Basilicata | Puglia Sample Itinerary
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS - SAMPLE ITINERARY This is just a taste of how good it will be
Day 1 : Bari + Castello di Monte + Frantoio + Matera
We will meet at a specific location in Bari City where we our spacious mini bus will be waiting for us. Once everyone had gathered we will make our way to a visit to Castello di Monte. A castle which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its octagonal shape and harmonious blending of cultural elements from north Europe, Arab, and classical antiquity. After this visit we will head to meet a historical Olive Oil producer where you will have the chance to enjoy a local lunch as well as visit the Olive trees more than 1,000 years old. From there we will make our way through the countryside to Matera.
You will have some time to unpack and unwind and take in a bit of this magical stone carved city. In the evening we will meet for an aperitivo in the hotel and take part on a wine tasting. Afterwards we will head out for a dinner with the winemaker. The rest of the evening will be free to walk the lovely streets of Matera at night.
Day 2 : Matera + Altamura
The second morning you will want to get your walking shoes on, as we will all participate in a walking tour of the city center. Visiting Matera a UNESCO World Heritage site is like taking a step back in time. In fact is is one of the oldest sites inhabited in the world. These old cave dwellings go as far back to the Bronze Age, and you will have the chance to hear their stories with our local guide.
We will enjoy a lunch in one of the typical Osteria’s where we will get to enjoy some of the typical appetizers and pasta dishes.
This afternoon will take a short ride over to the town of Altamura, famous for its bread and focaccia. But there is one more secret about this place that no one ever talks about. It’s Burrata cheese. You will have the chance to visit some of Altamura’s ancient wood fired bread ovens (some over 500 years) as well as have an up close burrata making demonstration. Having the chance to taste all these little treats as well as putting them together for a dinner never to forget with some of Altamura’s most fantastic characters.
Day 3 : Aglianico di Vulture + Matera
Get your wine pallets ready, as we will spend the day tasting and talking about the important red varietal of the south Aglianico. Today you will visit some of Basilicata’s most important wine makers working with the Aglianico grape coming from an extinct volcano called Vulture. There will also have the chance to taste some other fantastic examples of the typical white grapes; Fiano, Moscato as well as others that are lesser known.
Our leisurely lunch will be enjoyed in the countryside at one of the wineries accompanied by the winemaker.
When we head back to the town of Matera, the afternoon will be free to enjoy some shopping, to explore the town a bit more. Dinner will also be free this evening, but have no fear I have prepared a list of some of my favorite restaurants and wine bars to enjoy a plate at.
Day 4 : Check out + Alberobello + Locorotondo + Check in Ostuni
This morning after a nice easy breakfast we will have to say goodbye to Matera and hello to the seaside town of Ostuni.
On our way we will stop in the breathtaking town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A unique town where the Trulli line the streets will take your breath away. Trulli are small stone circular houses with a distinctive conical roof, built 300-400 years ago. These buildings were made with in mind to be taken down at any given moment. We will explore these dwelling, and why and how they were built and also learn about their cryptic symbols painted on their roofs. There will be some time to wander around the town and take some photographs.
From here we will make our way to our hotel, where you can check in to your room take a minute to unpack, have a snack, and unwind and enjoy our new view of olive groves overlooking the sea.
This evening we will head into the town of Ostuni for another unforgettable dinner in one of the few Michelin starred restaurants in the area.
Day 5 : Ceramics | Grottaglie + Primitivo
This day after relaxing and enjoying a Pugliese breakfast, we will make our way to the small town of Grottaglie famous for its colorful dotted ceramics. We will have a walk around the town and get to see first hand how these ceramics are painted by one of the local artists. There might even be a chance to pop into one of pop arts most unusual ceramic artists and take a visit into his world of unanimated objects we know from everyday turned into whimsical works of art.
From here we will make our way to wine country where we will be greeted in a winery with a wine tasting and lunch pairing. After we will have the chance to chat with the winemaker and learn all about the wine production on how to turn the big and bold Primitivo into the wines we know today.
The rest of the afternoon and dinner will be free for you to relax or kick your feet up poolside.
Day 6 : Cooking class with nonna + dinner in hotel
This morning we will make our way to the town of Castellana Grotte where you might spot a few grandmothers chitchatting street side, while making up some handmade orecchiette pasta. From here we will make our way to a small off the beaten path restaurant where we will learn the art of taralli a typical Puglian cracker that is made with EVOO and sometimes fresh herbs and spices.
We will then have the chance to try our hand making some of these Puglian specialties and then will get to taste our own creations for lunch. Paired of course with some of the typical wines of the area.
After our bellies are full, we will head back to our hotel to relax and take in some time by the pool or relax a bit at our own leisure. Dinner will be held at the hotel this evening.
Day 7 : Pogliano al Mare + Check out
Today we will have a nice and leisurely breakfast. To give us one last swim or to take in some of the Puglia rays of sunshine before heading out.
After check out in the hotel, we will head to the beautiful seaside town of Pogliano al Mare, an impressive town promontory suspended above the Adriatic’s turquoise waters. A picturesque town, with a history going back to the 4th century BC as a Greek settlement. The city of Polignano encircles a pebble beach, nestled in a cove between rocky cliffs (you might have seen it in a photo or two). We will have some time to wander around the town before a bountiful seafood lunch.
After lunch the bus will take you back to Bari making two stops, one at the train station, the second at the airport.
Where we will say “arrivederci” until the next time we meet.