Private Italy tours to Puglia

If you've already been to Italy a few times to the most touristed major cities of Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Tuscany, Naples, and the Amalfi coast but have never been to Puglia, pronounced "POOL YA", well you're in for one of Italy's greatest regions that is NOT over touristed yet.

Puglia is a little harder to get to as it's usuallly a flight to one of the major hubs of Milan or Rome and then a short flight to Bari. Often times I fly into Rome and then drive across to the east coast. Bari is fairly big port town that has cleaned up it's act quite a bit and it has a few things that are attractive for tourists.

South of Bari are the towns of Polignano Mare and Monopoli - true coastal gems with great history, some great restaurants and coastal sights.

Farthest southwest in this region is Matera and many visit this region just for this town. Matera is supposedly the 3rd oldest town in the world and it's has a great old world vibe to it and it's enjoying a renaissance with many hotels and restaurants built right into where the old caves used to be. It's a fascinating place and a must in this area.

Not too far from Bari is the small town of Castellana Grotte, actually where two of my great grandparents came from and I have still have cousins in this area. You go to Castellana Grotte to visit the underground caves there. It's a very interesting site with a great guided tour and amazing day for all my tour groups.

The small town of Alberobello is another big attraction because of the "Trulli" huts that are the round houses that have a pointed tops to them. These were originally buildings built by the Turks way back when and now they are converted to Hotels, Restaurants and farm stay Agriturismo's.

The Olive oil in Puglia is some of the best in the world. The Olive trees are some the oldest in Italy because actually they originally came from Greece. Yes, that's right Greece. Southern Italy and Sicily were called "Magna Greccia" as it was ruled by the Greeks in 500 BC. Also, the bread and Pasta in Puglia are incredible as is the local produce and of course the Seafood. The whole region has a less hectic vibe to it and a much more relaxed way of life. I love bringing tourists to Puglia.

Let's talk about your private tour of Italy in Puglia.