You’re about to embark on a remarkable 10-day journey through Puglia, where sun-drenched coastlines, centuries-old olive groves, and cities carved from stone tell stories as timeless as the land itself.
From the golden Baroque façades of Lecce to the whitewashed trulli of the Itria Valley, and from the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare to the ethereal cave dwellings of Matera, this itinerary reveals the soul of Puglia and Basilicata — two regions steeped in authenticity, beauty, and deeply rooted tradition.
A selection of high-touch inclusions, designed to elevate every moment.
Imagine savoring handmade pasta you’ve just learned to craft in a Lecce palazzo kitchen. Later, the salty breeze follows you through Otranto’s seaside alleys, where turquoise waves kiss the ancient walls. In Matera, candlelight flickers across stone cave dwellings, illuminating millennia of history.
Each day is a perfect composition — art, architecture, flavor, and light — unfolding at an unhurried pace that allows you to truly connect with the essence of southern Italy.
This journey isn’t just a tour — it’s a sensory immersion into the soul of Puglia and Matera, where every encounter feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Highlights:
Your private driver greets you at Brindisi airport (or Bari, depending on your flight) and whisks you south into the heart of Salento. The journey is a picturesque introduction to Puglia’s sun-drenched landscape of olive groves and vineyards. Your destination is Lecce, a city celebrated for its intricate Baroque architecture. Settle into your elegant palazzo hotel, a perfect base to explore the “Florence of the South“. The evening is a gentle introduction to Lecce’s nightlife, with a leisurely passeggiata and a refined dinner at a local trattoria.
*La Fiermontina Urban Resort with Breakfast *Private airport Transfer
The morning begins with a private guided walking tour of Lecce. You’ll stroll through the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden courtyards, admiring the stunning façade of the Basilica di Santa Croce, and standing in awe of the Roman Amphitheater in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Your guide will illuminate the history and artistic details that give the city its unique character.
Lunch is a culinary lesson in the Leccese tradition, with a private cooking class focusing on the region’s famous pasta fresca and other local specialties. The afternoon is yours to wander and discover artisan workshops, from papier-mâché to ceramics. Dinner is a highlight at Bros’, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering an innovative take on Puglian cuisine.
*La Fiermontina Urban Resort with Breakfast *Private guide for Lecce Tour *Hands-on cooking class
Today’s journey explores the stunning Salento coastline. Your private driver will first take you east to Otranto, where you can explore the magnificent Aragonese Castle and the cathedral with its remarkable mosaic floor. The town offers breathtaking views of the turquoise Adriatic.
After a seafood lunch overlooking the harbor, you’ll drive across the peninsula to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast. A sunset stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys leads to a pre-dinner aperitivo at a terrace bar with panoramic sea views. Dinner is at a renowned fish restaurant in Gallipoli, celebrating the day’s fresh catch.
*La Fiermontina Urban Resort with Breakfast *Private Transfer *Visit of Otranto and Gallipoli *Sunset aperitivo
After checking out, you’ll journey north towards the Valle d’Itria. The landscape transforms into a gentle tapestry of rolling hills dotted with whitewashed towns and iconic trulli houses. Your first stop is Ostuni, the “White City,” a stunning hilltop town to explore on foot.
The afternoon continues with a private olive oil tasting at a historic Masseria surrounded by ancient olive trees. You’ll learn about the production of this “liquid gold” and sample different varieties. The day concludes in Alberobello, the UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its concentration of trulli. Settle into your unique trullo accommodation, a magical and authentic experience.
*Le Alcove Luxury Resort with Breakfast *Private Transfer *Olive oil Tasting
The morning is dedicated to exploring the enchanting Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts of Alberobello with a private guide. You’ll step inside a typical trullo and learn about its history and construction.
After a relaxed lunch in the valley, your driver will take you to the breathtaking coastal town of Polignano a Mare. Here, dramatic limestone cliffs plunge into the Adriatic. You can take a private boat tour to explore the sea caves and admire the town from the water. The evening is yours to wander the streets of Polignano, perhaps enjoying a pre-dinner drink at one of its famous cliffside bars. Dinner is at a restaurant known for its exquisite Puglian cuisine.
*Le Alcove Luxury Resort with Breakfast *Private Transfer *Guided tour of Alberobello *Boat tour from Polignano a Mare
After breakfast, you’ll depart for the Sassi of Matera. The journey takes you across the regional border into Basilicata. On arrival, a private guide will meet you for an initial orientation to the city. The afternoon is a deep dive into the unique gastronomy of Matera with a hands-on bread-making class. Matera’s bread, Pane di Matera, is famous and holds a special place in the region’s culinary heritage.
After a delicious lunch of your own creations, check into your luxurious cave hotel, a stunning blend of ancient architecture and modern comfort. The evening is free to simply get lost in the winding lanes, admiring the dramatic views as the sun sets. Dinner is in a cave restaurant, for a truly atmospheric experience.
*Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita with Breakfast *Private Transfer *Private Guide *Bread-making class
This full day is dedicated to uncovering the layers of Matera’s history. Your private guide will lead you through the Sassi, visiting key sites like the Casa Grotta, a preserved cave dwelling that shows how people lived, and the ancient rock churches with their unique frescoes. You’ll also descend into the Palombaro Lungo, a massive underground cistern.
The afternoon offers a spectacular hike across the ravine to the Parco della Murgia Materana, where you can see the Sassi from a distance, just as the first inhabitants would have thousands of years ago. The views are unparalleled, especially as the late afternoon light hits the stone. Dinner is a second chance to explore Matera’s exceptional dining scene, perhaps trying another renowned cave restaurant.
*Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita with Breakfast *Private Matera Tour *visit of Caves
After a final breakfast in Matera, your private driver will take you back into Puglia to explore a lesser-known but historically rich area. Your destination is the town of Trani. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit the magnificent Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a mysterious octagonal fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. Upon arrival in Trani, check into your seaside hotel. Trani’s Romanesque Cathedral, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture, sits dramatically on the harbor. The evening is spent with a peaceful stroll along the harbor, followed by a gourmet dinner.
*Hotel San Paolo al Convento with Breakfast *Private Transfer *Guided tour Castel del Monte
The day begins with a visit to the historic town of Bari, a bustling port city with a wonderfully preserved old town, Bari Vecchia. With a local guide, you’ll discover the Basilica di San Nicola and see the famous “orecchiette” pasta makers at work on the narrow streets. Enjoy a light lunch of local street food, such as focaccia and panzerotti. The afternoon allows for a final leisurely afternoon back in Trani. As evening falls, a special farewell dinner awaits. It could be at a masseria in the countryside or a refined restaurant in Trani, allowing you to reflect on your journey through this unique and captivating part of Italy.
*Hotel San Paolo al Convento *Private Transfer *Private guide in Bari *Gourmet farewell dinner
After breakfast, it is time for your private transfer to Bari airport for your flight home. As you leave the Adriatic coast behind, you’ll take with you the unforgettable memories of Puglia’s elegant Baroque cities, Matera’s ancient rock dwellings, and the warm, vibrant spirit of Southern Italy.
*Private Transfer
