Compare Puglia and Matera Magnifica Tour by Tourissimo vs Winter in Puglia: Italy's Southern Gem by Road Scholar

Day 1: Matera

Accommodation: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civiltà

Your guide will meet you at the Bari airport at 12pm for a transfer to the first hotel (approximately 1 hr 15 minutes). We will gather at unique hotel Sextantio for introductions, some lunch, and bike prep. UNESCO lists Matera as one of its Official World Heritage sites for its Sassi cave dwellings. In the rock churches, the mystic past is palpable, especially in the crypts of San Nicola and Santa Margherita, and today you will discover even more of Matera’s secrets on a guided visit. You will have some spare time for shopping before dinner at I Baccanti with typical Lucanian delicacies (Lucania was the ancient name of Basilicata).

Day 2: Matera

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civiltà

Terrain: Rolling

Ride: 28 mi or 45 km (longer option available)

Today’s ride takes us to the countryside in the fertile Metaponto Valley. We reach San Giuliano lake, which is a WWF natural reserve, and have our first stop there. The lake was formed by a dam over the Bradano river, and it was meant for irrigation. The project was part of a larger plan to reclaim land in the Metaponto valley and it was financed through the Marshall plan for European recovery after WWII. In Basilicata, agriculture employs more people than factories (unique case in modern Italy). At lunch, we will have some local organic products at a farmhouse. In the afternoon, you can opt to climb back or to take advantage of our van for the ride back to Matera. This evening we will have a wine tasting at 19ma Buca, a unique wine bar housed in one of Matera’s Caves just under the main square.

Day 3: Martina Franca

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Villa San Martino

Terrain: Rolling

Ride: 51 mi or 81 km (shorter option available)

Today we say goodbye to Matera and pedal South-East. We spin along the Murgia plain through a bucolic terrain of rolling fields of grano duro (the wheat used for pasta) and shady oak groves. We enter Puglia, and soon after we stop for lunch in Mottola, a charming Pugliese town, where we’ll have a picnic of fresh local products such as mozzarella and burrata. Mottola is located on a hill above the sea and has a view of the Gulf of Taranto and the green mountains of the high Sila; for this reason the town is also called “the Balcony of Southern Apulia.” Near Martina Franca, we find our way to Villa San Martino, which is a beautiful villa converted into a charming 5 star hotel. You will have the chance to join the locals for a stroll in Martina Franca, which palaces boast a gorgeous example of Baroque architecture. Dinner is in the quaint hotel dining room and will be paired with fine Pugliese wines.

Day 4: Selva di Fasano

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tenuta Monacelle

Terrain: Hilly

Ride: 35 mi or 56 km (shorter and longer options available)

Today we ride through a fantasy land of conical-shaped houses called trulli. We will have a first stop in Cisternino where we will enjoy a cappuccino overlooking the valley. Valle d’Itria is a fertile, triangle shaped valley between Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca. It's a true gem. Via tiny roads, roll through Valle d’Itria to arrive in Locorotondo, where we will have a wine tasting (Locorotondo is also the name of well know white wine). We will then continue on to Alberobello, which takes its name from the forests that once covered the area. Nowadays, this is where more than 1,000 trulli can be found (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This is a must-see, one of the most emblematic sights of Puglia. You will get to appreciate its historical side thanks to a guided walking tour. Lunch is in Alberobello. In the afternoon we visit the award-winning Frantoio Intini, an olive oil press which has embraced the Slow Food movement under the multi-generational management of Pietro Intini. From Alberobello, you will be shuttled to the hotel, unless you don't want to call it the day yet, and prefer to ride the additional 13 miles with 800ft of elevation to conquer. Dinner is at the hotel and it will be followed by a folk music and dance event. Have your cameras ready!

Day 5: Savelletri

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Masseria San Domenico

Terrain: Rolling

Ride: 38 mi or 61 km (shorter and longer options available)

We will ride through Ostuni, an area that has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Bike to one of the loveliest towns along the Mediterranean where white houses, piled like sugar cubes against an azure sky, remind you of the Greek Islands. The brightness of its whitewashed houses, set against a sea of stately olive trees, provides a spectacular perspective of this rich seaside farmland. We ride along centuries-old olive trees that are like amazing natural sculptures. Lunch is a seafood lover’s delight right by the water. The hotel is just a few hundred meters from our lunch spot, and you will be back for a free afternoon when you can take advantage of the swimming pool and the spa facility, or head to the private beach. Masseria San Domenico is one of the finest hotels of all of Italy. Its 5Luxury-star standards do not affect the authenticity of its historical location, a fortified farm house with watch tower once used by the Knights of Malta. For dinner we will have a fun and instructive cooking class of typical Pugliese dishes at a nearby masseria (dialect for fortified farm house).

Day 6: Savelletri

Accommodation: Masseria San Domenico

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Terrain: Flat

Ride: 30 mi or 48 km (longer option available)

On this last ride we pass through ancient olive groves and pedal along the coast to the Greek ruins of Egnazia, the ancient Messapian town of prehistoric origins. Today, you have the option to make it back to hotel for some leisure time along pool side, to enjoy a Spa and Thalassotherapy treatment, or to play a round of golf at San Domenico mediterannean golf course rated among the best in Italy (PGA European Challenge Tour Grand Final). The course is right by the crystalline Adriatic Sea. Of course, you can opt to pedal some more with your guides and to take in as much riding as you wish on a final loop. We will have our last dinner together at the fine hotel restaurant housed in a suggestive dining room with arched volts dating back to the 1700′s.

Day 7: Bari

Meals: Breakfast

Goodbye! After breakfast, we will arrange a transfer that will take you to the Bari Airport in time for your connecting flights.

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival Brindisi, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Lecce D Patria Palace Hotel Lecce
Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 12:00 Noon. Driving to the hotel approximately 28 miles (45 km); about 1 hour.

Afternoon: After checking in at the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before a light snack and our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless specified otherwise, the majority of transportation will be provided via motorcoach thereby necessitating ascending and descending a few steps. All meals include wine and water. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then enjoy a welcome cocktail together at the hotel before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated and served meal with wine, coffee and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow road scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

Day 3
Baroque in Lecce, Cooking Lesson
Lecce B,D Patria Palace Hotel Lecce
Activity note: Walking about 3 miles; approximately 2 hours; flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet’s choices include an egg dish, a variety of sliced cold cuts and cheeses, breakfast breads, jams, hot and cold cereals, and fresh fruit with coffee, tea, milk and water.

Morning: We’ll begin with a lecture at the hotel with a local expert focused on discovering the Baroque in Lecce. Afterwards, we will embark on an expert-led walking field trip of Lecce with emphasis on finding examples of the Baroque that were discussed earlier. During the walk, we will explore the Old City and its iconic Baroque monuments, churches, and even some ancient Roman ruins including the Basilica of Santa Croce. The remainder of the morning will be free for independent exploration of Lecce.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: We will walk to an ancient Palazzo located in the historical center of Lecce for a hands-on cooking lesson.

Dinner: At the cooking school, we’ll enjoy the dishes we’ve made during our lesson. Wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Otranto, Lecture
Lecce B,L,D Patria Palace Hotel Lecce
Activity note: Walking about 1 mile total throughout the day; flat terrain. Drive to Otranto is approx. 25 miles, about 1 hour.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll board our motorcoach and transfer to Otranto, a town of Messapian (pre-Roman origin) which, in the wars of Pyrrhus and of Hannibal, sided against Rome. Now, Otranto is a town and commune in a fertile region in the province of Lecce (Apulia, Italy), once famous for its breed of horses. It’s situated on the east coast of the Salento peninsula and the Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea. While in Otranto, we will go on an expert-led walking field trip through its Old Town to see its signature monuments including the Cathedral di Santa Maria Annunziata and its incredible mosaic floor depicting, among other things, The Tree of Life.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Otranto, we’ll have plated meals with wine, water and coffee included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will then board our motorcoach to return to Lecce back at the hotel where we will be joined by a local expert for a lecture on the Trulli Architecture of Puglia.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 5
Masseria Brancati, Locorotondo, Alberobello
Alberobello (BA) B,L,D Grand Hotel Olimpo
Activity note: Driving about 78 miles total throughout the day; about 2 hours total with stops for activities. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; approximately 2 hours; cobblestone paths; some benches on which to rest.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board our private motorcoach and begin our transfer to Alberobello where we will check into our hotel. During our ride we will stop at Masseria Brancati and walk among olive trees dating back thousands of years. The visit will start with an introduction given by an olive oil expert on how olive oil has been produced through the ages. We’ll then continue our transfer to Locorotondo and go on an expert-led field trip in the charming circular whitewashed village, which has a beautiful view over the trulli-peppered Val D'Itria. Locorotondo is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is a prime example of an Italian “White City.”

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Locorotondo, we’ll have plated meals with wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will then complete our transfer to Alberobello and we will begin our expert-led field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Alberobello, which is situated on the second step of Le Murge, south of the Canale di Pirro. As we explore, soak in the sights of the iconic white limestone trulli with their conically pointed roofs. In the late afternoon, we will check into our next hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal featuring regional cuisine plus a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Bari, Polignano al Mare, Italian Language Lesson
Alberobello (BA) B,L,D Grand Hotel Olimpo
Activity note: Walking about 3.5 miles total on mostly flat terrain; approximately 3 hours total. Drive is approximately 75 miles total; about 2.5 hours total, with stops for field trips at various locations.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and head to Bari for a full morning walking field trip throughout this picturesque port city and its historical center on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. On our way around Bari led by a local expert, we will see the Basilica of San Nicola, the cathedral, the outside of the castle, and the main square of the Old City.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Mola di Bari, we’ll have a plated and served meal with wine, coffee and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After transferring to the small village of Polignano a Mare, we’ll explore the old part of the village on foot with our Group Leader and have a stroll along the waterfront before returning to the hotel for an Italian language lesson.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Matera, Sassi, Free Time
Alberobello (BA) B,D Grand Hotel Olimpo
Activity note: Walking about 2.5 miles total for the day; approximately 2 hours; Sassi is very rocky; several steps and slopes; be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Drive to Matera is approximately 43 miles; about 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Via motorcoach, we will transfer to Matera where we will embark on a walking field trip to the Sassi di Matera, the oldest part of the city, led by a local expert. This area was declared a UNESCO world heritage site because it is considered to be the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region that is perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem. The first settlements can be dated back to the Neolithic period, approximately 7 thousand years ago, while later settlements illustrate a number of significant stages in human history.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon will be Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated and served farewell meal with wine and water; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with your fellow Road Scholars.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 8
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet depending on departure time. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!