Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel

Name: Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (10 reviews)

10 reviews

Activity

Culture

Overview

From the cave town of Matera to baroque Lecce, enjoy the best of Italy in a week

Puglia is the best of Italy crammed into the heel of the boot: twisted olive trees, World Heritage towns, full-bodied primitivo wine, and sun-kissed beaches. Experience it for yourself, spending two nights in the spectacular cave town of Matera, before wandering among the fairytale trulli homes of Alberobello. There’s also time to sample olive oil in a traditional Apulian farm, explore the white city of Ostuni, visit the medieval coastal town of Otranto, and end in baroque Lecce, known as the Florence of the South.

Key Information

Trip Code: ADE2
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 30kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 farmstay)
All breakfasts, one lunch/cookery class, one wine tasting, one dinner
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip local taxes (approx. €15) are not included.

Highlights

Experience Puglia’s highlights with a group of like-minded cultural adventurers

Begin in the extraordinary cave town of Matera – a spectacular opening to the adventure

Wander among the trulli houses of Alberobello

Enjoy seafront restaurants and coastal views in Otranto

Sample classic Apulian produce with an olive oil tasting and pasta-making demo at a farmhouse

Finish in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its magnificent baroque buildings

Itinerary

First Destination: Matera
Next Destination: Lecce

Accommodation:Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Trulli or Apulian resort
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Trulli or Apulian resort
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Masseria Morrone (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Eos Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Eos Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Matera
Next Destination: Lecce

Our tour starts in Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy, home to extensive cave-dwelling districts, known as the Sassi District. Our hotel is in the heart of the district, a World Heritage site, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across town. After checking in, we enjoy a first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of Matera.

Around 6pm, say ciao to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over a group dinner.

Want to explore Matera further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

We start our week with a full day in one of the most interesting, distinctive and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. On a hill, overlooking an impressive canyon in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, Matera has only recently gained the deserved spotlight. In 1993, the town was made a World Heritage site for being the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean, all carved in bare limestone. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk through the cave-dwelling districts and learn about the history of this fascinating place. In the afternoon, we can discover the city at our own pace and perhaps visit the rupestrian churches.

Accommodation: Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

In the morning, we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route at the village of Polignano a Mare, which is on the edge of a craggy ravine. We stroll along the whitewashed streets and enjoy superb views of the Adriatic Sea and coastline from a panoramic terrace.

Later, we transfer to Alberobello, home to dry-stone dwellings called trulli. Many of these, which run up a series of pretty (but fairly steep) streets, have been turned into artisan shops and restaurants. We enjoy a wine tasting at a winery in Locorotondo before dinner and stay either in traditional trulli or a typical Apulian resort.

Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort

Accommodation:Trulli or Apulian resort
Meals included:Breakfast

Today is free to choose among several local activities. You may choose to take a day trip to the scenic port town of Monopoli or visit the Castellana Caves, the most important and biggest cave system in Italy. At the entrance of the Itria Valley, these caves began to form about 90m years ago. There is a tour that takes you more than 200ft (60m) deep and allows you to see stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils and canyons.

Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort

Accommodation:Trulli or Apulian resort
Meals included:Breakfast

We’re off to the 18th-century Masseria Morrone this morning, a beautiful Apulian farm and our home for tonight. Here, we discover the rural charms of Puglia with an expertly guided olive oil tasting and a scenic walk through the estate. We’ll also take part in a cooking demonstration followed by a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, we transfer 4mi (6km) to Ostuni, where we have free time to explore the city.

Accommodation: Masseria Morrone (or similar)

Accommodation:Masseria Morrone (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we transfer to pretty Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy. We spend the day exploring the pretty architecture, views, seafront restaurants and white sandy beaches of the medieval centre. We also visit the Romanesque cathedral, dating to 1088 and with extensive 12^th-century floor mosaics. After lunch, we can join our tour leader for an optional gentle coastal walk following the Salento coves and creeks (approximately two hours of walking, 4mi/6km). Those who prefer not to take part can explore the town at their own pace, or perhaps relax on one of the Otranto beaches (seasonal), renowned for their clear water. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Lecce.

Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior or deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Eos Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

In the morning, we have free time to enjoy shopping opportunities or visit well-known monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre. We then enjoy a guided visit to Lecce in the afternoon, arguably one of the most distinctive baroque cities in Europe. Most of the buildings here are constructed in the soft local stone, with pretty decorations and cherubs covering façades and doorways. During our walking tour, we have time to admire several architectural gems, including the best baroque monument in town: the Basilica di Santa Croce, ornamented with strange beasts and allegories.

Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior or deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Eos Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

The tour ends in Lecce after breakfast, when we begin our return journeys home. If you wish to spend longer in this endlessly fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Classic Apulian hospitality

We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of Apulian architecture. Below are the hotels normally used.

Upgrade your room on Day 1, 2, 6 and 7 of this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Matera: Hotel Sassi (nights 1-2)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace.

Alberobello: Trulli houses or Apulian resort (nights 3-4)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

In Alberobello, we either stay in trulli houses (above) or a traditional resort, depending on the departure. Both provide us with a taste of authentic Apulian hospitality, while also putting us close to the historic centre of town.

Outside Ostuni: Masseria Morrone (night 5)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

Immerse yourself in rural Puglia with a night at this beautiful 18th-century farmstay. It resides among centuries-old olive groves and Mediterranean scrub forest, while the old stables have been converted into cosy rooms. When you want a bit of downtime, there’s a pool with loungers.

Lecce: Eos Hotel (nights 6-7)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

Our final two nights are spent at this contemporary 30-room hotel. It has a bar for a pre-dinner drink or final night toast and the main Lecce highlights (plus some excellent bars and restaurants) are around a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Itinerary: This is a busy week in which you enjoy real Italian hospitality and sightsee on foot in the best towns and areas of Puglia. All transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle. Overall, this trip is suitable for everyone who is fit, healthy and comfortable with busy days on their feet.

Walking profile: Some walking is necessary to reach hotels and restaurants when vehicles cannot pass closer. This trip also includes one optional coastal walk of approximately 4mi (6km). Although the distances covered during the sightseeing are not too long, the days can feel busy and you climb a lot of steps, sometimes uneven, in Matera and Ostuni while sightseeing.

Weather: Puglia can be very hot, reaching high 30Cs (around 100F) in summer.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Sassi, Via S. Giovanni Vecchio, 89, 75100 Matera MT
Phone: +39 0835 331009
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm in the evening.
Airport: Bari Aiport (BRI)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A cab from the airport costs approximately €80 and should take 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the bus, bookable on Aeroporti di Puglia, which will cost approximately €4 and take 1hr 15min. You will be dropped off in Piazza Matteotti in Matera and from there, you can take a taxi or walk about 10 minutes to reach your hotel. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

This region is a food lover’s paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery class and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.

A selection of food on offer includes: bread from the Murge; durum wheat pasta; olives; the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese; cavatelli with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) and parmesan bake; grilled fish and seafood; burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese); plus excellent wines.

Puglia has a wonderful Mediterranean climate with year-round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure the green is never too far away. Although Puglia covers a large area, it is long and narrow – not more than 18mi (30km) across. This means you’re never far from the sea, which has a moderating effect on the weather. Despite this, Puglia can get very hot, particularly in summer when temperatures can reach the high 30Cs (around 100F).

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Join a family at their ancient masseria, where we’re taught the secrets of traditional pasta making in a cooking demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Reviews

Add new review

Jayne Robinson

Added September 2025

A revelation

This was our first ‘cultural’ Exodus holiday although we’ve done lots of Exodus cycling holidays. We went not knowing much about the area so it was wonderful to find it so enjoyable. There was a good mix of learning about the region, relaxing, and tours of caves, olive groves and some of the more important towns in the area. Transfers weren’t too long (usually under an hour) and accommodation was excellent for the most part. The nature of the accommodation meant that we all had different style rooms in most locations, which was good fun comparing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Trulli village. I loved every minute and would have loved to stay longer

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ioana was amazing. So patient and always available to help if needed. Very knowledgeable about the area too. I have a food intolerance and she made it so easy for me to get what I needed. Also thanks to Leo who was assisting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was a great time of year to go - not too hot. Take every opportunity to go on any optional excursions offered. Shoes with a good grip are essential because of the slippy steps in Matera and other areas.

Robyn Long

Added July 2025

A Must See Part of Italy!

This trip was a wonderful surprise! I have been to a couple of places in Italy before (Rome, Venice, Florence) but Puglia is so different... in a great way! The coastline, the food, the culture and the history were all wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staring off in a world heritage site that is Matera was amazing! It is like walking around a movie set, every street and corner was breathtakingly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ioana was a ray of sunshine! She was so knowledge and passionate about where we were visiting, it made such a difference having someone like Ioana there to guide us the whole way. She also gave us some amazing food recommendations which (as a foodie) was very welcomed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was very hot in June when i visited so i would recommend visiting in cooler months.

graeme davies

Added May 2025

An Excellent introduction to the region of Puglia

This was an excellent way to explore Puglia, the towns of Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni and Lecce all were fascinating and atmospheric yet different. The hotel accommodation was in the town centers in the first three locations and was very good. The cave house and the trullo being a real experience. Accommodation in Lecce was a real disappointment. It was located on a ring road about a 25-minute walk from the center and was a basic business class hotel very few facilities. Our room was bright orange (think Easy Jet) and small, breakfast was limited compared to the previous hotels. Altogether a poor finish to a good experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

A difficult choice as we had many. You do need to explore by yourself once the guide has left and be prepared for a lot of walking on uneven steep surfaces. The Museo Archeologico Faggiano in Lecce was fascinating and maybe should be added onto the itinerary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately, our original group leader was not available due to being ill. We were met in Matera and walked up to our hotel by a very helpful lady (I cannot remember her name) who recommended some restaurants for the evening. Our group leader would join us the next day and would be available from 1.30pm. Unfortunately, he did not arrange a briefing session and spoke to the group members individually, who received slightly different information. This continued throughout the trip and while being very pleasant, approachable and put in a lot of effort , resorted to Wikipedia for information and generally did not have the in-depth knowledge of the area that we have been accustomed to from Exodus guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to avoid the Italian holidays Lecce in particular was very busy. Ensure that you have sturdy comfortable footwear, there is a lot of walking required to get the best out of the trip

Reply from Exodus

Thank you for your thoughtful review and for highlighting the many positives of your trip through Puglia. We’re so pleased to hear that you found Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce to be fascinating and atmospheric—each with its own unique charm. It’s great to know that the centrally located accommodations in the first three towns, especially the cave house and trullo, added to the experience and made your stay memorable. We’re sorry to hear that the accommodation in Lecce didn’t meet expectations. Your feedback about the hotel’s location, facilities, and overall atmosphere is very important to us. We understand how a final stop can shape the overall impression of a trip, and we regret that this part didn’t reflect the high standards set earlier in the itinerary. We’re currently reviewing our accommodation choices in Lecce and will take your comments into account as we work with our local operator to improve the experience for future travellers. We hope to welcome you on another Exodus adventure soon. The Exodus Team

Susan Howard

Added May 2025

Mostly Fabulous

I have given this tour a 4* rating because the basic structure of the tour was so good. Matera, Alberobello and Ostuni were all outstanding. The towns have been restored and are fascinating and atmospheric as well as beautiful (especially at night). The hotel accommodation, which was in the centre of town in all three locations, was quirky, interesting, and well-appointed. We were disappointed with the Eos hotel in Lecce, however. It was a let-down and a rather sad end after what until then had been a fabulous trip with amazing accommodation elsewhere. It's situated on a ring road, a 20 minute walk from the gate into the old town with little in the way of bars, restaurants or atmosphere nearby. It was a budget hotel with pared-down facilities and a disappointing and very basic breakfast. For example, by 8.00 am on the first morning there was limited choice because once foods had been consumed they were not always replaced. The staff were less helpful than in the other hotels. Lecce itself was very impressive with some amazing architecture. However, we were there over a bank holiday and it was consequently very busy. It would be nice to go back when it was quieter. The local guide in Lecce was not as good as the one in Matera, not least because her English was limited.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many it's difficult to choose! But an unexpected highlight was a visit to the Museo Archeologico Faggiano in Lecce. Not on the itinerary, but a fascinating introduction to the history of Lecce - a chance discovery of Roman ruins under a house when undertaking sewerage works.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately our original group leader became suddenly unavailable just as the trip was about to start. This was managed reasonably well by the tour company on the ground. However, we were not given an adequate explanation of what happened, though it was inferred that the tour leader had suddenly decided against doing the tour. The stand-in leader arrived on the afternoon of the second day. Unfortunately he had not taken an Exodus tour before and his knowledge of the itinerary was limited and he sometimes had to resort to reading from Wikipedia to relay information about places and events. His English was poor and this lead to a number of misunderstandings between him and the group, for example regarding costs and timings. The combination of these factors meant that we had a less than optimal experience and certainly were not as well-informed about the history and locality as we have been on other Exodus trips. On the plus side he worked very hard on our behalf and was approachable and accommodating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Avoid Italian Bank Holidays! And take note of what so many reviewers have said about the need for sturdy footwear, particularly in Matera where the steps can be slippery as well as steep and numerous. The recent change in status from 'Easy' to 'Easy to Moderate' accurately now reflects the level of fitness required to comfortably manage and get the most out of the trip.

Reply from Exodus

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback and for awarding the tour a 4-star rating. We’re delighted to hear that you found the overall structure of the trip so enjoyable and that Matera, Alberobello, and Ostuni left such a strong impression. These towns truly are gems, and we’re glad the central, characterful accommodations added to your experience. We’re sorry to hear that the Eos Hotel in Lecce didn’t meet expectations. Your comments about its location, atmosphere, and breakfast offerings are noted and appreciated. We understand how important the final stop of a trip can be, and it’s disappointing to hear that this part didn’t reflect the high standards set earlier in the tour. We’ll be reviewing this feedback with our local partners to explore alternative options that better align with the rest of the itinerary. It’s also helpful to hear your thoughts on the local guide in Lecce. We aim to provide consistently excellent guiding throughout our trips, and we’ll take this on board as we continue to improve. Thank you again for your thoughtful review. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon! The Exodus Team

Dean Harman

Added April 2025

A fabulous trip made better by an outstanding leader!

I joined this itinerary in April 2025 and was utterly blown away by the locations visited. Matera was stunning, Lecce's winding streets were beautiful with gems hidden round every corner, We stayed in a traditional Trulli house which was a personal highlight for me!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the winding steps and visiting the cave houses in Matera, looking out over the edge of the hillside to see lush green and a beautiful river, flowing with the back drop of a rugged Matera behind it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ioana was amazing. Caring, showed compassion for group members when they were finding anything confusing or stressful. She was obviously very passionate about the places visited and shared that with us. She made recommendations for meals really easy, and helped other clients book tables if needed. Above and beyond!

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good pair of boots/shoes to climb the steep and sometimes slippery Matera Staircases! Bring a light fleece, its sometimes very windy even in the sun!

Constance Geiger

Added April 2025

The Guide made the difference

Excellent trip, beautiful scenery, and an absolutely fabulous guide, Fabrizio!! His enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and overall care for our group made the experience exceptional. Ask for him by name!

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera, Monopoli, Otranto

Thoughts on Group Leader

5 stars+!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Highly recommend

Erica Kaplan

Added November 2024

Great trip to explore the region of Puglia

I loved the itinerary! Saw so much in a week and at the same time did not feel rushed. I felt there was enough time to explore the highlights of the region. I enjoyed exploring Matera and Polignano a Mare. The lunch on day 5 was delicious - one of the best meals I have had in Italy. The coastal walk was lovely as well in Otranto. The places we stayed were so unique. I loved the Trulli house in Alberobello. I also loved the group and sharing the experience with like-minded people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning the history in Matera on the guided tour! Our guide was so knowledgeable and had a personal connection to the city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gabrielle was amazing! He was very personable, patient, and I enjoyed getting to know him throughout the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There was only a place to exchange dollars to euros in Lecce. I recommend exchanging money at the airport when you land or having a card to use ATM.

Natasha Moore

Added October 2024

Discovering Puglia

A really lovely trip that mixes culture, food, wine, and history!

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying in a Trulli House was something so unique and special

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ioana - such an asset to Exodus. Really knowledgeable and personable!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a swim costume for the coastal destinations - the sea is beautiful!

Joanna Sowerby

Added July 2024

ADE -Puglia -Departure -6.7.2024

Good and well planned itinerary. Good restaurants for group meals. Good and interesting standard of accommodation - it was really interesting staying in the trullo in Alberobello and the Sassi Hotel (cave hotel) at Matera

Most Inspirational Moment

Alberobello and staying in the trullo house and walking around Alberobello. But saying that I enjoyed everywhere we went on the trip and all the places we saw - Matera was also fascinating to wander around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Generally good. Knowledgeable and helpful. Did some good guided tours around places we visited and suggested good places to go in free time. He dealt with a difficult (and quite frankly unpleasant and rude) client in a polite and professional manner - she was not the usual client you would expect on an Exodus trip and seemed to have completely unrealistic expectations of for example accommodation (asking if there would be a swimming pool in historic building in historic city centre!! (embarrassing)). The rest of the group felt sorry for her travelling companion (who was nice). He dealt well with the change of plan when we could not go to the masseria for the pasta making demonstration and lunch, finding a great local alternative restaurant and arranging the drink and buffet dinner at the Lecce hotel which was appreciated. Changed the itinerary for Lecce so guided city tour was in morning instead of afternoon (as it said in trip notes). This is the way it should be as you want to do a city tour before free time to get some ideas of places to go back to so the trip itinerary should be changed to reflect this. Areas for improvement - (1) it would have been helpful to have an overall summary of the trip and events on each day on the first briefing, (2) I would have liked more than 1 hours notice (on the bus) of the option for the free day - opportunity to go to both Monopoli and the caves by minibus and the cost of this. I think we should have also be advised of public transport availability (it seems that public transport is limited so it is likely I would have thought that the minibus was the best option but I felt pressured into the minibus option at this short notice), - I think this is something that should have been mentioned on the overall summary on the first night (3) I was surprised that only 3 group evening meals were offered. When I have done Exodus trips in the past group evening meals were offered on every night except the free day (4) I was surprised he didn't know or inform us that there would be a procession and fireworks on our last night in Matera (as an extension of the 2 July saints day)

Christine Jeffrey

Added September 2023

Very Interesting

Amazing trip to te heel of Italy. Matera was my particular highlight, due in part to the passionate guide who enthralled us it her personal relationship with Matera. Trulli houses beautiful although Alberobello was not great. The train to Martina Franca was good. Lecce too was magnificent, I've never seen so many churches. A great trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The guide, Brunella at Maters. Also Anna at the olive Grove.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mainly good but he didn't really bond with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good shoes.

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Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

From the cave town of Matera to baroque Lecce, enjoy the best of Italy in a week

Key Information

What's Included

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Book Your Flights With Us

Accommodation

Classic Apulian hospitality

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Italy

Reviews

A revelation

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A Must See Part of Italy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

An Excellent introduction to the region of Puglia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reply from Exodus

Mostly Fabulous

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reply from Exodus

A fabulous trip made better by an outstanding leader!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Guide made the difference

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great trip to explore the region of Puglia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Discovering Puglia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

ADE -Puglia -Departure -6.7.2024

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very Interesting

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Adventure Begins Here