2. Foggia
Andria
Bari
Brindisi
Taranto
Lecce
Milan Venice
Turin
Bologna
ROME
Naples
3. Welcome to Puglia!
The Heel of the Italian boot. The Land of the Two Seas. The Gateway between East and West.
Puglia is a region of stunning landscapes and coastline, amazing historic towns and delicious food.
From North to South you will find castles and cathedrals, archaeological sites and nature reserves, caves and beaches,
traditional festivals and plenty of places to taste local food & wine.
If you would like a holiday to this hidden part of Italy, Discovery Puglia will help you planning a memorable trip!
Discovery Puglia offers a range of ground services in order to satisfy visitors with any interests and requirements:
▸▸ Self drive and Tailor-made Holidays, for those traveling independently. We provide the accommodation and a
suggested itinerary that you can change and renew on the road guided by your sense of discovery and curiosity;
▸▸ Food & Wine Tours, for those who like to visit local wineries and oil mills, enjoy cookery classes and taste gourmet
food every day, while exploring the region’s main sights;
▸▸ Escorted Tours, for those who prefer the all-inclusive packages and enjoy traveling in group with a knowledgeable
tour guide on a mini-coach;
▸▸ Luxury Tours, for those who love being pampered in 4 and 5 star accommodation properties, from city hotels to
country manor houses offering spa, restaurants, swimming pool, golf and any top level comforts;
▸▸ Photo Tours, for those who enjoy capturing unique spots with their camera under the supervision of a professional
photographer in both natural and artistic locations;
▸▸ Activities and Excursions, for those who wish to add some nice extras to their stay in Puglia, such as guided
tours, cookery classes, boat trips, grape harvest, oil and wine tastings;
▸▸ Accommodation in authentic locations where you can truly appreciate the Apulian hospitality and culture: trulli
houses, masserie (country houses), historic buildings and restored properties turned into luxury hotels.
4. Self Drive & Tailor Made Holidays
For independent holiday makers, Discovery Puglia has a wide range of opportunities.
Whether you are looking for a haven of peace to relax all day long or you are willing to travel by train and visit Puglia’s
main spots, we will give you a tailor made solution to best suit your needs.
If you think that traveling by car is the way to get the most from a new destination and discover its unique corners,
then we will suggest you a self drive itinerary and offer you a basic package, including the accommodation and a
couple of activities.
The route may be modified on the road where you can stop as you please on a beach or in the countryside or you
may also add some extra activities according to your taste.
Wherever you go, you will enjoy driving among country roads surrounded by dry stone walls, centuries-old olive
trees, trulli houses and enchanting medieval villages.
Self Drive & Tailor Made Holidays
5. Grand Tour of Puglia
Driving among the Heel of the Boot’s masterpieces
A week to discover Puglia from North to South, learning about its cities and villages’ lifestyle, among castles,
cathedrals, beaches, orchards and unique flavours.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Castel Del Monte
Basic package Bari
- Accommodation in Bed & Breakfast; Conversano
- Choice of private guided tour of two cities;
Alberobello
- Visit of Gioia del Colle winery and cellar
followed by food & wine tasting.
Otranto
Secret Gems of Salento
Driving from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea
Six nights in the Lecce’s Baroque capital city, exploring Salento and its artistic beauties, its wineries and its amazing
Eastern and Western coastline.
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Basic package
- Accommodation in Bed & Breakfast;
- Private guided tour of Lecce, known as the
“Florence of the South” for its Baroque Brindisi
masterpieces;
Lecce
- Guided tour of two wineries followed by food Otranto
& wine tasting. Nardò
Galatina
Gallipoli
Itria Valley Treasures
Driving among trulli houses and olive trees
Five nights in the most typical area of Puglia to admire dry stone walls, centuries-old olive trees, trulli houses and
enchanting medieval villages.
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Self Drive & Tailor Made Holidays
Bari
Basic package
- Accommodation in Bed & Breakfast;
Castellana Grotte
- Guided tour of local winery followed by food Alberobello Locorotondo
& wine tasting; Ostuni
- Cookery class at the B&B.
6. Apulian Flavours
Scents and flavours in the South East of Bari
An itinerary to enjoy cultural highlights and authentic food in a few days. You will be amazed by artistic and natural
wonders in the central part of the region combined with mouthwatering dinners and a cooking class.
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Main sights
- Food & Wine tasting in Conversano;
- Alberobello with its world famous “trulli” Bari
houses, part of the UNESCO Heritage; Polignano a mare
Conversano
- Castellana Caves, wide and stunning Castellana Grotte
Alberobello
example of caves complex in Europe;
- Dinner in Polignano, overlooking the sea;
- Bari old town with St Nicholas Basilica, St
Sabino cathedral and its medieval castle;
- Cookery class and traditional farewell dinner.
Unwind with Wine
Food & Wine Tour in Salento
Salento will gladly surprise your eyes and your palate with its amazing Baroque towns, its landscape and its food
and wine. Every day you will enjoy a delicious tasting of wine and local food in traditional wineries and farmhouses.
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Main sights
- Wine tasting in Lecce historic home;
- Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” Bari
for its Baroque masterpieces;
- Museum of Negroamaro Wine in Guagnano;
Brindisi
- Winery in Leverano and wine tasting; Manduria
- Museum of Primitivo Wine in Manduria; Guagnano Lecce
- Galatina with its Baroque buildings; Leverano
Galatina
- Fortified farmhouse with its underground oil
mill and typical products tasting.
Bacchus’ Delights
Tasting red wine and extravirgin olive oil
Discover the secrets of the traditional cuisine, sample Bitonto extra virgin olive oil and taste Puglia red wine in a local
cellar and in the Primitivo wine museum.
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Main sights
- Bitonto tour with its old town, a nearby oil mill
and extravirgin olive oil tasting; Bitonto
Bari
- Winery in Gioia del Colle with its natural
Conversano
underground cellar and wine tasting; Gioia del Colle
Alberobello
- Museum of Primitivo Wine in Manduria;
Food & Wine Tours
- Alberobello with its world famous “trulli” Manduria
houses, part of the UNESCO Heritage;
- Cookery class and traditional farewell dinner
with recipes made during the lesson.
7. Apulian Comforts
A great blend of relax, culture and tasty food
A gourmet tour to enjoy two cooking classes and a range of typical products and full-bodied wines, while visiting
some of Puglia’s cultural sights and staying in an old farmhouse turned into a boutique hotel.
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Main sights
- 2 Cookery classes at the Masseria;
- Conversano and its medieval town centre; Bari
- Alberobello with its famous “trulli” houses; Conversano
- Bari old town with St Nicholas Basilica, St
Ostuni
Sabino cathedral and its medieval castle; Alberobello
- Lecce with its Baroque masterpieces; Guagnano
- Museum of Negroamaro Wine in Guagnano; Lecce
- Ostuni with its white houses and panoramic
terraces.
Cookery Delights
A week to turn into chef and sommelier
A culinary tour to get the most of Apulian fresh products and traditional recipes while enjoying the countryside, the
fields and the old towns around an exclusive and charming countryhouse.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Main sights
- 5 cooking lessons at the Masseria; Bari
- Tasting lesson with sommelier in local winery;
- Lesson about extra virgin olive oil in oil mill; Putignano
Alberobello
- Walk through olive groves and artichoke Martina Franca Ostuni
Grottaglie
cultivations;
- Martina Franca with its Baroque town centre;
Lecce
- Grottaglie with its castle and “ceramics
quarter”.
Food & Wine Tours
8. Escorted Tours
Discovery Puglia has created 8 tours featuring artistic, geographic and archaeological itineraries.
The tours below are based on small groups (minimum number of participants is 8) and vary from 3 to 5 days.
The accommodation is in traditional bed & breakfast and farmhouses.
Moreover, you are welcome to request an ad-hoc tour for your group of friends according to your interests and
holiday duration.
South East of Bari Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Discovering a corner of the land of Bari that can offer attractions for all tastes: from the sea
of Monopoli and Polignano to the history of Conversano, the natural wonders of Castellana
caves and the famous Trulli of Alberobello.
Secret Pearls Duration 4 days / 3 nights
A beautiful route among the most beautiful buildings of Lecce’s Baroque, unique for its
innumerable and rich decorations made of a white, malleable stone. An exciting
experience of art, flavours and traditions of Salento.
Noblesse Oblige Duration 5 days / 4 nights
An itinerary through the magnificent castles of Puglia, from the Norman towers to the Swa-
bian, Aragon and Angevin fortified residences, which were homes of feudal conflicts,
legends and court celebrations.
Silence and Majesty Duration 5 days / 4 nights
This itinerary will show you the capital city Bari and other Apulian old towns through the
typical Romanesque style, with its facades, its rose windows and its crypts, a magnificent
sample of craftsmanship hidden among narrow winding streets or just before the sea.
Back to our Roots Duration 4 days / 3 nights
A route among the archaeological sites of Northern Apulia: from dinosaur footprints to the
remains of ancient acropolis and necropolis, from ancient dwellings carved in natural caves
to Roman and Medieval villages.
The Land of Messapi Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Exploring the archaeological sites of South-Central Apulia and discovering the best
preserved relics of the region: from the ruins of Egnazia, to the Messapian remains of Ceglie
and Mesagne to the archaeological museums of Taranto and Ostuni.
Tours include airport pick-up and drop-off, transportation on GT minicoach, professional tour guide, double room
basis in Half Board, admissions and activities as stated in the detailed programs on www.discoverypuglia.com.
Escorted Tours
Tours don’t include flights, single supplements, travel insurance, drinks, porterage and all the admissions not
expressely mentioned in the detailed programs on www.discoverypuglia.com.
9. Luxury Tours
Discovery Puglia Luxury’s offer includes 6 escorted tours scheduled on seasonal happenings.
Your 7 nights accommodation will be in 4* and 5* resorts with comforts such as spa, swimming pool, golf,
gourmet restaurants and gardens.
During your tour you will have the chance to enjoy cookery classes, folk group performances and carriage rides.
Feel free to contact us to create an ad-hoc tour based in our luxury properties.
Spring Time
An itinerary to enjoy the Itria Valley scenery under the first warm rays of sunshine and
surrounded by the colours and scents of the Apulian flowers.
May Tastes
An itinerary to discover the flavours and sounds of Puglia in May when you will admire the
countryside on a carriage and enjoy a cookery class with seasonal products.
Cherry Time
An itinerary to live a week in Puglia when cherry trees are laden with heart-shaped and vivid
red fruits and towns are opening their doors to the summer season.
Reaping Time
An itinerary to explore Puglia in June and travel through its gold fields and remarkable stones,
enjoying the beach and the countryside before the peak holiday season.
Grape Harvest
An itinerary to experience Puglia during farmers’ hectic time of grape harvest: extensive
vineyards give their precious fruit for the best wines from Southern Italy.
Fall Time
An itinerary to enjoy the land of trulli in its fall’s shades and taste Puglia’s autumn products in
local wineries and in the olive oil museum.
Tours include airport pick-up and drop-off, transportation on GT minicoach, professional tour guide, double room
basis in Full Board, admissions and activities as stated in the detailed programs on luxury.discoverypuglia.com.
Luxury Tours
Tours don’t include flights, single supplements, travel insurance, drinks, porterage and all the admissions not
expressely mentioned in the detailed programs on luxury.discoverypuglia.com.
10. Framing Salento
A photography holiday with a professional tutor helping you take magical pictures among the nature and art of
Salento before ending your experience with practical tips on traditional recipes.
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Main sights
- Workshop in Porto Selvaggio nature reserve;
- Gallipoli and Alezio guided tour, with their Bari
Baroque and Messapian art;
- Workshop in Otranto, Castro and Vaste;
Brindisi
- Giurdignano guided tour with its dolmen;
- Workshop along the coast from Castro to Lecce
Gagliano del Capo; Portoselvaggio
Otranto
- Cooking class with a fish-based and a Gallipoli
vegetarian menu. Leuca
Photo Weekend in Salento
A photography break to immortalise the best spots of Salento with the supervision of a professional tutor in unspoiled
corners of the coast and the inland.
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Main sights
- Welcome drink in Lecce historic home and
Bari
guided tour of the “Florence of the South”;
- Workshop in Porto Selvaggio nature reserve
with its beach and caves; Brindisi
- Gallipoli and Alezio guided tour, with their
Baroque and Messapian art; Lecce
- Full day workshop in Leuca area, from the Portoselvaggio
Supersano
coast to the hills of Ruffano and Supersano. Gallipoli
Leuca
Photo Tours
11. Food & Wine Tastings
Visit wineries that boasts stone vaulted cellars
and natural caves; discover local oil mills and
the attentive process to make the famous
Apulian extra virgin olive oil.
Each visit is followed by a wine or oil tasting
accompanied by typical food such as tarallini,
focaccia bread, cheese, cured meat, olives,
preserves and almond sweets.
Guided Tours
Bari, Alberobello and Lecce are just a few
examples of the private guided tours you may
have, ranging from 2 to 6 hours.
You will discover history, legends and
anecdotes of Apulian towns with a professional
guide. These tours may be booked individually
or included in your bespoke holiday package.
Outdoor Activities
Puglia offers a wide range of open-air activities
from North to South in the countryside, along
the coastline or in local farmhouses: walking
among dry stone walls, orchards, centuries-old
olive trees and trulli; trekking in nature reserves,
horse riding, golf; boat trips, kitesurfing, scuba
diving; grape harvest and olive picking.
Cookery Classes
Learn how to make orecchiette, pasta in the
shape of little ears, focaccia bread,
panzerotti (little deepfried folded pizzas),
traditional liqueurs and many more typical
recipes.
Activities & Excursions
Each lesson is held by a native chef using only
seasonal and local products; you can have a
2 hours lesson or a full course with apron and
certificate at the end.
12. Trulli & Farmhouses
Experience the most traditional stay in trulli houses and restored farmhouses surrounded by the Apulian countryside.
Self Catering & Holiday Villas
Feel like at home in a cozy self catering apartment away from the crowd or a holiday villa facing the sea.
Bed & Breakfasts
Enjoy the comforts and friendly welcome of a local B&B where you will become part of a family.
Your stay in Puglia
13. Country Manor Houses
Discover the authentic touch of a typical masseria, a fortified country house with all the comforts of a boutique hotel.
Historic Homes
Travel back in time by staying in former noble houses with decorated floors, fine antiques and stone vaults.
Hotels & Resorts
Spoil yourself with a room in an exclusive hotel or a luxury resort with swimming pool, spa, golf course and gourmet restaurant.
Your stay in Puglia
14. Tour booking conditions
Deposit payment
A deposit of 25% per person is required for coach tours. This amount will be refunded if the tour cannot start with the minimum number of partici-
pants, or alternatively it can be credited for the “self-drive” option of the same route on the days selected.
A deposit of 25% per person is required for self drive tours and tailor made holidays.
Credit card payments
We accept most major credit cards.
Final payment
Full payment must be made no later than 90 days prior to departure date for coach tours. If payment is not received as scheduled, your reserva-
tion will be automatically cancelled and the deposit payment becomes forfeit.
Full payment must be made no later than 15 days prior to departure date for self drive tours and tailor made holidays. If payment is not received as
scheduled, your reservation will be automatically cancelled and the deposit payment becomes forfeit.
Cancellations
All cancellations must be advised in writing (by mail or e-mail) to Discovery Puglia prior to tour departure during normal Irish business hours (9:00
am to 5:00 pm GMT/BST, Mondays through Fridays).
Cancellations for coach tours received within 90 days of departure date are subject to the following penalties on the land portion:
• 90-45 days - 25% per person
• 45-15 days - 50% per person
• 15-0 days - 100% per person
Cancellations for self drive tours and tailor made holidays received within 15 days of departure date are subject to the following penalties on the
land portion:
• 15-10 days - 25% per person
• 10-5 days - 50% per person
• 5-0 days - 100% per person
The above mentioned conditions may vary in high season months (July - August) according to the accommodation properties’ cancellation poli-
cies.
Tour membership
To promote an enriching travel experience, Discovery Puglia reserves the right to reject any client whose conduct is incompatible with the interest
of the tour group.
Travellers with special needs
Passengers necessitating unique attention must advise Discovery Puglia at time of booking. Passengers who require particular assistance must
travel with a qualified travel companion as Discovery Puglia drivers and guides cannot provide individualized help. As our coaches are not equip-
ped with wheelchair ramps, all tour members must be able to mount 3 or 4 steps into coach. Discovery Puglia is not responsible for denial of
services by any of our suppliers.
Tour director
The entire land portion of all motorcoach tours is conducted by a professional driver/guide and/or tour director as indicated for each tour.
Accommodation
Land arrangements are provided as described in each tour program. Accommodation in B&B, farmhouses, town and country homes is clean,
comfortable and includes private bathrooms.
Meals
Meals are provided as specified in each tour program.
Visits, entertainment and other features
Discovery Puglia reserves the right to substitute visits, entertainment and other features when establishments are closed or cannot be visited for
reasons beyond our control.
Discovery Puglia cancellations
Tour departures are not guaranteed. If it becomes necessary to cancel a coach tour prior to departure, Discovery Puglia will offer the next available
date at no additional land cost or will make a full refund of all money paid to Discovery Puglia. Discovery Puglia cannot accept responsibility for
any additional costs or fees relating to such a tour booking or for any cancellation penalties due to non-refundable airfares.
Luggage
Handling of one piece of luggage per person is included in the cost of all coach tours. Only one suitcase per person is permitted and size should
not exceed 76 x 50 x 25 cm. Luggage is carried at owner’s risk throughout the tour unless insured. Hand baggage and small articles such as
coats, umbrellas or cameras are entirely in the care of the passengers. Trunk space in self-drive cars is limited so pack lightly, preferably using
soft-sided suitcases.
Tips
Tips for personal services and to tour directors and drivers are not included in tour cost and left to your discretion.
Children
Children must travel with an adult.
Not included
All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the
tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the passenger.
Claims or disputes
They can be submitted to Discovery Puglia in writing no later than 28 days after the end of the tour.
Law
Passenger contract with Discovery Puglia is subject exclusively to Irish Law and Jurisdiction.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is not included and, should you not have one already, Discovery Puglia Limited highly recommends you purchase one.
Responsibility
Discovery Puglia is not responsible for any personal injury, property damage or other loss a passenger incurs on any tour arising from acts or
omissions by any air carrier, public transport company, hotel, car rental company, subcontractor or other person or organization, whether or not
such company is rendering any services supplied on the tour. All tickets and vouchers are issued and supplied subject to the foregoing and to any
and all terms and conditions under which transportation and services are provided. Discovery Puglia reserves the right to decline to accept or to
return any person as a member of any tour or to cancel or alter the tour.
Important
Discovery Puglia accepts no responsibility for losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedules, flight cancellations or misconnections due
to mechanical problems, sickness, quarantine, weather, acts of God, strikes, government actions, war, terrorism or other circumstances beyond its
control. Passengers must bear all such losses or expenses. To guard against unforeseen circumstances, we recommend you purchase insurance.
