Discover the Hidden Soul of Southern Italy Through Culture, Food, and Local Charm
When I come here, I don’t stay for a weekend. I stay for weeks. I wake up in towns like Ostuni and Locorotondo, eat handmade pasta with families who still cook like their nonnas did, and wander through olive groves until sunset. Every year, I look for authentic experiences that let travelers connect with Puglia—not just take photos of it.
Here are my top 5 tour recommendations if you want to experience the real thing in 2025:
Ostuni & Lecce: White Stone & Baroque Gold
You’ll fall in love with Ostuni before you even step out of the car. The “White City” gleams under the sun, with narrow streets full of life and charm. In Lecce, the magic is in the architecture—every corner is carved with baroque detail.
This tour gives you just enough time in each town to explore at your own pace, enjoy an aperitivo, and see what southern elegance really means.
What you’ll love:
- Guided walk in two of Puglia’s most iconic cities
- Lecce’s churches and artisan paper mâché workshops
- Whitewashed views and panoramic spots in Ostuni
Full Day Tour in Puglia: Trulli, Towns & Traditions
This is my “starter pack” for anyone visiting Puglia for the first time. It includes a visit to Alberobello, the storybook town famous for its magical cone-shaped trulli homes—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that truly feels like stepping into a fairytale. From there, the tour continues through the refined streets of Martina Franca, with its elegant baroque architecture, charming piazzas, and boutique shops that reflect the local character.
Along the way, you’ll explore hidden villages, meet proud artisans, and savor traditional flavors at family-run trattorias. Each stop is a deep dive into the region’s folklore, rural traditions, and timeless rhythms of southern life. Expect warm welcomes, scenic countryside drives, and photo ops around every corner.
If you want to understand Puglia—its spirit, its food, and its people—this is the tour to begin with. Perfect for couples, families, or curious travelers who want a meaningful first taste of the region.
What you’ll experience:
- Walk through the trulli of Alberobello (UNESCO Site)
- Visit quaint Martina Franca and its local markets
- Discover Puglian crafts and architecture
Locorotondo – Cisternino – Ostuni: Valle d’Itria’s Most Beautiful Towns
This full-day journey is all about slow travel, hidden beauty, and those quiet, unforgettable details that make Puglia so special. The tour takes you into the heart of the Valle d’Itria, a region defined by its whitewashed towns, rolling vineyards, and timeless rhythm.
You’ll start in Locorotondo, one of Italy’s Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages). Built in a perfect circle and perched above the valley, it’s a dream of white stone streets, flower-filled balconies, and peaceful alleyways. I love strolling here in the morning, when locals are sipping espresso and the air smells like fresh bread from the nearby forno.
Then it’s on to Cisternino, a little town with a big heart. Known for its butcher restaurants (yes, the kind where you choose your meat and they grill it for you), this is where I always stop for bombette—cheese-filled pork rolls—and a glass of house red. It’s simple, rustic, and delicious. Here, you’ll see how food and community go hand in hand.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ostuni, the “White City,” shining from its hilltop position like a crown over the olive-covered plains. Arriving here at golden hour is magical—the white stone reflects the sunset in the most romantic way. You’ll have time to wander through the winding lanes, peek into artisan shops, and maybe even enjoy an aperitivo with a view of the Adriatic Sea.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see the real Puglia—at a slower pace, with space to breathe, notice, and connect. It’s not just about sightseeing, it’s about feeling what makes each place special.
Highlights include:
- 3 towns that are often skipped, but unforgettable
- Local dining experiences, scenic overlooks, and tiny alleyways
- A full-day tour perfect for couples or small groups
A Day in Matera from Puglia: The Timeless City of Stone
Matera may lie just beyond the border in Basilicata, but it’s far too extraordinary to skip when you’re in Puglia. With its ancient cave dwellings, dramatic cliffside views, and cinematic atmosphere, Matera feels like stepping into another world—or another century.
This day trip brings you to the heart of the Sassi di Matera, the prehistoric cave districts where people lived for thousands of years. Once abandoned and now beautifully revived, these stone homes and churches carved into rock are now UNESCO-protected and bursting with character. You’ll stroll through cobbled alleyways where every wall tells a story—some now housing artisan shops, cave hotels, or cafés with panoramic terraces.
Your local guide will help bring the city’s rich, layered history to life—from its humble cave origins to its rebirth as a European Capital of Culture. Whether you’re an architecture lover, photographer, or just curious traveler, Matera stirs something in everyone.
This tour is not just about visiting Matera—it’s about feeling its spirit. Be prepared to walk, wonder, and fall a little bit in love with one of Italy’s oldest, most unforgettable cities.
What makes this special:
- Visit one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world
- Unique blend of history and modern transformation
- Fantastic for photographers and culture lovers
And last but certainly not least…
Cooking Experiences: Learn to Cook Like a Local
If there’s one thing that truly ties Puglia together, it’s the food. From the golden olive oil to the handmade orecchiette, Pugliese cuisine is honest, seasonal, and rooted in tradition. But the best way to experience it isn’t just by eating—it’s by rolling up your sleeves and cooking it yourself.
In the countryside, inside a traditional masseria or a family-run kitchen, you’ll be welcomed like one of their own. You’ll learn the delicate folds of fresh pasta, the secrets to the perfect focaccia, and how just a few ingredients—flour, water, olive oil—can become something magical.
These class aren’t only about recipes. They’re about sharing stories, learning from nonnas and chefs, and feeling the soul of Puglia through its flavors. You’ll laugh, taste, knead, and sip local wine, and by the end of the day, you’ll feel more connected to the region than ever before.
Because in Puglia, cooking is love, and love is what stays with you long after the trip ends.
Want to cook like a local? Browse our handpicked cooking experiences here and book your unforgettable culinary day in Puglia.
Final Thoughts: Come With Curiosity, Leave With Connection
Puglia isn’t about ticking off sights—it’s about slowing down and soaking it in. Every olive tree, every meal, every cobblestone alley has a story to tell. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a long, dreamy escape, these five tours will give you a real taste of what makes this region so special.
Just show up curious—and I promise you’ll leave with more than just souvenirs.
Ready to explore Puglia in 2025?
See All Tours on My Exclusive Italy and choose the one that fits your story.