7-Day Luxury Apulia Tour: Uncovering Italy’s Hidden Treasures in Southern Paradise

Imagine stepping into a world where baroque architecture meets turquoise waters, where ancient trulli houses dot emerald valleys, and where every meal celebrates centuries of culinary tradition. Welcome to luxury Apulia tour (Puglia), Italy’s best-kept secret nestled in the country’s sun-drenched heel.

This 7-day luxury Apulia tour journey through Southern Italy reveals experiences far beyond typical tourist paths. Instead, you’ll discover authentic villages, meet local artisans preserving ancient crafts, and sleep in elegant 5-star properties that embody Italian sophistication.

Why Choose luxury Apulia tour for Your Next Italian Adventure

Luxury Apulia tour offers what discerning travelers crave: authenticity without crowds, luxury without pretension, and culture deeply rooted in tradition. While tourists flock to Rome and Florence, savvy travelers explore this region where golden-stone baroque cities shine under endless Mediterranean sun.

The region captivates with its contrasts. Lecce’s ornate churches showcase architectural masterpieces carved from local limestone. Meanwhile, the Itria Valley enchants with its fairy-tale trulli houses—conical stone dwellings found nowhere else on Earth. Between these marvels, dramatic coastlines hide secret caves and crystalline waters.

Your luxury Apulia tour Accommodations

Your journey begins at La Fiermontina, a 5-star sanctuary in Lecce where baroque elegance meets contemporary comfort. Surrounded by vineyards and ancient olive groves, this boutique property offers a sensory journey through scents, flavors, and authentic Salento hospitality.

Later, you’ll transition to Hotel Canne Bianche, a 5-star superior beachfront resort near Savelletri. Here, Mediterranean style blends with refined simplicity, creating the perfect coastal retreat after days of cultural exploration.

Your Day-by-Day Apulia Experience

Arrival Day: Welcome to the Florence of the South

Your luxury Apulia tour Italian adventure begins the moment you land at Bari Airport. A personal English-speaking assistant expedites you through passport control, while your private driver whisks you south to Lecce. No stress, no waiting—just seamless luxury service.

As you arrive in Lecce, prepare for your first glimpse of the city nicknamed “Florence of the South.” Golden baroque buildings glow in the afternoon sun, setting the stage for discoveries ahead.

Baroque Lecce: Art, History & Culinary Delights

Your private guide unveils Lecce’s treasures during an intimate walking tour through the historic center. Marvel at the intricate facade of Basilica di Santa Croce, where master craftsmen carved limestone into lace-like patterns. Wander through Piazza del Duomo, an elegant square showcasing baroque architecture at its finest.

History lovers appreciate the ancient Roman Amphitheater, a stunning reminder that Lecce’s significance spans millennia. Throughout your walk, vibrant cafes and artisan workshops line cobblestone streets, inviting you to pause and absorb the city’s captivating rhythm.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant where traditional Salento flavors take center stage. Fresh orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and local wines create an unforgettable introduction to Pugliese cuisine.

7-day Apulia itinerary, luxury tour Southern Italy

Byzantine Treasures & Artisan Textiles

Journey east to Otranto, a picture-perfect seaside port perched on Italy’s most eastern point. For centuries, this strategic town welcomed travelers from across the Mediterranean. Your expert guide leads you along ancient sea walls and past the imposing Aragonese Castle.

Inside Otranto’s cathedral, prepare for astonishment. The extraordinary mosaic floor stretches across the entire nave, depicting biblical stories, mythological creatures, and symbolic imagery in stunning detail. This 12th-century masterpiece represents one of Italy’s most significant medieval artworks.

Next, visit Le Costantine textile factory in Casamassella village. Here, women have preserved traditional weaving techniques since the 19th century. This social project empowered local women while maintaining precious cultural heritage. Even fashion house Dior recognized their exceptional craftsmanship, financing the foundation and showcasing their fabrics during the 2022 Cruise Collection launch in Lecce.

White Cities & Liquid Gold

Your journey continues to the enchanting Ostuni, the celebrated “White City.” Whitewashed buildings cascade down hillsides, creating a stunning contrast against azure skies. Flower boxes overflow with colorful blooms along narrow alleyways, while intimate piazzas buzz with authentic cafe culture.

Before exploring Ostuni, immerse yourself in the region’s agricultural heritage at a historic olive oil estate. This family-owned property opens its doors for an in-depth tour revealing centuries of olive cultivation tradition. Taste exceptional extra virgin olive oil while learning why Puglia produces some of Italy’s finest liquid gold. This experience connects you to the land’s natural beauty and the passionate people who cultivate it.

Coastal Magic in Polignano a Mare

Embark on an exhilarating catamaran adventure along Polignano a Mare’s spectacular coastline. Azure waters sparkle as you glide past dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and ancient ramparts shaped by centuries of wind and waves. Onboard, enjoy a delightful aperitif featuring local prosecco and traditional appetizers.

After your maritime exploration, stroll through Polignano’s charming old town. This clifftop village captures hearts with its narrow streets, panoramic terraces, and restaurants perched dramatically above the sea. The town’s romantic atmosphere has made it one of Puglia’s most photographed destinations.

Ancient Matera: UNESCO World Heritage Wonder

Venture beyond Puglia to neighboring Basilicata for an unforgettable day in Matera. This extraordinary city showcases one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. The Sassi districts—ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs—create a landscape so unique that UNESCO designated the entire historic center a World Heritage Site.

Your adventure begins aboard an iconic Ape Calessino, a charming three-wheeled vehicle perfect for navigating Matera’s steep streets. Your expert guide reveals the fascinating history of people who lived in these cave houses until the 1950s.

No Matera visit would be complete without tasting the renowned Matera DOP bread. At a historic bakery, discover how traditional recipes and time-honored techniques create bread with exceptional flavor and texture. This artisanal product represents Matera’s culinary heritage and dedication to preserving authentic craftsmanship.

Fairy-Tale Trulli & Hilltop Villages

Your final full day explores the magical Itria Valley, beginning in Martina Franca. This elegant town captivates with whitewashed alleyways, baroque architecture, and the magnificent Piazza Maria Immacolata. The grand semicircular buildings surrounding this square showcase the elaborate baroque style that defines Martina Franca’s historic center.

Continue to Locorotondo, recognized among “I borghi più belli d’Italia” (Italy’s most beautiful villages). Perched on a hillside, this circular town offers breathtaking panoramic views across the valley. Meander through atmospheric alleyways adorned with geraniums and citrus plants before enjoying lunch at a favorite local restaurant. Be sure to sample the excellent dry white wine made from indigenous Verdeca grapes.

The day’s highlight awaits in Alberobello, home to over 1,000 trulli houses. These unique cone-shaped dwellings, constructed using ancient dry-stone techniques, exist nowhere else in the world. The entire historic center earned UNESCO World Heritage status, preserving these remarkable structures for future generations.

Your expert guide brings Alberobello’s history to life, explaining how and why locals built these distinctive homes. Wandering through trulli-lined streets feels like stepping into a fairy tale, especially during the quieter afternoon hours when crowds thin.

Departure Day: Arrivederci Puglia

Your final morning allows time to savor one last breakfast overlooking the Adriatic before your private driver transfers you to Bari Airport. Your personal assistant meets you at the terminal, expediting check-in, security, and passport control. Thanks to included Fast Track service, you’ll glide through the airport with ease, perhaps enjoying lounge access before your flight.

18-Day Luxury Italian Honeymoon Tour

What Makes This Tour Exceptional

Luxury Italian Escape curates experiences that discerning travelers appreciate:

• Private Expert Guides: Every tour features knowledgeable local guides passionate about sharing their region’s treasures
• Exclusive Access: Visit family-owned estates, artisan workshops, and authentic restaurants where locals dine
• Seamless Logistics: Private transfers, meet-and-greet services, and Fast Track airport assistance eliminate travel stress
• 5-Star Accommodations: Sleep in carefully selected hotels that embody Italian elegance and hospitality
• Authentic Experiences: Connect with local culture through artisan visits, traditional tastings, and genuine interactions
• Flexible Itineraries: Your journey adapts to your interests and pace

Practical Information for Your Apulia Adventure

Tour Inclusions

Your luxury Apulia tour package includes:

• 7 nights in 5-star accommodations (3 nights in Lecce, 4 nights in Savelletri area)
• Daily breakfast at your hotels
• All private transfers with English-speaking drivers in luxury vehicles
• VIP meet-and-greet assistance at Bari Airport (arrival and departure)
• Fast Track service at Bari Airport for departure
• Private guided tour of baroque Lecce
• Full-day Byzantine Otranto and textile factory experience with private guide
• Ostuni and olive oil estate tour with private transportation and guide
• Private catamaran tour in Polignano a Mare with aperitif
• Full-day Matera experience including bread tasting and Ape Calessino ride
• Full-day Itria Valley tour including Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Alberobello with lunch

What to Bring

Pack smartly for your Apulia adventure:

• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and historic sites
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) for Mediterranean sunshine
• Light layers for varying temperatures throughout the day
• Smart casual attire for elegant restaurant dinners
• Swimwear for your beachfront hotel and boat excursion
• Camera or smartphone to capture stunning baroque architecture and coastal views

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time to visit Apulia?
Apulia shines year-round, though each season offers unique appeal. Spring brings wildflowers and perfect temperatures. Summer offers beach days and long evenings. Autumn features harvest celebrations and truffle season. Even winter remains mild compared to northern Italy, with fewer crowds at major sites.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most experiences involve moderate walking through historic centers with cobblestone streets. The pace remains leisurely, with plenty of breaks. However, Matera and Alberobello include some uphill walking and steps. Contact us to discuss any specific mobility concerns.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely! This tour serves as a foundation that we tailor to your preferences. Want to add a cooking class? Prefer more beach time? Interested in visiting additional villages? We’ll adjust the itinerary to match your interests.

What language do the guides speak?
All guides provide tours in fluent English. Spanish-speaking guides can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.

Are meals included?
Daily breakfast is included at both hotels. One lunch at a local restaurant during the Itria Valley tour is also included. Other meals provide opportunities to explore restaurants at your leisure or we can reserve exceptional dining experiences based on your preferences.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Cancellation policies depend on booking timing and specific services reserved. We’ll provide complete terms when you reserve your tour. Travel insurance is always recommended for maximum flexibility.

Ready to Discover Southern Italy’s Hidden Treasures?

Apulia awaits with its baroque splendors, ancient traditions, and authentic Italian experiences far from tourist crowds. This carefully crafted 7-day journey reveals the region’s most captivating destinations while providing the luxury service and exclusive access that transforms a good vacation into an extraordinary adventure.

Contact Luxury Italian Escape today to begin planning your Southern Italy journey:

Email: info@luxuryitalianescape.com
Phone: +1 (305) 630-8433
Instagram: @luxuryitalianescape

Our team specializes in creating bespoke Italian experiences for discerning travelers who appreciate authenticity, luxury, and personalized service. Let us craft your perfect Apulia adventure, tailored to your interests and travel style.

Your Italian escape begins here.