Itinerary - Southern Italy 360°: A Journey through Puglia & Matera

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

Welcome to Bari, where our adventure begins! After reaching our accommodation and dropping off our bags we’re going to head out and grab some dinner - let's go for authentic Italian cuisine!

We kickstart our day bright and early with a hearty breakfast and then we get our rental cars and drive to Giovinazzo, a little town near Bari. Here we’ll get involved in a local oil tasting experience and try other products of this region!

After the tasting we have the option to visit the town and grab a spot of lunch on the seafront.

After lunch we’re going to visit Trani, the busy town centre is famous for its cathedral, a fine example of the Apulian Romanesque style, and the historic centre overlooking the sea. Trani's iconic seafront cathedral is one of the finest anywhere in Italy! By late evening we’ll arrive in Matera where we will spend the night.

Hello Matera! Matera is a historic city located in the Basilicata region. It’s renowned for its unique cave dwellings, known as “Sassi”, which are ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs of the Gravina River gorge. It was also the set of the famous James Bond Skyfall movie! We will enjoy our local cooking class inside a traditional Matera cave and taste the food that we have made together.

In the afternoon we’ll make a stop in Altamura, which is known throughout Italy and beyond for its famous bread! Cooked in wood-fired ovens and crafted following age-old methods, it possesses a flavour and aroma that leave a lasting impression.

When it comes to this enchanting town, one simply cannot overlook its iconic trulli: currently numbering around a thousand. These traditional dwellings have held the status of a national monument since 1930 and have more recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The trullo, a symbol of timeless rural architecture, has long been intertwined with the essence of Puglia, serving as one of the region's most emblematic representations of its rural heritage.

After a short drive we’ll arrive in Locorotondo, one of those must-visit places. It's located in the picturesque area of the Itria Valley and its name means "round place," due to the circular shape of the walls surrounding the town since its origins. Its historic center is a true marvel and can easily be explored in a couple of hours!

In the afternoon we’ll head to Lecce, a baroque city with a historic centre full of extravagant architecture!

Today we are embarking on a beautiful boat excursion covering all the caves along the Ionian and Adriatic coast of Leuca.

After passing Cape Meliso and then skirting the lighthouse, we will be able to appreciate the caves and coves along a route of about 5.5 km!

Later on, we'll have the chance to relax at the beach, and there are so many between Torre San Giovanni and Gallipoli! Here, we are truly spoilt for choice.

In the morning we will head to the lighthouse of Punta Malascia, where we can relax in front of the sea, waiting for the sun to rise in this truly beautiful place.

Then we’ll make an easy trek through a little cave before reaching Otranto. There, we’ll visit the city and sample the local food.

In the afternoon we’ll reach “Baia dei Turchi” which is one of the most famous beaches in Puglia. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

In the meantime, have you ever heard of a “Masseria”?. A Masseria is a sort of farm that looks like a typical construction of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Tonight we’re going to have a typical dinner in a Masseria, be prepared and get excited!

Located in the Upper Salento region, nestled between Ostuni and Brindisi, Torre Guaceto beckons with its status as both a Nature Reserve and Protected Marine Area. Here, amidst the lush Mediterranean Maquis vegetation and teeming with diverse animal species, visitors can lose themselves in a day-long odyssey of exploration and wonder. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls through the verdant landscape, immersive birdwatching experiences, or thrilling snorkelling adventures in the pristine marine habitats, Torre Guaceto offers a tapestry of natural marvels waiting to be discovered at every turn!

Before returning back to Bari, we’re going to visit Ostuni - a place famous for its medieval white walls constructed between the beginning of 1400 and 1500, in order to protect the town from enemy invasions.

We are also going to check out Polignano a Mare for one last dip in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic before heading back to Bari. Here, we grab a seaside aperitif, and choose the best restaurant for our farewell dinner!

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!