We don't have a catalogue of tours, we have a catalogue of ingredients. We start listening to you and we create your trip. This section is to get you inspired and this wine tour can be in a lot of regions of Italy.
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Welcome to Apulia, affectionately known as Puglia — the heel of Italy's boot. This enchanting region is the perfect destination for you and your friends, whether you're the prosecco to someone's Aperol or the cacio to their pepe. Together, you'll discover charming towns, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourselves in Apulia's rich cultural heritage and storied past. From relaxing on pristine beaches to participating in hands-on experiences like mozzarella-making and wine tastings, each day offers a delightful blend of adventure and tranquility. This tour transcends mere travel; it's an opportunity to strengthen cherished bonds and forge new memories in the heart of Italy.
Shining Seas: During this trip, you'll experience both the breathtaking Adriatic Sea and the iconic Ionian Sea.
Stunning Vistas: Historic towns, picturesque seafront promenades, and rolling vineyards and olive groves offer stunning vistas.
Wonderful Wine: Indulge in the delightful flavors of Apulian wines and enjoy bonding over shared tastes.
Make Mozzarella: Who wouldn't smile at the joy of fresh homemade mozzarella?
Our tour of friendship, fun, and bonding will begin in lovely Lecce. Thanks to its ancient Greek and Roman origins, this town is one of Italy's Cities of Art and is known as the "Lady of the Baroque" for its enchanting architecture. After you and your friends arrive and get situated in your rooms, we will meet for a welcome and dinner together. Get excited for what's in store!
Put on some comfy shoes, because today we will go on a guided walking tour of Lecce. You and your friends will learn all about Lecce's lengthy and fascinating history. From the Trojan War to its sacking in the Gothic wars to its annexation into the reign of the Kingdom of Sicily, there is so much to discover! After the tour, we'd recommend sitting at a cute cafe where you can sip a refreshing Caffe Leccese, an iced coffee with almond milk (and maybe sneak in a couple of pics for the gram!). Lunch and Dinner are on your own today, but there are so many delicious options. Puccias are a local type of sandwich that make a perfect lunch and are usually stuffed with fresh local ingredients.
Say goodbye to Lecce and hello to Otranto! Otranto is a picturesque seaside town on the list of Italy's most beautiful villages. Our marvelous hotel, Masseria Muzza, is ready to welcome you to Otranto with an aesthetic that matches the town: white buildings and harmonious landscapes. This afternoon, you can enjoy some lounge time by the pool, catch up over an afternoon cocktail, or explore Otranto together. Visit the stunning cathedral consecrated in 1088 with mesmerizing mozaic floors, explore the Aragonese castle, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful sea-front promenade.
Today, you and your friends will really bond as you travel all the way to the ends of the earth! Well, sort of⦠We will visit the town of Santa Maria di Leuca, known for its truly stunning coastline, where the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea meet, like two friends coming together. We will visit the Leuca lighthouse, the second-highest lighthouse in Europe in terms of elevation, as it is perched at the very top of a hill, providing a gorgeous panoramic view of the sea. Nearby the lighthouse is the Church of Santa Maria di Leuca, known as the Basilica De Finibus Terrae, which literally means "Basilica at the ends of the earth." In ancient times, it was believed that it was the point at the edge of the world where the land met the infinite sea. Then, depending on the season and the weather, we can stop in the charming town of Castro Marina to visit their stunning coastal caves. The Zinzalusa caves are reached by walking down the seaside cliffs to the entrance at sea level. On the list of the ten most beautiful caves in the world, you and your pals will have so much to marvel at inside.
Our trip will take us back inland to Noha, a town in the province of Lecce characterized by different theories about its name. One theory is that the name comes from the Greek word "noe," which means "to see." Historians guess that this is because the city of Noha is higher than the surrounding areas. Other theories link it to the Latin word "neo," meaning new. This afternoon, get ready to both see and try something new during a mozzarella-making class! In this fun and interactive class, a skilled local artisan will teach you the art of crafting this beloved Italian cheese. Laugh together as you learn to stretch and shape the curds into perfect mozzarella balls. You will certainly enjoy tasting the results together and discussing who mastered the art of mozzarella! Tonight, we will enjoy a fabulous dinner together at our hotel.
Let's head to the marina for an unforgettable half-day yacht tour with your besties. Set sail together on the shimmering Adriatic sea and take in the stunning Apulia coastline. The boat will head towards the gorgeous city of Gallipoli, which offers a very unique view from the sea. You will notice that the city's old town, situated on a limestone island, is linked to the modern city on the mainland via a 17th-century bridge. Take in the sights together, relax, and share laughs as you create lasting memories basking in the Apulian sun. If you fancy a swim, we can even stop the boat for a refreshing dip or a snorkel in the turquoise waters.
Leaving Noha, we will make our way towards Ostuni, but before we get there, we'll visit a charming family-run winery. Together, you will savor some Apulian wines and discover their rich history. Feel the sea breezes off both the Ionian and Adriatic seas, each bringing special benefits to the vines. Compare your favorites during a wine-tasting session, and savor fine Apulian cuisine during a light lunch together. Our journey then takes us to Ostuni, a picturesque walled town renowned for its panoramic viewpoints showcasing olive groves, iconic trulli houses, ancient oaks, and glimpses of the sea. Lose yourself in Ostuni's enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets and winding alleys, where every corner exudes a sense of serenity, simplicity, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
What a trip it's been! After all this excitement, it's time for a bit of R&R. Whether you prefer to relax at the hotel for some well-deserved peace and tranquility, explore the picturesque streets of Ostuni at your leisure, or opt for a beach day near Torre Canne, where you can lounge in the sun and unwind with your friends-it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy each other's company and make the most of this memorable trip. Then, tonight, we will share dinner together, where we can reflect on our favorite memories so far and get pumped for what's still to come.
As we make our way towards Matera today, we will stop first in Puntignano, where we will enjoy lunch together. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Apulia, Puntignano offers a charming setting where you can enjoy authentic regional cuisine with friends. After a satisfying meal, we'll continue our adventure towards Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our hotel for the next two days is nestled in the historic part of Matera. This ancient part of town was carved out of the rock underneath the city, and it is called Sassi (literally, the rocks). After getting settled, we recommend going for a walk and exploring this part of Matera. In the evening, the rustic and ancient surroundings really make it feel like you have been transported back in time.
Matera is one of the most fascinating historic cities in Italy, and today, you and your friends will discover it during a walking tour of old Matera. Uncover the history of the town and its unique architecture. Pause at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Gravina River Gorge and pass by artisan shops that will give you an inside look at local culture. Then, we will have lunch at a local farmhouse where we will enjoy traditional foods made with local produce and products: an exploration of the scents and flavors of Matera.
Are your palates ready for more Apulian wine? You and your friends will enjoy a trip to the Gioia del Colle (literally joy of the hills) winery for a wine tasting and a light lunch. Specialized in the production of Primitivo, a red wine primarily produced in this region, characterized by intense and bold flavors and a high alcohol content. In the afternoon, it is time to discover and taste Italy's liquid gold: olive oil. During a visit to a frantoio (or oil mill), you will stroll through olive groves, learning about the production of this very important crop. Experts will talk about how Apulia's climate and rich soil are perfect for producing fragrant and flavorful oil. Swap notes on your favorites during a tasting that will follow the visit.
Choose your own adventure today! On the last day of the tour, we wanted you and your friends to have the option to enjoy your last day in Apulia in a way that best honors your unique friendship. For the friend group that is always on the go and wants to soak up every last bit of culture, we would recommend a day in Bari, one of the region's most famous towns. Wind your way through the maze-like old town, shopping for any last souvenirs and delighting in its beautiful waterfront. For nature and adventure-loving friends, take one last chance to explore another of Apulia's natural wonders: the Grotte di Castellana. The Castellana caves are extensive, reaching roughly 70 meters (about 121 feet) underground, and filled with stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, and more. Finally, for friends who are more about spending slow and purposeful time together, you can also opt for a day of relaxation at the hotel. The Masseria San Domenico has two private beaches close by if you want to soak up the Apulian sun together, or you can choose to lounge by their pool. Whatever you choose, it's sure to be a memorable last day. We will close the day together with a dinner at the hotel, where we can toast to our favorite memories of the trip.
Enjoy one last breakfast together. Then, prepare for departure and end of services. Ciao for now!
Payment Options: credit card or wire transfer
Soul Italy carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.
Our choices are guided by comfort and quality. We prefer family-owned and operated hotels because they offer a richer experience and allow us to support local entrepreneurs. Over time, we've developed relationships with many exceptional hotel operators. Here's a sample of hotels available for this tour:
Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.
Let's start creating your Apulia tour!