Puglia, Slowly: Stone Towns and Olive Groves
Experience Puglia at its most refined, where understated beauty meets elevated, bespoke travel. From private tastings in traditional trulli to immersive exploration of Matera’s ancient Sassi, each experience reveals a distinct sense of place. Discover hidden corners of the region, savor exceptional cuisine and wines, and retreat to handpicked luxury stays, with every detail thoughtfully curated by your Destination Expert.
- Duration
- 10 days, 9 nights
- Route
- Bari · Matera · Savelletri di Fasano · Lecce
- Style
- Private and tailor-made: your own guide and driver throughout
- From
- $8,250 per person, hotels, guides and transfers included
- Learn bread-making at a beloved Matera bakery, leaving with your own freshly baked creation.
- Head underground to marvel at the stunning rock formations of the Castellana Caves.
- Explore Alberobello’s UNESCO-protected trulli homes, then savor a local lunch with wine.
- Stroll Ostuni's whitewashed streets, then enjoy an olive oil pressing and tasting experience.
- Tailor your trip with a Destination Expert to explore lesser-known coastal villages.
Every day, already yours.
The Adventure Begins
Meet your private driver and vehicle at Bari Airport for a transfer to Matera. Approximate travel time is 1 hour.
- Transfer - Private - Bari - Matera [Airport, 1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver
- Italy Welcome Package
- Insider Dining Recommendations: Matera
See the Signature Sights in Style
Enjoy a privately guided walk of Matera, a city which has gained international fame for its ancient town, the "Sassi di Matera" (meaning "stones of Matera"). The Sassi originate from a prehistoric settlement, and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy.
- Walking Tour (1.5 hrs) - Private
- Bread Making Class (2 hrs) - Private Tour
- Belvedere Views at Sunset - Self-Guided
En Route
Meet your private driver and guide for a transfer to Savelletri, visiting the Castellana Caves and Alberobello en route. The Castellana Caves (Grotte di Castellana) are the most spectacular natural highlight of Puglia, and a site of immeasurable national significance.
- Matera to Savelletri di Fasano via Grotte di Castellana & Alberobello (with Lunch, 8 hrs) - Private Transfer
Hidden Gems
With your private guide and driver, head to Locorotondo, officially one of the "Borghi piu belli d'Italia", the most beautiful villages in Italy. In addition to its picturesque appearance, the town is also known for its wine production. The historic part of town is circular and perched on the top of a hill.
- Locorotondo & Cisternino (with Wine Tasting, 6.5 hrs) - Private Tour
Sights and Insights
Departing with your private guide and driver, you'll head to the baroque seaside town of Monopoli, an area first settled in 500 BC. Starting from the old port, take a nice stroll along the old ramparts, and through the main gate. You'll reach the castle of Charles V, continuing past its walls and along the promenade to a view of the 15th-century cathedral and its baroque bell tower.
- Monopoli & Polignano (7 hrs) - Private Tour
The Journey Continues…
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Lecce. The approximate drive time is one hour.
- Savelletri di Fasano to Lecce (1 hr) - Private Transfer
- Baroque Charms of Lecce Walking Tour (2 hr) - Private
- Insider Dining Recommendations: Lecce
A Town Frozen in Time
Set out with a private driver and guide for a half-day exploration of the enchanting seaside town of Otranto, where you'll visit Italy's largest medieval mosaic nestled in the heart of Otranto's Cathedral. Embark on a journey along the Adriatic coast of southern Italy, arriving at the awe-inspiring Otranto's Romanesque cathedral, a masterpiece consecrated in 1088 and home to a magnificent twelfth-century mosaic.
- Cathedral Secrets in Otranto (4.5 hrs) - Private Tour
Explore with an Expert
Departing with your private guide and driver, you'll head to Ostuni, reminiscent of a Greek village for its typical white-painted architecture. Take in a stunning view of the Adriatic coast and centuries-old olive trees that separate the town and the sea. Your walking tour within the old city center begins at the ancient walls-a fabulous panoramic photo opportunity.
- Ostuni & Olive Oil Tasting (4.5 hrs) - Private Tour
A Change of Scenery
Transfer to Bari today with your private driver, stopping to tour Gallipoli along the way. Upon arrival, meet up with a private local guide and embark on a walk along the intricate labyrinth of winding streets of the old town, linked to the modern new city by a 16th century bridge.
- Transfer - Private - Lecce - Bari [with Gallipoli Tour (6.5 hrs)] - Vehicle/Local Guide/Driver
Jet Off
Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
- Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Where you will wake up.
Palazzo Gattini
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Masseria Torre Maizza
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Patria Palace
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Vis Urban Suites & Spa
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