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Boutique Holidays
Discover the South: Matera & Puglia

Spend a few days in the stunning Matera, a magic city on a rocky outcrop which has become popular for its caved dwellings carved into the tufa rocks. Then, move to Puglia, a real treasure of art, history and natural beauties. Discover the sophisticated culture of local cuisine and enjoy authentic, unpretentious good food. Whether strolling through the alleys of enchanting villages or driving among large expanses of olive groves or enjoying a meal in a cozy trattoria, a visit to the South of Italy promises a delightful experience for all. Plan to spend 7+ memorable days (at least 10 if you want to explore the whole region). The trip can be tailor made accordingly to the season (summer is very hot) and the days you have. Experiences/Extras can be added to enrich the holidays with special memories. Here is a first proposal to start!

Reservations

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Day 1-2

Matera and La Murgia Archaelogical park

Rent a car (or pick up) at the airport and reach a luxury guesthouse in the ‘sassi’ of Matera (45’ drive) where you will stay for 2 nights. When you are ready, meet your guide for a 2H tour of the old city, in the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites. Be lost in the labyrinth of tiny streets and discover the history of the third oldest city in the world. If you like hiking, drive (20’) to the limestone plateau which hosts Le Murgia natural park and explore some rupestrian churches (there are over 150) and marvel at the frescos, left behind by monks that used to find here a safe shelter over centuries.

Day 3

Alberobello & Castellana Caves.

Drive to Castellana Caves (1h), the most spectacular underground system of karst caves in Italy. Join a guided tour winding along a 3km long path and reaching more than 70 meter depth, until the magnificent white grotto. Then, move on to visit Alberobello (15’), the picturesque village known for its funny whitewashed cone-roofed trulli houses.Finally, reach a luxury farm (masseria) in the Val d’Itria where you will stay for 5 nights.

Day 4

Monopoli & Polignano a mare

Drive to Monopoli (30’), and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the village before taking a boat (extra) to explore the sea-coves along the coast. Then, move to Polignano a mare (20’) and walk through the narrow, winding streets, admiring the stunning view of the Lama Monachile, a beautiful cove flanked by dramatic cliffs and with turquoise water. Stop for a local coffe made with amaretto and lemon zest, while shopping for local clothes and ceramics.

Day 5

Ostuni

Exploring Ostuni is like stepping into a postcard-perfect Mediterranean dream. This stunning hilltop town, known as the "White City" due to its whitewashed buildings, offers an enchanting historic center, where narrow winding streets lead to hidden squares and panoramic viewpoints.. Discover the impressive Cathedral with its intricate rose window and elegant architecture. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys, filled with artisan boutiques, charming cafes, and traditional restaurants serving mouthwatering Apulian cuisine.

Day 6

Locorotondo and Cisternino

Nestled amidst rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards, picturesque valley D’Itria is dotted with charming towns and authentic farms where you can taste olive oil, wine and cheese. Reach charming Locorotondo, an iconical village nicknamed after its circular shape. Explore the town with its picturesque whitewashed houses and admire the elegant balconies adorned with colorful flowers. Move after to Cisternino, and enjoy an old-world atmosphere. The village is renowned for its culinary delight ‘the bombette’, made by wrapping thinly sliced cuts of meat, around a filling of cheese and sometimes herbs or spices. If you have more days, Ceglie Messapica, Martina Franca, Oria, Grottaglie are beautiful villages to explore.

Day 7

Flight back

Reach the airport, stopping on your way at a farm to buy some cheese, pizza and olive oil to bring home.

Boutique Holiday Discover the South: Matera & Puglia
Info
  • Recommended for
    Romantic getaways, weddings, honeymoons, family reunions, groups of friends.
  • Best time to go
    The area is fascinating the whole year around. However, villages are lively from April until October when the weather is warm and sunny. Swimming is possible from June until October. I personally would go in November, still warm and sunny but more authentic and also cheaper!
  • Budget
    Prices highly depend upon seasonality.
    Consider a budget from €4.5k per couple including
    -5 nights in a classic double room with breakfast in a 4* hotel
    -private transfers from/to airport
    -3 full day tours with private driver
    -€1.5k per additional person
  • Extra Activities
    Extras on request
    -Cheese Tour in Valle d’Itria €30/pp
    -Private walking tour in Lecce (€200/2H)
    -2H boat tour in Polignano/Monopoli/Otranto €50/pp
    -Full day boat tour €150/pp
    -ceramic tour in Grottaglie €35/pp
    -cooking class & lunch/dinner in a farm: €150/pp
    -wine tasting: €70/pp
    -additional day with private driver: €500/8H
    -bike/e-bike rental: from €50/day
Testimonials

What Client's Say?

Hi Barbara - On behalf of my wife and I, I want to thank you for planning an incredible honeymoon for us. We had the absolute time of our lives and could not have done it without you. Here are just a few pictures that we took to commemorate the trip but every part of the trip from start to finish was an absolute dream. We are already thinking about planning our next trip so we will certainly stay in touch! If you are ever in New York please feel free to reach out for recommendations we would be happy to help.

Andrew - honeymoon
June 2023

Hi Barbara! We are sitting down having lunch before our tour of Pompei and wanted to tell you how much we are enjoying our trip so far.The hotel in Rome was perfectly located and such a lovely spot! Our first dinner in Rome was at Restaurant MonteCarlo was really good and we loved our tour with Edwardo. Julia and Clara’s fav spot was the trevi fountain. We lucked out at the Pantheon and got a really good tour guide (and skipped the lines). We managed to get to the basillica without much of a wait (about 30 min - maybe less).I am so happy that you recommended Herculeum. So impressive! We are having pizza every meal and loving it!

Julie
July 2023

Hello Barbara! Now that we have settled in at home, I wanted to once again thank you for your help in planning an amazing trip to Italy. We had the absolute best time and only wish we could have stayed longer. Everyone we met along the way could not have been nicer. We felt like we were among lifelong friends! We did get to travel to to meet my ancestors’ family and visit the home where my great-grandfather lived-it was amazing! We actually met a woman from our hometown who moved back to Italy 25 years ago! She graduated from high school with my husband’s brother!! What a coincidence! Anyhow, thank you again for all of your help in planning an amazing trip! It could not have been more perfect. Here are a few pictures from our reunion with my Italian family

Liz
August 2023