The ideal adventure for the well-traveled who have yet to discover the enchanting region of Puglia and the ancient city of Matera. Spend 8 days and 7 nights exploring the charming towns of Bari and Lecce, the historic trulli houses of Alberobello, and the awe-inspiring cave dwellings of Matera.
Learn MoreIndulge in the flavors and culture of Puglia on this 8-day guided tour. Explore historic cities like Bari, Lecce, Monopoli, Alberobello, Gallipoli, and Matera, each offering a unique blend of history and charm. Visit renowned wineries, where you'll taste some of the region's finest wines, and savor the local cuisine with cooking classes and traditional meals. Wander through the picturesque streets of Alberobello with its iconic trulli houses, and discover the breathtaking beauty of Matera's ancient cave dwellings. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Puglia, from its stunning architecture to its world-class gastronomy, on this unforgettable journey through Italy's heel.
Arrive in Bari on your own. Meet in the hotel lobby, take a tour of the Old Town, and partake in a group Welcome Dinner at a local trattoria.
Accommodation Hotel Oriente Bari Included Meals DinnerCheck out and drive from central Bari to Tenuta Conte Onofrio Spagnoletti, a historic estate surrounded by 39,000 olive trees and located in the heart of the DOCG wine appellation Castel Del Monte. Guided tour of the estate, including the impressive underground cellars digged into the tufa rock. Later, the wine tasting is paired with a selection of traditional cheese, bread, salami, seasonal vegetables and a soup prepared with cereals and beans. Drive through the scenic Murgia region, crossing olive groves and fields and their typical white-stone walls Board a local shuttle and reach the entrance of Castel Del Monte, an imposing medieval fortress built by eclectic Emperor Frederick II in the 1200s. Visit the interior with a local guide, and discover the references to the number eight and to infinity that recurs in architecture and symbols
Accommodation Hotel Oriente Bari Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, olive oil tastingDrive to Monopoli. Wander around the charming seaside town, its castle built on the water and enjoy some free time for shopping in the whitewashed narrow streets adorned with cactus and colorful doors. Drive to Alberobello. Walk with the tour manager through the iconic trulli, round houses and workshops topped with a cone-shaped roof, once used as a temporary shelter.
Accommodation Masseria Caretti Grande Included Meals breakfast and dinnerExplore Gallipoli with the tour manager, walking around the medieval walls built above the Ionian Sea. Weather permitting, it's possible to stop at the pristine beach Spiaggia dell Purità, and deep our toes in the water. Free time for souvenir shopping. Drive to Cantine Coppola. Tour of the modern winery and its museum focused on the family's history. Lunch is paired with wine tasting of Negramaro grapes and other local varieties and served in the winery's garden surrounded by cactus, olive trees, and peaceful countryside. Drive to Lecce. Guided tour of the town center, known as the Florence of the South with impressive Baroque architecture. Late afternoon and sunset are the best time of the day to watch the sunlight reflecting on the local stone used to build churches, private palaces and streets.
Accommodation Masseria Caretti Grande Included Meals Breakfast and lunchEnjoy a lazy morning relaxing at the beach or follow the Masseria owner for a foraging walk in their garden. Cooking class at the Masseria followed by lunch. Short drive to the nearby medieval Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, a hidden jewel of medieval art and architecture, presently preserved by the National Trust. Continue to Ostuni a hilltop town located about one hour north. Walk in the town center with great photo opportunities over Valle d'Itria and its traditional homes.
Accommodation Masseria Caretti Grande Included Meals Breakfast, LunchCheck out and drive to Grottaglie. Visit a ceramic workshop for a quick demonstration and enjoy some free time in town known for the artisanal production of potteries. Drive to Manduria. Visit Agricola Felline and enjoy wine tasting paired with a light lunch. Drive to Matera. Check-in for the next 2 nights at Palazzo Viceconte. Dinner in a nearby pizzeria
Accommodation Palazzo Viceconte, Matera Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerTour of Matera with a local guide (2 hours). Lunch on your own in Matera and free afternoon to explore. Group Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation Palazzo Viceconte, Matera Included Meals Breakfast, DinnerPorterage from the hotel to the bus parking lot. Group transfer to Bari airport (
Accommodation N/A Included Meals Breakfast
At Crush Wine Experiences, our mission is to introduce you to your favorite craft winery or distillery.
The ideal adventure for the well-traveled
Trulli houses
Dining in Lecce
The city of Matera
Gallipoli
A fortified farmhouse estate
Sam Kimball is not just a sommelier; he’s a storyteller. With years of experience and a deep passion for Italian wines, he’ll introduce you to the art and science of wine tasting.
From the robust Primitivo and Negroamaro to the refreshing and vibrant Fiano and Bombino Bianco, you’ll taste the diversity of Puglia’s wine heritage on this tour.
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Michael Keyles We attended the Tuscany 2022 and Sicily 2023 wine tours and they were fantastic! Sam is a great host and really knew how to maximize the enjoyment of everyone on the tour. He selected great wineries, restaurants and places to stay. He took us to places we would never have found on our own or on other tours. The selection of the local tour guides could not have been better. We have already signed up for 2024 Naples and 2024 Sardinia. I highly recommend Crush Wines Italy Tours!
Larry Harris Our tour of Tuscany was the highlight of an extended European vacation. The tour exceeded all expectations. The planning and execution were flawless. The choices for where to go and what to do were better than I ever could have done. Sam is an incredible host. Knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with. The destination guides were equally perfect as was the local tour host. We will definitely do another Crush Wine tour.
Irenka Jakubiak Sam offers the best wine tours and more. Every itinerary is thoughtfully planned and local guides provide the most memorable experience in every city. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each tour I’ve taken and am planning more in 2024. Tours taken include 2023 Flavors of Sicily Tour: Small group tour of 9 days and 8 nights traversing Sicily with a sommelier and expert local guide. 2021 Barolo and Barbaresco Tour: 8 days and 7 nights exploring Piedmont Italy.
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