Self-Drive Apulia & Matera

Alberobello

Peace of Mind

Exclusive Packages

Highlights

Chance of sampling several Slow Food Presidia products - high-quality, traditional foods and beverages at risk of “extinction” such as The Capocollo cold cut of Martina Franca, the Primitivo wine of Manduria and many more!

Explore the famous Sassi di Matera, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Alberobello, with the Trulli traditional rural homes, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Enjoy a wonderful boat tour in Polignano a Mare

Visit the most beautiful towns of Puglia with an expert private guide

8 days

per person, twin share

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Travelling with kids? Read more

All services are subject to availability.

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Overview

Fascinating Roman ruins, baroque architecture, charming white towns perched on top of the countryside's hills, amazing food and mesmerizing beaches along the coast... Puglia has it all. Whether you're after history, art, culture, food, wine or nature, this region will offer you all of it in abundance.

During this itinerary, participants will have the unique chance of sampling several Slow Food Presidia products (high-quality, traditional food and beverages at "risk of extinction”) and will taste authentic regional dishes at restaurants selected among those recommended by the Slow Food association in their “Osterie d’Italia” guide: small “trattorie” that still use fresh, local produce for traditional recipes.

Slow Food is an organization that promotes local food and traditional cooking. It was founded by Carlo Petrini in Italy in 1986 and has since spread worldwide. Promoted as an alternative to fast food, it strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine and encourages farming of plants, seeds, and livestock characteristic of the local ecosystem. It promotes local small businesses and sustainable foods. It also focuses on food quality, rather than quantity. It was the first established part of the broader slow movement. It speaks out against overproduction and food waste. It sees globalization as a process in which small and local farmers and food producers should be simultaneously protected from and included in the global food system.

ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
ENTIRE AUD Prices
ENTIRE Change of Mind
ENTIRE Industry Accredited
ENTIRE On Ground Support
ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

2 nights in Bari at the iH Hotels Bari Oriente - 4* or similar

5 nights in Martina Franca at Masseria San Michele - 4* or similar

Car Hire Credit of $800

Daily Buffet Breakfast

1 welcome dinner in a typical restaurant in Bari

1 Slow Food dinner at an "Osterie d'Italia" typical slow food restaurant

2 lunches at "Osterie d'Italia" Slow Food official restaurants

3 guided tastings of food and/or wines typical of the Apulia region

Private full-day guided tour of Polignano a Mare, including boat tour

Private full-day guided tour of Grotte di Castellana & Alberobello

Private half-day guided tour of Lecce

Private half-day guided tour of Matera

Entrance fees in Grotte di Castellana and Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Bari

Arrival in Bari Airport and pick up of your car rental. Proceed to your hotel in Bari for check-in and relax. Enjoy your Welcome dinner with typical dishes of the area and then return to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight stay in Bari at the iH Hotels Bari Oriente or similar.

Dinner

Bari

Day 2 Bari Matera Bari

Morning departure with your car or meet your English spealing driver who will accompany you on this excursion to Matera, known as the “City of Stones”. At your arrival take your half day guided visit. This city is one of the most extraordinary and intact examples of a Troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region. The oldest “Sassi” (ancient homes carved into the rocks) are about 7000 years old. Free time for lunch. Return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Bari at the iH Hotels Bari Oriente or similar.

Breakfast

Sassi of Matera

Day 3 Bari Polignano a Mare Martina Franca Bari

After breakfast, go south towards Polignano al Mare, one of the most famous seaside resorts of Apulia. Meet your personal tour guide for a visit of the city and then enjoy a boat ride to admire the coast. Free lunch and afternoon at leisure. Continue to Martina Franca. in the heart of this region. Check-in to your Hotel enjoying the comfortable setting. Relax or take a wander around this white marble town.

Overnight stay in Bari at the Masseria San Michele or similar.

Breakfast

Polignano a Mare

Day 4 Martina Franca

Departure after breakfast towards Martina Franca, in the heart of the region. Walk or drive to the centre of the town by car or private limousine/van service. Wine tasting of some representative wines of an amazing estate I Pastini (or equivalent) accompanied by taralli, typical friselline with tomato and basil, olives and dried broad beans. In the evening enjoy another welcome dinner at Ristorante La Tana (or equivalent). A truly special location which will be dedicated to the Slow Food Philosophy of Apulia. Return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Martina Franca at Masseria San Michele or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner

Valle d'Itria

Day 5 The Murgia: Grotte di Castellana, Alberobello, Martina Franca

In the morning depart by car or private limousine/van service. Meet your local guide in front of the Grotte di Castellana for a visit to the wonderful Castellana Caves located at a depth of 70 metres, along a stretch of almost 2 kilometre. After the Caves continue to the enchanting and fascination town of Alberobello for lunch. Here you will enjoy Murgia cuisine and the local specialities with their delicious dishes and wines served at a local “Trattoria”, part of the "Osterie d'Italia" Slow Food project (Slow Food is an organization that promotes local food and traditional cooking).

After lunch, meet your local guide for a walking tour around the Trulli to visit the little shops, galleries and artisan laboratories selling homemade cheeses and Taralli - savoury crackers typical to this region. Return to Martina Franca for a relaxing evening. Tonight we suggest a stroll around the beautiful historical town centre, stopping at the Partenope pastry shop in the Corso Italia to try their famous cakes and pastires. Return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Martina Franca at Masseria San Michele or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch

Grotte di Castellana

Day 6 The Murgia: Cisternino, Ostuni

After breakfast, departure towards Cisternino, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy by car or private limousine/van service. Visit of the old town centre, stopping to admire the little shops along the way selling a famous regional cured ham (called Capocollo), then finish the tour with another superb lunch at a typical restaurant where culinary delights such as Capocollo ham, along with the other dishes and local wines from the Puglia region, will be served. After lunch, proceed to visit the white village of Ostuni and its old historical centre. Short stop a a local dairy producer, to sample some of their amazing cheese. Back to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Martina Franca at Masseria San Michele or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch

Ostuni

Day 7 Martina Franca Lecce Martina Franca

After breakfast, depart to Lecce by car or private limousine/van service. Meet up with your private guide for half-day private tour of the city to discover the so-called Baroque Pearl. After the tour taste the famous Pucce Leccesi (a traditional bread with olives, tomatoes and other toppings). Return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Martina Franca at Masseria San Michele or similar.

Breakfast

Lecce

Day 8 Martina Franca

After breakfast, check-out and departure.

Breakfast

Accommodation

iH Hotels Bari Oriente

Bari
The iH Hotels Bari Oriente is a 4 star hotel located in the heart of Bari, in the Murat district, a few steps from the historical Petruzzelli Theatre. It is housed in a majestic building of the XVIIIth century. The roof garden on the sixth floor offers, in the warm season from May to September, an enchanting view of the city and the dome of the famous Theater, where it is possible to sip cocktails and enjoy delicious aperitifs.

Masseria San Michele

Martina Franca
Masseria San Michele is a stunning fortified structure dating back to 1700, with an adjoining consecrated church dedicated to the homonymous saint. The Masseria is immersed in the heart of the Valle d'Itria in an oasis of peace.

Additional information

This package is excluded from the "CHANGE OF MIND" Portion of our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
FLEXI CAR HIRE CREDIT: This self-drive package includes a $800 ($100/day) Flexi Car Hire Credit. This provides the flexibility of selecting a vehicle based on your own preferences and requirements. As each location has vehicle limitations, please speak to our team for options.
We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit. The package price is based on 4-star accommodation.

Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

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How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

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What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

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To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
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For further details please visit our Payments page.

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Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

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