The sun-soaked region of Puglia offers Italy’s most intriguing and authentic tour experiences. The standout choices include the 4-hour boat excursions along the Ionian coast, where limestone caves and hidden coves await. UNESCO treasures deserve special attention – particularly guided visits to Monte Sant’Angelo’s ancient cave church and Alberobello’s cone-shaped trulli dwellings.
I especially love the market-to-table cooking experiences, where local grandmothers share family recipes and regional wine knowledge. Small-group guided tours work best here, as they allow access to family olive farms and hidden backstreets that big buses can’t reach.
Let’s explore the finest tours Puglia has to offer.
Key Points
-
Coastal and adventure tours in Puglia offer activities like 4-hour coastal tours, sunset excursions, and sea kayaking adventures, with high customer satisfaction.
-
Customized private tours in Puglia provide personalized experiences, covering destinations like Bitonto, Matera, Alberobello, and Manfredonia, with flexible itineraries and transportation.
-
Cultural and historical tours in Puglia, such as the UNESCO-listed Monte Sant’Angelo, offer guided explorations of significant sites and immersive experiences.
-
Ferry and boat tours from Peschici provide scenic one-hour guided tours, catering to up to 300 travelers with amenities and transportation included.
-
While reviews for Puglia tours are generally mixed, there are options with high customer satisfaction, free cancellation policies, and accommodations for various needs.
4-Hour Tour Visiting All the Caves, Swimming Stops, and Aperitif
Departing from the wooden kiosk in Torre Vado, this 4-hour tour offers an immersive exploration of Puglia’s dramatic Ionian coastline.
Cruising along the cliffs, you’ll discover awe-inspiring caves and grottoes, with two stops for swimming in the crystal-clear waters. An on-board commentary brings the area’s history and lore to life, while a delightful aperitif featuring local specialties, like friselline with tomatoes and focaccia, completes the experience.
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers and has earned an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 347 reviews, with 96% of past guests recommending it.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as service animal allowance, make this tour inclusive for all.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible reservation options, planning your Puglian adventure has never been easier.
Read our full review: 4-Hour Tour Visiting All the Caves, Swimming Stops, and Aperitif Review
Book now: Check availability
Charming Exclusive Customized Tours With Your Real Apulian Friend
For those seeking a more exclusive and personalized experience in Puglia, the Charming Exclusive Customized Tours with Your Real Apulian Friend offer an unparalleled opportunity.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 81 reviews, these private tours cater to groups of up to 4 in a comfortable car or 5-8 in a van, led by a knowledgeable driver/guide.
Guests can expect pickup from their location within 80 miles of Bari, followed by an 8-hour tour covering approximately 250 km and up to 3 sites. The flexible itineraries can be customized on the go, with options for food, beverages, entrance fees, wine tasting, and visits to unique locations.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and exceptional customer service, including punctuality, friendliness, and personalized recommendations, ensure a memorable experience.
Travelers can explore iconic Apulian towns like Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Polignano a Mare, with the opportunity to book now and pay later.
The tours start at $428.01 per group, offering a lowest price guarantee for a truly charming and exclusive journey.
Read our full review: Charming Exclusive Customized Tours With Your Real Apulian Friend Review
Book now: Check availability
Sunset Excursion
The sunset excursion in Puglia, Italy, offers a magical experience for travelers seeking to witness the breathtaking beauty of the region.
With a near-perfect rating of 4.8/5 based on over 50 reviews, this highly recommended tour is a must-do for visitors to the area. The excursion includes an aperitif with typical local products, fruit, and drinks, along with bottled water and soda, providing a delightful way to enjoy the stunning sunset.
The tour departs from the Noleggio barche Nettuno – Escursioni in barca location in Torre Vado, Salento, with a check-in 30 minutes before the 4:00 PM start time. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed, making it inclusive for all travelers.
With a maximum of 40 participants, the excursion offers an intimate and personalized experience. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour and the lowest price guarantee, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.
Read our full review: Sunset Excursion Review
Book now: Check availability
Monte Sant Angelo Tour: an Amazing Spiritual Sanctuary of Archangel St. Michael
Nestled atop the UNESCO-listed Monte Sant’Angelo, the spiritual sanctuary dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Offering a guided tour is the best way to experience this remarkable site, allowing you to avoid the crowds and maximize your visit.
The tour, lasting around 2 hours, provides insight into the castle’s fascinating architectural styles and the Sanctuary of St. Michael’s caves.
You’ll have the chance to explore the Byzantine-influenced castle, including the iconic Tower of the Giants, as well as the museum and basilica’s lapidarium.
The highlight, though, is the immersive experience of the Sanctuary’s caves, which have long been a source of spiritual inspiration.
With a licensed guide, private transportation available, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the wonders of Monte Sant’Angelo.
Reviewers rave about the guide’s knowledge and personal touch, ensuring an unforgettable experience at this remarkable UNESCO-listed site.
Read our full review: Monte Sant Angelo Tour: an Amazing Spiritual Sanctuary of Archangel St. Michael Review
Book now: Check availability
Exclusive Private Tour: San Foca – Otranto by Boat (4 Hours)!
Travelers seeking a unique and immersive way to explore the stunning coastline between San Foca and Otranto will find the Exclusive Private Tour: San Foca – Otranto by Boat (4 Hours) an exceptional choice.
This private boat tour is highly recommended, with 100% of travelers endorsing it and a Badge of Excellence from Puglia, Italy.
The tour includes a fuel surcharge, private transportation, gratuities, and parking fees, ensuring a seamless experience. Life jackets for children are available, making it suitable for families.
The tour begins and ends at the CAMER gas station inside the port, Centro Nautico Margherita, providing a convenient meeting point.
With a price of $749.02 per group (up to 7 people), the tour offers excellent value. Flexibility is another benefit, as customers can reserve now and pay later.
Plus, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing peace of mind.
Read our full review: Exclusive Private Tour: San Foca – Otranto by Boat (4 Hours)! Review
Book now: Check availability
Bovino Private Walking Tour: an Off-The-Beaten Path Treasure
Although often overlooked by visitors, the charming historic town of Bovino in Puglia offers a captivating off-the-beaten-path experience through its Bovino Private Walking Tour.
Led by licensed local guides, this private walking tour immerses participants in the town’s medieval history as they explore its cathedral, castle, and civic museum.
Along the way, the one-on-one interaction with the guide provides valuable cultural insights, and the customizable pace and route allow for a tailored experience to suit individual interests.
Priced at $267.51 per group (up to 15 participants), the tour includes private transportation and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether meeting at the designated point or arranging a pickup, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but welcomes service animals.
With a perfect 5.0 rating based on a review praising the guide’s expertise and the tour’s impressive and meaningful experience, the Bovino Private Walking Tour is a must-do for those seeking an authentic glimpse into the lesser-known treasures of Puglia.
Read our full review: Bovino Private Walking Tour: an Off-The-Beaten Path Treasure Review
Book now: Check availability
Sea Kayaking Excursion: Santa Cesarea Terme and the Sulfur Caves
For those seeking a more adventurous exploration of Puglia’s natural wonders, the Sea Kayaking Excursion in Santa Cesarea Terme offers an opportunity to paddle through the region’s captivating coves and caves, including the enchanting sulfur caves.
This private guided tour provides all the necessary equipment, including kayaks and snorkeling gear, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The excursion starts at the Kiosk Bar in Torre Miggiano, Marina of Porto Miggiano, where the knowledgeable guide will lead the way through the coastal landscapes.
Highlights include exploring hidden coves, navigating through caves, and marveling at the unique sulfur caves.
With a private tour, participants can enjoy the guide’s undivided attention and a personalized experience.
Priced at $64.20 per person, the tour is accessible to those with moderate fitness levels and doesn’t require any prior kayaking experience.
Confirmed bookings and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start make planning easy.
While the overall rating is 3.0, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure in Puglia’s picturesque coastal settings.
Read our full review: Sea Kayaking Excursion: Santa Cesarea Terme and the Sulfur Caves Review
Book now: Check availability
Tremiti Islands From Peschici: Ferry and Boat Tour of the Islands
While the Tremiti Islands may seem remote, the Ferry and Boat Tour from Peschici offers a convenient way to explore this stunning archipelago off the Puglia coast.
The 1-hour guided tour (in Italian) departs from Peschici and takes visitors to the islands, providing a chance to see the stunning natural beauty up close. The tour is priced at $85.60 per person and can accommodate up to 300 travelers.
The meeting point is at Peschici Carburanti, with the tour starting at 8:50 am. Amenities include a restroom on board and all fees and taxes are included.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
Reviews for the tour are mixed, with an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 based on 5 total reviews.
Read our full review: Tremiti Islands From Peschici: Ferry and Boat Tour of the Islands Review
Book now: Check availability
2-Hour Private Tour of Bitonto: a Jewel You Cannot Miss
Travelers seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Puglia shouldn’t miss the 2-Hour Private Tour of Bitonto. This guided tour allows visitors to maximize their time in the historic town, exploring its top landmarks with a local expert.
Highlights include the Romanesque cathedral and its crypt, the imposing Angevin Tower, and the stunning Sylos Calò Palace.
During the tour, the guide will share the rich history and cultural significance of each site, providing valuable insights. Visitors will learn about the Angevin Tower’s past and the architectural beauty of the Sylos Calò Palace.
The tour is inclusive of transportation to and from the meeting point, ensuring a seamless experience.
With a private tour, travelers can enjoy a personalized and flexible itinerary, tailored to their interests. The tour is priced at $267.51 per group of up to 15 people, making it an affordable option for small groups or families.
Booking is easy, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Private Tour of Bitonto: a Jewel You Cannot Miss Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Tour in Matera and Alberobello Unesco Wonders
Exploring the UNESCO-designated wonders of Matera and Alberobello is a captivating experience offered through this private tour.
Priced from $428.01 per group (up to 4) or $535.01 (saving $107.00), the tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and includes parking fees.
Pickup at your accommodation is possible for up to 4 travelers (car) or 5-8 travelers (van/bus), so you’ll need to confirm the time with the local provider in advance.
The tour includes lunch, brunch, and snacks, as well as gratuities and discounted entrance fees to the Cave dwelling house in Matera.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, but most travelers can participate.
With a private tour, only your group will be part of the experience. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time.
Read our full review: Private Tour in Matera and Alberobello Unesco Wonders Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Market Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch or Dinner in Manfredonia
Enjoy the vibrant culture of Manfredonia, Puglia, through this private market tour and cooking class experience.
You’ll engage with everyday life by shopping for fresh, seasonal ingredients at a local market. Then, you’ll head to a home kitchen and prepare three authentic regional dishes with the guidance of a private chef.
No prior cooking experience is required – simply bring your curiosity and appetite.
The class includes learning to shop like a local and making three traditional Pugliese dishes.
You’ll enjoy a tasting session featuring your homemade lunch or dinner, paired with wine, beverages, and coffee.
As a memento, you’ll receive an official Le Cesarine apron and shopping bag.
This private experience is easily accessible via public transportation and isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
Operated by Cesarine, the tour is priced from $202.23 per person with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Private Market Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch or Dinner in Manfredonia Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Puglia offers a diverse array of tours, from exploring caves and swimming spots to spiritual sanctuaries and UNESCO-listed wonders. Visitors can customize their experiences, enjoy scenic boat trips, and enjoy local culture through market tours and cooking classes. Whether seeking adventure, history, or culinary delights, Puglia’s tour options cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.