10 days Puglia & Matera small group tour

Embark on our small group tour through Puglia and Matera, where the timeless beauty of southern Italy unfolds in sunlit olive groves, whitewashed towns, and the scent of the Adriatic breeze. This enchanting region at the heel of Italy’s boot is a place where simplicity and elegance live side by side. Ancient stone villages glow in the afternoon light, fishermen mend their nets by the harbor, and long tables are set beneath the branches of centuries-old trees. Life here follows a graceful rhythm, shaped by family, food, and the joy of shared moments.

This captivating region remains one of Italy’s most treasured secrets. From the storybook trulli of Alberobello to the baroque streets of Lecce, Puglia invites you to slow down and savor life as the locals do. Along the way, discover places where time seems to stand still, from the Romanesque cathedrals that line the coast to the extraordinary cave dwellings of Matera, a city carved from stone and steeped in history.

Here, every meal is a celebration, every encounter a connection, and every corner tells a story of authenticity and charm. With Secret Italia Tours, you are invited to experience this land not through hurried sightseeing but through genuine discovery, quiet comfort, and the simple pleasure of traveling among friends.

Route

A BariB LecceC OtrantoD MateraE MateraF AlberobelloG OstuniH Castel del MOnteI TraniJ Bari

Day 1:From Beautiful Bari To The Florence Of The South
 

Your Puglia adventure begins in Bari, a city where ancient alleyways and Romanesque architecture tell stories of centuries past. Take a stroll through its historic quarter with a knowledgeable local guide. Visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas, a masterpiece of this medieval architectural tradition, wander past the Norman Swabian Castle, and the Bari Fish Market with its fresh catch of the day. Afterwards, travel inland to the graceful city of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” a place of golden stone and timeless baroque beauty. Settle into your boutique hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner that celebrates the flavors and warmth of Puglia.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch on your own, dinner included

Accommodations: Overnight in Lecce
 

This morning begins with a private walking tour through Lecce, the baroque jewel of southern Italy, where ornate mansions and lavish churches glow in the warm hue of its soft golden stone. After the tour, experience the art of papier-mâché, a centuries-old craft that continues to flourish in the hands of local masters. You’ll take part in a hands-on workshop, learning the delicate techniques behind these graceful creations. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps visiting the fascinating Museo Faggiano for a glimpse into the city’s layered past. As evening falls, experience the rhythm of Puglia’s traditions with a private pizzica folk performance, complete with a glass of sparkling prosecco to toast another unforgettable day.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Lecce

This morning, visit a traditional Apulian farmhouse, or masseria, for an intimate cheese-making experience that reveals one of Puglia’s most beloved culinary traditions. Learn how local artisans transform fresh milk into delicate cheeses and enjoy a tasting of their delicious creations. Continue along the Adriatic coast to Cape Otranto, where a restored 19th-century lighthouse overlooks the turquoise waters and, on clear days, offers views all the way to Albania. Spend time exploring Otranto, a picturesque harbor town known for its medieval charm and remarkable 12th-century mosaic floor inside the Cathedral. The afternoon invites you to unwind by the sea, with time to relax on the soft sand or swim in the crystal-clear waters (weather permitting) before returning to Lecce for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Lecce
 

This morning, depart from Puglia toward the neighboring Basilicata region, a land of hidden beauty and deep history. Stop first in Galatina, once a Greek colony and now home to the magnificent Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, where exquisite fifteenth-century frescoes bring biblical stories to life. Continue to a family-run winery to meet our friend Donato and enjoy a tasting of fine local wines paired with a light lunch, a perfect reflection of southern Italy’s warmth and generosity. In the afternoon, arrive in Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary towns, known for its ancient cave dwellings carved from stone. Settle into your boutique cave hotel and prepare to explore this unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Matera

Today is devoted to discovering Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a true masterpiece of southern Italy. With your expert local guide, explore the labyrinth of cave dwellings known as the Sassi di Matera, carved into the luminous limestone cliffs and once home to generations of artisans and monks. Wander through prehistoric grottoes, ancient tabernacles, and medieval churches adorned with remarkable frescoes, each corner revealing traces of the city’s layered past. Matera’s haunting beauty has made it the backdrop for several acclaimed films, its dramatic scenery perfectly suited to epic storytelling. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore its winding streets and hidden terraces before gathering this evening for dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Matera

This morning, journey through the rugged beauty of the Murgia Valley to the remarkable Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site that crowns the landscape with its perfect octagonal form. Built under Emperor Frederick II, it remains one of Italy’s most captivating medieval masterpieces. We’ll take a guided tour of this amazing site. We then continue to the coastal town of Trani, a place of quiet elegance and deep history, where the Romanesque Cathedral of San Pellegrino rises dramatically above the sea. Wander through the old Jewish quarter with its winding alleys, historic synagogues, and artisan workshops that preserve centuries of tradition. The day concludes in the gleaming white town of Ostuni, where you’ll settle into a central boutique hotel for the next four nights.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni
 

Enjoy a leisurely morning before experiencing daily life in Puglia through its most cherished traditions. Begin with a visit to a family-run masseria for a guided tour and tasting of their fragrant olive oils, learning firsthand how this liquid gold shapes both the cuisine and culture of southern Italy. Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its conical trulli houses. Step inside an eighteenth-century trullo to discover how these remarkable homes reflect the ingenuity and lifestyle of generations past. Return to Ostuni for free time to explore its romantic streets, then end the day dining in an authentic Apulian bistro among locals, sharing food, conversation, and the spirit of true Italian living.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni
 

Begin the day in the whitewashed hilltop village of Locorotondo, one of the most picturesque towns in Italy. Its quiet streets curve in graceful circles, framed by flower-filled balconies and sunlit stone archways that speak of centuries of care. After exploring, visit an Apulian family in their colorful trullo home for an intimate hands-on cooking class. Together, prepare a traditional southern Italian dish, learning techniques passed down through generations and sharing in the warmth of true local hospitality. Return to Ostuni to relax and enjoy the evening at leisure, living like a true Italian with good food, good company, and a heart full of joy.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni
 

Travel to the dazzling coastal town of Polignano a Mare to board a private boat for a scenic cruise along the Adriatic. Sail past hidden coves and majestic limestone cliffs that reveal the natural splendor of Puglia from the sea. After returning to shore, wander through the charming old town, where whitewashed houses seem to float above the turquoise water. Then, continue along the coast to the charming fishing village of Monopoli, where the sea sparkles against whitewashed walls and the spirit of Puglia comes alive. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a celebratory dinner at a restaurant featuring regional specialties, raising a glass to the unforgettable memories of your journey.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Ostuni

After breakfast, it is time to say arrivederci to Puglia, a region that has shared its beauty, flavors, and spirit so generously. Transfers are provided to Brindisi or Bari. As you leave behind the whitewashed towns, olive groves, and glittering Adriatic shores, carry with you the memories of a place that welcomes you as family and stays in your heart long after you return home. Enhance your experience by combining our Puglia tour with an unforgettable tour of Sicily and Southern Italy

Meals: Breakfast is included