Discover southern Italy on a captivating 5 - 11-night journey through two of its most enchanting gems. Begin in Matera, the “City of the Sassi”, where ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock reveal thousands of years of history and tradition. Stroll through winding alleys, admire rock-hewn churches, and take in the breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue your adventure in Apulia, exploring Bari, Lecce, Gallipoli and beyond. Here, cultural treasures meet authentic flavours, sample regional specialities, enjoy world-class wines, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of southern Italian life.

This itinerary is a perfect balance of culture, landscapes, gastronomy and the sea, a journey between timeless history and the sunlit beauty of the Mediterranean.

Choose the length of your stay: 

5 nights: 2 nights in Matera + 3 nights near Bari

7 nights: 2 nights in Matera + 3 nights near Bari + 2 nights in Lecce

9 nights: 2 nights in Matera + 4 nights near Bari + 3 nights in Lecce

11 nights: 2 nights in Matera + 6 nights near Bari + 3 nights in Lecce

Your itinerary:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Bari Airport, pick up your car hire and head to your hotel in Matera. Check into your room and spend the day at leisure, discovering the beautiful town of Matera. Wander through its labyrinth of narrow streets, where golden stone houses and ancient cave dwellings create an unforgettable first impression.

Overnight stay in Matera.

DAY 2: MATERA

After breakfast at the hotel, set off to explore the historic Sassi districts, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lose yourself in the unique landscape of rock-hewn churches, charming piazzas, and sweeping views over the ravine. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting in a renowned winery near Matera, where you can savour local wines paired with regional delicacies for a true taste of Basilicata’s traditions.

Breakfast and wine tasting included.

Overnight stay in Matera.

DAY 3: BARI – CONVERSANO

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before checking out and driving to Bari, the vibrant capital of Apulia. Stroll through its charming old town, wandering along narrow streets and discovering hidden corners, historic churches, and bustling markets. Late in the afternoon, savour a gourmet aperitif at a cosy bistrot in the main square, soaking up the lively atmosphere of the city. Later, check into your hotel in Conversano and unwind with a relaxing evening, enjoying the hotel’s facilities.

Breakfast and gourmet aperitif included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Conversano.

DAY 4: ALBEROBELLO – THE TRULLI

Today, journey to Alberobello, the UNESCO-listed capital of the Trulli, famed for its unique conical-roofed houses. Wander through winding streets lined with these charming stone dwellings and soak up the fairytale-like atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque whitewashed towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca, marvelling at their elegant Baroque architecture and quaint piazzas, each offering delightful glimpses into Apulia’s rich history and culture.

Breakfast included. 

Overnight stay in Conversano.

DAY 5: POLIGNANO A MARE - MONOPOLI

Spend the day exploring the charming coastal town of Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea from numerous panoramic terraces. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the whitewashed buildings, and perhaps pause at a seaside café to enjoy the gentle sea breeze. In the afternoon, continue to the picturesque town of Monopoli, with its bustling harbour, colourful streets, and sunlit piazzas overlooking the water, where you can soak up the authentic charm of Apulian coastal life.

Breakfast included. 

Overnight stay in Conversano.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before setting off for the airport. Return your car hire and prepare to board your flight home, carrying with you the unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and rich experiences discovered throughout this enchanting roadtrip.

Breakfast included.

DAY 1 - 5: IDENTICAL TO THE 5 NIGHT ROADTRIP

DAY 6: OSTUNI 

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and enjoy a full day at leisure as you make your way to Lecce, stopping to explore the enchanting whitewashed town of Ostuni. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, admire the charming architecture, and take in panoramic views over the surrounding olive groves and rolling countryside. Arrive at your hotel in Lecce in the afternoon, then relax and enjoy some free time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this Baroque city.

Breakfast included.

Overnight stay in Lecce.

DAY 7: LECCE & THE BAROQUE

Dedicate the day to uncovering the treasures of the Baroque city of Lecce, wandering through its maze of alleys adorned with elegant monuments, ornate churches, and refined historic buildings. Alternatively, take a trip to the charming coastal town of Otranto, where an imposing seaside castle and the Romanesque cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest floor mosaics, await. For a more relaxed day by the sea, visit the lively town of Gallipoli, with its golden sandy beaches, bustling old town, and vibrant seafront piazzas.

Breakfast included.

Overnight stay in Lecce.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before setting off for the airport. Return your car hire and prepare to board your flight home, carrying with you the unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and rich experiences discovered throughout this enchanting roadtrip.

Breakfast included.

The 9-night tour follows the suggested 7-night itinerary, with one extra night near Bari and another in Lecce.

The 11-night tour follows the suggested 7-night itinerary, with three additional nights near Bari and one more night in Lecce.

Enjoy a stay in a Standard Room in the following carefully selected 4* hotels (or similar):

Matera: Dimora del Monaco Hotel 4*, Hotel Del Campo 4*, MH Matera Hotel 4* or similar 

Lecce: 8piu Hotel 4* or similar

Conversano (near Bari): Corte Altavilla Hotel 4* or similar

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply. 

Explore the Sassi districts of Matera with a guide, discovering troglodyte buildings, historic monuments and panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore Bari's old town with a local guide. Discover its historic monuments, soak up the local atmosphere and sample local produce on an immersive walking tour.

Discover Matera's historic centre on board a panoramic minibus, with stops to explore sites such as the Casa Grotta troglodyte house and Cava Paradiso, while enjoying cultural and historical commentary via audioguide.

Explore Matera's iconic Sassi by tuk-tuk, with a local driver-guide, stops at historic sites, and a visit to a troglodyte house, all in 45 minutes.

Explore the most beautiful sea caves of Polignano a Mare during a 1.5-hour boat trip with swimming and an aperitif of prosecco and taralli.

Discover Alberobello and its famous trulli on a guided walking tour through its historic neighbourhoods, immersing yourself in the history, architecture and traditions of Puglia.

Enjoy a guided wine tasting at a renowned local winery, exclusively for adults aged 18 and over.

Matera is a peaceful city, located in the province of Basilicata in Southern Italy. It is best recognised for the Sassi districts, a large rock settlement featuring limestone grottoes and ancient caves that date back to the Middle Ages. 

This city is brimming with museums, festivals, and year-round concerts. Visitors can also explore the surrounding neighbourhoods filled with local shops, winding alleyways, and Baroque churches.

Discover a gem of southern Italy as Bari opens its arms to you. Capital of Puglia, this city is full of history. Its mild climate makes it a pleasant place for visits. You can take advantage of the city to visit its must-see monuments or stroll along the Adriatic Sea. Cultural events, famous wines and local traditions will delight your stay.

Much of the city was built in the nineteenth-century and is today an area enhanced by the coastal artery that circumnavigates the medieval old city. Take a walk along the banks and arrive at the Romanesque Basilica of San Nicola, an international center that preserves relics and is a destination of pilgrimage for thousands of devotees.

Set on Italy’s geographical ‘heel’, Puglia is a region that exudes the authentic charm of the country. Largely undiscovered by tourism, travellers venture here for its 400 km of secluded coastline, hilltop towns, and picturesque landscape.

Here, you won’t find the bustling city streets of Rome or Milan, but rather a slow and relaxed lifestyle, sea views, and the best of the country’s cuisine. In the southern portion of Puglia, you’ll find Salento, a lovely region characterised by its stunning coastal towns and sandy beaches.

Lecce is the region’s main city, where you can admire ornate Baroque architecture - or, take a trip to the coastal town of Gallipoli to visit its unique old town, built on an island. To see some of the region’s unique traditions, visit Alberobello, known for its trulli, whitewashed huts with conical roofs. At the end of the day, visit an authentic Puglian restaurant to try the region’s best delicacies, including orecchiette pasta, shaped like little ears, and Puccia, a sandwich made with pizza dough!