New Year, New Adventures in Italy -- Discover the Timeless Beauty of Puglia

Hosted by

Justine

7 Days30 Days!

Extra Cancellation Days
only for the first TripMate

Guided trip
What's special?
special Heart of Italy
special New Year Adventure
Start the new year with an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Southern Italy, exploring the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of Bari, Ostuni, Lecce, and option to add two nights in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Matera. Your journey begins in Bari, the bustling capital of Puglia, where you'll wander through the winding streets of Bari Vecchia, visit the majestic Basilica di San Nicola, and soak in the charm of the coastal promenade. Next, head to Ostuni, the "White City," with its dazzling whitewashed buildings set against the blue skies of Puglia. Lose yourself in its picturesque, labyrinthine streets and discover hidden cafes and boutiques, while enjoying panoramic views of olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. We will continue to Lecce, the "Florence of the South," renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture. Explore its ornate churches, grand piazzas, and ancient Roman ruins. Lecce is a cultural treasure trove, perfect for history lovers and foodies alike. Here we will also take a food and wine pairing class where we learn about the region's cuisine and make our very own orecchiette dish. On the fifth day, we return from Lecce back to Bari. We will have a group lunch to say our farewells to those who will be traveling back home. If you are interested and have time, there is the option to continue on to spend a night or two in Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Famous for its sassi—ancient cave dwellings carved into the cliffs—offering a truly unique experience. We will take it easy and explore the streets, visit ancient churches, and do some hiking in the surrounding nature. We will be staying at a cave hotel with a spa, allowing for a unique experience and lots of relaxation to end the holiday. This journey through souther Italy will be the perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery, allowing you to explore the best of Puglia without the hassle of driving. Whether it’s the ancient streets of Bari, the whitewashed charm of Ostuni, the Baroque beauty of Lecce, or the otherworldly landscape of Matera, this trip will inspire and rejuvenate you as you embark on a fresh new year. Start your year with a journey through Italy’s hidden gems—where every town tells a story and every moment leaves you spellbound.

I currently live in the United States, where I spend my free time exploring the outdoors and surrounding mountains as often as I can. I have a passion for travel, meeting new people and sharing beautiful moments together. I especially love to do trips that have a good balance between culture/nature as well as exploration/relaxation. I will be in Europe for several months this winter and look forward to have you join me on this adventure in Italy to kick off 2025.

For the most part we will be staying in apartments, with each TripMate having their own bed and occasionally sharing a room. The exact type of accommodation will be based on what options are available in each city as well as the number of TripMates. Solo travellers, friends, or couples.. all are welcome!

What's included?
4 Nights Accommodation
Orecchiette Cooking Class & Wine Pairing
Train Tickets between Cities
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations.
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Trip Itinerary
1

Bari

Day 1-3
Depending on what time everyone will be arriving in Bari, we will check in to our apartment and start the trip with either a group lunch or dinner. Afterwards, we can explore the old town and stroll along the scenic Lungomare promenade at sunset. Friday we will have more time to explore the Old Town, as well as visit a number of places including the Basilica di San Nicola, Castello Svevo, Mercato Centrale, and the Piazza del Ferrarese. For sunset and dinner, it's possible to stay in Bari or go down to neighbouring Polignano a Mare, 45 minutes by train.
2

Ostuni

Day 3-4
Saturday morning we will take the train to Ostuni, also nicknamed the "White City" famous for its whitewashed buildings and winding streets. We will visit the cathedral and wander through the shops with an option to rent bikes and venture into the countryside or coastal dunes nearby.
3

Lecce

Day 4-5
Sunday morning we will head to Lecce. We will have plenty of time to wander through its Baroque streets, starting at the stunning Piazza del Duomo and exploring the ancient Roman ruins like the Amphitheater in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. There will be some free time in the afternoon to explore some of the many archaeological or history museums in the city for those who are interested. In the evening, we will dive into Lecce’s culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking and wine pairing class, where you’ll learn to make classic Puglian dishes like orecchiette pasta and indulge in local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro, a perfect way to end the day savoring the region’s rich flavors.
4

Matera

Day 5
OPTIONAL** Monday morning we will have a last chance to stroll the streets of Lecce and enjoy a coffee or bite to eat. We will then head back to Bari, where there is the option to add on a night or two in Matera if you are interested and have time. For those travelling home or elsewhere, we will have a group lunch and say our farewells. For the rest of us travelling to Matera we will catch a bus arriving in the evening. Monday evening and Tuesday during the day we will have plenty of time to wander the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Sassi cave dwellings. Tuesday morning we will do a group hike for those interested and spend some time in nature. For these last two nights, we will be staying a cave hotel with a spa, providing the perfect opportunity to end the trip with some rest and relaxation. Whether you spend one or two nights in Matera, when you travel back to Bari will depend on which day/time you depart.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Apartments
5 days trip
Bari, Ostuni & 2 more
Transportation
Car
What's excluded?
Flights to Bari
Food
Souvenirs
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