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Small Group  |  Off the Beaten Path  | Authentic & Immersive

SECRETS OF SOUTHERN ITALY

Small Group Tour

DAYS

9

GUESTS

7

DATES

May 24 - Jun 1, 2025

FROM

$4999

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About Creative Edge Travel's Small Group Tours of Puglia

ABOUT THIS TRIP

You’ve never experienced a trip like this! Mingling with locals at every turn, losing yourself in cliff-clung villages, listening to stories soaked with tradition, and tasting recipes handed down for generationsprepare to discover the Secrets of Southern Italy!

 

For immersion-seekers who crave to connect with the genuine culture and leave the crowds behind, the gorgeous facade of Puglia hides an ancient history that pulls you into the core of this magical region. Here in the heel of the boot, we’ll experience authentic places still wild with mystery and alive with tradition!

Creative Edge Travel Puglia Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

LEARN

the art of gelato-making from a family that has done it for over 100 years.

 

EXPERIENCE

folk music and dancing in the countryside.

 

RELAX

on a boat while discovering hidden beaches and sea caves.

FEAST

on seafood just steps from where it was caught.

MEET

locals and listen to their life stories.

COOK

mouth-watering recipes at a traditional "masseria" farmhouse.

Step into Italy as if you're a Local.

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary for Small Group Tours of Puglia

Day 1: Let's Get this Party Started!

Day 1: Let's Get this Party Started!

After a long journey, we'll meet at Bari Airport and head to our first base; the charming seaside town of Polignano! Here you can relax at our B&B (located in the beautiful historic center) or wander the winding, cobblestone streets with incredible sea views around every corner. In the evening, we'll have a welcome aperitivo to get to know each other, followed by a group dinner in a special seafood restaurant!

Meals Included: Aperitivo, Dinner

Add our Mysteries of Matera trip for an extended stay!

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Secrets of Southern Italy

May 24 - June 1, 2025

8 nights, 9 days

$4999 per person double occupancy

+$1000 for private room

Book your spot with $800 deposit

Payment plans available!

Small Group Limited to 7 Guests

Easy Extension Available for 3 nights in Matera

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INCLUDED
in Your Southern Italy Tour

  • 8 nights' accommodation at 3 B&Bs (Polignano, Monte S. Angelo, Peschici)

  • 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners including wine

  • Carbon Footprint Offset

  • Private Driver

  • Flight Expert to research and book flights

  • Arrival/Departure Transfers to/from Bari

  • Trip Leader fluent in English and Italian

  • Pre-Trip Prep: Cultural and Italian language guidance, packing tips, and additional resources to fully connect you with what you'll experience!

  • Local recommendations in each destination

All Activities

  • Welcome Aperitivo

  • Tour of Monopoli

  • Artisan Studio Visit

  • Cheese Farm Visit & Tasting

  • Cooking Class

  • Private folk music at a Masseria

  • Tour of Monte Sant’Angelo

  • Beach Picnic

  • Guided Hike to an Abandoned Abbey 

  • Gelato Workshop

  • Private Boat Tour along the Gargano Coast

  • Visit to a historic trabucco

  • Sunset dinner on the coast

  • ...and more!

Excluded: Flights, Meals not described, Mandatory Travel Insurance, Optional Tips

Deposits are non-refundable. See cancellation policy for more details. Payment plans available, just ask! We can also plan a custom extension before or after this tour.

Dates don't work? Get in touch to personalize this trip!

Watch

The video

NEXT CHANCE TO GO:

May 24 - June 1, 2025

Reviews

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My Creative Edge trip was like no other. Small group travel is the way to go! No huge buses! Just unique experiences that you would never get in a large travel group. It felt like a friend was showing me around to her local friends places. Was the best trip I have ever done!!

-Robin Paulus, California

Secrets of Southern Italy + Mysteries of Matera, May 2019

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We experienced the most amazing time and trip through Italy with our tour guide, Sierra. Talking to the Italians and hearing their life stories as they shared their strong love for their city and their country. Matera is the third oldest city in the world and to hear the history of their beginning to now as the generations of the families share their knowledge and their personal experience. I can go on and on. It was an exceptional trip to Italy where we became immersed with the local people who shared so much of their heritage with us besides seeing the cities' historical landmarks. If you want to see Italy in a deeper and personal way, along with the landmarks, I highly recommend you booking Creative Edge Travel with Sierra as your guide.

 

-Marty Darling, Secrets of Southern Italy + Mysteries of Matera

 Want more details? We love to talk about our trips!

Click below to schedule a call!

  • Who your small group trips for?
    From solo travelers to groups of friends or couples, our small groups of 7 travelers are made of all ages (18 or above). We enjoy becoming a little community as we slurp through plates of pasta and laugh trying to pronounce Italian words. Our guests understand that travel in Italy can hold unexpected surprises and they’re up for going with the flow, trusting that we know the best place to be at any moment. They’re open-minded, love trying new things, and are accustomed to toeing the boundaries of their comfort zone for the rewarding experiences that lay just outside it. Our trips attract those who appreciate creativity and the arts, nature, meeting locals, and seeing things outside the guidebook that might not be luxurious but are authentic and genuine. All ages above 18 are welcome and we encourage the cross-generational exchange that occurs. A strong effort is made to make everyone feel part of the group no matter what age, race, gender, sexual preference, or hair-do! Our off-the-beaten-path, immersive and laid-back travel style isn’t for everyone. If you're not sure let's chat about it!
  • Are flights included?
    International flights are not included in the trip cost. We may be able to help you research the best flights for your needs, just ask! For full details on what's included, head to Upcoming Trips, select the trip you're interested in, then click the button to "Get the Detailed Itinerary". Or simply Get in Touch!
  • I have to cancel the trip. Will I get a refund?
    Our small group trips are carefully budgeted for 7 participants and we're making payments for the trip long before you book your spot. This means we have to adhere to a strict Cancellation Policy in order to maintain cost effectiveness for everyone. However, we require you to purchase travel insurance in an effort to provide some protection from potential losses should you need to cancel*. Please take a look at our Cancellation Policy for more info. *It is up to you to make sure your travel insurance policy includes trip cancellation coverage. Click here for Travel Insurance info.
  • Do I need travel insurance?
    Yep, Travel Insurance is required to join our small group trips. If you're doing custom trip planning, you can opt out of travel insurance, but we highly recommend protecting your investment with insurance. Please click here for our guidance on travel insurance!
  • Do I need a visa to visit Italy?
    Typically, for tourism purposes, many visitors to Italy don't require a visa for short stays (less than 90 days) if they are from countries with visa-exempt agreements, such as the US. This website can help you understand if you need a visa or not. Need help? Simply reach out to our team, we would be happy to help guide you!
  • Do you provide a packing list?
    What to pack for your trip depends on the season and region you'll be visiting. Your trip leader will send you suggestions and a packing list before your trip. You can check out our blog posts about packing: Your Packing Guide for Fall in Tuscany Spring in Italy Packing List How to Pack for a Spring Trip to Tuscany How to Organize Your Suitcase for Stress-Free Travel
  • Can you make one of your group tours private?
    Absolutely! We offer Custom Trip Planning and can use one of our existing trips as the base for your private trip which we'll then customize together.
  • What are the group sizes of your small group tours?
    While most tour companies boast small group sizes of 14-30 people, Creative Edge Travel small group tours have a maximum of just 7 guests. This allows us to have more immersive access into the culture, whether it's visiting our artisan friend in their studio or dining in a tiny "trullo" house. It also gives you more personalized attention and freedom to enjoy the trip the way that suits you best!
  • Is there a single supplement?
    If you'd like to have a private room, yes, there is a single supplement. Otherwise you can share a room to lower your cost! Most tours will automatically match you with a roommate if you book a Double Room and aren't bringing your own travel partner along to room with. If you do not wish to share, simply upgrade to a Single Room which will be private. Some tours, such as Secrets of Southern Italy, do not offer the possibility to be matched with a roommate as it's not possible to have separate beds in those B&Bs. When deciding whether or not to share a room, please consider what would create the best possible experience for you and others rooming with you if you know that you snore, need more personal space, or are a light sleeper. We do our best to match you with someone we think you’d be compatible with, but we of course cannot guarantee you will get along. You will never be matched with someone of the opposite sex. Email questions to sierra@creativeedgetravel.com
  • What if I don't want to travel with a group?
    No problem! We also offer Custom Trip Planning for a day-by-day itinerary arranged especially for you. If you are planning your own trip but are looking for a few unique experiences to add to your itinerary, take a look at our Italy Immersions!
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