Pearls of Puglia & Matera

06 Apr - 14 Apr 2026 (9 Days / 8 Nights)
AUD $6,898

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What can you expect?

Join Vita Italian Tours on this nine day small group journey through the regions of Puglia and Matera, exploring historic towns, medieval villages and picturesque coastal landscapes. This fully guided experience brings together cultural landmarks, regional traditions and authentic food and wine encounters, all enjoyed at a relaxed and comfortable pace.

Shaped by the natural divide of the Apennine Mountain range, Southern Italy’s Adriatic regions offer a character distinctly different from the country’s northern and western destinations. Here, long standing traditions, diverse landscapes and deeply rooted food culture reflect centuries of regional identity. Guided visits are thoughtfully balanced with free time, allowing you to explore each destination while still enjoying the rhythm of local life.

Throughout the journey, meals are shared the Italian way, with long lunches, quality local produce and regional wines enjoyed together. You will travel comfortably by private air conditioned mini coach while your Vita Italian Tours representative takes care of every detail. With strong local ties and a genuine connection to the region, your tour leader will escort you throughout the journey to ensure a welcoming, engaging and memorable experience.

Experiences Included in Your Tour

Architectural Icons and Historic Landmarks

Visit some of Southern Italy’s most distinctive landmarks, including the UNESCO listed Castel del Monte and historic centres. Each stop highlights the architectural identity that sets Puglia and Basilicata apart.

Adriatic Coast and Seaside Towns

Spend time in refined coastal destinations such as Polignano a Mare and Otranto, where clifftop views, historic ports and clear Adriatic waters define daily life. These towns offer a relaxed coastal atmosphere and striking scenery unique to Italy’s eastern coastline.

Alberobello and the Trulli

Explore Alberobello, home to the famous Trulli houses with their distinctive conical roofs. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a rare glimpse into traditional construction techniques and rural life in Puglia.

The Remarkable City of Matera

Experience Matera, one of Italy’s most extraordinary historic cities. Its ancient cave dwellings, layered history and dramatic setting create an unforgettable cultural highlight and fitting conclusion to the journey.

Expert Touring and Small Group Experience

The tour is led by a Vita Italian Tours representative who ensures smooth logistics, local insight and a well balanced pace throughout. With a maximum of 16 travellers, the small group format allows for flexibility, comfort and a more personal travel experience.

Tour Pricing & Booking Information

Tour Cost: AUD $6,898 per person twin share

Single Supplement: Additional AUD $1,490

Deposit: AUD $500 required to reserve your place

Final Payment: Balance due 90 days prior to departure

Group Size: Minimum 6 travellers, maximum 16 travellers

2026 Tour Departures:

06-14 April 2026 – AVAILABLE | 04-12 May 2026 – AVAILABLE

2027 Tour Departures:

05-13 April 2027 – AVAILABLE

Ready to Book?

The Pearls of Puglia and Matera tour is a popular small group itinerary, offering an authentic introduction to Southern Italy at a relaxed and comfortable pace. With limited group numbers, early booking is recommended to secure your place.

Before confirming your booking, we encourage you to read our Terms and Conditions. If you would like to discuss the tour in more detail or explore a more customised Italian travel experience, please feel free to contact our team.

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Contact Our Italy Travel Team

What’s included?

Accommodation: 8 nights in quality 4 star hotels in Trani, Polignano a Mare, Lecce and Matera.
Transportation: All land travel in a comfortable air conditioned luxury small coach.
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners. Meals include special dining experiences in traditional local restaurants, osterie and private dining settings as outlined in the itinerary. Mineral water is included with all meals.
Expert Guidance: Services of a dedicated Vita Italian Tours tour leader throughout the entire journey.
Admissions: Entry to all museums and historical sites specified in the itinerary.
Guided Touring: Personal guided tours in each town and location visited.

Italy Travel: Useful Information

Physical Requirements:

There are no age restrictions for this tour and travellers with a moderate level of fitness are welcome. The countryside is undulating and many historic town centres are pedestrian only, so walking is required. Expect to spend a few hours on your feet each day with regular breaks for sightseeing, coffee and local tastings.

Weather in April and May:

Springtime in Southern Italy brings mild to warm daytime temperatures with cooler evenings. We recommend light, comfortable clothing, a light jacket or layer and supportive walking shoes.

Pace of Itinerary:

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to feel full without being rushed. Guided sightseeing is balanced with long relaxed lunches, free time and opportunities to rest. Guests are always welcome to step away from scheduled activities if they prefer additional leisure time.

Detailed itinerary

Meals Included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1: Trani / Castel del Monte (D): Your exciting journey in Puglia begins in the beautiful seaside town of Trani. Your tour leader/guide will meet you at 0900 in the hotel foyer to commence the tour. The morning will consist of a leisurely walking tour of the historical centre of Trani visiting the stunning Romanesque Cathedral, the Jewish Ghetto and other iconic buildings in this beautiful town. In the afternoon, there will be a short drive through the Pugliese countryside full of olive groves and traditional farmhouses to reach the famous 13th century castle built by Frederick II of Swabia. The castle is recognised by UNESCO and will give an insight into the history and legacy left by Frederick II and his descendants in this part of Italy. Dinner in Trani in a local restaurant.
Day 2 Trani / Bari (BD): Today there will be most of the day spent visiting the capital of Puglia: the bustling City of Bari. Your guide will lead you through the old part of the City where you will visit the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman Castle. The tour then continues through the quaint back streets of Bari Historical Centre where you will still be able to see pasta making in the open air. There will be time to have lunch and savour local delicacies. In the afternoon, the group will travel back to Trani. Dinner in Trani in a local restaurant.
Day 3 Trani / Monopoli / Polignano a Mare (BD): We say goodbye to Trani and make our way to another spectacular town situated along the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare. On the way the group will have a special tasting in a traditional Frantoio specialising in local production of extra virgin olive oil. Before reaching Polignano there will also be a visit to the picturesque seaside town of Monopoli known for its whitewash houses, historic port and characteristic alleyways. After check-in at the hotel in Polignano a Mare there will be a leisurely walk through the historical centre. Dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 4 Polignano a Mare / Alberobello (BL): Our second day in this part of Puglia will give the group an insight into the remarkable diversity this region has to offer when compared to the rest of Italy. We will visit beautiful town of Alberobello, one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Puglia. It is famous for the iconic ‘Trulli’; traditional round-shaped and whitewashed stone houses with conical stone roofs. We will have lunch in Alberobello in a restaurant to enjoy the distinct local cuisine and wine. Then it is back to Polignano for a free afternoon and evening.
Day 5 Polignano a Mare / Lecce (BD): After breakfast, we say goodbye to Polignano a Mare for a day dedicated to discovering the splendid city of Lecce, famous for its Baroque buildings built in soft local honey coloured stone. Your local guide will take the group on a stroll through the elegant city centre with the Piazza del Duomo. After a break for lunch, we will proceed to the hotel for check-in. Free afternoon. Dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 6 Lecce / Otranto (BL): It is an early morning start as we journey to the seaside city of Otranto, known as the ‘Pearl of Salento’. There is so much to explore in this enchanting town full of charm and history. Enjoy a traditional lunch by the sea before some free time to explore the small streets and artisan boutiques or perhaps enjoy a drink at one of the many bars overlooking the Adriatic. Free evening in Lecce.
Day 7 Lecce / Matera (BD): Our time in Lecce and Puglia culminates as we travel across the border into the region of Basilicata to what will surely be a highlight of the tour, the amazing city of Matera. Matera is recognised by UNESCO for its famous underground dwellings dug into the rock where the local people lived up until the 1950’s. Many of these caves have become tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and wellness centres. Our hotel is located in the heart of the Sassi District of Matera walking distance to all the major sites. Dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 8 Matera (BD): Today will be dedicated to exploring the famous Sassi District of Matera guided by a local expert who will narrate the history and development of this unique city situated among the labyrinth of the many narrow alleyways of the caves. The afternoon will be free for travellers to further explore the city. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 9 Matera / Bari Airport (B): After breakfast, your air-conditioned coach will take the group to Bari Airport where the tour ends.

Pricing

AUD $6,898 pp twin share

The cost of the tour, land content only, is AUD $6,898.00 per person in twin share accommodation. A deposit of AUD $500 is required to reserve a place on the tour which is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled. The full balance is due 90 days before departure. Single supplements are available at an additional cost of AUD $1,490.00. The tour is costed on a minimum of 6 and maximum of 16 people travelling on tour.

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Our guests say it all

Loved all experiences – both cultural and culinary, the historical villages and everything they had to offer. A marvellous trip to an amazing area.

— C Munns (NSW)
Spectacular South, September 2024

This is our second tour to Puglia but we found this tour to be so much more immersive than our last experience. The highlight for us both was Matera, the Cave stay is a once in a lifetime experience. An awesome package. You exceeded our expectations again!

— K & A Sidoti (QLD)
Spectacular South

What an experience – enlightening, enchanting and amazing, all rolled into 13 days. We thank you and congratulate you on looking after us all with good humour and good advice, and letting us spend time with you for an amazing 13 days.

— L Deans (NSW)
Spectacular South

Tour Exclusions: What’s Not Included

Airfares
Travel insurance. Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Assistance with arranging a policy is available upon request
Admission fees not specifically listed in the itinerary
Meals not specified
Drinks outside included meals, including tea and coffee
Personal transport costs, phone calls and personal expenses
Tourist accommodation tax in Trani, Polignano a Mare and Lecce

Start Your Italian Travel Experience Today

From the sunlit Adriatic coastline to historic towns, distinctive architecture and the extraordinary ancient city of Matera, this tour offers a genuine insight into Southern Italy. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged so you can travel comfortably, enjoy authentic experiences and create lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nights are spent in each destination?

The tour includes eight nights across Trani, Polignano a Mare, Lecce and Matera, with guided day visits to nearby towns including Alberobello, Otranto and Bari.

How much free time will I have?

The itinerary balances guided sightseeing with time at leisure, allowing you to explore independently, relax or enjoy coastal time between activities.

How do we travel between destinations?

All travel is by private air-conditioned luxury mini coach.

What meals are included?

The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners in traditional local restaurants and osterie, featuring regional cuisine. Mineral water is included with meals.

What level of fitness is required for this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Walking is required in historic centres and towns, with regular breaks included.

Do I need to speak Italian?

No. All guiding is in English and your Vita Italian Tours representative will assist with communication throughout the tour.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Assistance with arranging a policy is available upon request.

What makes this tour different from other Southern Italy tours?

This small group tour focuses on Puglia and Basilicata, combining coastal towns, historic centres and Matera at a relaxed pace. With a maximum of 16 travellers and expert guidance, it offers a more personal and authentic experience.

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