Apulia & Matera

Mysterious fortresses, medieval castles and cave churches in a land of sun and hospitality. 

7 days / 6 nights 

Available from March to October 2022

Tour for small groups, max 20 participants.

APULIA is a treasure trove of art, history, and nature. A land of sun and hospitality, it’s located on a strip of land in southeastern Italy, in a strategic position in the heart of the Mediterranean. Apulia, is hugged by two incredible seas, the Ionian and the Adriatic have crafted. A variety of different shores, with steep cliffs overlooking colorful sea bottoms and golden beaches sloping into crystal clear waters. Inland, the uncontaminated realm of nature comprises great valleys and gentle hills covered with olive trees, vineyards, and luxuriant forests, as well as some surprising Mediterranean gravine (ravines). So you’ll find menhirs, cave churches, medieval castles , Baroque and Romanesque churches, noble palaces and historical residences, enchanted hamlets and art cities, charming masserie  (manor farms) and casali (rural homes). In addition to this exceptional heritage, there are also three  Unesco World Heritage Sites: Castel del Monte , the mysterious fortress of Fredrick II (near Andria); the Trulli, characteristic drystone huts, unique in the world; and the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant’Angelo, a masterpiece of medieval art and an international pilgrimage destination. The food and wine are an explosion of exceptional flavors. The secret is in the ingredients, all genuine and locally grown, which give rise to superb extra virgin olive oil and exquisite wines.  MATERA is the city of the Sassi, the native urban nucleus, developed from the natural caves dug in the rock and subsequently and shaped in more complex buildings. The two constructions called Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano made Matera famous all over the world recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. On October 17, 2014 Matera have been designate European Capital of the Culture for 2019.

day 1) Bari, arrival on Bari Airport

day 2) Bari – Trani – Castel Del Monte – Bari 

day 3) Alberobello – Castellana Grotto – Polignano a Mare – Alberobello

day 4) Alberobello – Matera – Alberobello

day 5) Alberobello – Martina Franca – Ostuni – Locorotondo – Alberobello

day 6) Alberobello – Lecce – Otranto – Alberobello  

day 7) Alberobello – Bari 

  • Hotel accommodation at 4* hotels, with daily breakfast 
  • Air conditioned private Coach and professionsl driver Bus check points, parking fees and Ztl taxes where foreseen 
  • Multilingual tour manager travelling with the group
  • Local Guides for private sightseeings
  • Admissions to Castel del Monte Swebian Castle, Casa Grotta and Chiesa Rupestre Matera, Castellana Grotto (short itinerary)
  • 6 meals in tour (3 lunches & 3 dinners)
  • Head-phones to hear our guide’s voice properly