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Bespoke

Puglia Bespoke

Experience old-world Italy in the heel of the boot

Country

Italy

Accommodation Options

Boutique hotels & private villas

Things to See & Do

Biking, hiking, art, culture & culinary

Best Time To Go

April – July, September – November

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Carbon Neutral Trip

Puglia is sun-soaked, salt-kissed and straight-up irresistible. Ride through olive groves, past whitewashed towns and cone-roofed trulli, then feast on seafood and sip wine under the stars. Pair it with neighbouring Matera in Basilicata, with its ancient stone beauty, and you’ve got Italy at its most soulful. History, flavour and southern charm—served with extra olive oil, of course.

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Natural Beauty
Puglia and Basilicata enchant with their extraordinary natural beauty, cultural heritage and millennial history.

Local Connections
If the spectacular hotels, crystal-clear waters, hillsides full of olive groves and vineyards don’t enchant you, the authenticity and generosity of the locals will.

Time Travel

Travelling with B&R to this region is a journey through time, where every food you taste and every stone you observe tells mythological stories.

In Puglia, the spirit of old-world Italy comes to life

Experience Designer

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Ernesto Fucci

Regions of Speciality:

Puglia, Basilicata, Sicily

Apulian Explorer
Ernesto was born and raised in Southern Italy, and after travelling the world he returned to his home base to share his love of the region with fellow travellers. You can be sure you’ll eat very well on his trips—food is a serious passion of his. Ernesto has worked as a private chef, continues his family’s tradition of producing olive oil, and is currently studying to become a sommelier. Before he began planning trips, he spent seven years guiding them, and has an extensive local network to invite B&R travellers in for authentic connection.

Trip Inspiration

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Ride along one of Italy's most beautiful coastal roads, before entering the world of Puglian with a passionate local wine producer.

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The turquoise waters of Puglia offer a welcome respite after biking along coastal roads, dive in and enjoy!

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Immerse yourself in Puglia’s charm while biking through picturesque regions like Alberobello, a whimsical town with conical white houses offering a delightful, slow-paced escape.

Inspiration

Explore Puglia on Two Wheels

After years of biking just about every route possible, we’ve landed upon the perfect paths through whitewashed villages and impressive landscapes. Ride through the whimsical, conical UNESCO town of Alberobello and hop off your bike to swim in one of our favourite caves.
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Recommended Duration: 5-9 days

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Best Time To Go: April – mid July, September – November

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Things to See and Do: Hike the stunning Ostuni city, and a farm-to-table lunch in an exclusive Masseria.

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Don't Miss Out On: Learning the ancient art of cheese making with our friends in Alberobello.

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Feel the sea breeze as you walk along the coast to the charming fisherman village of Monopoli, the pearl of the Adriatic.

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Walk the stunning sandstone cliff top of Torre Sant'Andrea in Lecce and take in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Adriatic Sea—then dive in and explore the caves below.

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In neighbouring Basilicata, explore the Palaeolithic city of Matera on foot, uncovering the 'Sassi di Matera'—ancient cave dwellings scattered throughout the town.

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Discover Puglia & Basilicata on Foot

Unearth Italy’s enchanting heel by foot on countryside and seaside trails. Discover a combination of historical treasures and incredible scenery, from the Adriatic coast to the labyrinth of cave dwellings in Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region.

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Recommended Duration: 5-9 days

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Best Time To Go: April – mid July, September – November

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Things to See and Do: Walk amidst thousand-year-old olive trees and dry-stone walls along ancient pilgrimage paths.

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Don't Miss Out On: The stunning Palaeolithic city of Matera.

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Step back in time with your family in Puglia. Wander through a centuries-old Masseria in Salento and cross a historic drawbridge, whose captivating history will enchant all ages.

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After hiking ancient trails, find yourself at the water’s edge where a sailboat awaits, ready to take you on an exciting afternoon of snorkelling in Puglia’s crystal-clear waters.

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Lively local music fills the town squares, where traditional folk bands play and everyone—parents and kids alike—joins in dancing the Tarantella or Pizzica.

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Multi-Active Family Adventure in Puglia

Reconnect with the family on a rejuvenating, active and educational adventure. Zipline over birch forests, learn to toss a pizza, kayak and spelunk through secret caves, catch a beach sunset on horseback or perhaps sail to our secret snorkelling spot. A family trip in Puglia is full of cultivating experiences for all ages. And best of all, parents can sit back and relax—we’ve got everything covered.

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Recommended Duration: 5-9 days

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Best Time To Go: April – mid July, September – November

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Things to See and Do: Kayaking with our instructors before relaxing in the unspoilt nature of Salento.

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Don't Miss Out On: The unforgettable horseback ride along the bay, watching the sunset.

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Simplicity meets sophistication in Puglia’s refreshingly sumptuous cuisine. Savour fresh seafood, local wines and rich olive oil, made from seasonal and local produce.

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Walk through the narrow streets of the Baroque city of Lecce in the company of local artists, and explore ancient ruins like the Roman Ampitheatre of Lecce—which dates back to the 2nd century AD.

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Learn to twist a mozzarella braid with our friend, a delicious hands-on experience that reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage and culture.

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Puglia Through Art, Culture & Food

Dive into the enogastronomy of a region that prides itself in simplicity and an abundance of fresh produce and elegant wines. Be submerged into localisms with experts who are long-standing B&R friends—whether it's an exclusive tour of a private art gallery with the owner, twisting a mozzarella braid with a local expert, examining native flowers with a botanist or learning to hammer the local stone (pietra Leccese) with an artist.

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Recommended Duration: 5-12 days

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Best Time To Go: April – mid July, September – November

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Things to See and Do: Meet B&R friend Giovanni and enter the magical world of liquid gold (olive oil), a cornerstone of southern Italian culture.

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Don't Miss Out On: The ancient art of papier-mâché with one of Puglia's most important contemporary artists.

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Relax poolside at your private villa, enjoying the Italian sun and the fragrant scents of the vines.

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Experience ultimate luxury in your private villa—unpack once and unwind with exclusive amenities, like a spa, all to yourself.

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Want to uncover the secrets of Puglian cuisine without leaving your villa? Enjoy a private cooking lesson with the in-house chef right at your doorstep.

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Embrace Luxury in Your Own Private Villa

Our handpicked luxury villas allow you to unpack once and explore the surrounding area. Rich in visit-worthy sites and activities along the coast, UNESCO Sites, the impressive Late Baroque city of Lecce and Palaeolithic cave dwellings of Matera—you’ll be spoiled for choice. Whether you opt to bike or hike to the sea in the morning, hang back for a private art lesson poolside or take a cooking lesson with the in-house chef, we're sure you'll have plenty to share over dinner together.
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Recommended Duration: 7-14 days

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Best Time To Go: April – mid July, September – November

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Things to See and Do: Meet local artists in the charming village of Polignano a Mare.

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Don't Miss Out On: A sunset yoga lesson overlooking the ocean.

Featured stays

Itinerary

Palazzo Bozzi Corso

Location: Lecce, Italy

Itinerary

Hotel Sant'Angelo Matera

Location: Matera, Italy

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Paragon 700

Location: Ostuni, Italy

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Masseria Torre Maizza

Location: Savelletri, Italy

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Naturalis Bio Resort & Spa

Location: Salento, Italy

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Le Capase Resort Salento

Location: Salento, Italy

“This trip exceeded my expectations on all fronts. I couldn't have imagined anything better! ”

This trip exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The logistics, cultural experiences, biking, the level of detail and service. The private events took our breath away—I couldn't have imagined anything better!

— Elise L; New York, US

“Puglia is a state of mind, a place that enraptures the heart.”

Puglia is a state of mind, a place that enraptures the heart with its authenticity and magic. I have returned to this land after much wandering around the world, and I look forward to sharing my passion for this wonderful corner of Italy.

— Ernesto Fucci, Experience Designer

Process

Step 1

Let's connect

Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our Experience Designers will kick off the planning.

Step 2

Detailed Brief

After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you’ll receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations. An initial Trip Development Fee is made before moving to the next stage.

Step 3

Customized Itinerary and Confirmation

Your Experience Designer will share a tailored trip plan and will collaborate to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip deposit is requested to confirm your trip, with full payment made 95 days* before departure. 

Step 4

Support, Start to Finish

Before your trip, you’ll receive details on every step of your journey. You’ll have dedicated support while on trip, and when you return, our Traveller Relationship team will be ready to welcome your feedback and explore ideas for your next B&R adventure!

* Final payment terms may vary based on destination and type of trip.

Good to know

Get Involved
Get Involved

B&R’s Slow Fund currently supports Olivami, an organization helping to restore Puglia’s olive tree population.

Why choose a Bespoke trip?

An Effortless Journey

Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means you’re in the best hands to plan your dream trip.


Lifelong Memories

Our Bespoke trips are often described as lifechanging. When every detail and magical moment is planned just for you and your group – you'll get exactly what you’re after, and more. The perfect addition to the memory book.


Years of Local Friendships

We’ve been at this since 1966, and our Experience Designers have been planting seeds and building friendships around the world since day one. The loyalty we share with our connections is invaluable and is what allows us to give access exclusive to B&R.


Creativity and Spontaneity

From our office to our guides on the road, every person who touches your trip pours their passion and creativity into it. When you travel Bespoke, you’ll work closely with passionate planners to create the perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.

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