Itinerary
- Day 1
Matera
You'll arrive in Matera and check into your hotel right in the Sassi District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After getting settled, take some time to walk around those narrow alleys and get your first look at the cave-dwelling architecture that makes this place so distinctive.
Landmarks/POIs Sassi District - Day 2
Matera
A local guide will take you through Matera's cave-dwelling districts, explaining the history of this Mediterranean troglodyte settlement. Later in the afternoon, you'll have time on your own to wander around and visit the rupestrian churches at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Italian spread with mostly locally sourced produce)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Sassi District with local guide
- Visit rupestrian churches (optional afternoon activity)
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Matera at own pace
Landmarks/POIs Sassi District - Day 3
Matera to Alberobello
You'll head out by private transfer toward Alberobello, but first stop at Polignano a Mare, which sits on a craggy ravine. Walk the whitewashed streets and take in the Adriatic views from a terrace there. After that, continue to Alberobello to see the trulli dwellings, check out artisan shops, have a wine tasting at a local winery, and finish with dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting
Included Activities
- Stop at Polignano a Mare with panoramic views
- Exploration of Alberobello and trulli dwellings
- Wine tasting at local winery
Optional Activities
- Browse artisan shops in Alberobello
- Dine at local restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Polignano a Mare Alberobello Trulli District - Day 4
Alberobello
This day is yours to decide. You can head to Monopoli, a scenic port town, or explore the Castellana Caves, which have stalactites, stalagmites, and interesting geological formations. It's one of Italy's most significant cave systems.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Monopoli port town
- Visit Castellana Caves with guided tour (more than 200ft/60m deep)
Landmarks/POIs Monopoli Castellana Caves - Day 5
Alberobello to Ostuni
A private transfer takes you to Ostuni. On the way, you'll stop at an ancient masseria for olive oil tasting. Then visit a traditional Apulian farm surrounded by old olive trees where you'll take a scenic walk and join a cooking demonstration followed by lunch. In the afternoon, you'll transfer to Ostuni for free time to explore the white city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional lunch at masseria with cooking demonstration)
Included Activities
- Olive oil tasting at traditional masseria
- Scenic 1.2mi (2km) walk through olive groves
- Cooking demonstration and traditional lunch at masseria
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Ostuni
Landmarks/POIs Ostuni - Day 6
Ostuni to Otranto to Lecce
You'll transfer to Otranto, Italy's easternmost town, to see its medieval architecture, seafront, and white sandy beaches. There's a Romanesque cathedral from 1088 with 12th-century mosaics to visit. After lunch, you can join an optional gentle coastal walk along Salento coves or explore on your own and relax on the beaches. By late afternoon, you'll transfer to Lecce.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Otranto Romanesque cathedral (dating to 1088)
Optional Activities
- Optional gentle coastal walk along Salento coves (approximately 2 hours, 4mi/6km)
- Self-guided exploration of Otranto town
- Relax on Otranto beaches
Landmarks/POIs Otranto Otranto Cathedral - Day 7
Lecce
Spend your morning shopping or visiting the Roman amphitheatre in Lecce. In the afternoon, a guide will show you around this baroque city, pointing out architectural highlights like the Basilica di Santa Croce with its ornate stone decorations and cherub details.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Lecce (afternoon)
- Visit Basilica di Santa Croce
Optional Activities
- Shopping in Lecce
- Visit Roman amphitheatre (morning free time)
Landmarks/POIs Lecce Roman Amphitheatre Basilica di Santa Croce - Day 8
Lecce
After breakfast, your tour ends in Lecce and you'll head home. If you want to stay longer in this fascinating city, your sales representative can help arrange that for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
