Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Puglia, Italy | Escorted Group Women-Only Trips for Solo Travellers 2027

What to expect

Culinary Experiences

Culinary Experiences

Savour the authentic flavours of Puglia with a wine tasting in Conversano

UNESCO-listed Cities

UNESCO-listed Cities

Explore the iconic trulli of Alberobello and the ancient cave dwellings of Matera

Authentic Puglia

Authentic Puglia

Experience the living tradition of Grottaglie as you wander its charming Ceramics Quarter

Iconic Coastal Towns

Iconic Coastal Towns

Wander through the historic streets of Bari, Trani & Taranto

About this trip...

Join a group of like-minded women for an unforgettable journey through Puglia, Italy’s sun-soaked heel. This women-only adventure blends culture, cuisine and companionship as we explore whitewashed hill towns with ornate churches, winding alleyways, dramatic coastlines and timeless traditions.

Explore the vibrant streets of Bari, wander the medieval lanes of Conversano, and admire the iconic trulli of Alberobello before discovering the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni. Step back in time in the UNESCO-listed city of Matera, uncover the ancient history of Taranto, and experience the thriving ceramic traditions of Grottaglie. Along the way, savour the authentic flavours of Puglia with wine, olive oil and artisan bread tastings, celebrating the region's rich culinary heritage.

Between excursions, relax, share stories and embrace Puglia’s slower rhythm of life. With your own room and the support of a welcoming group, this tour offers the perfect mix of independence and camaraderie, empowering you to connect, explore and create lasting memories.

Puglia draws you in with the fragrance of olive groves, the golden light of its vineyards and the tranquillity of its fishing harbours. This is Southern Italy at its most authentic — and you’re invited to experience it all.

Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's included?

  • Return flights & transfers
  • One piece of checked baggage
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Twin/double Room for sole use
  • Half Board: Daily breakfast & dinner
  • Welcome drink
  • Wine tasting experience
  • Olive oil tasting at oil mill
  • Bread tasting at historic bakery
  • Entrance fees in Matera & Castel del Monte
  • Entrance to the Archaeological Museum of Taranto
  • Visit to pottery workshop in Grottaglie
  • Guide service on all excursions
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

What's extra:

  • Insurance click here
  • Tourist City Tax - EUR 4.00 per person, per night at Hotel Del Campo in Matera (payable locally)

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Puglia
  • Bari & Conversano
  • Alberobello, olive oil & the White City
  • Seaside Elegance & Medieval Majesty
  • Day at leisure
  • Matera & Altamura
  • Taranto & Grottaglie
  • Arrivederci Puglia

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrive in Puglia

Day One: Arrive in Puglia

Welcome to Puglia! Upon arrival at Bari Airport, we transfer to our hotel in Ruvo di Puglia, one of Puglia's main art towns, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and almond trees. After check-in, we gather for a relaxed welcome dinner – the perfect way to get to know your fellow travellers and start the tour in true Italian style.
  • Dinner included
Day Two: Bari & Conversano

Day Two: Bari & Conversano

Today we'll explore the lively port city of Bari. Its old town, Barivecchia, is a maze of winding alleyways perched between two harbors. As we wander the narrow streets, we’ll eventually find the Basilica of San Nicola, an 11th-century church that draws pilgrims from around the world who come to pay their respects to the saint’s relics. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of three locally produced wines at a winery in Conversano, accompanied by freshly baked focaccia and a selection of traditional Apulian appetisers.

Later, we'll discover the timeless charm of Conversano, one of Puglia's most captivating historic towns. Set on the edge of the Murgia plateau, its impressive Megalithic Walls and medieval streets reflect a rich history shaped by Byzantine, Lombard, Norman and Aragonese influences. Wander through its atmospheric centre as you uncover centuries of heritage and the legacy of the powerful Counts of Acquaviva d'Aragona.

  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Three: Alberobello, Olive Oil & the White City

Day Three: Alberobello, Olive Oil & the White City

We start the day in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its fairytale-like trulli – whitewashed stone houses topped with distinctive conical roofs. Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting old town before heading to a nearby oil mill, where we learn how this liquid gold is produced and sample a variety of local oils. In the afternoon, we continue to Ostuni, known as the ‘White City’, where sunlit whitewashed buildings and a maze of narrow streets create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy a relaxed walk through its peaceful streets, take in breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and perhaps sip a refreshing drink at a local café before heading back to our hotel.

  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Four: Medieval Majesty & Seaside Elegance

Day Four: Medieval Majesty & Seaside Elegance

Today we visit the mysterious Castel del Monte, a striking 13th-century fortress with a perfectly octagonal shape. Its harmonious blend of architecture and landscape will leave you in awe as we gaze over endless olive groves. In the afternoon, we transfer to 

Trani, a charming coastal town renowned for its cathedral dramatically perched by the sea. We’ll have time to soak in the relaxed atmosphere or explore artisan shops along the marina. 

  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Five: At Leisure

Day Five: At Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to spend exactly as you please. Unwind at the hotel, relax by the pool, or take the opportunity to explore Ruvo di Puglia at your own pace. For those eager to continue exploring, we offer an optional excursion to Monopoli & Polignano a Mare. Discover the charming coastal town of Monopoli, where Puglian tradition meets the beauty of the Adriatic coast. Wander through its atmospheric old town, explore narrow whitewashed streets, admire the historic harbour filled with colourful fishing boats, and relax beside crystal-clear waters. 

In the afternoon, we'll continue to the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. We can take time to enjoy the sea views before returning to our hotel. 
 
  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Six: Matera & Altamura

Day Six: Matera & Altamura

Today we travel inland to Matera, one of Italy’s most fascinating cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “City of Stones,” Matera is famed for its ancient cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches, and underground cisterns, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. With our local guide, we’ll explore the Sassi districts and bring the city’s history to life — visiting the Palombaro Lungo, a vast underground reservoir and stepping inside a traditional cave home to see how families once lived.

Afterward, we continue to Altamura, a charming Puglian town renowned for its historic architecture and culinary delights. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century Romanesque gem commissioned by Emperor Frederick II. No visit is complete without tasting Pane di Altamura, the town’s famous durum wheat bread, baked in traditional wood-fired ovens, a perfect treat to savour before returning to your hotel.
  • Breakfast& dinner included
Day Seven: Tarranto & Grottaglie

Day Seven: Tarranto & Grottaglie

Discover Taranto, the fascinating “City of Two Seas”, located between the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. We'll explore its ancient Old Town, where more than 2,700 years of history can be seen in its underground chambers, historic palaces, and churches. Visit the impressive MArTA Archaeological Museum, home to remarkable Greek, Roman and Byzantine treasures, including the renowned Ori di Taranto collection of ancient gold jewellery.

Continue to Grottaglie, known as the “Capital of Ceramics”, where centuries-old craftsmanship remains at the heart of the town. Wander through the charming Ceramics Quarter, explore artisan workshops, and visit a local ceramic studio to see skilled craftsmen creating beautiful handmade pieces using traditional techniques.
  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Ten: Arrivederci, Puglia

Day Ten: Arrivederci, Puglia

After breakfast, we say our farewells and transfer to Bari airport for our flight home – hearts full, taste buds tingling, and new friendships made.


  • Breakfast included

Accommodation

(as specified or similar)
  • Day 1 - 5 | Hotel Pineta Wellness & Spa, Ruvo di Puglia
  • Day 6 - 7 | Hotel del Campo, Matera

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
20 Jun 2027 27 Jun 2027 7
£2599
+approx. £7.08 local fees
  Please call for regional flights

Essential Information

Transfer
The transfer time from Bari Airport to our hotel in Ruvo di Puglia is approximately 30 minutes. From our hotel in Matera to Bari Airport the transfer time is approximately 40 minutes. 
Essential Details
It is important to consider whether this holiday is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility, and any medical conditions. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever possible. Please tell us about any disability, medical condition, or additional requirements before booking so we can assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs. If you are unsure whether this holiday is suitable for you, please contact us before booking. We will be happy to discuss the holiday requirements and your individual circumstances.
What to wear
For this trip, we recommend packing light, breathable clothing for warm days, along with comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and sightseeing. A sunhat, sunglasses, and a light scarf or shawl will come in handy for sunny afternoons and visiting churches. Evenings can be cooler, so bring a light jacket or cardigan, and perhaps something a little smarter for group dinners.
Gratuities

There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.

Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters, and hotel staff of approximately €30 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.

More to explore

You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. Please note:- Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos travelers. 

Monopoli & Polignano a Mare

Discover the charming coastal town of Monopoli, where Puglian tradition meets the beauty of the Adriatic coast. Wander through its atmospheric old town, explore narrow whitewashed streets, admire the historic harbour filled with colourful fishing boats, and relax beside crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, we'll continue to the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. We can take time to enjoy the sea views before returning to our hotel. 

Currently €90 per person

Passports and visas
Passport validity requirements If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.Your passport must be:
  • issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check if your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. Check with your transport provider or travel company that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Passport stamping At Italian border control, you may need to:
  • show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if visiting your own property (for example, a second home)
  • show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
  • show a return or onward ticket
  • prove that you have enough money for your stay. The minimum amount required depends on your accommodation
  • follow procedures if you are hosting a guest at your property in Italy
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Italy as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets. Visa requirements You can travel to countries in the Schengen areafor up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:
  • as a tourist
  • to visit family or friends
  • to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
  • for short-term studies or training
If you are travelling to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
 
From the 12th October 2025 the EU is introducing a new European Entry System (EES) that will be phased in and fully operational by the 10th April 2026. Non-EU nationals including British passport holders will now be required to complete biometric checks on arrival and exit to Schengen countries, which will include facial recognition and fingerprints. There is no cost for this, and no action needs to be taken prior to departure.
Health requirements 
Compulsory vaccinations: None. At least 8 weeks before your trip: All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. 
 
We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Italy 
 
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Italy, including the Alps and the Dolomites. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
Time Difference
Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.
Electrical Appliances
Voltage 230v
Travel adaptor type C (EuroPlug)
WhatsApp Group
Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.
Important Information

As part of health & safety we do require all our guests to be able to manage the demands of the trip. This will often include early starts with long days travelling by foot and on and off minibuses/coaches. You also must be mindful that when visiting a country with different cuisine and culture, special dietary requests cannot always be made as readily available with great choice. Please see the day by day itinerary for details of the programme.  The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change according to traffic, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond control.

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

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First Class

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David F

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Fabulous experience

Solos are extremely organised and provide fantastic holidays for people on their own. The tour leaders are of a very high standard and are extremely caring with the guests.
-Carole

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Don't Delay any Longer!

This was my first Solos holiday and it hugely exceeded my expectations. Lovely, lovely people made the holiday so special.....it will stay with me for always
-L Heaton

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Well worth going

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos holiday and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia B

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