Begin in the Puglian countryside, staying in a traditional masseria surrounded by olive groves and open fields. This is where Italy feels most authentic, simple, local and unhurried. From here, explore whitewashed villages like Alberobello, with its unique trulli houses, and enjoy genuine food experiences, from farm visits to hands-on cooking rooted in regional traditions.
Continue to Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary destinations, where ancient cave dwellings tell a story unlike anywhere else. Wander through its stone streets and discover a place shaped by history, culture and resilience.
Your journey ends in Lecce, known for its elegant Baroque architecture and lively atmosphere, where you can enjoy local flavours, relaxed dining and time to explore at your own pace.
Arrival in Bari, collect the rental car and self drive to your countryside masseria.
The remainder of the day is free to settle in and embrace the slower rhythm of the region, surrounded by olive groves and open landscapes.
Overnight stay at Masseria Montenapoleone.
Welcomed by the owner, you’ll learn how time honoured techniques and organic practices come together, influencing taste and texture in ways that have long belonged to the region’s everyday table. At a traditional farmhouse, organic mozzarella and other Apulian cheeses take centre stage. The visit continues with a light lunch of Apulian specialties, paired with local wine — an easy, unforced moment where the products you’ve encountered are simply enjoyed as they are meant to be. Duration: 3 hours
In the afternoon, Alberobello welcomes you into a unique urban landscape made up of more than 1,400 trulli, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. A guided walking tour leads you through these distinctive whitewashed structures, characterised by pyramidal, conical, and domed roofs built from local limestone laid without mortar, an architectural language found nowhere else. The visit includes the Trullo Sovrano, the largest of them all and the only example built on two levels, offering a closer look at the ingenuity and symbolism behind this extraordinary form of construction. Duration: 2 hours
Overnight stay at Masseria Montenapoleone.
Spend the morning exploring some of the most charming villages of the Valle d’Itria, including Locorotondo and Cisternino, where whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies and panoramic viewpoints create a timeless atmosphere.
Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing towards Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
✨ Seasonal highlight (late Nov – early Jan) During the festive season, many villages of the Valle d’Itria are illuminated with traditional luminarie and Christmas decorations, creating a particularly evocative atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Matera at Hotel Pianelle Resort.
A private walking tour introduces you to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose identity is rooted not in a single monument, but in an entire way of life shaped over millennia. The Sassi form a remarkable urban fabric carved into the harsh landscape of the Murge, reflecting an extraordinary balance between human settlement and environment. More than a historic setting, the Sassi are a living model of continuity and adaptation — a place whose striking atmosphere has also drawn filmmakers from around the world, serving as the backdrop for major productions including 007 – No Time To Die. Duration: 3 hours
The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring independently and soak up the unique atmosphere of this remarkable city.
Overnight stay in Matera at Hotel Pianelle Resort.
Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure in Matera, allowing time for further exploration, independent visits or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere of the ancient stone city.
Around lunchtime, continue south towards Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South”. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, discovering the city's elegant streets, lively cafés and welcoming atmosphere at your own pace.
✨ Seasonal highlight (late Nov – early Jan) During winter, Lecce’s historic centre is illuminated with festive lights inspired by traditional luminarie, creating a particularly charming atmosphere
Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Arco Vecchio.
Set off on a walking tour through Lecce, beginning with a sip of the city’s beloved iced coffee with almond milk- a gentle prelude to the aromas and traditions that define its culinary soul. Wander toward Piazza del Duomo, often described as Lecce’s elegant open‑air “living room,” where the magnificent Baroque cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta rises in all its sculpted splendor. The experience comes to a sweet close with a tasting of pasticciotto, the iconic cream‑filled pastry that has delighted generations and perfectly captures the essence of Salento’s gastronomic heritage. Duration: 3 hours
The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.
Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Arco Vecchio.
Today, take part in a private cooking class in Lecce, learning to prepare traditional Salento dishes using seasonal ingredients and local recipes. Discover the stories and culinary traditions behind some of the region’s most beloved specialties before enjoying the dishes prepared during the experience. Duration: 4 hours .
The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring Lecce or simply relax and enjoy the city's atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Lecce at Hotel Arco Vecchio.
After breakfast, departure and end of the journey by delivering the rental car at the depot in Lecce.
