Puglia, Matera & Padre Pio

Discover the charm of Puglia, from whitewashed towns and picturesque villages to beautiful coastal scenery. This journey combines the history and traditions of Matera and Alberobello with the beauty of the Valle d’Itria and visits of devotion to Monte Sant’Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo.

Group A: 15–19 March
Group B: 29 April–03 May
Group C: 24–28 June
Group D: 26–30 August
Group E: 09–13 September
Group F: 14–18 October

Day 1 – Monopoli & Polignano a Mare

We meet at Malta International Airport for our direct Ryanair flight FR7108 to Bari, departing at 06:30 and arriving at 08:10. After collecting our luggage, we travel by coach to Monopoli, a beautiful town on the Adriatic coast. We enjoy a walk through the historic centre, where we see Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the cathedral, the Santa Maria promenade, Castello Carlo V and the Porto Vecchio, whose fishing boats create a particularly picturesque setting. After some free time, we continue to Polignano a Mare, famous for its houses perched on high cliffs overlooking the sea. We walk along Via Roma and through the narrow streets of the historic centre, enjoying the views from its panoramic terraces. We also see the monument dedicated to Domenico Modugno, the famous singer of Volare, the main church and Piazza Garibaldi. We then continue to the Hotel Crystal Palace 4★ in Andria, where we check into our rooms and enjoy Dinner.

Day 1 for Group A – Trani

We meet at Malta International Airport for our direct Ryanair flight FR7108 to Bari, departing at 11:15 and arriving at 12:35. After collecting our luggage, we travel by coach to Trani, an elegant town known for its picturesque harbour and cathedral overlooking the sea. During our walk, we see the Villa Comunale, the cathedral and the Supportico della Conca, a distinctive passageway in the heart of the historic centre. We have free time to enjoy the town’s atmosphere before continuing to the Hotel Crystal Palace in Andria. Room allocation and Dinner, followed by an outing with the Tour Leader.

Day 2 – Monte Sant’Angelo & San Giovanni Rotondo

After breakfast, we depart for Monte Sant’Angelo, where we visit the Grotto and Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, an important place of pilgrimage. We have time for personal prayer and to explore the town’s characteristic streets.We then travel through the beautiful scenery of the Gargano area and continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, known for its connection with Saint Padre Pio. Here, we visit the churches and the museum associated with his life. We have free time for Lunch, prayer and souvenir shopping. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Andria for Dinner, followed by an outing with the Tour Leader.

Day 3 – Altamura & Matera

After breakfast, we depart for Altamura, a historic town famous for its traditional bread, Pane di Altamura. We walk through the historic centre, where we see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the narrow streets and the characteristic courtyards known as claustri. We have some free time to enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps sample some local specialities. We then continue into the Basilicata region to visit Matera, a fascinating city famous for its houses and churches carved into the rock. We walk through the historic centre and the Sasso Caveoso district, enjoying views reminiscent of biblical scenes. There will be an opportunity to visit a traditional cave dwelling and a rock-hewn crypt (entrance fees extra). Free time for Lunch and further exploration before returning to our hotel for Dinner.

Day 4 – Ostuni, Locorotondo & Alberobello

After breakfast, we set off for a wonderful day in the Valle d’Itria, known for its whitewashed villages, countryside and traditional houses. Our first stop is Ostuni, known as La Città Bianca — the White City. We walk from Piazza della Libertà through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and admire the views from the belvedere. Free time to enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful town. We continue to Locorotondo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, where we enjoy a walk with the Tour Leader through well-kept streets lined with white houses and decorated balconies. We then travel to Alberobello, world-famous for its trulli, traditional stone houses with conical roofs. We visit the Rione Monti district, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where many of these distinctive houses are concentrated. We have free time for souvenir shopping or a coffee before returning to Andria for Dinner.

Day 5 – Bari 

After breakfast, we leave the hotel with our luggage and travel to Bari, the capital of Puglia. We enjoy a walk along the promenade and enter the heart of Bari Vecchia, with its narrow streets, small squares and traditional atmosphere. We visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and have free time in Via Sparano, one of the city’s main shopping streets.We then continue to Bari Airport for our Ryanair flight FR7197, departing at 17:50 and arriving in Malta at 19:10. For Group A: Return flight FR7197 departs from Bari at 16:10 and arrives in Malta at 17:30.

Prices per Person

Excursions, Half Board & Airport Taxes Included

Price Includes

• Return direct Ryanair flights to Bari
• Transfers and excursions as per programme
• Four nights at the Hotel Crystal Palace 4★ in Andria
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Dinner at the hotel every evening
• Airport taxes
• Tour Leader
• Insolvency Protection

Price Does Not Include

• City Tax
• All entrance fees, cable cars, boat trips, trains and similar services

Please Note: The order of excursions may change due to circumstances beyond our control.

Please ask for our General Conditions.