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puglia and basilicata 2023 tour

PUGLIA AND

BASILICATA

$4350 Double / $5250 Single

Puglia and Basilicata are fascinating, yet under appreciated regions of Italy. If we think of Italy as a boot, these regions cover the heel and instep, sandwiched between Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

This tour takes in a wide variety of cities, towns, hidden spots, olive producers, wine makers, and delicious meals while giving our guests time for exploration.

Our accommodations on this tour are not simply a place to sleep, but a part of the experience. You’ll sleep in a Trullo hut in Alberobello, a cave in Matera, and a country Masseria farm house in the countryside.

For a sampling of the 2022 itinerary and photos see the blog!

Tour Guide: Lisa Anderson

Day One

Overnight: Matera

Bari to Matera

You will meet your group in Bari in a central location. From there, the tour will kick off with a visit to the Castel del Monte, one of the most interesting castels built by Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II. Tonight we will arrive in one of the oldest cities in the world, Matera, and enjoy our first dinner together.

Day Two

Overnight: Matera

“The shame of Europe”

Today we will take a walking tour of Matera. Matera is famous for cave dwellings in which people lived until the mid 20th century. We will see period homes, cave churches, and explore the city that once was called “the shame of Europe”. You’ll have a free afternoon and evening to explore the city.

Day Three

Overnight: Matera

We will go on a field trip today to explore more of Basilicata. Our day will start in Gravina, which is like a miniature Matera and was also a set location for the most recent James Bond movie. We’ll also enjoy a group lunch together before heading to the town of Altamura, which is famous for some of the best bread in Italy. We will head back to Matera for a free evening and dinner on your own.

Day Four

Overnight: Alberobello

We will have our first taste of Puglian wine paired with some local specialties today while touring a local cantina en route to our next home base in Alberobello. You will sleep tonight in one of the famous local dwellings, Trullo, which are like stone fairy huts. Tonight we will dine together at a local farm to table restaurant.

Day Five

Overnight: Alberobello

We will start the day with a walking tour of Alberobello, and delve deep into this town’s intriguing past. Then you will have a free afternoon and evening to explore and relax.

Day Six

Overnight: Masseria

Today we explore the coast of Puglia, starting with the town of Monopoli. Later we will tour the white-washed town of Ostuni, where you will have the sensation of being in Greece. Then we will check into our Puglian farmhouse, Masseria, which is like a farm fortress, for the next 3 nights.

Day Seven

Overnight: Masseria

This morning is for recharging your batteries at our masseria where you can take a walk in the countryside or sit by the pool before we have a hands-on cooking class.  After we’ve enjoyed the fruits of our labor, a short drive will take us to Otranto just in time to explore and enjoy the sunset.

Day Eight

Overnight: Masseria

Today we will explore a hidden gem, the archeological site of Egnazia.  Weather permitting, we will also enjoy a boat ride down the coast before heading to our Masseria for dinner together.

Day Nine

Overnight Lecce

On the way to our last hotel in the baroque city of Lecce, we will stop for a tour and cheese tasting at a family run farm. Lecce is known as the “Florence” of the South for its artistic patrimony, and we will have plenty of time to explore.

Day Ten

Overnight Lecce

Today we visit the workshop of a local craftsman who will demonstrate the art of papier mache.  The afternoon is yours to explore, before we meet up to enjoy our last Puglian dinner together. The tour will be over in the morning.

Day Eleven


From Lecce, you can take a train back to Bari, Naples, or Rome or catch a flight from Brindisi to other destinations in Italy.