Meals included: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: Bari

The day begins with a wonderful breakfast buffet served on the rooftop of our luxury hotel in Bari, with stunning views over the Adriatic sea and the harbor.

Drive for about one hour to the countryside of the Murgia region, a picturesque land with gentle slopes, traditional farmhouses, olive groves, and their typical white-stone walls built to define different properties.

Late in the morning, arrive at a historic estate surrounded by 39,000 olive trees and producing the DOCG wine appellation of Castel Del Monte. The wine is aged in the impressive underground cellars dug into the tufa rocks under the estate’s central courtyard.

Learn useful information about the production of olive oil as we taste it with local bread and partake in a traditional farmer’s lunch paired with wine-tasting

After lunch,  the iconic shape of Castel Del Monte will appear on the horizon after a short drive.

 The tour of the castle brings to life the stories of Emperor Frederik II of Svevia, one of the most eclectic and controversial characters in Italian history, who built the bold structure in the mid-1200s.

Listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, Castel Del Monte is a must-see on a tour of Puglia for the 360° views over the region and its incredible references to infinity and to the number eight that recur in the architecture and many symbols.

Return to Bari in the late afternoon and enjoy a dinner on your own, as the tour manager is on hand to recommend restaurants within walking distance from the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, and dinner | Accommodation: Masseria, north of Lecce

Check out from Bari and drive to Monopoli, a small fisherman town along the Adriatic coast whose origins date back centuries ago and it developed around the 16th-century Castle of Charles V.

The charming harbor with fishing boats bobbing in the water is the beginning of a leisure walk led by the tour manager along the whitewashed narrow streets adorned with vases of flowers, cacti, and colorful doorways.

Lunch on your own.

The Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour continues with a short drive through the mainland to the entrance of the caves of Castellana. Meet a local expert for an easy walk underground that does not require too much effort.

These caves are a fascinating natural wonder located in the province of Bari, renowned for their stunning limestone formations, intricate stalactites, and stalagmites, which have been formed over thousands of years through the process of erosion and mineral deposition.

Make sure to pack sneakers or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip and a warmer layer for our 50′ tour that covers a distance of approximately half a mile.

In the afternoon the straight highway connecting Bari to southern  Puglia takes us to our home for the next three nights, a restored  Masseria a few miles north of Lecce.

Staying in this former fortified farmhouse is one of the highlights of the trip and an experience that takes us back in time.  

Upon arrival check-in and relax in the central inner courtyard or in one of the many lounges decorated with an exquisite taste by the young couple who inherited this extraordinary property and welcome guests in their home. From the pool to the wine cellar, the greenhouse and the garden, and the kitchen filled with pots and old pans, every corner is like an open book that reveals a story. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed with elements that remind us of their original function.

Sit at the table and enjoy homemade Apulian cuisine at its best prepared only with seasonal ingredients and served in colorful ceramics.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: Masseria, north of Lecce

Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast served in the central courtyard of our Masseria, allowing you to take in the peaceful ambiance of the countryside. You might choose to read a book by the pool or explore the grounds and surrounding areas of the farmhouse on foot.

Late in the morning, join us for a leisurely foraging walk in the farmhouse garden, where you can learn about Puglia’s abundant natural resources and farmers’ traditions.

Next, participate in a fun cooking class where you will learn how to knead orecchiette pasta, shaped like an ear, and delve into Puglia’s rich culinary heritage. Once lunch is prepared, we will gather to enjoy a leisurely farm-to-table feast. The table will be set in the picturesque common areas of the Masseria, allowing us to savor the flavors of Puglia while soaking in the ambiance of the Italian countryside. Engage in lively conversations with fellow food enthusiasts as you share stories and culinary tips while enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Our next destination is Lecce, a city that was once Roman and later rebuilt in Baroque style using the local yellowish stone, which gives the historic center a distinct light, especially at sunset.

In the late afternoon, we’ll join a local guide for a walking tour that includes visits to Roman ruins, the highly ornate exterior of the Church of Santa Croce, and several hidden treasures.

We’ll end our day in Lecce with dinner at your leisure in one of the numerous cozy restaurants or simply enjoy an aperitivo while people-watching in one of the bustling piazzas.

Return to the Masseria.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: Matera

After breakfast, check out and head north to Ostuni, one of the most charming towns in the Valle d’Itria sub-region located in central Puglia.

Often referred to as the “White City” due to its characteristic whitewashed buildings, Ostuni is perched on a hill. Take a leisurely walk with our tour manager through the secondary alleys where locals live, leading up to the striking façade of the Cathedral, featuring a unique rose window and a towering campanile.

Our culinary adventure continues with a gourmet lunch at a renowned restaurant in Ostuni, where we will focus on modern Puglian cuisine, featuring reimagined traditional dishes.

In the afternoon, we explore one of Puglia’s most iconic towns: Alberobello. An expert local guide will lead us through the area with the highest concentration of famous trulli houses—cylindrical structures with conical roofs made of limestone.

We will hear stories about what it was like to live in these homes and learn the historical facts that influenced each new urban settlement. This history includes the necessity of designing buildings that could be quickly demolished in the event of war or outside control.

You will have free time for souvenir shopping in Alberobello.

Next, we arrive to Matera, located in the neighboring region of Basilicata. Upon our arrival, a van will deliver our luggage directly to the hotel.

We will check in for the next two nights at a hidden gem: a former aristocratic palace that has undergone extensive restoration to welcome guests into its spacious and luxurious accommodations. We will gather in the central living room of this boutique hotel to admire the stunning view over the Sassi district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hotel’s prime location gives us easy access to both the modern and old towns, sparing us unnecessary stair climbs.

Dinner on your own in Matera.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner | Accommodation: Matera

This morning, we will explore with a local guide Matera, one of the most unique cities in the world, where residents lived in cave dwellings carved into the limestone rock until just a few decades ago. Words cannot capture the beauty and surreal atmosphere of the old Sassi districts and the surrounding landscape.

At the end of the tour, we’ll enjoy a fun ride aboard an Italian three-wheeled tuk-tuk back to the upper city! Afterward, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Matera at your own pace.

Tonight, we indulge in a journey of flavors with a full tasting menu*** at a Michelin-star restaurant.

*** Wine is not included at the Michelin-star restaurant. Each guest can choose a complete wine pairing or just a glass based on their mood for the evening.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: Matera

After breakfast, we embark on a short drive to Altamura, a charming town celebrated for its exceptional bread and rich history, offering an unforgettable blend of culinary delights and cultural treasures.

We start our adventure by sampling exquisite cheeses from the Alta Murgia region, including the creamy Burrata, classic Mozzarella, and distinct Scamorza, along with aged specialties like Caciocavallo.

Next, we set out on foot to explore the enchanting claustri, or small courtyards, of the old town, which showcases an ancient defensive network of narrow streets steeped in history.

Our exploration culminates with a visit to a historic bakery renowned for producing Pane di Altamura DOP (Protected Designation of Origin). This hearty, slow-rising sourdough bread, crafted from local durum wheat semolina, is a true culinary gem you won’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to admire the majestic Romanesque cathedral, commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia, where you can marvel at its stunning main portal and the two famous lions that guard its entrance.

Finally, we’ll gather for a farewell lunch at a charming local farmhouse, set against the backdrop of the picturesque countryside that borders Basilicata and Puglia. This truly is a day that promises rich flavors and unforgettable memories before we return to Matera in the mid-afternoon, leaving you the evening free for your own adventures and dining.

Meals included: breakfast | Accommodation: n/a

After breakfast, a group transfer is scheduled to Bari’s airport, located only one hour away.

Flights should not be booked before 11:00 am.

Arrivederci, until next time!