel documents.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 3 nights accommodation and breakfast in Trani Hotel Filisio ****
- 5 nights accommodation and breakfast in Monopoli Palazzo Indelli ****
- City lodging visitor tax
- Private minibus and driver for 9 days
- Private transfer from Bari airport/railway station to Trani on April 7
- Private tranfer from Monopoli to Bari airport/railway station on April 15
- Lunch on April 8,9,10,11,12,13,14
- Welcome aperitif “apericena”in Trani
- A visit and wine tastings at Roscioli wineries
- One Mozzarella, cold cuts and olive oil tastings.
- TOUR LEADER/GUIDE: your English Speaking Guide will be at the exclusive disposal of the group on a Full Day basis for the entire duration of the itinerary
- Private guide tours: Castel del Monte, Trani, Matera, Mopopoli, Locorotondo, Alberobello, Polignano a mare, Grotte di Castellana, Lecce, Ostuni, Bari
- Entrance fees when included
Please note that there will be additional charges for any service performed longer than the projected hours.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities for maids, baggage handlers, drivers or guides
- Porterage
- Drinks at meals unless noted
- Personal charges, laundry, phone calls, internet, mini fridge consumed items
- Taxis, public boats and trains unless noted
- Travel Insurance
- International and Domestic Airfare
- Entry to any museums, historical sites unless noted
- Everything not mentioned under “included items”
PRICING
- € 6,800, per person (based on two people sharing a double room)
- The trip will run with a minimum of 4 guests and a maximum of 10 guests so you are guaranteed to be part of a small, intimate group.
- € 500 deposit per person, is due immediately to confirm the booking, which will be deducted from the total price. This deposit is non-refundable, unless the tour is canceled because the minimum number of participants is not reached.
- € 2,100 1st retainer per person is due by November 20th, 2026
- € 2,100 2nd retainer per person is due by December 15th, 2026
- € 2,100 balance per person is due by February 15th, 2026
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In order to participate in our tours, Travel Insurance taken out in your country of residence is highly recommended.
We are not responsible for any fees or changes you may become liable for relating to the airlines or other transportation not provided by us.
All cancellation requests must be in writing and are valid from the day we receive the request.
Cancellations:
- Cancelling 60 or more days before your departure date will result in a 30% refund of your total payment.
- Cancellations less than 60 days before your departure date will result in no refund. The full payment will be required.
- We do not offer a refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to missed meals, hotel nights, sightseeing activities or any other included services.
- The deposit of 500 per person in all instances is non-refundable, unless the tour is canceled because the minimum number of participants is not reached.
- All cancellation requests must be in writing and are valid from the day we receive the request
**There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy.
