Budget Puglia Explorer - 7 Days

Once you arrive in Bari, you can make your way to your accommodation. At 19:00, we gather at the hotel to meet our tour leader and fellow travellers for an introduction to the journey ahead. During this briefing, our guide will also be available to note down any optional activities you may want to add for later in the trip.

After we settle in, we set out together for an easy walk through Bari’s historic centre. We wander through charming lanes and take in the views over the harbour as the light fades.

We end our first evening enjoying fresh local seafood and regional dishes as a group in one of the atmospheric spots along the bay.

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 Florence, Rome, or Naples, you can receive assistance in organising your transport. Please contact us for more information.

Bari - Alberobello - Monopoli - Polignano a Mare - Bari. After breakfast, we meet our tour leader and begin our day exploring some of the most distinctive places in the region. Our first stop is Alberobello, a charming town known for its countless conical white dwellings that have become a symbol of the area. We wander through the neighbourhood together, taking in the unusual architecture that feels almost storybook-like.

You then have some free time to look around, take photos, or browse the small shops throughout the district at your own pace.

We continue to Monopoli, once a modest fishing village and now a lively coastal town with narrow lanes and a characterful old centre. Here you have free time for lunch wherever you choose.

Our final visit of the day is Polignano a Mare, a clifftop town famous for its dramatic coastline. We pause to admire the views before making our way back to Bari for the evening.

Bari - Ostuni - Lecce. This morning, we get ready to leave Bari and make our way to Ostuni, a hilltop town known for its bright white lanes and striking setting. We spend time walking through its narrow streets together, taking in the unique atmosphere of this distinctive town.

After our walk, you have free time to explore on your own—whether that means wandering a little further, taking photos, or simply enjoying the views at your own pace.

We then travel onward to Lecce. Once we arrive, we check into our accommodation before heading out again for an introductory walk through the city. Later in the evening, we enjoy some local food together as we continue getting to know this beautiful place.

Lecce - Faraglioni - Torre Dell’orso - Lecce - Otranto - Lecce.Today we set off along the Adriatic coastline to explore some of the most scenic spots in the area. Our first stop is the dramatic stretch of shore near the Faraglioni, where the tall sea stacks rise sharply from the water.

We continue to Torre dell’Orso, a long sandy beach known for its clear water and calm setting. Here, you have free time to relax on the sand, take a swim, or choose a place nearby for lunch.

In the afternoon, we return to Lecce for a short break before heading back out. This evening, we make our way to Otranto, a charming coastal town with a welcoming atmosphere. You’ll have free time for dinner at a restaurant of your choice before we drive back to Lecce for the night.

Lecce - Gallipoli. You have the morning free in Lecce to enjoy the city however you like—whether that means exploring a little more, relaxing with a coffee, or simply taking your time.

In the afternoon, we meet our tour leader and begin our journey toward Gallipoli on the Ionian coast. Along the way, we pause at Punta Suina, a small beach with calm waters, where you have free time to take a swim or unwind on the sand.

We then continue to Gallipoli and check into our accommodation. After settling in, the evening is yours to enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere. Whether you prefer a relaxed dinner or a night out, you can choose how to spend the rest of the day.

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 leave Gallipoli and make our way toward the Basilicata region, where we visit the city of Matera. Known as one of the world’s earliest continuously inhabited places, Matera rises from the hillside with a landscape shaped over thousands of years. Its unique setting, rich history, and UNESCO recognition have made it one of the most remarkable towns in Italy.

Once we arrive, we head out together for our final walk through the city, taking in its distinctive architecture and striking views. After spending time exploring, you have time around lunch to enjoy the area on your own before we continue our journey.

In the afternoon, we travel back to Bari, where our trip comes to an end. On arrival, you can make your own way to the airport or continue to your next destination.