Private 5-Day Puglia and Matera Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Castel del Monte - Trani - Giovinazzo
3 stops
1
Castel del Monte
Your private guide will collect you from your accommodation in Bari and drive you through the Apulian countryside to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castel del Monte is one of Europe’s most intriguing medieval castles. Built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, its striking octagonal design reflects his passion for mathematics, science, and philosophy. Inside, you’ll explore eight perfectly symmetrical rooms spread over two levels, with vaulted ceilings, finely cut limestone, and clever windows that interact with light and the seasons. Sparse in decoration yet rich in meaning, the castle itself is the masterpiece—an elegant fusion of medieval, classical, and Islamic influences that continues to fascinate historians today.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Trani
After the visit, your guide will lead you to the refined seaside town of Trani. You’ll admire the Swabian Castle, built by Frederick II, standing proudly above the Adriatic (viewed from the outside), and visit the stunning Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture set dramatically on the water’s edge. Your walk continues through the historic Jewish Quarter, once home to a flourishing community in the 12th–13th centuries, with views of the ancient synagogue from the exterior. The visit ends along Trani’s elegant seafront promenade and picturesque harbor, where fishing boats still return each morning with the day’s catch. Lunch and free time are at your leisure.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
3
Giovinazzo
In the afternoon, the tour continues to Giovinazzo, a delightful seaside town with a well-preserved medieval center. Here you will admire (from the outside): The historic old town with its narrow stone streets The small harbor framed by ancient walls Romanesque churches and noble palaces overlooking the sea Giovinazzo offers a peaceful atmosphere and authentic local charm, perfect for a relaxing end to the day before returning to Bari.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Altamura – Matera – Gravina in Puglia
3 stops
4
Altamura
Your first stop is Altamura, a town celebrated for its rich history, striking architecture, and culinary heritage. You’ll visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, commissioned by Frederick II and famed for its ornate portal, then wander through the atmospheric old town with its narrow lanes and traditional courtyards, known as claustri. The visit also highlights Altamura’s strong bond with its world-famous DOP bread, still baked using centuries-old methods.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Matera
Your journey continues to Matera, one of Italy’s most captivating destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its ancient Sassi districts. This extraordinary city reveals a landscape shaped over thousands of years, where homes, churches, and streets were carved directly into the limestone rock. As you explore, you’ll discover the remarkable cave dwellings that were continuously inhabited from prehistoric times until the mid-20th century. A visit to a restored cave house offers a vivid glimpse into traditional daily life, while one of the city’s evocative rupestrian churches reveals faded frescoes that tell stories of early Christian communities. With its dramatic scenery and timeless atmosphere, Matera has become a sought-after filming location for international cinema. Lunch and free time are at your leisure, giving you the opportunity to wander through the Sassi, relax in a café, or enjoy the region’s distinctive cuisine.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
6
Gravina in Puglia
Your final stop is Gravina in Puglia, a dramatic town suspended above a deep rocky ravine that gives the town its name. You’ll admire the monumental Roman bridge–aqueduct, still spanning the canyon and offering breathtaking views below, and pause at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the wild gravina landscape. As you explore the historic center, you’ll uncover a fascinating world of rock-cut homes, underground tunnels, and ancient churches carved into the stone. Rich in atmosphere and history, Gravina blends nature, archaeology, and tradition, providing a powerful and memorable finale to your Apulian journey before returning to Bari.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Martina Franca – Locorotondo – Alberobello
3 stops
7
Martina Franca
Your guide will collect you from your Bari accommodation and take you into the heart of the Itria Valley, one of Apulia’s most picturesque regions, known for rolling hills, olive groves, dry-stone walls, and charming whitewashed villages. Your first stop is Martina Franca, an elegant town celebrated for its refined historic center and exquisite Baroque architecture. You’ll stroll through the old town, enclosed by former city walls, discovering narrow streets, noble palaces, and ornate balconies. Admire fine examples of Apulian Baroque in the richly decorated façades of aristocratic residences and visit the Basilica di San Martino, the only building open for interior exploration. The Ducal Palace, a symbol of the town’s historical significance, and the overall ambiance reflect a harmonious blend of Baroque elegance and local tradition.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Locorotondo
Next, the tour takes you to Locorotondo, officially listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.” This charming village is famed for its perfectly preserved circular historic center, which gives the town its name. Wander past whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers and ornate balconies, and pause at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Itria Valley, sprinkled with iconic trulli and lush vineyards. A stroll through Locorotondo feels like stepping into a living postcard, where every corner exudes tranquility, charm, and breathtaking views of Apulia’s countryside.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
9
Alberobello
The final stop of the day is Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of southern Italy’s most iconic destinations. The town is famous for its trulli—unique limestone houses with conical roofs built without mortar, originally designed to be easily dismantled. You’ll wander through the charming Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, where hundreds of trulli are still lived in today. Discover the fascinating origins, construction techniques, and symbolism of these extraordinary structures, and admire the Trullo Sovrano, the town’s only two-story trullo, from the outside. The visit also includes entrance to one trullo, offering a rare glimpse inside these historic homes. After the tour, lunch and free time are on your own, allowing you to explore, take photos, and fully enjoy the magical atmosphere of Alberobello before returning to Bari.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Lecce – Brindisi – Cisternino
3 stops
10
Lecce
Your guide will pick you up in Bari and take you on a journey through Salento and the Adriatic coast, exploring Baroque architecture, historic ports, and charming hilltop villages. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture. Wander the historic center’s narrow streets, browse artisan shops, and enjoy a coffee in lively piazzas. Don’t miss: Basilica of Santa Croce – a Baroque masterpiece with an intricately decorated façade Piazza del Duomo – one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, with the cathedral and bishop’s palace Countless palaces and churches carved from the local soft limestone, pietra leccese While in Lecce, it’s a must to try the local treats: the rich Caffè Leccese and the sweet pastry Pasticciotto Leccese—true flavors of the town.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Brindisi
Next, your journey takes you to Brindisi, a historic port town that has welcomed travelers to the East since Roman times. Stand before the Roman column marking the end of the ancient Appian Way, wander along the charming old port with its sparkling Adriatic views, and admire the majestic Romanesque cathedral in the city’s heart. Brindisi is a place where history, maritime life, and scenic waterfronts come together in unforgettable harmony.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
12
Cisternino
The day ends in Cisternino, a hilltop gem with a whitewashed old town and winding, flower-filled streets. Explore stone alleys, savor fornelli-style grilled meats in traditional butcher shops, and take in panoramic views of the Itria Valley, dotted with olive groves, trulli, and cypress trees. Authenticity, flavor, and stunning scenery make Cisternino a perfect finale before returning to Bari.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Ostuni - Monopoli - Polignano a Mare
3 stops
13
Ostuni
Your journey begins in Ostuni, famously known as the “White City,” where dazzling whitewashed buildings cling to a hilltop, gleaming in the sunlight. Wander through the historic center, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, arched passageways, and stairways that lead to breathtaking viewpoints over the surrounding countryside and the deep blue Adriatic beyond. Step inside the 15th-century Cathedral of Ostuni, a stunning Gothic-Romanesque church crowned with an intricate rose window. Pause in quaint squares and explore artisan shops, where local crafts capture the city’s unique charm. As you stroll along streets of sparkling white houses, Ostuni’s magical atmosphere—its light, color, and timeless beauty—will make it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Monopoli
Next, your journey takes you to Monopoli, a lively seaside town brimming with charm and coastal energy. Step into the historic old town, where white and pastel-colored buildings line narrow cobblestone streets, each corner revealing another glimpse of the town’s character. Stroll along the seafront promenade, watching fishing boats sway gently in the harbor, and soak in the rhythms of local port life. Discover the Cathedral of Monopoli, pause in charming squares, and let the authentic Apulian coastal atmosphere wash over you. Known for its vibrant harbor and fishing traditions, Monopoli offers a true taste of everyday life on the Adriatic. Here, you can also enjoy lunch or free time at your leisure, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this enchanting town.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Polignano a Mare
The day concludes in Polignano a Mare, one of Apulia’s most breathtaking coastal towns, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic Sea. Lose yourself in the historic center, wandering charming alleys lined with whitewashed houses and balconies that gaze out over the sparkling sea. Pause at the famous panoramic viewpoints, where the deep blue water stretches endlessly below, and visit Lama Monachile Beach, a hidden gem tucked between cliffs, offering a picture-perfect view. The town is also renowned for its sea caves, some of which can be explored by boat, and its vibrant culinary scene, where fresh seafood is celebrated in every bite. As a perfect finale, your tour guide will treat you to a special coffee unique to Polignano a Mare, letting you savor a taste of the town before returning to Bari. With its stunning cliffs, charming streets, and timeless beauty, Polignano a Mare is an unforgettable ending to your coastal journey through Apulia.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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