Itinerary
- Day 1
Monopoli
You'll arrive at your hotel in Monopoli, a waterfront town with the 16th century Castello di Carlo V fortress right there by the water. Get yourself settled into the Albergo Diffuso accommodation and take time to explore the immediate area around your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Castello di Carlo V 
- Day 2
Monopoli
Start walking through Monopoli's old town, where you'll find narrow winding streets, local fishermen working at the harbour, and small boutiques. You can check out the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia and Palmieri Palace during the morning, then head to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi later to relax with some wine and soak in the atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Basilica of the Madonna della Madia
- Visit Palmieri Palace (18th century Baroque Palace)
- Explore the old town streets and harbour
- Enjoy wine on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
Landmarks Basilica of the Madonna della Madia Palmieri Palace Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi Monopoli Harbour - Day 3
Monopoli to Locorotondo
Walk along the lungomare promenade that runs along Monopoli's coastline, stopping at nearby beaches as you go. There's an option to head to Cala Porto beach in Polignano a Mare if you want to venture a bit further. Later you'll transfer to Locorotondo where you'll taste Bianco Locorotondo DOC sparkling white wine as part of your included wine tasting.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Wine tasting - Bianco Locorotondo DOC
Optional Activities
- Explore beaches along the lungomare promenade
- Visit Cala Porto beach in Polignano a Mare (15 minutes drive away)
Landmarks Cala Porto Polignano a Mare - Day 4
Alberobello
Wander through Locorotondo's whitewashed lanes and baroque archways, taking in the views over olive groves and vineyards around town. In the afternoon, catch a short train ride to Alberobello to see the UNESCO trulli district with its distinctive conical-roofed houses, then return by train in time for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Wander Locorotondo's whitewashed lanes and baroque archways
- Enjoy aperol spritz in Locorotondo
- Train to Alberobello (10 minutes)
- Explore Alberobello trulli district
- Visit small museums and shops in Alberobello
- Train from Alberobello back to Locorotondo
Landmarks Alberobello Trulli District 
- Day 5
Locorotondo to Matera
You'll transfer to Matera, which sits in the neighbouring Basilicata region. Join a guided group tour to explore this ancient city's unique cave settlements and rock-cut churches carved into the stone. Your guide will explain why this place gained recognition as the 2019 European Capital of Culture and served as a filming location for James Bond.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided group tour of Matera - cave settlements and rock churches
Landmarks Matera Cave Settlements 
- Day 6
Matera
Spend this day exploring Matera on your own, wandering the streets and discovering rock churches at your own pace. Head to viewpoints like Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli for views looking out over the ravine and the Duomo. If you're interested, there's an optional visit to MUSMA art museum, housed in a 17th century cave palace, and then grab dinner at a traditional restaurant serving local specialties.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Wander Matera streets and rock churches
- Visit Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli viewpoint
- Visit MUSMA art museum (17th century cave palace with modern sculptures)
- Traditional Italian meal at local restaurant
Landmarks Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli Matera Duomo MUSMA - Day 7
Matera
Early morning is the best time for the hike down the rocky trail into the ravine, where you'll get views of how the city scales down and the contrast between ancient dwellings and modern buildings becomes really clear. After that, join a bread-making workshop at a historic bakery and learn to make Matera bread using traditional durum wheat semolina, then taste what you made with Lucanian wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Traditional bread making workshop at historic bakery in Matera - includes tasting/aperitif with Lucanian wine
Optional Activities
- Walk down to the ravine for views of the city
Landmarks Matera Ravine - Day 8
Matera Departure
If you want extra time in Matera, there are optional additional nights available to explore more of the city before heading home.
Optional Activities
- Extend stay with additional nights in Matera
