PUGLIA & MATERA LUXURY Tour
Small-Group Tour to Puglia & Matera
Our captivating 8-day Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour is a journey through the land of cone-shaped houses, cave dwellings, olive groves, and seaside towns in the long heel of Italy’s boot.
This small group tour of Puglia and Basilicata regions, with only 6 – 12 guests, focuses on reconnecting with land, nature, and rural life in sun-kissed southern Italy.
From a luxury 5-star hotel on Bari‘s seafront, steps away from the liveliness of the Old Town, wander through the picturesque Puglia’s countryside. Explore the wine region of Castel Del Monte, where the Mediterranean breeze whispers tales of ancient traditions.
Discover the Caves of Castellana with a speleologist and experience Puglia’s warm hospitality in a restored Masseria,***, where husband and wife open their farmhouse’s doors to us. A peaceful retreat surrounded by cactus, lemon, vegetable gardens, and tastefully restored common spaces where tools and memories of the old days are graciously displayed.
Visit Monopoli, the elegant city of Lecce, Gallipoli, the white-washed village of Ostuni, Alberobello, and Altamura.
Immerse yourself in a farm-to-table cooking class with freshly foraged vegetables to learn the art of kneading ear-shaped pasta before exploring a medieval abbey, and indulging in Negroamaro wine tasting.
In Matera, relax in a luxury boutique hotel overlooking the timeless Sassi districts carved in the rugged cliffs. A perfect spot to explore the Unesco World Heritage cave dwellings and partake in a Michelin-star dinner in one of the most unique towns in the world.
Travel like a local and let the allure of our Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour captivate your senses in this small-group exploration of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
*** Rooms at the Masseria don’t have televisions. However, rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Check below the paragraph about Mobility and Things to Know
We booked a private trip to Apulia for my family reunion and Meet Piemonte did a great job sorting out incredible locations and activities. The inn owned by Antonio and his wife looked almost like a movie set where we were pampered like royalty and felt at home. Highly appreciate it!
Douglas W. – October 2023
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor and on Google
Trip Highlights
Underground Tour of the Caves of Castellana
A memorable Michelin-star Dinner in Matera and other Gourmet Meals
Olive Oil and Wine Tastings in Renowned Wineries
Experience Rural Hospitality at its Best in a restored Masseria
Hands-on Cooking Class and Foraging
Visit Castel Del Monte and the Abbey of S. Maria di Cerrate
Knowledgeable Local Guides in Bari, Matera, Lecce
Go to the full list of What’s Included in the tour package
Trip BASICS
8 days | 7 nights
From / To Bari (see below flight information)
Group size: 6-12 guests
Learn more about our Small Group Tours To Italy
Learn more about Meet Piemonte’s team
2 nights IN BARI
A 5-star luxury hotel facing Bari’s sea promenade with a rooftop breakfast room. Spacious rooms in modern style, with views over the sea, and Bari’s Old Town.
3 nights
in A FARMHOUSE
Country-chic accommodations with vintage furniture and modern amenities surround a central courtyard and exquisite indoor spaces that preserve traces of the original function.
2 nights IN MATERA
A former aristocratic palace conveniently located on the edge of the Sassi has been carefully restored by blending the elegance of the antique with the linear style of the modern.
2025
September 28 — October 5 : SOLD OUT
- 4190€ per person in double occupancy
- 5075€ per person in single occupancy (on request)
2026
September 27 — October 4 : OPEN
- 4250€ per person in double occupancy
- 5130€ in single occupancy
The rate includes:
- 2 nights at Grand Hotel Delle Nazioni in Bari, in panorama rooms (sea view) breakfast and porterage included
- 3 nights at the Masseria, breakfast included
- 2 nights at Luxury Boutique Hotel in Matera, in double rooms, breakfast and porterage included
- Private van or minibus (as per itinerary), with permits and parking included
- Tour manager for 8 days
- Guided tour of Bari, Lecce and Alberobello
- Wine and olive oil tasting with lunch included near Castel Del Monte
- Guided tour of Castel Del Monte, tickets and shuttle included
- Private guided tour (50’) of Castellana Caves, tickets included
- Lunch paired with wine tasting in a winery focused on Negramaro wine
- Cooking class, foraging and lunch at the Masseria
- Tickets of Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate
- Michelin-star dinner in Matera (full tasting menu water – NO wine)
- 3 traditional dinners (3 courses, water and wine) and 1 gourmet dinner in Ostuni (3 courses, water and wine)
- Pastry and bread tasting in Altamura
- VAT 22%
- Tour Operator Limited Liability Insurance and Bankruptcy/Extraordinary Circumstances Insurance (Fondo di Garanzia)
- Credit card fees
- Assistance throughout the planning process and travel tips
The rate does not include:
- Hotel city tax
- Airport transfer to Bari on day 1
- Airfare
- Wine at the Michelin-star dinner
- Any other meal, tasting, entrance fee, transfer, personal expense, tips and anything else not mentioned above in the field “The rate includes”. The wine included is the one presented during the meal or wine tasting and it is never unlimited. Any extra is at each guest’s discretion.
Day 1 – The Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour sets off in Bari
Meals included: dinner | Accommodation: Bari
The tour begins at 5:00 pm in the lobby of the hotel.
We recommend booking flights arriving in the morning or the day before. See below the paragraph Flights & Transfers for more information.
The sunny promenade of Bari is the ideal spot to set off Meet Piemonte’s Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour. Splurge in the sea-view rooms of a 5-star hotel, within walking distance from all major attractions and from the main shopping streets.
Late afternoon, meet a local guide for a two-hour introduction to the colorful Old Town and its labyrinth of narrow streets. We step inside the impressive Basilica of Saint Nicola to admire the well-preserved Romanesque architecture and later we shake hands with the ladies who knead fresh pasta by their front doors surrounded by children playing and laundry hanging from the balconies above.
Tonight we celebrate the beginning of our adventure with a traditional 3-course meal in a well-known trattoria where the cuisine blends fresh seafood with the countryside recipes of the nearby Murgia region.
Day 2 – The Murgia Region: Olive Oil, Wine and Castel Del Monte
Meals included: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: Bari
The day begins with a wonderful breakfast buffet served on the rooftop of our luxury hotel in Bari, with stunning views over the Adriatic sea and the harbor.
We drive for about one hour to the countryside of the Murgia region, a picturesque land with gentle slopes, traditional farmhouses, olive groves, and their typical white-stone walls built to define different properties.
Late in the morning, we arrive at a historic estate surrounded by 39,000 olive trees and producing the DOCG wine appellation of Castel Del Monte. The wine is aged in the impressive underground cellars dug into the tufa rocks under the estate’s central courtyard.
We learn useful information about the production of olive oil as we taste it with local bread and partake in a traditional farmer’s lunch paired with wine-tasting
Visit the Medieval Castel Del Monte
After lunch, the iconic shape of Castel Del Monte will appear on the horizon after a short drive.
The tour of the castle brings to life the stories of Emperor Frederik II of Svevia, one of the most eclectic and controversial characters in Italian history, who built the bold structure in the mid-1200s.
Listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, Castel Del Monte is a must-see on a tour of Puglia for the 360° views over the region and its incredible references to infinity and to the number eight that recur in the architecture and many symbols.
Return to Bari in the late afternoon and enjoy a dinner on your own, as the tour manager is on hand to recommend restaurants within walking distance from the hotel.
Day 3 – The Pristine Coastline of Monopoli and the Caves of Castellana
Meals included: breakfast, and dinner | Accommodation: Masseria, north of Lecce
Check out from Bari and drive to Monopoli, a small fisherman town along the Adriatic coast with origins dating back centuries when it developed around the 16th-century Castle of Charles V.
The charming harbor with fishing boats bobbing in the water is the starting point of a leisure walk led by the tour manager along the whitewashed narrow streets adorned with vases of flowers, cacti, and colorful doorways.
Lunch on your own.
The Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour continues with a short drive through the mainland to the entrance of the caves of Castellana. We meet a local expert for an easy underground walk that does not require too much effort.
These caves are a fascinating natural wonder located in the province of Bari, renowned for their stunning limestone formations, intricate stalactites, and stalagmites, which have been formed over thousands of years through the process of erosion and mineral deposition.
Make sure to pack sneakers or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip and a warmer layer for our 50-minute tour that covers a distance of approximately half a mile.
The Masseria of our Puglia and Matera Tour
In the afternoon the straight highway connecting Bari to southern Puglia takes us to our home for the next three nights, a restored Masseria a few miles north of Lecce.
Staying in this former fortified farmhouse is one of the trip’s highlights and an experience that reconnects with nature.
Upon arrival check-in and relax in the central inner courtyard or in one of the many lounges decorated with an exquisite taste by the young couple who inherited this extraordinary property and welcome guests in their home. From the pool to the wine cellar, the greenhouse and the garden, and the kitchen filled with pots and old pans, every corner is like an open book that reveals a story. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed with elements that remind us of their original function.
Sit at the table and enjoy homemade Apulian cuisine at its best prepared only with seasonal ingredients and served in colorful ceramics.
Day 4 – The Salento Region: Gallipoli, Negramaro Winery and Lecce
Meals included: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: Masseria, north of Lecce
The fourth day of our Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour is planned to take in the vibe of Salento, in the southern part of Puglia, rich in cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman.
After a hearty breakfast in our Masseria, the first stop of the day is Gallipoli known for its crystal-clear coastline and the medieval walls built above the Ionian Sea. Weather permitting, it’s possible to stop at the pristine beach Spiaggia della Purità, and deep our toes in the water. Free time for souvenir shopping.
Then we are off to a nearby winery focused on growing Negramaro grapes and producing traditional wines of Salento. The modern facility is a masterpiece of engineering and it includes a museum dedicated to the family’s history.
Sit in the winery’s garden for an al-fresco lunch paired with the wine tasting.
The next stop is Lecce, once a Roman city rebuilt in Baroque style by exploiting the local yellowish stone that gives the historic center a unique light shade, especially at sunset.
The walking tour with a local guide is planned in the late afternoon and it includes a look at Roman ruins, the highly ornate exterior of the church of Santa Croce as well as other hidden treasures.
End the day in Lecce with dinner on your own in one of the many cozy restaurants or simply toast with an aperitivo and enjoy people-watching in one of the bustling piazzas.
Return to the Masseria.
Day 5 – Foraging, Cooking and an Evening in Ostuni
Meals included: breakfast and dinner | Accommodation: Masseria, north of Lecce
Enjoy a lazy morning with breakfast served in the central courtyard of our Masseria and take in the peaceful vibe of the countryside, maybe reading a book by the pool or discovering the grounds and the surroundings of the farmhouse on foot.
Late morning a leisurely foraging walk in the farmhouse garden is an opportunity to get familiar with Puglia’s abundant natural resources and farmers’ traditions.
Next, learn how to knead the orecchiette pasta – shaped like an ear – and delve into Puglia’s culinary heritage with a casual and fun cooking class.
Once lunch is prepared, we sit down to enjoy a leisurely farm-to-table feast. The table is set in the picturesque common areas of the Masseria, savoring the flavors of Puglia while soaking in the ambiance of the Italian countryside. Engage in lively conversation with your fellow food enthusiasts, sharing stories and culinary tips as you enjoy the fruits of your labor.
In the afternoon we visit the nearby medieval Abbey of St. Maria di Cerrate that in the past used to control the surrounding fortified farmhouses and the local southern Puglia coastline.
Next, we are off to Ostuni, one of the most picturesque towns of Valle d’Itria, a sub-region located in the middle section of Puglia.
Ostuni, often referred to as the “White City” due to its characteristic whitewashed buildings, is perched on a hill. Take a leisure walk with our tour manager in secondary alleys where locals live, up to the striking façade of the Cathedral with a unique rose window and a towering campanile.
Our culinary adventure continues with a gourmet dinner in a renowned restaurant of Ostuni as tonight we focus on the modern cuisine of Puglia, with reinvented traditional dishes. Return to the Masseria after dinner.
Day 6 – Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour: Alberobello and Altamura
Meals included: breakfast and dinner | Accommodation: Matera
After breakfast, check out and head north toward one of the most iconic towns of Puglia: Alberobello.
An expert local guide will lead us through the dwelling with the highest concentration of the famous trulli houses, which are cylindrical structures with conical roofs made of limestone.
Stories of what it was like to live in these homes are unraveled as well as the historical facts that imposed tributes to each new urban settlement, therefore the idea of conceiving buildings that could be demolished quickly in case of controls.
Free time for some souvenir shopping and lunch on your own in Alberobello.
Next, we drive north, all the way to the town of Altamura. We take an afternoon coffee break in a local pastry shop and indulge in cream-filled puff cakes with a funny and curious name. Follow our tour manager through the narrow passageways of Altamura, passing by small courtyards known as claustri where people still live, and arrive at a historic bakery with a wooden fire oven. A tasting of the famous bread of Altamura is a must!
As we walk in front of the majestic Cathedral and along the high street, get a glimpse of life in this part of Puglia before heading to Matera.
Matera, one of the Oldest Cities in the World
Matera is a short drive from Altamura, nestled in the neighboring region of Basilicata. Upon arrival, our luggage will be delivered by van to the hotel.
Check-in for the next two nights in a hidden gem, a former aristocratic palace that underwent a long restoration process to welcome guests in spacious and luxurious accommodations. We gather in the central living room of this boutique hotel to admire the view over the Sassi district, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Enjoy the hotel’s privileged position between the modern and the old town, avoiding unnecessary climbing of steps.
Tonight a casual dinner features fresh salads, vegetables, and gourmet pizza prepared with ancient types of grains and local toppings.
Day 7 – Michelin-Star Dinner in Matera
Meals included: breakfast and dinner | Accommodation: Matera
This morning we explore one of the most unique cities in the world where people used to live in cave dwellings dug into the limestone rock until a few decades ago. Words cannot describe the beauty and surreal atmosphere of the old Sassi districts and the surrounding landscape.
A funny ride aboard the Italian three-wheel Ape will take us back to the upper city at the end of the tour!
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace Matera.
Tonight we celebrate the end of our Puglia & Matera Luxury Tour with a full-tasting menu in a Michelin-star restaurant. Shake hands with your fellow travelers and take the time to recollect all the long-lasting memories of this trip.
Day 8 – Arrivederci to the Tour of Puglia & Matera
Meals included: breakfast | Accommodation: n/a
After breakfast, a group transfer is scheduled to Bari’s airport, located only one hour away.
Flights should not be booked before 11:00 am.
Arrivederci, until next time!
Flight Information
- Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the tour cost.
- Suggested arrival and departure airport: Bari (BRI). As soon as you book your flights, please share with us your air information so that we can work on airport transfers (if included).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
- Arrival day: no airport transfer is included upon arrival to Bari which is located within a 20-minute taxi ride from the city center (about 25€ per car).
- Pre-tour accommodations can be requested, depending on availability.
- Departure day: one group transfer from Matera to Bari is included. Flights should not be booked before 11:00 am. Please contact us if you’d like to add a transfer at a different time or a post-tour hotel room in Bari.
On-Tour Luggage Restrictions
In addition to airline luggage restrictions, please consider that:
- Due to our van/bus space limitations during the tour, we ask you to limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person, weighing around 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).
- Each guest can also bring one carry-on and a small, soft-sided bag or backpack for day-to-day travel. The space onboard our vans and minibusses, as well as the overhead rack and the space under the seat, is typically very limited, just enough for small bags and purses.
- The tour is confirmed with at least 6 participants
- A 30% down payment is required in order to confirm the reservation (refundable up to 90 days).
- The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour.
Cancellation policy:
- There shall be a 250€ non-refundable processing fee (per person) on any cancellation request, regardless of the time frame within which the cancellation is submitted;
- From 90 days to 46 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 30% of the price;
- From 45 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 100% of the price
Read here the full terms and conditions.
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- Rooms at the Masseria don’t have televisions. However, rooms are equipped with wi-fi and air conditioning.
- To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances. This is not a physically demanding tour, however, there will be a lot of walking, often on uneven steps, cobblestones, uphill and downhill.
- Matera, in particular, requires climbing steps on both our guided tour and during your free time.
- One of the charming aspects of Italy is its historical and architectural conformation. Many towns and attractions can only be visited on foot, as vans and buses cannot access the pedestrian areas where most places of interest are located.
- Unfortunately we cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Our tour managers and tour guides are unable to provide ongoing individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other physical needs.
- While the driving time on our tours is limited, getting to remote farmhouses and villages may require driving on windy roads that may cause motion sickness.
- Due to the historic nature of many of the luxury boutique hotels where we stay, some rooms may include stairs and differ in size and layout.
Before departure, guests will receive via email a complete list of things to know about Italy, such as what to pack, money, electricity, health, tipping, VAT refund, and more.
