Memorii

Where Italy Hid Its Most Beautiful Secret: Matera, Puglia and the Adriatic

7 Nights – Matera, Alberobello & Coastal Puglia – Italy

  • Duration: 8 days
  • Countries: Italy
  • Cities: Brindisi, Savelletri di Fasano, Matera, Bari
  • Valid Travel Dates: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026

Trip Summary

Puglia moves slowly. That is its nature and its appeal, and this seven-night journey follows the region's rhythm rather than fighting it. Matera opens — one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, its cave dwellings carved into a ravine over nine thousand years of history — with Sant Angelo Luxury Resort sitting among them. A private guide through the Sassi covers what no signboard can. From there south to Alberobello's trulli, then to Borgo Egnazia, where the Adriatic is close and the pace is entirely yours. A full-day tour through Lecce and an exclusive visit to a renowned Salentine winery. The whitewashed streets of Monopoli. The sunlit landscapes of Puglia seen through a car window at the right time of day. The cuisine at every meal is tied directly to the land it comes from — that is the whole point of being here.

Countries

  • Italy

Cities

  • Brindisi
  • Savelletri di Fasano
  • Matera
  • Bari

Accommodation

  • Borgo Egnazia - Borgo Egnazia
  • Sant Angelo Luxury Resort - Matera

Inclusions

  • 24/7 on-the-ground support from our trusted local team throughout your journey
  • All accommodations, scheduled experiences, and transfers as outlined in your final itinerary
  • Private driver services for tours and transfers (in select destinations, your private guide may also serve as your driver—your Destination Expert will advise accordingly)
  • Expert-led private or small-group tours to bring your itinerary highlights to life (tour type will be confirmed in your final itinerary)
  • Personalized welcome upon arrival, either at the airport or your hotel, arranged by your dedicated representative
  • Daily breakfast at your hotel, plus any additional meals noted in your itinerary
  • Seamless handling of one suitcase and one carry-on per person for all trip-related transfers
  • A fully tailored itinerary crafted around your personal interests, travel style, and preferred pace

Exclusions

  • Travel insurance
  • Entry visas, unless otherwise stated
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers
  • Meals and beverages not specified in your itinerary
  • Baggage fees for overweight luggage or items not included in your airfare
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards, or room service
  • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels, unless expressly noted in your itinerary
  • Additional tours, activities, or experiences not listed in your confirmed itinerary
  • Optional upgrades including enhanced room categories, flight classes, or local photography/video permits
  • Passport application fees, vaccination costs, and departure taxes where applicable
  • International airfare
Where Italy Hid Its Most Beautiful Secret: Matera, Puglia and the Adriatic

Day-by-Day Itinerary

City: Bari, Matera

A private Meet & Greet assistant will be awaiting your arrival to the airport. They will escort you through passport control and coordinate with porters at baggage claim before escorting you to your awaiting private transfer. Meet your private driver and vehicle at Bari Airport for a transfer to Matera. Approximate travel time is 1 hour. Whether you seek the casual ambiance of a hidden gem or the intimacy of a Michelin-starred or recommended establishment, our dedicated team is ready to secure a dining experience that reflects an authentic taste of place. Let us know your preferences and we'll find the perfect spot.

Step into Europe’s most extraordinary rupestrian city on a private half-day guided tour of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure carved into the cliffs of a canyon. With your expert local guide, uncover the story of the Sassi, the honeycomb of cave dwellings and churches that make Matera one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited towns. Wander through winding alleys, admire centuries-old rock-hewn sanctuaries, and descend into the Palombaro Lungo, a vast underground cistern hidden beneath the main square. As the city rises before you in layers of stone, it feels at once dreamlike and timeless, a place where history, culture, and atmosphere converge. Matera’s haunting beauty has even captured filmmakers, serving as the backdrop for The Passion of the Christ.

City: Matera, Savelletri di Fasano

Enjoy a seamless private transfer to Savelletri di Fasano, with your day unfolding through some of Puglia’s most enchanting villages. Along the way, pause for a privately guided exploration of Locorotondo and Cisternino, two jewels of the Itria Valley celebrated for their whitewashed charm and quiet elegance. In Locorotondo, your expert guide will share the town’s fascinating origins dating back to the 11th century, as you stroll its perfectly circular lanes lined with cummerse, slender, stone-roofed homes unique to the region. Continue to Cisternino, a UNESCO-listed village of ancient trulli dwellings, where time seems to slow amid sun-washed walls and panoramic valley views. Your journey continues with a private, behind-the-scenes visit to Pomona Gardens, a hidden botanical sanctuary spanning more than 10 acres. Here, a personal botanist will guide you through over 1,200 rare fruit varieties, including an astonishing collection of 600 figs, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Wander at leisure through this serene landscape, sampling fruits picked straight from the trees and uncovering the quiet magic of this living museum. Arrive in Savelletri di Fasano by late afternoon, where your coastal retreat awaits.

City: Savelletri di Fasano

Discover the captivating city of Lecce, followed by an exclusive visit to a renowned Salentine winery on a full-day tour. Begin at the charming city of Lecce, renowned as the emblem of the Baroque era and often referred to as the Florence of the South, owing to its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. Your private local guide will lead you on a journey through history and the arts, unveiling the multifaceted aspects of this charming city, which dates back to the Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. As you stroll through its streets, you'll immerse yourself in the warm, enveloping tones of the local Lecce stone. Explore its distinctive Duomo, crypt, and Seminary, and marvel at the eccentric and exuberant Baroque palaces and churches that lend the city center its unique charm. During your day, you'll pause at a local pastry shop for a coffee break and savor the typical Pasticciotto, a local pastry filled with cream.

City: Savelletri di Fasano

Experience the enchanting sun-kissed landscapes and rich heritage of Puglia with a private full-day tour to Monopoli and Alberobello, offering a glimpse into Italy's timeless beauty. Explore the seaside town of Monopoli, known as The City of a Hundred Districts, with a private guide who will lead you through the charming historic center. Founded on settlements dating back to the 5th century BC, the town center is characterized by narrow, winding alleys that suddenly open onto small squares, surrounded by ancient dwellings. Upon reaching the heart of the old city, you will admire the harbor: a deep natural inlet that provided shelter first to Greeks and Romans, then Venetians, Amalfitans, and finally the Spanish. You will also visit the wonderful Baroque Cathedral, the picturesque waterfront, and the iconic sites of the old town. Continue with a short scenic drive to the fairytale village of Alberobello, renowned worldwide for its whimsical cone-shaped buildings known as trulli. Marvel at these unique UNESCO-listed structures, built without mortar, each telling a story dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. As you traverse the narrow alleys, witness the daily life of the villagers and gain insights into their culture. Admire the Church of Saint Antonio, a splendid blend of Romanesque Apulian style and trulli architecture, and explore Aia Piccola and Rione Monti, where 1500 trulli create a mesmerizing panorama. Delight in the opportunity to step inside a traditional trullo house museum, discovering its unique architecture and learning about the bygone lifestyle of its inhabitants. Conclude your day with a return transfer to your accommodation.

City: Savelletri di Fasano

Revel in the picturesque Apulian charm of Ostuni on a private half-day walking tour with a local guide. Well-known as the "white city", due to its striking, white-washed buildings, Ostuni dazzles at every narrow turn. Perched on top of a hill, the city offers stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding countryside. After a private transfer to Ostuni, join your private guide and meander through narrow streets and paths, crossing magnificent churches, quaint shops, arches and alleyways, getting lost in the heart of this peculiar town as you stumble upon postcard-worthy views. After, venture out to a traditional farmhouse known as a masseria, to further immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage. Most of these estates date back to the 16th century and provide an ideal backdrop for savoring culinary delights. Enjoy a guided visit of the masseria and be treated to a delightful tasting of typical products, discovering the classic flavors of Apulian cuisine as you sample oils, cheeses, breads, baked goods and more. Conclude your experience with a return transfer.

City: Savelletri di Fasano

Indulge in a day of relaxation at Borgo Egnazia, where every moment is a celebration of Mediterranean elegance and hospitality. Whether you choose to bask in the warm Italian sun by the poolside, unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment, or savor exquisite cuisine at the hotel's on-site restaurant, your day at leisure promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

City: Savelletri di Fasano

Meet your private driver for a transfer to Brindisi Airport. Approximate travel time is 45 minutes. Enjoy a seamless departure experience as a private assistant and luggage porters will be awaiting your arrival at the entrance to the Brindisi Airport. Your bags will be taken care of as you're assisted with flight check-in, security, and passport control, before being led to the appropriate gate for your flight.

Begin Your Bespoke Journey

No obligation. A Destination Expert will tailor every detail to your preferences.

Request This Experience