Overview
NEW - Southern Italy: Castles, Caves & Coastal Treasures in Puglia
Europe
8 days
7 nights
12 people
Moderate
History & Culture
Join us for an adventure in sun-drenched Southern Italy, known for its dazzling coastline, fascinating history, laid-back lifestyle, and incredible cuisine. Explore mysterious cave networks, stroll medieval Bari's maze-like streets, and lose yourself in Matera's cinematic rock-cut dwellings. Discover ornate cathedrals, vibrant coastal towns, and rustic culinary traditions that have been perfected over generations, and let the rhythms of the tarantella sweep you off your feet. This grand tour promises an utterly authentic feast for the senses.
Special Access: Take a private tour of a family-owned archeological museum.
Travel with Purpose: Eat at an agricultural estate preserving traditional methods of olive oil production in a region where trees can be 1000+ years old!
Global Community: Travel with longtime Atlas Obscura trip leader & curator, Felipe Trigo.
Highlights
- Stroll through a "spinning top" village whose architecture is truly unique.
- Take a private tour of a family-owned archeological museum.
- Explore a recently discovered cave with thousand-year-old Biblical frescoes.
- Visit the longest-occupied cave dwellings in the world (where communal life hasn't changed so much).
- Eat at a local agricultural estate preserving the tradition of olive oil (in a region where trees can be 1000+ years old!).
- Travel with longtime Atlas Obscura trip leader & curator, Felipe Trigo.
Whimsical architecture, outstanding olive oil, and gorgeous landscapes.
Day 1
Welcome to Puglia
Ciao! Welcome to Bari, capital of Puglia, Italy’s latest di moda travel destination. Meet with your tour leader for a stroll through the historic old town of Bari, a medieval labyrinth of winding alleyways and graceful piazzas. A university town, Bari feels as alive today as ever despite its millennia of history. You’ll discover the Romanesque Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) Basilica, and explore the imposing walls of the Norman castle, and the 11th century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, which contains the remnants of an ancient Christian Basilica and Roman ruins in its basement. Talk about history in layers! You’ll then settle into dinner at an iconic Bari restaurant and raise a glass of local wine (the first of many) to the thrilling odyssey that lies ahead.
Welcome to Puglia
Ciao! Welcome to Bari, capital of Puglia, Italy’s latest di moda travel destination. Meet with your tour leader for a stroll through the historic old town of Bari, a medieval labyrinth of winding alleyways and graceful piazzas. A university town, Bari feels as alive today as ever despite its millennia of history. You’ll discover the Romanesque Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) Basilica, and explore the imposing walls of the Norman castle, and the 11th century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, which contains the remnants of an ancient Christian Basilica and Roman ruins in its basement. Talk about history in layers! You’ll then settle into dinner at an iconic Bari restaurant and raise a glass of local wine (the first of many) to the thrilling odyssey that lies ahead.
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Welcome Dinner
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Castles, Harbors & Olive Oil
Today’s adventure takes you beyond the city limits and into the heart of the Puglian countryside. Your morning begins with a visit to the spectacular, octagonal Castel del Monte, once the residence of Frederick II, a German emperor fascinated by esotericism and occultism. Next, you’re off to the charming coastal town of Trani, a dazzling seaport favored by well-heeled Italians who can’t get enough of its pretty marina. Enjoy a tour of the town’s dramatic 11th century cathedral, with its rose window, mysterious crypts and a bell tower that overlooks the glittering Adriatic Sea. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria, before heading to the nearby hills of Trani, to an agricultural estate to learn about Puglia’s ancient olive oil traditions and taste the delicious local varieties. The evening is yours to soak up the maritime vibes of Bari at your leisure.
Castles, Harbors & Olive Oil
Today’s adventure takes you beyond the city limits and into the heart of the Puglian countryside. Your morning begins with a visit to the spectacular, octagonal Castel del Monte, once the residence of Frederick II, a German emperor fascinated by esotericism and occultism. Next, you’re off to the charming coastal town of Trani, a dazzling seaport favored by well-heeled Italians who can’t get enough of its pretty marina. Enjoy a tour of the town’s dramatic 11th century cathedral, with its rose window, mysterious crypts and a bell tower that overlooks the glittering Adriatic Sea. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria, before heading to the nearby hills of Trani, to an agricultural estate to learn about Puglia’s ancient olive oil traditions and taste the delicious local varieties. The evening is yours to soak up the maritime vibes of Bari at your leisure.
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Caves, Trulli & Ceramics
Today, venture into the enchanting depths of the Castellana Caves, Italy’s longest natural underground wonderland. Marvel at "the Grave," a grand cavern often likened to the Roman Pantheon, and the dazzling "White Cave," a surreal grotto adorned with alabaster stalactites that evoke a fairy-tale realm. Your journey continues to the charming town of Alberobello, where whimsical trulli houses steal the show. These beehive-shaped limestone huts with conical roofs look like they're straight out of a storybook. After a delicious local lunch, embark on a guided tour of Alberobello, exploring the interiors of these iconic dwellings and shopping for souvenirs. Delve into the town's rich artisanal heritage, and learn about the region's renowned pottery. Cap off the day with an evening of delicious independence, dining solo in charming Bari.
Caves, Trulli & Ceramics
Today, venture into the enchanting depths of the Castellana Caves, Italy’s longest natural underground wonderland. Marvel at "the Grave," a grand cavern often likened to the Roman Pantheon, and the dazzling "White Cave," a surreal grotto adorned with alabaster stalactites that evoke a fairy-tale realm. Your journey continues to the charming town of Alberobello, where whimsical trulli houses steal the show. These beehive-shaped limestone huts with conical roofs look like they're straight out of a storybook. After a delicious local lunch, embark on a guided tour of Alberobello, exploring the interiors of these iconic dwellings and shopping for souvenirs. Delve into the town's rich artisanal heritage, and learn about the region's renowned pottery. Cap off the day with an evening of delicious independence, dining solo in charming Bari.
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Matera
Your itinerary today is likely to leave you shaken AND stirred as you set off to uncover the secrets of Matera, a legendary city in the region of Basilicata that famously featured in Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007. With a past of continuous occupation dating back to the Palaeolithic era, Matera's rock-cut old town brims with legend and lore. Take a wander around the city with your guide, exploring Rupestrian churches and cave houses, unveiling one of the oldest troglodyte settlements in southern Italy. For lunch, chow down on local dishes at a restaurant that boasts stunning panoramas of the valley beond the city. The rest of the day and evening is yours to relax or continue discovering Bari’s myriad charms.
Matera
Your itinerary today is likely to leave you shaken AND stirred as you set off to uncover the secrets of Matera, a legendary city in the region of Basilicata that famously featured in Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007. With a past of continuous occupation dating back to the Palaeolithic era, Matera's rock-cut old town brims with legend and lore. Take a wander around the city with your guide, exploring Rupestrian churches and cave houses, unveiling one of the oldest troglodyte settlements in southern Italy. For lunch, chow down on local dishes at a restaurant that boasts stunning panoramas of the valley beond the city. The rest of the day and evening is yours to relax or continue discovering Bari’s myriad charms.
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
*If you choose to travel between Santo Stefano's Day on December 26th and Shrove Tuesday, you'll be treated to an extraordinary cultural experience this afternoon – the chance to celebrate alongside locals at one of southern Italy's most beloved carnivals. Held in the charming town of Putignano, this vibrant festival dates back to 1394, making it the oldest carnival in Europe. Witness the town come alive with festive spirit, bustling with colorful masks, showers of confetti, and elaborate float parades. A truly unforgettable highlight of your Puglian adventure!
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Hotel Imago or similar, Bari
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
Day 5
Treasures of the Adriatic Sea
Live la dolce vita today on a fairytale journey along the Adriatic Coastline. Make a beeline for sensational Polignano a Mare, a fishing village perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea. Set sail along the coastline and gaze upon stunning sea caves and scenic bays. A little further down the coast, you’ll find yourself in Monopoli, another pretty town known for its ancient churches and fortified walls. Eat local specialties in a popular restaurant, with views over the 16th-century maritime fort. Next, embark on a sightseeing tour of Brindisi, taking in a medieval fortress that once guarded the harbor, and the iconic Roman Columns that signal the end of the storied Via Appia. Finish the day in Lecce, where you’re free to peruse the streets and treat yourself to dinner at one of its many delightful eateries.
Treasures of the Adriatic Sea
Live la dolce vita today on a fairytale journey along the Adriatic Coastline. Make a beeline for sensational Polignano a Mare, a fishing village perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea. Set sail along the coastline and gaze upon stunning sea caves and scenic bays. A little further down the coast, you’ll find yourself in Monopoli, another pretty town known for its ancient churches and fortified walls. Eat local specialties in a popular restaurant, with views over the 16th-century maritime fort. Next, embark on a sightseeing tour of Brindisi, taking in a medieval fortress that once guarded the harbor, and the iconic Roman Columns that signal the end of the storied Via Appia. Finish the day in Lecce, where you’re free to peruse the streets and treat yourself to dinner at one of its many delightful eateries.
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Grand Hotel Lecce or similar, Lecce
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Grand Hotel Lecce or similar, Lecce
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Lecce, the Florence of the South
Fall in love with Lecce today. A thriving city under the Roman Empire, you’ll visit its impressive Amphiteather, one of the best preserved gladiator arenas in Italy. Admire the Baroque Basilica of Santa Croce, with its ornate facade, wander around the Piazza del Duomo, and savor a moment of cool tranqulity in Lecce Cathedral. For lunch, join a hands-on cooking class and learn how to make orecchiette pasta. In the afternoon, visit Museo Faggiano, where one man's quest to fix his toilet unearthed an archaeological treasure trove of over 5,000 artifacts and a labyrinth of underground chambers dating back to various periods of history, a truly fascinating place! Tonight, Lecce is all yours
Lecce, the Florence of the South
Fall in love with Lecce today. A thriving city under the Roman Empire, you’ll visit its impressive Amphiteather, one of the best preserved gladiator arenas in Italy. Admire the Baroque Basilica of Santa Croce, with its ornate facade, wander around the Piazza del Duomo, and savor a moment of cool tranqulity in Lecce Cathedral. For lunch, join a hands-on cooking class and learn how to make orecchiette pasta. In the afternoon, visit Museo Faggiano, where one man's quest to fix his toilet unearthed an archaeological treasure trove of over 5,000 artifacts and a labyrinth of underground chambers dating back to various periods of history, a truly fascinating place! Tonight, Lecce is all yours
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Grand Hotel Lecce or similar, Lecce
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Grand Hotel Lecce or similar, Lecce
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Fortresses, Cathedrals & Tarantella
Spend your final day exploring Taranto, a Mediterranean gem once ruled by the Greeks. Begin with the ancient Aragonese Castle, a medieval fortress that’s guarded the city for centuries. Next, marvel at Taranto’s Cathedral of Saint Cataldo, with its Romanesque, Byzantine, and Baroque styles—a testament to the city's diverse past. Lunch offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea at a seaside restaurant. In the afternoon, regroup for a lively farewell as you learn the tarantella, southern Italy’s iconic dance. Move to the rhythmic beats of Puglia's traditional music, immersing yourself in this joyful celebration of community and heritage. It's the perfect way to cap off your Italian adventure!
Fortresses, Cathedrals & Tarantella
Spend your final day exploring Taranto, a Mediterranean gem once ruled by the Greeks. Begin with the ancient Aragonese Castle, a medieval fortress that’s guarded the city for centuries. Next, marvel at Taranto’s Cathedral of Saint Cataldo, with its Romanesque, Byzantine, and Baroque styles—a testament to the city's diverse past. Lunch offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea at a seaside restaurant. In the afternoon, regroup for a lively farewell as you learn the tarantella, southern Italy’s iconic dance. Move to the rhythmic beats of Puglia's traditional music, immersing yourself in this joyful celebration of community and heritage. It's the perfect way to cap off your Italian adventure!
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Grand Hotel Lecce or similar, Lecce
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Grand Hotel Lecce or similar, Lecce
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Farewell
Time to say arrivederci today. Your guide will be on hand to organise a private transfer to the airport anytime after breakfast (and your final cappuccino). If you fancy staying on for further exploration, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Italy for further itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
Farewell
Time to say arrivederci today. Your guide will be on hand to organise a private transfer to the airport anytime after breakfast (and your final cappuccino). If you fancy staying on for further exploration, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Italy for further itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre-/Post-trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Upcoming departures
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Mar 1 - Mar 8, 2025Price
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Sep 13 - Sep 20, 2025Price
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $780 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $780 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity Level
This tour has an easy activity level. Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Activity Level
This tour has an easy activity level. Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Arrival & Departure
Bari International Airport (BRI) connects to a range of flight hubs in Europe. The best flight connections to Bari are offered by Alitalia Airlines and British Airways.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
Bari International Airport (BRI) connects to a range of flight hubs in Europe. The best flight connections to Bari are offered by Alitalia Airlines and British Airways.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
Trip Leader
Felipe Trigo
Felipe Trigo is a historian, trip guide, and events whiz with a degree in History from Barcelona University. He curates immersive, dynamic itineraries that explore history through the most surprising and hidden elements within the city, such as visits to normally off-limits private collections and houses, hidden bunkers and shelters, and performance events, theatrical tours, concerts, and dinners in the most unusual locations. Inspired by a special devotion to stage arts, Felipe has directed the underground cabaret company Kriminal Kabarett since 2011. For the past five years, he has served as co-director for Hendrick’s Congress for Curious People in Spain. He has been creating and leading trips for Atlas Obscura since 2018, welcoming travelers to discover the myths and mysteries of Barcelona, Rome, Andalucia, and Tuscany.
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about NEW - Southern Italy: Castles, Caves & Coastal Treasures in Puglia? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about NEW - Southern Italy: Castles, Caves & Coastal Treasures in Puglia? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.