Puglia Small Group Tours
Ever heard of trulli houses? Alberobello's full of them; conical-roofed stone buildings that look straight from a storybook. Puglia flies under the radar compared to Tuscany, Matera's cave dwellings date back millennia, Lecce's baroque architecture rivals Rome's, and Polignano a Mare perches on cliffs with Mediterranean views. Try olive oil at a Roman farm, and cycle the countryside roads. Southern Italy's secret is waiting.
10 best Puglia small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaPuglia travel expert at TourRadar
- Puglia and Matera tour 5 days from Bari in small group
- Puglia and Matera Tour 10 days from Bari in small group every sunday
- Highilights of Apulia, 8 day Tour from Bari to Bari
- Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel
- Apulia & Basilicata: A Slow Taste of the South
- Puglia Tour
- 7-Day Puglia & Matera Explorer (Age 21 To 41)
- 6 Days Tour of Puglia from Bari
- Matera, City of Stones
- Bari & Lecce: Focaccia & Pasticciotto Private Experience - 5 Days
A select group of 7 travelers visits Puglia's landmarks, including Castel del Monte and Alberobello's trulli houses. The intimate size allows for personalized tastings at local olive mills and special access to historical sites.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bari, Trani, Andria, Matera, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Turisti in Puglia From
- US$2,107
Duration 10 days Destinations Bari, Trani, Andria, Matera, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, GallipoliSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Turisti in Puglia From
- US$4,682
Highilights of Apulia, 8 day Tour from Bari to Bari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful trip. Our guides were excellent and provided detailed explanations.”
fred, traveled in January
Fifteen fellow travelers share access to intimate spaces like Ostuni's ancient olive groves and Locorotondo's narrow lanes. The close-knit atmosphere fosters genuine connections while exploring Trani's Jewish quarter and dining in authentic trullo houses.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bari, Trani, Andria, Alberobello, Matera, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Otranto, Lecce, Martina FrancaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 24+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Soleto Travel From
- US$3,956
Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was exactly as described. The one that stands out in my mind was our dinner in Lecce in a piazza under a star and moonlit sky. It was like a dream.”
Rosina, traveled in May
Groups of 20 travelers weave through Puglia's hidden corners, from ancient olive groves to whitewashed Ostuni streets. The modest size allows authentic experiences like cooking classes in traditional masserias and wine tastings in Alberobello's family-run cellars.
Duration 8 days Destinations Matera, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, Castellana, Monopoli, Ostuni, Otranto, Lecce Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,917
20% Off- US$2,335You save $582
Apulia & Basilicata: A Slow Taste of the South
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“With meticulous planning, seamless execution, and artful curation, they turned my journey into an unforgettable canvas of experiences.”
Exceptional, traveled in November
Groups of 2-7 travelers get flexible pacing throughout this private tour of Puglia's highlights. The small size provides exclusive access to family-run masserie for olive oil tastings and private wine cellars in Locorotondo vineyards. Direct interaction with pasta makers happens on Bari's orecchiette street, and you can customize stops at baroque churches in Lecce based on group interests.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bari, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Polignano a Mare, Matera, Andria, Lecce, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Trani Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator My Art Collection Travel From
20% Off- US$6,379
Puglia Tour
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was very well balanced to give a real feel for the essence of the area.”
AnnSmith, traveled in October
Small groups of up to 15 travelers unlock Puglia's hidden gems. Intimate settings allow authentic stays in Alberobello's trulli houses, private cheese-making demos near Martina Franca, and exclusive access to family vineyards in the Basilicata wine region.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bari, Matera, Alberobello, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Galatina, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Alta Murgia National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Go in Italy Ltd From
20% Off- US$4,916
Groups of 6+ travelers uncover Puglia's hidden gems together. The intimate setting allows exclusive access to local spots from Ostuni's white-washed alleys to Monopoli's medieval streets, creating meaningful connections while discovering regional secrets.
Duration 7 days Destinations Bari, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Matera, Alberobello, Lecce, Otranto, Torre dell'Orso, Gallipoli Age Range Ages 18-41 Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $2,809
15% Off- US$2,388You save $421
Dedicated guides lead groups of 4-15 guests through Puglia's treasures. The intimate setting allows for immersive experiences like traditional orecchiette-making demonstrations in Bari Vecchia and exclusive visits to underground olive mills in Gallipoli's historic center.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bari, Trani, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Lecce, Gallipoli, Otranto, Alberobello, Matera Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Europeando Europa From
15% Off- US$3,149
Private tours for 2-5 travelers provide an intimate look at Matera's UNESCO-listed Sassi cave dwellings with personalized pacing. Small group size means flexible time at landmarks like the Crypt of the Original Sin and Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna, with your digital Worldee App Guide adapting to preferred schedules. Stays at Hotel Sassi include panoramic cathedral views while having freedom to wander the hidden alleys.
Duration 3 days Destinations Bari, Matera Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 5 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$196
Private guides showcase Bari's Basilica of San Nicola and Lecce's baroque masterpieces. Two-hour walking tours feature personal tastings of focaccia barese and pasticciotto, while staying at luxury hotels like Hotel Oriente and Hotel Delle Palme.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bari, Lecce Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Click Tours From $1,850
36% Off- US$1,184You save $666
Reviews of Small Group tours to Puglia
- Apulia & Basilicata: A Slow Taste of the South
My Art Collection's Rome tours are the best way to see the city's top art attractions. Thank you for giving me this excellent service.
Although I have traveled often this was my first experience with an organized/guided tour. The tour was exactly as described. Our guide Gabriele was an outstanding host. He ensured we were well informed of all details throughout our journey which made it stress free and fun. He went above and beyond organizing a few group dinners. The one that stands out in my mind was our dinner in Lecce in a piazza under a star and moonlit sky. It was like a dream. Accommodations were characteristic of the town, clean and with friendly staff. Daily breakfast were fresh , abundant with plenty of variety. My personal favourite Apricot Crostata! If you take this trip here a few tips; - wear comfortable shoes with good treads. It would be difficult to navigate Materra and Alberobello in flip flops. - arrive hungry saving room for a gelato or two - be prepared to pay a small city tax to each hotel. It’s minor but in my opinion it would be more convenient for staff and guests if it were included. - take lots of pictures Pulgia…you won’t be disappointed. The tour was busy yet somehow I returned home relaxed. Buon Viaggio!!
Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel
- Puglia Tour
Gaetano’s GOINITALY Puglia tour was such a joy. Gaetano is professional, personable and very knowledgeable about the area. He was accommodating for any special needs we might have. Each day was adventure filled with outstanding sights and interesting places—some off the beaten path. Lodging was great and the meals were all so very delicious. Gaetano also employed local guides in some of the areas for more in-depth information. I felt in good hands with Gaetano’s driving and would not hesitate to go on another GOINITALY tour.
What our customers ask about Puglia Small Group Tours
What is the typical size of small group tours in Puglia?
Most small group tours in Puglia keep numbers between 7-15 participants creating a comfortable setting for exploring the region's highlights. This size allows travelers to move easily through spaces like the compact Jewish Quarter in Trani or the ancient Sassi caves of Matera. Boutique accommodations such as Hotel Belvedere in Matera regularly host these intimate groups. As confirmed by a TourRadar traveler: "With groups of maximum 7 people we guarantee an intimate and engaging experience."
What unique accommodation experiences are available on small group tours in Puglia?
The region offers distinctive places to stay that connect travelers with local culture. Options range from authentic trulli houses at Hotel Palazzo Paciotti in Alberobello to renovated cave dwellings at Corte San Pietro in Matera. Traditional masserias near Ostuni provide a rural farm stay experience. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The accommodation was newly completed and although not luxurious was clean and beautifully appointed giving us an authentic experience staying with a local family at their olive oil farm."
What is the best season for small group tours in Puglia?
The most pleasant times to visit are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). These seasons offer mild temperatures perfect for walking through sites like Castel del Monte and Lecce's baroque streets. Summer temperatures can reach above 40°C making outdoor exploration difficult. According to a TourRadar traveler: "May was perfect - we had lovely weather for exploring Matera's Sassi and Alberobello's trulli with hardly any other tourists around."
What specialized food experiences are available on small group Puglia tours?
Food experiences focus on hands-on learning and local connections. Travelers can join private orecchiette-making classes in Bari visit family wineries in Locorotondo and eat traditional meals at working farms. A TourRadar participant notes: "Emilio fixed a light breakfast every morning and prepared fabulous dinners using fresh organic local ingredients paired with regional wines - his passion was evident in every meal."
What level of guide interaction can you expect on small group Puglia tours?
Small numbers allow for direct access to expert local guides. Specialists like Cosimo in Matera and Emilio in Salento share detailed knowledge of their areas and facilitate meetings with local craftspeople. A TourRadar guest observed: "Having just four people meant our guide could adapt the pace to our interests and take time answering all our questions about local life."
How much walking is involved in small group tours of Puglia?
Daily walks typically cover 2-4 kilometers through historic areas such as Matera's Sassi and Alberobello's trulli zone. Tours include regular breaks for rest and refreshments while exploring cities like Lecce and Ostuni. A TourRadar participant notes: "While there was daily walking through beautiful historic centers and countryside the pace was manageable and our guide was very accommodating to different fitness levels."