Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a region known for its whitewashed hill towns, dramatic Mediterranean coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Home of the iconic ‘Trulli’ – traditional stone huts with conical roofs – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning beaches line the coast, while inland, centuries old olive groves and sprawling vineyards highlight its deep agricultural roots.
As transport options and excursions are limited in regional Puglia, a small-group tour or private drivers are essential for visiting the countryside, hill towns, and coastal treasures, however this itinerary is an economical option for travellers to experience the highlights of the region.
While the package includes 3–4-star hotels, we recommend a flexible budget to ensure a high standard of comfort and to experience the regions unique and distinctive accommodation options.
Incredible Package Offer
Subject to availability and seasonal changes
Excludes mandatory City Tourist Taxes, payable directly to the hotels
🔥 7 Nights 3-4 Star Accommodation
🔥 Breakfast Daily
🔥 Standard Class Rail Tickets
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Bari
- The vibrant capital of Puglia, where culture, gastronomy and sea meet in perfect harmony. Explore the historic centre, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and the Norman-Swabian Castle. Overnight: Bari
Day 2: A train journey to Polignano a Mare
- A short 1.5-hour train journey takes you to Polignano a Mare – a coastal treasure with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Stroll the old town, visit Lama Monachile beach, and dine cliffside. Overnight: Polignano a Mare
Day 3: Polignano a Mare Caves Boat Tour
- Discover dramatic grottoes and hidden caverns on a Polignano a Mare Caves Boat Tour. Take a quick 5 min train ride to the charming town of Monopoli. Explore the historic old town and castle, picturesque harbour, and serene beaches. Overnight: Polignano a Mare
Day 4: Excursion to Alberobello and Matera
- Join an excursion to Alberobello and Matera from Polignano. Alberobello is home to the famous Trulli the conical stone houses that look like straight out of a fairy tale, turned into museums and craft shops. A few hours from Puglia, in the Basilicata region, Matera is a city of caves and houses excavated in the rock, declared a UNESCO World Heritage. Overnight: Polignano a Mare
Day 5: Proceed to Lecce by 1.5-hour train.
- Join a Walking Tour of Lecce, nicknamed the "Florence of the South", with its Baroque architecture, Roman amphitheatre, and Piazza del Duomo. Overnight: Lecce
Day 6: Half-day tour of the Adriatic Coast
- Be captivated on a half-day tour of the Adriatic Coast by the stunning coastline and Grotta Della Poesia, a natural dream pool where the Adriatic Sea reveals its turquoise blue. Overnight: Lecce
Day 7: Half-day tour of the Ionian Coast
- A half-day tour of the Ionian Coast takes you to Torre Dell' Orso, a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beauty. One of Italy's most impressive with golden beaches. Overnight: Lecce
Day 8: Your journey ends
- After a 1-5 hour train, your journey ends on arrival in Bari.
*Excursions are recommended but not included
Recommended Experience
FROM POLIGNANO A MARE
- Polignano a Mare Caves Boat Tour, Duration 1h30m
- Alberobello and Matera from Polignano, Duration 9h
FROM LECCE
- Walking Tour of Lecce, Duration 2-3h
- Half Day Tour on the Adriatic Coast from Lecce, Duration 5h
- Half Day Tour on the Ionian Coast from Lecce, Duration 5h
Important Information:
✅ This is a suggested itinerary for travellers to see the Best of Puglia by Rail.
✅ All prices are correct at the time issue based on travel in May 2026. Pricing is dynamic and is subject to changes & fluctuations at any time without notice, subject to availability at the time of booking for your chosen travel dates.
✅ All travellers, including infants, are required to present on check-in a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date to Australia.
✅ Visa and entry requirements vary by country and are subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to obtain required visa and other documentation prior to travel for the countries you are travelling to and through. For the most up-to-date travel requirements, please visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
✅ For non-Australian passport holders, only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about visa and entry requirements. Please contact the embassy or consulate of the countries you are visiting well in advance of travel. Please also ensure that you hold a valid re-entry visa or permit for Australia.
✅ We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, that covers you for the duration of your holiday, to protect you from any possible cancellation charges, onboard or overseas medical costs, repatriation, loss of luggage, personal liability, or other expenses that may arise. You may be required to provide a copy of your certificate on embarkation. Travel Insurance may be mandatory for some cruise lines and destinations.
CITY TOURIST TAXES AND RESORT FEES
✅ Any City Tourist Taxes, or other taxes & charges imposed by the hotel or city and are not included in the hotel rate. These taxes may vary by season and location within a destination and cannot be prepaid. Any such charges are mandatory and must be paid directly to the hotel.
