Puglia is not about rushing from highlight to highlight. It’s about culture, food, conversations and learning how everyday life really works in Southern Italy. This trip is designed for travelers who want more than a holiday: for those who want to slow down, connect, and experience Puglia from the inside. April is the perfect time to be here: 🌿 blooming landscapes ☀️ warm but not hot days 🚶♀️ quiet towns before summer crowds 🍷 life happening outdoors again We’ll explore small towns, local food spots, coastal views and everyday moments – without pressure, without rushing, and always with space to simply be. As a highlight we will attend a local cooking class and immerse ourselves in the real Italian cuisine. This is not a packed itinerary, it’s a shared experience with a small group (max. 8 people), leisurely pace and honest insights.
Ciao, I'm Marie 🤍 I grew up in Austria and live (part-time) in Apulia, in southern Italy. What began as a love for Italy has now become my real everyday life between culture, language, people, and little surprises. I don't organize trips as classic “tours,” but as shared experiences: authentic, personal, and close to real life in Italy. In Apulia, I'm not interested in ticking off sights, but in: genuine encounters, local places, good food, conversation, and time to settle in the feeling of really being here even if just for a few days. For me, April is the most beautiful time in Apulia🌸: mild weather, blooming landscapes, empty streets, and life taking place outside again—without the summer crowds.
🏡 We’ll stay in a carefully selected local accommodation in Puglia, such as: a traditional apartment or guesthouse located in or near a charming town with shared rooms (small group setup). Comfortable, clean, and authentic: a place where mornings start slowly and evenings feel like home. Single bedrooms upon request and extra fee. (Exact accommodation details will be shared with confirmed participants.)
What's included?
Accommodation for trip duration
Local hosting & trip coordination
Transport to trip destinations
Italian cooking class
Small, like-minded group atmosphere
Support before and during the trip
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You can chat with Marie once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Bari
Day 1-3
📅 April 11 | Arrival in Bari Welcome to Puglia 🤍 Arriving in Bari we check-in, settle and have time to get to know each other. In the afternoon, upon arrival, we explore the city: lively piazzas, beautiful seafront views, taking in the rhythm of real Southern Italy. If time allows, we'll have our first dinner by the sea together, slow down, connect as a group and stay overnight in Bari. 📅 April 12| Exploring Bari& Italian cooking class The next moring it's time to explore Bari Vecchia with local women making orecchiette outside on the streets (typical local Pasta dish), vibrant city life and highlight of the day is attending a cooking class to dive into the real Italian food culture- wine, pasta, tiramisu, you'll matser it🍝🍷
2
Polignano a Mare
Day 3-4
📅 April 13 | Spending the day in Polignano a Mare (optional boat tour)🌊 After breakfast, we drive to Polignano a Mare, a beautiful town with white buildings perched on limestone cliffs above turquoise water. Walking along the panoramic viewpoints we will visit Lama Monachile beach, wander the old town balconies and have plenty of time for photos, slow strolling, visiting local shops- we'll wander without rushing. Return to Bari in the evening and overnight in Bari. Optional: Boat tour (upon request/weather dependent) Late afternoon return to Bari. Trip Bari- Polignano a Mare& return via regional train.
3
Alberobello
Day 4
📅 April 14 | Morning departure toward Alberobello& afternoon in Matera Today we head inland. First stop: Alberobello, home of the iconic trulli houses. We’ll explore the UNESCO-listed district but also step beyond the busiest streets to find quieter corners and artisan workshops. Then we continue to Matera — one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Walking into the Sassi district feels like stepping into another century. Stone houses carved into rock, winding staircases, cave churches. We’ll: explore the ancient cave dwellings visit scenic viewpoints take time to absorb the atmosphere Explore: Trulli district (UNESCO site) Local artisan shops Quiet side streets beyond main tourist zone Famous ancient rock city Matera
4
Lecce
Day 4-6
📅 April 15 | Lecce: The Florence of the South Today we travel to Lecce, the baroque jewel of Puglia, where golden limestone buildings glow in the sun surrounded by ornated balconies. Must try food here: Pasticciotto (warm custard-filled pastry) of course with an Espresso. We’ll visit: Basilica di Santa Croce Piazza del Duomo Roman amphitheatre Elegant streets & boutiques 📅 April 16 | Lecce & Sea Side Our final full day is intentionally relaxed. Morning stroll through Lecce’s quieter streets and an optional short trip toward the coast (depending on group preference). Time to: journal shop for olive oil or ceramics enjoy one last long Italian lunch We close the trip with a farewell dinner — reflecting on what felt different, what surprised us, and what we’ll take home. 📅 April 17 | Departure Time to say goodbye, pack our backpacks, luggages, take the memories and friends made on the way with us and make our way back home via Bari or Brindisi airports.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Apartments
6 days trip
Bari, Polignano a Mare & 2 more
Transportation
Other
What's excluded?
Flights to/from Italy
Meals& drinks
Airport transfers
Personal expenses
Travel insurance- I can help arranging
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Italy
Slow travel mindset: no rushing/pressure 
Accommodation for trip duration 
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