The Wild Heart of Puglia!

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Overview

The Wild Heart of Puglia!
Arrival: Bari, Puglia | Departure: Lecce / Brindisi
Oct 14 - 22, 2026
La Storia Travel image
La Storia Travel
$5,795

About this trip

9 Days / 8 Nights in Puglia, Italy | A Cultural & Culinary Journey Through Southern Italy.


October 14–22, 2026

Puglia has a way of revealing itself slowly. Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, this remarkable region is shaped by the land, the seasons, and generations of families and communities who have cared for it and carried its heritage forward.

This small-group journey invites you to discover Puglia through the people who know it best. Farmers, artisans, cooks, musicians, and storytellers will share the flavors, craftsmanship, and traditions that continue to shape life in Southern Italy.

From ancient towns and seaside villages to countryside landscapes, vineyards, and traditional kitchens, we’ll experience the places, stories, and flavors that are often discovered only when you take the time to truly connect with a region.

Created for travelers who want more than a list of places visited, this journey offers a closer look at the culture, people, and everyday rhythms that make Puglia so unique.

Arrival & Departure

Arrival: Bari, Puglia
Guests may arrive at Bari Airport or Bari Centrale Train Station on October 14, 2026. Private arrival transfer to the hotel is included.

Departure: Lecce / Brindisi Area, Puglia
The journey concludes in Lecce on October 22, 2026. Guests may depart from Lecce Train Station, Brindisi Airport, or arrange onward travel from Bari Airport. Departure transportation details will be confirmed closer to the trip date.

What's included

Accommodation

8 nights of accommodation in carefully selected hotels and countryside stays in Puglia.

Meals

Daily breakfast, regional lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary, welcome aperitivo, and farewell dinner.

Transportation

Private transportation throughout the journey, including arrival from Bari Airport or Bari Centrale Train Station, departure assistance from Lecce/Brindisi area, and all transfers between included exp

Experiences & Activities

All scheduled cultural experiences, guided visits, artisan encounters, food and wine experiences, cooking experiences, and local workshops included in the itinerary.

Guides & Local Hosts

English-speaking guides and local hosts throughout the journey, sharing their knowledge of Puglia’s history, culture, food, and traditions.

Journey Support

Support Throughout Your Journey. Trip coordination and assistance from arrival through departure.

What's not included

Flights

International flights and airfare to and from Italy.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance, including coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, or lost luggage.

Personal Expenses

Personal purchases, souvenirs, laundry, spa services, additional beverages, or expenses outside of the itinerary.

Other Meals & Activities

Meals, beverages, or activities not specifically listed as included.

Spa Services

Gratuities

Gratuities for guides, drivers, and local hosts are not included and are at each guest’s discretion.

October 14–16, 2026

October 14–16, 2026 image

Days 1–3 | Bari, Matera & Puglia’s Ancient Landscapes

Our journey begins in Bari, where we settle into the rhythm of Southern Italy and begin getting to know the region through its historic streets, local flavors, and welcoming atmosphere.

We’ll venture to Matera, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cave dwellings and extraordinary stone landscape, before exploring the natural beauty of Castellana Grotte, one of Italy’s most impressive underground cave systems.

These first days introduce us to the history, landscapes, and traditions that have shaped Puglia, with time to enjoy regional meals, wander at an unhurried pace, and begin connecting with the people and places that make this region so special.

Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunches, and welcome dinner.

October 17–19, 2026

October 17–19, 2026 image

Days 4–6 | The Itria Valley: Food, Craft & Countryside

Leaving the coast behind, we enter the heart of the Itria Valley, a landscape of ancient olive groves, vineyards, stone walls, and whitewashed villages. We’ll explore the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello, wander the charming streets of Locorotondo, and visit Grottaglie, a town celebrated for its centuries-old ceramic tradition.

These days are rooted in the connection between Puglia’s people and the land they have cared for over generations. Through local food experiences, artisan crafts, and time spent with producers and makers, we discover the traditions, flavors, and craftsmanship that continue to shape life in the countryside.

Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunches, and dinners.

October 20–22, 2026

October 20–22, 2026 image

Days 7–9 | Lecce & Coastal Puglia: From Baroque to the Sea

Our journey continues south to Lecce "Florence of the South", known for its elegant Baroque architecture, historic piazzas, and artisan traditions. From here, we explore the beauty of Salento, visiting coastal towns such as Otranto and Gallipoli, where ancient walls, seaside landscapes, and centuries of maritime history reveal another side of Puglia.

These final days invite us to experience the rhythm of life along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, from charming villages to the flavors of the sea. As our journey comes to a close, we’ll reflect on the places we’ve explored, the people we’ve met, and the traditions that have shaped our time in Southern Italy.

Meals Included: Daily breakfast, select meals, and farewell dinner.

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1. Arrival: Bari, Puglia | Departure: Lecce / Brindisi

Arrival: Bari, Puglia | Departure: Lecce / Brindisi

About your organizer

At La Storia Travel, we create small-group journeys that introduce travelers to the people, places, and traditions that make Southern Italy so special. Through meaningful connections with local artisans, cooks, producers, and storytellers, we share the stories behind the food, landscapes, and customs that have shaped these regions for generations.

Our journeys are thoughtfully designed for travelers who want to experience Italy beyond the landmarks, taking time to understand the culture, enjoy regional cuisine, and connect with the communities that call these places home. With trusted local collaborators and carefully chosen experiences, we invite you to discover Southern Italy through the stories that make each place unique.

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