ESCORTED TOUR
PUGLIA & MATERA DISCOVERY (2027)
A 7-day escorted journey through cave cities, whitewashed villages, and Adriatic coastline — the true soul of Southern Italy.
The journey
Seven days through Puglia and Matera, designed for travelers who want depth over speed. The journey opens with a private transfer from Bari to Matera, where the ancient cave-dwelling city and a hands-on cooking class set a slow rhythm. Bari follows with a guided street food walk through the historic center, then Alberobello reveals the iconic conical-roofed villages found nowhere else. A free day on the Adriatic coast gives time for the cliffs and turquoise waters of authentic Puglian seaside towns, before a closing day at a traditional countryside farmhouse where pasta and cheese are still made by hand. Southern Italy lived at its most authentic, in a small group of like-minded adults.
Highlights
- Welcome Dinner in Matera A convivial first evening in the ancient cave city — the journey opens around the table, in one of the world's most atmospheric settings.
- Guided tour of Matera's ancient cave city (UNESCO) An expert local guide leads through the Sassi — one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, where stone houses are carved directly into the rock face.
- Hands-on cooking class in Matera Prepare and taste regional Southern Italian specialties in a setting carved into Matera's ancient stone — handmade orecchiette, local breads, and traditional dishes.
- Bari street food walking tour A guided walk through Bari's historic center with multiple tastings — fresh handmade orecchiette pasta, local street food, and the everyday flavors of Puglia.
- Day on the Adriatic coast at Polignano a Mare Free time to explore one of Puglia's most photographed seaside towns — dramatic limestone cliffs above turquoise water, narrow lanes, and authentic coastal village life.
- Alberobello and the iconic trulli (UNESCO) A guided visit to the fairytale village of conical stone-roofed houses — the trulli of Alberobello, found nowhere else in Italy or the world.
- Traditional farmhouse with pasta and cheese workshop A working countryside farmhouse where pasta and cheese are still handmade — orecchiette and fresh ricotta workshop, lunch with farm-to-table local products.
- 100% Luggage-Free travel Luggage is collected each morning and delivered to the next hotel. Guests move between Matera and Bari with carry-on only — the M&G signature service.
Locations
Overnight stays
Matera
Bari
TOUR FEATURES
Limited to 14 guests.
A small-group size that allows ease of movement, real interaction, and access to experiences that don’t work with larger groups.
Train travel. No old-style buses.
High-speed trains connect every stop. No old-style coach travel between cities.
100% luggage free.
Bags collected each morning and delivered to the next hotel. Guests travel with carry-on only.
A local tour leader, Italian
A professional Italian tour leader is always present — insight, cultural context, restaurant suggestions, and on-the-ground support throughout the journey.
Departure dates
2027
- May 9
- September 19
Itinerary
DAY 1 — BARI → MATERA
- Full day | Arrival in Bari, private transfer to Matera, hotel check-in, free time.
- Evening | Welcome Dinner with the group in Matera.
DAY 2 — MATERA
- AM | Guided tour of Matera’s ancient cave city (UNESCO).
- PM | Traditional cooking class set within Matera’s ancient stone setting.
DAY 3 — MATERA → BARI
- AM | Transfer to Bari, hotel check-in. Luggage-Free Service: Matera → Bari.
- PM | Bari street food walking tour through the historic center.
DAY 4 — BARI / ALBEROBELLO
- Full day | Transfer to Alberobello, guided visit and free time to explore the trulli village.
DAY 5 — BARI / POLIGNANO A MARE
- Full day | Transfer to Polignano a Mare, leisure time to explore the seaside town and Adriatic coastline.
DAY 6 — PUGLIA COUNTRYSIDE
- Full day | Visit to a traditional countryside farmhouse with pasta and cheese workshop, featuring fresh local products.
DAY 7 — BARI
- AM | Breakfast and departure.
Block Space Opportunity for Travel Advisors
Putting together a group of just 14 guests is easier than you think, especially when there is no financial risk. Secure one of our small group departures, create a distinctive group product for your clients, including private meals and unique experiences, and access higher commission levels and performance-based bonuses. Contact your Meet & Greet account manager to learn more.
Selling tips
- Southern Italy beyond the Amalfi Coast — the rising trend American clients haven't booked yet Most Italy clients book Rome, Florence, Venice, and maybe Amalfi Coast. Puglia and Matera are the rising stars of Southern Italy — recognized through Stanley Tucci's food shows, the resurgence of slow travel, and growing American interest in non-iconic regions. The angle for advisors who want to position themselves ahead of the curve, especially with returning Italy travelers tired of the standard itinerary.
- Two UNESCO sites in seven days — depth without rush Matera (UNESCO since 1993) and Alberobello (UNESCO since 1996) are both included with proper guided depth. Plus the masseria countryside experience with handmade pasta. The angle for clients who want cultural depth and authentic moments without the hurried 'see-it-all' format of mainstream tours.
- The most accessible Escorted tour at $4,730 Seven days in Puglia and Matera at the entry-level price point of the Escorted catalogue. Adults-only small group, full meal program, two UNESCO sites, plus the masseria experience. The angle for clients curious about Southern Italy who want a structured small-group format at a more accessible price than the longer iconic tours.
Accomodation
We offer a carefully selected range of accommodation, providing exceptional quality, prime locations, and outstanding guest experiences.
Reference hotels for this tour
Matera
San Domenico al Piano
Bari
JR Oriente
What’s included
Accomodation
- 6 nights in centrally located 4★ international-standard hotels
Meals
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome Dinner in Matera
- Cooking class meal in Matera
- Street food tastings in Bari
- Farmhouse lunch with local products
Activities
- Guided tour of Matera’s ancient cave city (UNESCO)
- Hands-on cooking class in Matera
- Bari street food walking tour with tastings
- Guided visit to Alberobello and the trulli (UNESCO)
- Day excursion to Polignano a Mare
- Traditional farmhouse experience with pasta and cheese workshop
Transportation
- Private transfer Bari → Matera (arrival)
- Private transfer Matera → Bari
- Private transportation for Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and farmhouse excursions
Tour Leader & Service
- Dedicated local Italian tour leader throughout the entire journey
- 100% Luggage-Free Service: bags transferred hotel-to-hotel
- 24/7 on-the-ground assistance throughout the stay
Terms & Conditions
Mandatory
- Minimum: 4 pax to operate
Payment
- 30% deposit at booking
- 70% balance 60 days prior to departure
Departure date changes
- Free up to 90 days before departure
- From 89 days onward: changes subject to availability and third-party fees
Cancellation
- Up to 60 working days before departure: deposit non-refundable
- 59–51 days: 50% charge
- 50 days: 100% charge
Not included
- Tips, extras, hotel city taxes (payable on spot), and anything not listed under ‘Price Includes.’
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