Luxury LGBTQ+ Holidays | Hermes Holidays

Join Hermes Holidays for a luxury LGBTQ+ small group holiday through Puglia, with a spectacular taste of neighbouring Basilicata, where ancient cities, whitewashed villages, glamorous masserias, turquoise seas and extraordinary food come together in one unforgettable journey.

From Matera and Polignano al Mare to Lecce, Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, this is Southern Italy at its best, personally hosted by Kyle and Wayne, with beautiful hotels, private experiences, long lunches, sunset drinks and plenty of Hermes magic along the way.

You, sitting under the warm golden light of a Puglian late afternoon, a chilled glass of local rosato in hand, listening to the soft rustle of ancient olive trees that have stood here for centuries. There’s no rush, no schedule to chase—just the effortless, sun-drenched magic of Southern Italy unfolding around you.

Imagine waking up inside a centuries-old cave room built into the limestone cliffs of Matera, where thousands of years of history blend seamlessly with five-star luxury. Picture yourself floating along the Adriatic on a private boat, prosecco in hand, gazing up at dramatic sea caves and limestone cliffs before dipping into water so ridiculously blue it barely looks real.

One day you’re learning the secrets to fresh burrata and hand-rolled orecchiette from an Italian nonna in a sun-lit garden under lemon trees. The next, you’re indulging in a long, lazy afternoon on a reserved sunbed at a private beach club on the turquoise shores of Pescoluse—Italy’s very own Maldives—with champagne served right to your lounger.

From rooftop aperitivos overlooking Baroque palazzos in Lecce to passeggiata evening strolls along Otranto’s buzzing waterfront, this isn’t just a holiday. It’s 12 days of unadulterated luxury, authentic local soul, and unforgettable memories made in absolute style.

Located right at the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is Southern Italy at its most authentic, intoxicating, and effortlessly stylish. This is a land shaped by ancient history, dramatic coastal beauty, and simple, refined pleasures: endless groves of gnarled, centuries-old olive trees stretching toward a sapphire horizon, dramatic limestone sea cliffs dropping into crystal-clear waters, and fairy-tale hilltop towns dusted in pristine white lime.

Life here moves to a richer, gentler rhythm. Across its landscape, centuries-old masserias and conical trulli sit near medieval alleys where nonnas hand-roll fresh orecchiette. Along 800 kilometres of coastline, dramatic sea caves and limestone coves drop into vivid blue waters.

We’ve handpicked an extraordinary collection of accommodations that are much more than just a place to sleep—they are iconic destinations in their own right. From a 5-star Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel carved directly into the ancient cave cliffs of Matera to a restored 18th-century Baroque palazzo in Lecce, a historic 16th-century masseria featuring an underground party cave, and an ultra-chic coastal sanctuary near Otranto.

Every single stay strikes the perfect balance between authentic regional heritage, bespoke design, and pure five-star indulgence.

Itinerary

Accommodation

What's Included

FAQ

Welcome to Bari, the gateway to Puglia and the start of our Southern Italian adventure.

After landing, make your way to our centrally located hotel, the Mövenpick Bari. Our gang will be arriving from all over the world today, so take some time to settle in, unwind and ease into holiday mode.

Later this afternoon, we’ll all come together for the first time and head out on a walking food tour through Bari. It’s a relaxed introduction to the city, with historic streets, local flavours, plenty of delicious bites, and a chance to see the famous nonnas making orecchiette by hand outside their homes.

We’ll finish in a neighbourhood piazza as Bari hits its Saturday night stride, the streets filling, locals loving life, glasses in hand, and us easing straight into the rhythm of it all. Welcome to Puglia. This is where the fun begins.

Accommodation: Mövenpick Bari

Meals: Dinner and Drinks

This morning, we’ll make our way from Bari to the remarkable city of Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, with a history dating back more than 9,000 years.

Carved into the rocky landscape of Basilicata, Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, honey coloured stone, winding lanes and sweeping views. It is dramatic, atmospheric and unlike anywhere else in Italy. Our home for the night is Vetera Matera, a beautiful Relais & Châteaux property set right in the heart of the Sassi.

This is no ordinary hotel stay. Many of the rooms are built into the ancient caves themselves, where raw stone and understated luxury come together beautifully.

This afternoon, we’ll explore Matera with our local guide Nico, who was born and raised here. He has a wonderful way of bringing the city’s story to life, from its ancient beginnings to its extraordinary reinvention as one of Southern Italy’s most fascinating destinations.

Accommodation: Vetera Matera Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Drinks and Canapes

Our first stop is Alberobello, famous for its extraordinary trulli, the whitewashed stone houses with their conical roofs that look like something from another world.

You’ll have time to wander the streets, browse the little shops and find somewhere local for a bite to eat before we continue south. This afternoon, we arrive at our home for the next three nights, Masseria Montenapoleone.

A masseria is a traditional Puglian farmhouse, but trust us, this is no ordinary farmhouse. Dating back to the 16th century, Masseria Montenapoleone is rustic, chic and full of character. It’s easily one of the most Instagrammable places to stay in Puglia.

Set among olive groves, vineyards and open countryside, the property is all about true farm-to-table living. Much of what you’ll eat and drink here is grown, made or produced on the estate itself, from seasonal vegetables to their own olive oil and wine.

Tonight is one of our highlight dinners, as we gather in the vineyards for a long, beautiful evening of local food, estate wine and that unmistakable southern Italian magic as the sun sets over the countryside.

This is Puglia doing what Puglia does best.

Accommodation: Masseria Montenapoleone
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and Drinks

Today, the masseria is the destination and relaxation is on the menu. Spend the day by the lagoon pool, top up the tan, order a cocktail and simply relax. If you feel like something more indulgent, head to The Herbarium for a spa treatment inspired by the plants, flowers and botanical wonders of the region, or find a quiet corner of the grounds and disappear for a while.

When hunger calls, keep it relaxed by the pool, enjoy a long lazy bite at the masseria ristorante, or even have them arrange a romantic picnic somewhere beautiful in the grounds.

This afternoon, we’ll come together for a tasting of the wines produced on the estate. We’ll wander through the farm and vineyards with the masseria’s farmer, before tasting a selection of their organic wines, including their own Susumaniello red.

Just before sunset, we’ll head to spectacular Polignano al Mare, one of Puglia’s most famous seaside towns. The evening is yours to wander the old streets, find a terrace for aperitivo, or book dinner somewhere special, perhaps even the world-renowned Grotta Palazzese, set inside a cave above the sea.

Accommodation: Masseria Montenapoleone

Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting

This morning, we’ll head out on a flotilla of small boats to explore one of the most photographed stretches of coastline in Puglia. Dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, sea caves, swim stops and that ridiculous blue Adriatic water. It's absolute paradise. And because it’s important to stay hydrated, there’ll be prosecco and a few local Puglian bites on board. Sun, sea, bubbles, you get the idea.

Afterwards, we’ll make our way to nearby Monopoli, another gorgeous coastal town with a beautiful old harbour, whitewashed streets and plenty of places to sit, sip and watch the world go by. There’ll be time here to explore at your own pace, browse the little boutiques, find a spot for a drink, or simply lose yourself in the old town for a while.

Later, we return to the masseria before tonight’s very special change of pace.

Dinner, drinks and dancing await in the Babylon Cave — an underground club set right within the grounds of Masseria Montenapoleone. Yes, really.

Accommodation: Masseria Montenapoleone

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and Drinks

This morning, we say arrivederci to Masseria Montenapoleone and make our way south towards Lecce, the capital of the Salento region. But first, we stop in Ostuni, known as La Città Bianca, the White City. Sitting high above a sea of ancient olive groves, Ostuni is all whitewashed walls, winding medieval alleys, hidden courtyards and views stretching out towards the Adriatic.

You’ll have time to explore at your own pace, slip into a few boutiques, grab a coffee or simply soak up one of Puglia’s most beautiful hilltop towns.

From here, it’s just a short drive to a local family home, where we’ll be welcomed with that warm Southern Italian hospitality Puglia does so well.

Our cooking class takes place under the lemon and olive trees in the garden, with recipes, stories and little kitchen secrets passed down through generations.

Nonna is going to show us how to make Puglian classics like focaccia, fresh burrata and orecchiette. While lunch cooks, we’ll settle into proper Southern Italian mode, with music, singing, a little Taranta, and yes, probably more glasses of wine, before sitting down together for a long family lunch around the table. This is the kind of experience you don’t get in a restaurant.

It’s generous, personal and designed to make you feel at home. Later, we’ll make our way to Lecce and check into the stunning five star Patria Palace, a former Baroque Palazzo and member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Perfectly located in the heart of the city, you’ll have restaurants, bars, cafés and gelaterias all within easy walking distance.

Accommodation: Patria Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Drinks

After a relaxed morning, we’ll meet our local specialist Francesca and head out on a walking food tour through Lecce’s historic centre, the beautiful Baroque capital of Salento. Lecce is often called the Florence of the South, which sounds like a big claim, until you arrive and realise it absolutely lives up to it. This is the perfect way to get under the skin of the city.

As we explore the old town with Francesca, she’ll bring the history, stories and architecture to life, from the extraordinary Basilica di Santa Croce to Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the Roman amphitheatre and the elegant lanes that make this city so easy to fall for.

Of course, this is Hermes Holidays, so we’ll also be eating and drinking along the way.

Today is all about the flavours of Lecce and Salento, from Caffè Leccese and pasticciotto to local taralli, olive oil, rustico leccese, local wines and spumone.

It’s a beautiful mix of food, history, culture and local life, giving you a real taste of the city and the region around it.

The tour finishes early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day and evening yours to enjoy Lecce at your own pace. Browse the boutiques, discover why Lecce has such a reputation for great fashion, find a sunny table for an aperitivo, or head back out later for a gorgeous dinner in one of the city’s local restaurants.

Accommodation: Patria Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Drinks

After another incredible breakfast at Patria Palace, and yes, breakfast here is very much an experience, we’ll enjoy a relaxed morning before making our way further south to Otranto. Our home for the next three nights is the spectacular Baglioni Masseria Muzza Resort and Spa, our most luxurious stay yet. Whitewashed walls, olive trees, infinity pools, gorgeous terraces, sea air and fine dining.

This is Puglia at its most glamorous, and you’ll feel like a celebrity the moment you arrive. Once we reach the resort it’s straight to the pool while the team prepares our rooms. Claim a sun lounger, order something cold, grab a bite at the poolside restaurant and let the afternoon drift beautifully by.

After time to settle in, we’ll head into Otranto just before sunset, when the town is at its most beautiful. The waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants, but tucked behind it is a maze of little streets that really come alive at night. Evening shopping is a major part of the passeggiata, the Italian evening stroll, and as it’s Saturday, the whole town will be absolutely buzzing.

Accommodation: Baglioni Masseria Muzza Resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Today is completely yours. After a big few days of exploring, eating, drinking, cooking, dancing and generally living your best Southern Italian life, this is your day to slow down and do exactly as you please.

Our hope is that you return home feeling rested, recharged and properly relaxed.

You may want to spend the day by the pool, tucked into a cabana with a book, a cold drink and absolutely no plans. You may want to disappear into the spa, where hydromassage pools, steam, sauna, sensory showers and beautiful Italian treatments are all waiting to work their magic.

The hotel also runs a complimentary shuttle throughout the day and evening, so you can head back into Otranto whenever the mood strikes. Wander the old town, browse the shops, settle in somewhere for lunch or simply find a table by the water and stay there longer than intended.

For those craving a proper beach day, jump on the hotel shuttle to nearby Coco Bay Beach Club, with sunbeds, sea views and the kind of long, lazy lunch that feels exactly right in this part of the world.

Accommodation: Baglioni Masseria Muzza Resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we head right down to the very tip of the heel of Italy’s boot, to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. From here, we’ll board our private boats for a three hour cruise exploring both coastlines, including the meeting point of the two seas.

We’ll spend plenty of time on the Ionian side, where the coast is all sea caves, hidden coves and water so turquoise it barely looks real, with swim stops in all the right places. And because it would be rude not to, there’ll be a light lunch on board with local Salento specialities, including puccia, frise with tomato and olive oil, seasonal fruit, prosecco, and a few more delicious local bites.

After our cruise, we’ll make the short drive to Pescoluse, often called the Maldives of Italy, for an afternoon at Le Cinque Vele, one of the most luxurious beach clubs on the Salento coast. Sun loungers, umbrellas and champagne are included, so all you need to do is settle in, swim, sip and enjoy one very glamorous afternoon by the sea.

Accommodation: Baglioni Masseria Muzza Resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Drinks

After a relaxed morning at the resort, we begin our journey north, returning to Bari for our final night together. There is something lovely about finishing where we began. By now, the strangers from Day 1 are friends, the stories are already legendary, and Puglia has well and truly worked its magic.

We’ll stop for lunch along the way before checking back into the Mövenpick Bari. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the city at your own pace. Head back into Bari Vecchia for a wander, a gelato from the famous Gelateria Gentile, a little shopping, or a prosecco in the sun.

This evening, we’ll come together and walk into Bari Vecchia for our farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in town. It’s our chance to celebrate the places we’ve discovered, the experiences we’ve shared, the ridiculous amount of food we’ve eaten, the drinks we’ve drunk, and most importantly, the wonderful friends we’ve shared it all with.

Accommodation: Mövenpick Bari

Meals: Dinner with Drinks

We’ve curated an extraordinary collection of accommodations that are far more than just a place to sleep—they are iconic destinations in their own right. From a 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel carved directly into the ancient cave cliffs of Matera to a restored 18th-century Baroque palazzo in Lecce, a historic 16th-century masseria with a private underground party cave, and an ultra-chic coastal sanctuary in Otranto, every single stay strikes the perfect balance between authentic regional heritage, bespoke design, and pure five-star indulgence.

Mövenpick Hotel Bari

Our Puglia adventure starts and ends at the Mövenpick Hotel Bari, a stylish four star hotel in a great spot for exploring the city.

Everyone will stay in a Privilege Room, with around 30 square metres of space, giving you plenty of room to ease into holiday mode. From here, it’s easy to wander into Bari Vecchia for narrow lanes, lively piazzas, local restaurants and nonnas making orecchiette by hand outside their homes.

It’s a comfortable first base, and a lovely final stop before we say arrivederci.

Vetera Matera

For our night in Matera, we stay at Vetera Matera, a five star luxury hotel and member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and Vetera places us right in the heart of its ancient Sassi, where stone lanes, cave dwellings and thousands of years of history create one of the most atmospheric settings in Italy.

Many of the hotel’s beautifully restored rooms are built into these ancient spaces, blending raw stone, soft lighting and contemporary luxury in a way that feels completely unique. It’s just one night, but trust us, it’s a night you’ll remember.

Masseria Montenapoleone

Photographed and loved stays in Puglia.

This is rustic glamour at its best: a historic farmhouse surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards and open countryside, brought back to life with sustainable design, vintage pieces, soft colours, original details and all the modern comforts you need.

Every room is different, and that is very much part of the charm. Expect character, texture, history and a little bit of magic rather than cookie cutter hotel rooms.

The masseria is made for long, lazy days, with a stunning lagoon pool, beautiful gardens, an on site bar and restaurant, true farm to table dining and plenty of places to sit with something cold and simply soak it all in.

During our stay, we’ll enjoy a highlight dinner in the vineyards, taste the organic wines produced on the estate, and spend one very memorable evening in Babylon Cave, the masseria’s underground bar and party space.

Patria Palace Lecce

For two nights, we stay at Patria Palace Lecce, Puglia’s first five star hotel and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Set inside a former 18th century palace once owned by a noble family from Naples, the hotel has been beautifully restored, with a mix of recently renovated rooms and suites that bring together history, elegance and modern comfort.

The location is hard to beat. You are right in the heart of Lecce, with the old town, restaurants, bars, cafés, boutiques and gelaterias all waiting just outside your door.

And then there is Sira, the hotel’s spectacular rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a drink or aperitivo while looking across to the Basilica of Santa Croce, so close it almost feels within reach.

Breakfast here is also something special. Honestly, it has to be seen to be believed.

Baglioni Masseria Muzza Resort & Spa

For three glorious nights near Otranto, we check into Baglioni Masseria Muzza Resort & Spa, and yes, this is where the luxury really kicks in. Set among olive groves, countryside and sea air, this five star retreat brings together whitewashed masseria style, polished Italian service, beautiful dining, indulgent spa facilities and the kind of pool situation that makes you seriously consider cancelling all plans.

Our group will stay in a mix of Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites, each with its own private outdoor area. Deluxe Rooms offer around 40 square metres of interior space plus a private patio, while the larger suites offer even more room to stretch out and settle in.

Think hydromassage showers, soft robes, relaxed resort glamour, long pool days, sunset drinks and that glorious feeling of being somewhere ridiculously special.

After days exploring Lecce, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and the Salento coast, this is exactly where you want to come home to.

11 nights of luxury accommodation throughout Puglia and Basilicata
Daily breakfast
Welcome walking food tour in Bari with dinner and drinks
Guided walking tour of Matera with our local specialist Nico
Rooftop drinks and canapés in Matera
Visit to Alberobello, famous for its whitewashed trulli
Three nights at Masseria Montenapoleone near Fasano
Highlight dinner in the vineyards at Masseria Montenapoleone, with drinks
Organic wine tasting at Masseria Montenapoleone
Evening visit to Polignano al Mare
Private boat experience along the Polignano al Mare coastline, with swim stops, prosecco and local bites
Time to explore Monopoli
Dinner, drinks and dancing in Babylon Cave at Masseria Montenapoleone
Visit to Ostuni, the famous White City
Private cooking class at a local family home, followed by a long family lunch with drinks
Two nights at Patria Palace in Lecce
Guided walking food tour of Lecce with our local specialist Francesca, including local food and wine tastings
Three nights at Baglioni Masseria Muzza Resort and Spa near Otranto
Evening visit to Otranto
Private boat cruise from Santa Maria di Leuca including lunch and drinks on board
Afternoon at Le Cinque Vele beach club, including sun loungers, umbrellas and champagne
Final night in Bari
Farewell dinner in Bari Vecchia, with drinks
Private group transfers throughout the itinerary
Local taxes and gratuities for included services
Personal hosting by Kyle and Wayne throughout the trip

What airport do I need to fly into and out of?
For Puglia by Hermes Holidays, you should fly into and out of Bari Airport.
The tour begins in Bari on Saturday, 11 September 2027, and finishes in Bari after breakfast on Wednesday, 22 September 2027.

We recommend booking flights that arrive into Bari no later than 2:00pm on the first day, so you have enough time to transfer to the hotel, check in, freshen up and be ready for our Welcome Walking Food Tour of Bari Vecchia.

Bari Airport is officially called Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, and the airport code is BRI.
Getting from the Airport to the hotel
From Bari Airport, the easiest option is usually a taxi or Uber directly to Mövenpick Hotel Bari. The journey generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Taxis are available outside the arrivals area, and fares into central Bari are usually around €25 to €35. Uber is also available at Bari Airport, with pricing shown in the app before you confirm your ride.
What is the activity level of this tour?
Puglia by Hermes Holidays is a fairly active tour, so a good level of fitness is required.
Many of the towns we visit are historic, which means plenty of walking, cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, steps, slopes and old town centres that are best explored on foot. We also have full days out where you may be on your feet for extended periods.

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for a few hours at a time, managing stairs and uneven ground, and keeping up with the group at a relaxed sightseeing pace.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential and should be broken in before the tour.
Do you accommodate single travellers?
Yes, absolutely. Many of our guests travel solo, and we always do our best to make single travellers feel welcome from the very beginning.
For Puglia by Hermes Holidays, we have allocated a limited number of rooms for solo travellers, available with a single supplement.

We also offer a roommate matching option. If you would like to share a room, we can match you with another traveller of the same gender who is also looking to share.
Is this trip suitable for couples or friends travelling together?
Absolutely. Puglia by Hermes Holidays is perfect for solo travellers, couples and friends travelling together.
Our small group holidays are social without being overwhelming, so you can enjoy the company of the group while still having plenty of time to enjoy the trip your own way.

At the time of booking, you can also let us know whether you would prefer one king bed or two twin beds.

Whether you arrive on your own, with your partner or with a friend, you will be welcomed into the group from the very beginning.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Most travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States do not need a visa for short holidays in Italy and much of Europe, provided they are travelling as tourists and staying within the permitted time limits.

For the Schengen Area, this is generally up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Entry rules can vary depending on your passport, nationality, travel history and which countries you are visiting, so it is important to check the latest requirements for your own itinerary before you travel.
From late 2026, visa exempt travellers may also need to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to many European countries, including Italy. It will be a simple online pre travel authorisation once the system begins.
We will keep guests updated as the official requirements are confirmed, but all travellers remain responsible for checking the latest entry rules for their own passport and travel plans before departure.

If your trip includes the United Kingdom before or after Europe, please note that the UK has its own entry requirements and may require a separate UK Electronic Travel Authorisation or visa.

We recommend checking the relevant embassy, consulate or your government travel advice website well before departure to confirm the latest rules for your passport and travel plans.
What do I need to pack for Puglia?
September is a beautiful time to explore Puglia. Expect warm days, balmy evenings and plenty of time outdoors, so pack light summer clothes, shorts, linen shirts, t-shirts, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Good walking shoes are essential.

We will be exploring old towns, cobblestone streets, uneven lanes, steps and historic centres where comfort wins every time. Bring the fabulous shoes, by all means, but maybe save them for dinner.

You will also want swimwear for the masseria pools, our boat days and our afternoon at Le Cinque Vele beach club. A kaftan, linen shirt or chic beach cover up will also come in very handy.
For evenings, think relaxed smart casual. Puglia is stylish without being too formal, so pack a few outfits for beautiful dinners, sunset drinks, rooftop moments and our final night in Bari.

We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, any personal medications, a European travel adaptor, and any toiletries or face cloths you prefer to use, as face washers are not always common in European hotels.
Are there any optional tours or hidden costs?
No. Puglia by Hermes Holidays has been designed so the key experiences are already included in the price.
We do not believe in advertising a low base price and then asking guests to pay extra for the experiences they actually came for. There are no optional tours, no hidden charges and no extra gratuities to budget for once you arrive.

Your tour price includes beautiful hotels, private experiences, highlight meals, selected drinks, local specialists, group transfers, gratuities for included services and personal hosting by Kyle and Wayne.

Your itinerary clearly outlines what is included each day, including which meals and drinks are part of the tour. There will also be free time throughout the journey to explore at your own pace and enjoy beautiful local restaurants, cafés and bars independently.
What electrical sockets are used in Italy?
Italy uses European style power sockets, so you will need a two round pin European plug adaptor.
The standard voltage in Italy is 230V. Travellers from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and most of Europe will generally only need a plug adaptor.

Travellers from the United States, Canada or other countries using lower voltage should check that their devices are dual voltage before plugging them in. Most phones, laptops and camera chargers are usually fine, but some items, such as hair dryers or styling tools, may need a voltage converter.

We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor, plus a small multi USB charger if you travel with multiple devices.
Do you cater for special diets?
Of course! Please let us know through your online booking form if you have any strict dietary requirements. For example, we definitely cater for vegetarians, vegans, lactose intolerant, but we do not cater for “fad diets” such as Keto, Atkins etc. We also do not need to know if you do not like, for example, pumpkin or red onions (unless it is an allergy). One of the beauties of travel is trying new foods and new flavours. This itinerary has been designed as a “food and wine experience” so we encourage you all to be adventurous and sample things that you may not necessarily try at home. Whilst wine will be a focal point of the tour, please let us know if you do not drink alcohol and we will have alternative drinks for you.
Are gratuities included?
Yes. Gratuities for included services are already included in your Puglia by Hermes Holidays tour price.
This includes tips for the included guides, drivers and arranged experiences throughout the itinerary. There is no tipping kitty and no extra gratuity payment to budget for once you arrive.
Of course, if you receive wonderful service outside the included itinerary, such as at a restaurant during your free time, you are always welcome to tip at your own discretion.
Can we add extra nights?
Yes, subject to availability.
If you would like to arrive early or stay longer in Bari before or after Puglia by Hermes Holidays, please let us know when you make your booking and we can request extra nights at Mövenpick Hotel Bari for you.

We can often access better rates than those available online, so we are very happy to help arrange this where possible.
Is this tour suitable if I do not drink alcohol?
Yes, absolutely. While Puglia by Hermes Holidays includes wine tastings, drinks with selected meals and plenty of lovely Italian aperitivo moments, you do not need to drink alcohol to enjoy the trip.

Please let us know when you make your booking if you do not drink alcohol, and we will arrange suitable alternatives where possible.

The focus of the trip is the food, scenery, culture, beautiful hotels and shared experiences, not how much wine is in your glass.
Is Puglia “gay friendly”?
Yes, Puglia is generally considered one of Italy’s more gay friendly regions, especially in popular coastal towns and summer destinations.
Bari hosts its own Pride festival, and during the summer months, many southern coastal areas become popular with LGBTQ+ travellers, with beach clubs, parties and events attracting a diverse crowd.

That said, Puglia is not Amsterdam or Mykonos. Many of the places we visit are historic towns, small villages and local communities, so the atmosphere is more relaxed, stylish and culturally rich than full throttle gay nightlife.

As always, Hermes Holidays chooses hotels, restaurants, guides and experiences with care, so our guests can feel welcomed, comfortable and looked after throughout the trip.