Explore southern Italy’s culture on a guided journey from Matera to Alberobello, Otranto and Lecce, featuring iconic trulli, coastal views, and delicious local tastings.
  • Experience Puglia’s highlights with a group of like-minded cultural adventurers
  • Begin in the extraordinary cave town of Matera – a spectacular opening to the adventure
  • Wander among the trulli houses of Alberobello
  • Enjoy seafront restaurants and coastal views in Otranto
  • Sample classic Apulian produce with an olive oil tasting and pasta-making demo at a farmhouse
  • Finish in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its magnificent baroque buildings

We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of Apulian architecture. Below are the hotels normally used.



Upgrade your room on Day 1, 2, 6 and 7 of this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details. 



Matera: Hotel Sassi (nights 1-2)







Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace.



Alberobello: Trulli houses or Apulian resort (nights 3-4)







In Alberobello, we either stay in trulli houses (above) or a traditional resort, depending on the departure. Both provide us with a taste of authentic Apulian hospitality, while also putting us close to the historic centre of town.



Outside Ostuni: Masseria Morrone (night 5)







Immerse yourself in rural Puglia with a night at this beautiful 18th-century farmstay. It resides among centuries-old olive groves and Mediterranean scrub forest, while the old stables have been converted into cosy rooms. When you want a bit of downtime, there's a pool with loungers.



Lecce: Eos Hotel (nights 6-7)







Our final two nights are spent at this contemporary 30-room hotel. It has a bar for a pre-dinner drink or final night toast and the main Lecce highlights (plus some excellent bars and restaurants) are around a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.



Worth knowing



Access to Hotel Sassi is via narrow winding stairs, which can be slippery. The hotel offers a porterage service charged locally (€4.50 per person) both on arrival and departure.