Matera and Puglia

The southern edge of Italy

8 days From €4800 per person
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Introduction

This itinerary offers a balanced introduction to southern Italy, combining cultural landmarks, small towns, and rural landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival in Bari and transfer to Matera

Arrival in Bari and independent pick-up of your rental car, or private transfer with an English-speaking driver. Travel inland toward Matera, crossing a changing landscape that introduces the rural character of southern Italy.  

Check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to settle in or take a first walk through the historic center.  

Overnight in Matera.

MATERA2_OVERVIEW

Day 2: Matera

Meet your private local guide for an in-depth visit to Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Sassi, the historic district carved into limestone, walking through a network of caves, stairways, and narrow streets that tell the story of centuries of adaptation and resilience. Learn how homes, churches, and workshops were once integrated into the rock itself, and why Matera has become a frequent setting for films inspired by biblical times. 

The afternoon is free to explore independently and absorb the atmosphere of the city at your own pace. 

Overnight in Matera.

MATERA_OVERVIEW

Day 3: Alberobello

Depart from Matera and travel toward Alberobello, in the heart of Puglia. 

Join a private guided visit of this UNESCO-listed town, famous for its trulli: dry-stone dwellings with conical roofs built without mortar. Discover their origins and symbolism while walking through the historic quarter. 

Lunch is served inside a restored stone trullo dating back to the 15th century, offering insight into local culinary traditions. 

Continue toward the Savelletri area and check in at your hotel.  

Overnight in Savelletri. 

ALBEROBELLO_OVERVIEW

Day 4: Locorotondo

Today is dedicated to Locorotondo, a small hill town often included among Italy’s most beautiful villages. 

From its elevated position, enjoy views over the surrounding countryside before entering the perfectly circular historic center. Walk along whitewashed streets adorned with flowers and observe the cummerse, the distinctive steep roofs built with local stone.  

Time is left to explore independently and enjoy the slow rhythm of village life. 

Overnight in Savelletri.

LOCOROTONDO_OVERVIEW

Day 5: Ostuni

Travel to Ostuni, known as the “White City”, rising above a landscape of ancient olive groves.  

Stroll through its maze of stairways, arches and narrow streets, discovering a town shaped by light, stone, and strategic views over the Adriatic coast. 

The day continues with a visit to a local olive oil mill, where you learn about production methods and taste oils that express the character of the land and its agricultural heritage.  

Overnight in Savelletri.

OSTUNI_OVERVIEW

Day 6: Lecce

Depart the Valle d’Itria and head south toward Lecce, often referred to as the Florence of southern Italy for its Baroque architecture.  

A private guided walk introduces the historic center, focusing on landmarks such as the Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce, renowned for their elaborate stone decoration.  

In the evening, take part in a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. Learn to prepare traditional southern Italian dishes before sitting down together to enjoy dinner.  

Overnight in Lecce.

LECCE_OVERVIEW

Day 7: The countryside of Lecce

Spend your final full day outdoors, cycling at a relaxed pace through the countryside surrounding Lecce.  

Follow quiet roads lined with olive trees and rural landscapes, stopping for a picnic in the shade of ancient groves. This day offers a simple and authentic way to connect with the land and conclude the journey.  

Overnight in Lecce.

LECCE2_OVERVIEW

 

Day 8: Departure from Bari

After breakfast, travel back to Bari for your departure, either by rental car or private transfer.

This is a selected example of our journeys. Contact us to personalize it.

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A slow journey through Matera & Puglia

Discover the southern edge of Italy, where the land stretches between the Adriatic and Ionian seas and daily life still follows an unhurried rhythm. This journey through Matera and Puglia moves away from mainstream routes to reveal ancient cities, small hill towns, rural landscapes, and culinary traditions deeply rooted in place.  

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Matera, the UNESCO-listed cave city carved into limestone.
  • Walk among the trulli of Alberobello and the flower-lined streets of Locorotondo.
  • Discover the white hill town of Ostuni and local olive oil traditions.
  • Experience Lecce’s Baroque heritage, from architecture to craftsmanship.
  • Enjoy hands-on food experiences, cycling through the countryside, and slow moments outdoors.

This is a selected example of our journeys. Contact us to personalize it.

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