White Cities of Puglia
7th Oct 2026
Key Highlights
- La Cutura Botanical Garden, an old country estate built in the classic rural style of the late 19th century
- Guided tour of the town of Alberobello to see some of the trullo houses
- Matera, the Sassi town, famous for movies like “The Passion of Christ” and the James Bond film ‘’No Time to Die”
- A stop in the orecchiette street, Bari to see the locals hand-crafting this regional pasta
Summary
Puglia is the long strip of land that makes up the ‘heel’ of Italy. For centuries it was fought over and conquered by the major powers of the day, from the Greeks and Romans to the Turks and Spanish, all of whom have left their mark.
Today it remains a traditional and relatively undiscovered region, yet with fine architecture, attractive countryside and a relaxed culture that deserves to be better known. Among the more striking features are the cylindrical, whitewashed buildings with grey conical roofs known as trulli, which are often joined together in a random, organic manner. Elsewhere we will see imposing castles and ornate cathedrals, ancient archaeological sites and mysterious caves, and have a taste of the top-quality olive oil for which the region is famous.
What's included
- Return flights from London to Bari
- Accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- All sites as outlined in the itinerary
- Services of a professional tour manager and local guides
Meet your tour manager
Linda Robinson
Linda has worked as an international Tour Manager for more than 20 years, leading cultural, walking, and wildlife tours. She began leading groups for Brightwater after graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Horticulture in 2019. Although Linda is happy spending time in any garden, she particularly enjoys visiting those with historic interest. Keen to learn more on this subject, she graduated with an MA in Garden and Landscape History in 2023. Passionate about preserving historic gardens, Linda spends her free time researching sites for Historic England listing, and is a Trustee of her County Gardens Trust.
Day by Day Itinerary
London to Bari
We depart from London to Bari. On arrival we explore the city of Bari with an experienced local tour guide and live a real Pugliese experience. Visit the most beautiful spots in the city and hear all the city’s stories and secrets. Starting with a walk around Bari’s Old Town, the tour introduces us to standout sights such as the Basilica of St. Nicholas with its sacred crypt, The San Sabino Cathedral and the beautiful squares facing the Adriatic Sea. A stop in the orecchiette street will make your day. We then visit Castello Svevo, perched majestically on the edge of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, it stands as a timeless sentinel, bearing witness to centuries of history and intrigue. This imposing fortress, with its sturdy stone walls and formidable towers, commands attention and admiration from all who behold it, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bari’s past. Laterm we transfer to our hotel accommodation in the Salento, where a welcome dinner is included this evening.
Meals IncludedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Airport | 00:00 | |
| Bari Airport | 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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