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Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through Puglia to Matera, where history, culture, and stunning landscapes await. Begin your adventure in Monopoli, a charming coastal town with picturesque harbors and baroque architecture. Delight in the clear waters of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, and savor a glass of chilled white wine as you explore local boutiques. Discover the iconic Trulli houses of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and indulge in a wine tasting in the beautiful village of Locorotondo. Venture to Matera, a city steeped in history, for a guided tour of its unique cave settlements and rock churches. Experience the art of traditional bread making in Matera's historic bakeries, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the ravine. With private car transfers and elegant accommodations, this tour offers a seamless and immersive exploration of Italy's hidden gems. ...more ...less
Highlights
Explore the famous Trulli houses of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a wine tasting in Locorotondo, known for its sparkling white wine, Bianco Locorotondo DOC.
Swim in the clear waters of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, featuring stunning Puglian beaches.
Discover the unforgettable city of Matera with a guided tour of its unique cave settlements and historic rock churches.
Experience a traditional bread-making workshop in Matera, learning the ancient art of crafting Matera bread.
Wander the narrow winding streets of Monopoli's old town, exploring small boutiques and baroque architecture.
Visit the picturesque town of Alberobello, famous for its white-washed conical-roofed trulli houses.
Itinerary
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Arrive at your first hotel in Monopoli, located on the waterfront next to the 16th century fortress, Castello di Carlo V.
Overnight Albergo Diffuso 4*, Monopoli.
Day 2
:
Explore old town Monopoli
Location: Monopoli
Accommodation Name: Albergo Diffuso 4*, Monopoli
Meals Included: Breakfast
A quintessential southern Italian town, Monopoli entices you in with glimpses into everyday life whilst still being a popular tourist destination. From the photogenic harbour, see local fishermen return their catch with nonnas on the balconies behind, watching the world go by.
Follow your nose through the old towns narrow winding streets, past small boutiques and tempting eateries. The Basilica of the Madonna della Madia is a beautiful baroque style cathedral, well worth a visit, as is Palmeiri Palace, an 18th century Baroque Palace highlighting Lecce-inspired architecture. Enjoy a glass of chilled white wine on the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi; the perfect way to end your day.
Overnight Albergo Diffuso 4*, Monopoli.
Day 3
:
Wine tasting in Locorotondo
Location: Locorotondo
Accommodation Name: Sotto le Cummerse 4*, Locorotondo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Expand your exploration of Monopoli to the coastline and along the lungomare – the paved promenade that skirts the old town along the coast. There are plenty of beaches within walking distance from where you can enjoy your morning. One of Puglia’s most famous beaches – Cala Porto – in Polignano a Mare, is just a 15min drive away should you want to tick this one off the list too.
Later in the day, you will be transferred to Locorotondo where we have arranged a wine tasting for you; Bianco Locorotondo DOC is a famous sparkling white wine in Italy. You will stay in Locorotondo for the next two nights, plenty of time to see why it deserves its accolade of 'Borghi più belli d'Italia' (one of the most beautiful villages in Italy).
Overnight Sotto le Cummerse 4*, Locorotondo.
Day 4
:
Trulli Houses of Alberobello
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Sotto le Cummerse 4*, Locorotondo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Perched atop a hill, Locorotondo is a fantastic viewpoint to see the surrounding countryside bursting with olive groves and vineyards. Spend the morning wandering the maze of whitewashed lanes, grand baroque archways, and sipping an aperol spritz in the sun.
In the afternoon, we recommend taking the train to Alberobello (10mins – exc. Sundays). This small town is an incredibly picturesque destination which has become a must see for many travellers in Puglia. Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unusual districts of trulli, these white-washed conical roofed houses have become icons of the town. Wandering the trulli district is fascinating, there are also a handful of small museums and shops nearby that you can visit before taking the train back to Locorotondo.
Overnight Sotto le Cummerse 4*, Locorotondo.
Day 5
:
Guided tour of Matera
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you will be transferred to your third and final overnight destination of Matera. Technically not in Puglia, but in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, Matera cannot be missed when visiting Southern Italy. One of the oldest cities in the world, Matera is rich in nature, history, and culture; it’s unlike anywhere else.
Today we have arranged a guided group tour of this fascinating city, giving you the opportunity to learn from the locals as you explore the unique cave settlements and historic rock churches. As the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and the set of James Bond’s No Time To Die in 2020, there is much to discover in this magical city of stone.
Overnight Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera.
Day 6
:
Explore more of Matera
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take your time exploring more of Matera. Simply wandering the streets fully immerses you into the character of the ancient city with its churches cut into the rock of hillsides and ravines. Some of the best viewpoints of the city are from Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli overlooking the rock church, ravine and Duomo’s bell tower – perfect for a photo opportunity. You may also like to visit MUSMA, an extraordinary art museum with modern sculptures scattered in a 17th century cave palace.
End your day with a traditional Italian meal at one of the many great restaurants in Matera. Typical dishes are orecchiette pasta, senise peppers, and Aglianico wine – one of the local red wines. We recommend choosing a restaurant with a view; sunset over the city is one of the most magical times to see Matera, glowing in the golden hour.
Overnight Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera.
Day 7
:
Matera ravine & traditional bread making workshop
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Matera city is perched on the edge of the ravine, walking down to the ravine is a great morning activity (before it gets too hot). The rocky trail is quite steep in places, but the views are truly spectacular. From the ravine, you can begin to appreciate the scale of the city and the contrast between the dwellings and the more modern, grander buildings.
In the afternoon, we have arranged a bread making workshop for you. Matera bread is a delicacy of the region, it has a unique taste produced only with re-milled durum wheat semolina from the Lucanian area and is an ancient and honoured tradition. During the workshop, you will discover this ancient art within one of the city’s historic bakeries, making your very own loaf of Matera bread. End with a tasting/aperitif of the handmade products and Lucanian wine.
Overnight Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera.
Day 8
:
Depart Matera
Location: Matera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Add extra nights in Matera to explore more of this incomparable city before departing for home.
What's Included
7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
The tour includes 7 nights of hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels.
All breakfasts
All breakfasts are included during the tour.
Management by local agent
The tour is managed by your local Headwater-appointed agent.
Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers between hotels are provided.
Private car transfers
Private car transfers between hotels are included.
Wine tasting in Locorotondo
Enjoy a wine tasting experience in Locorotondo.
Guided group tour of Matera
A guided group tour of Matera is included.
Traditional bread making workshop
Participate in a traditional bread making workshop in Matera.
What's Not Included
Lunches & dinners
Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour package.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
Single accommodation supplement
Single accommodation is available on request with a compulsory supplement.
Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Food
Accommodation
With various houses scattered around central reception and the communal breakfast room (all within 200m), this elegant Albergo sits right on the port of Monopoli just a short walk from the beach. Created to offer visitors the authentic way of life, door to door with locals, historic homes were recovered and finely renovated, maintaining the exposed Tuff-stone walls and adding quality furniture to provide a home away from home.
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Check out our Q&As
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private car transfers between hotels, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey as you explore the beautiful regions of Puglia and Matera. Luggage transfers are also provided, allowing you to travel light and enjoy the scenic views without any hassle.
What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The accommodation includes a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels. In Monopoli, you will stay at an elegant Albergo Diffuso, which offers an authentic way of life with historic homes that have been finely renovated. In Locorotondo, you will stay at Sotto le Cummerse, and in Matera, you will stay at Hotel Belvedere.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included in the tour package. However, lunches and dinners are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a wine tasting in Locorotondo, a guided group tour of Matera, and a traditional bread-making workshop in Matera. You will also have the opportunity to explore the famous Trulli houses of Alberobello and swim in the clear waters of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare.
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Is there a guided tour of Matera included?
Yes, a guided group tour of Matera is included, allowing you to learn from locals as you explore the unique cave settlements and historic rock churches.
What is the highlight of the visit to Alberobello?
The highlight of the visit to Alberobello is exploring the unusual districts of trulli, which are white-washed conical roofed houses that have become icons of the town and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What can I expect from the bread-making workshop in Matera?
During the bread-making workshop in Matera, you will discover the ancient art of making Matera bread, a regional delicacy, within one of the city’s historic bakeries. You will make your own loaf and end with a tasting of the handmade products and Lucanian wine.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Reviews from travellers on this tour
The Best Guide ever...
I took the "Reverse Puglia" trip June 18 to 25, 2024. It was a great trip and overview of Puglia. We stayed in trulias in Alberobello and a cave room in Matera. Everything about the grip was perfect, the pace, the places we visited, the food and local guides. However the best part of the trip was Gabriele the tour guide. He took care of everyone and was funny, intelligent, gracious and a pure delight. He is what made the trip so special and memorable, a philosopher that showed us Puglia.
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Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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Enjoy a glass of chilled white wine on the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi; the perfect way to end your day.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Albergo Diffuso 4*, Monopoli.","lat":"40.952517","lng":"17.298556"},{"title":"Day 3: Wine tasting in Locorotondo","name":"Locorotondo","description":"Expand your exploration of Monopoli to the coastline and along the lungomare – the paved promenade that skirts the old town along the coast. There are plenty of beaches within walking distance from where you can enjoy your morning. One of Puglia’s most famous beaches – Cala Porto – in Polignano a Mare, is just a 15min drive away should you want to tick this one off the list too.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Later in the day, you will be transferred to Locorotondo where we have arranged a wine tasting for you; Bianco Locorotondo DOC is a famous sparkling white wine in Italy. You will stay in Locorotondo for the next two nights, plenty of time to see why it deserves its accolade of 'Borghi più belli d'Italia' (one of the most beautiful villages in Italy).<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Sotto le Cummerse 4*, Locorotondo.","lat":"40.755913","lng":"17.326281"},{"title":"Day 4: Trulli Houses of Alberobello","name":"Alberobello","description":"Perched atop a hill, Locorotondo is a fantastic viewpoint to see the surrounding countryside bursting with olive groves and vineyards. Spend the morning wandering the maze of whitewashed lanes, grand baroque archways, and sipping an aperol spritz in the sun.<br/><br/><br/><br/>In the afternoon, we recommend taking the train to Alberobello (10mins – exc. Sundays). This small town is an incredibly picturesque destination which has become a must see for many travellers in Puglia. Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unusual districts of trulli, these white-washed conical roofed houses have become icons of the town. Wandering the trulli district is fascinating, there are also a handful of small museums and shops nearby that you can visit before taking the train back to Locorotondo.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Sotto le Cummerse 4*, Locorotondo.","lat":"40.786499","lng":"17.240881"},{"title":"Day 5: Guided tour of Matera ","name":"Matera","description":"This morning, you will be transferred to your third and final overnight destination of Matera. Technically not in Puglia, but in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, Matera cannot be missed when visiting Southern Italy. One of the oldest cities in the world, Matera is rich in nature, history, and culture; it’s unlike anywhere else.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Today we have arranged a guided group tour of this fascinating city, giving you the opportunity to learn from the locals as you explore the unique cave settlements and historic rock churches. As the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and the set of James Bond’s No Time To Die in 2020, there is much to discover in this magical city of stone.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera.","lat":"40.66636","lng":"16.604445"},{"title":"Day 6: Explore more of Matera","name":"Matera","description":"Take your time exploring more of Matera. Simply wandering the streets fully immerses you into the character of the ancient city with its churches cut into the rock of hillsides and ravines. Some of the best viewpoints of the city are from Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli overlooking the rock church, ravine and Duomo’s bell tower – perfect for a photo opportunity. You may also like to visit MUSMA, an extraordinary art museum with modern sculptures scattered in a 17th century cave palace.<br/><br/><br/><br/>End your day with a traditional Italian meal at one of the many great restaurants in Matera. Typical dishes are orecchiette pasta, senise peppers, and Aglianico wine – one of the local red wines. We recommend choosing a restaurant with a view; sunset over the city is one of the most magical times to see Matera, glowing in the golden hour.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera.","lat":"40.66636","lng":"16.604445"},{"title":"Day 7: Matera ravine & traditional bread making workshop","name":"Matera","description":"Matera city is perched on the edge of the ravine, walking down to the ravine is a great morning activity (before it gets too hot). The rocky trail is quite steep in places, but the views are truly spectacular. From the ravine, you can begin to appreciate the scale of the city and the contrast between the dwellings and the more modern, grander buildings.<br/><br/><br/><br/>In the afternoon, we have arranged a bread making workshop for you. Matera bread is a delicacy of the region, it has a unique taste produced only with re-milled durum wheat semolina from the Lucanian area and is an ancient and honoured tradition. During the workshop, you will discover this ancient art within one of the city’s historic bakeries, making your very own loaf of Matera bread. End with a tasting/aperitif of the handmade products and Lucanian wine.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Hotel Belvedere 3*, Matera.","lat":"40.66636","lng":"16.604445"},{"title":"Day 8: Depart Matera","name":"Matera","description":"Add extra nights in Matera to explore more of this incomparable city before departing for home.","lat":"40.66636","lng":"16.604445"}]
