PUGLIA & MATERA
MAY 1 - MAY 9, 2026

WITH AN OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT ADD-ON

IN NAPLES MAY 9-11, 2026

Adventure with us across the plains of Basilicata and over the rocky terrain of the Murgia, to reach the sun drenched stone houses and sparkling beaches of the Adriatic Sea.   In the extreme south of Italy lie the white villages of Valle d'Itria. Many travelers do not venture this far south and miss out on the magic of this place.  A foodie's dream, Puglia offers the freshest seafood, floral and smokey capocollo from the village of Martina Franca, grano arso (charred grain) pasta from the burning fields of Basilicata, and more hidden culinary treasures.  

Accommodation: 

2 nights at Il Palazzotto in ancient Matera, and 5 nights at Bambarone La Masseria, Fasano, Puglia. 

Il Palazzotto is a boutique hotel and winery carved from the tufa stone that makes up the city of Matera.  This property is full of Matera character, modern Italian furnishings, amenities, and is located in the middle of it all, making it perfect for exploring the village on foot. 

Bambarone La Masseria is a masseria built during the 15th century which has been converted into a luxury property with all of the modern amenities and restaurant on site. Beneath the building is an ancient olive oil mill you can explore.

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We will meet you at Napoli Centrale train station and head to the Bambarone La Masseria, our home for the next 5 nights. Located, among centuries-old olive trees and within sight of the wildly romantic coastline with countless small bays with clear turquoise waters is Bambarone La Masseria. This property is a carefully restored masseria which has been converted into an elegant B&B with individually designed rooms, its origins date back to the 15th/16th century. Check in, and then we'll meet for an aperitivo before dinner at a local trattoria.

Mid-day boat ride around the cliffs of Polignano A Mare, then we're off to the beautiful Tenuta Terre di San Vito for wine tasting and light lunch. They produce some of the area's best wines and olive oil, and you can buy some to take home, or they will also ship. Dinner at the masseria tonight.

Get up close and personal with nature today as we take a gentle horse back ride through the rock lined paths built thousands of years ago. Ride through olive groves and trulli houses with spectacular views of the this ancient land. ​ Lunch at a nearby village trattoria. Dinner tonight at a local "rosticcerie" where you can try a wide variety of bombette, (Think bracciole, but smaller and cooked on skewers in a wood fired oven. AMAZING).

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Take the day for yourself and enjoy the masseria or spend the day at a full service beach club on the Adriatic Sea. Dinner tonight will be at the masseria on your own. 

Hands on cooking class at a 16th century masseria with the local casalinge (house wives). Make pasta, focaccia Barese, cheese and other local specialties. Recipes to keep! Seafood dinner tonight on the coast of Savelletri.

We're venturing into the forest today to Baby Dicecca for a cheese tasting. A cheese bar immersed in nature like you've never experienced before! We'll head to Ostuni a bit early in the eveing to allow time for shopping and a cocktail before dinner at Il Tempo Perso.

Transfer to Matera today. On the way, we stop in the town of Altamura, famous throughout Italy for their giant semolina breads. We'll enjoy a light lunch of local products and the Pane di Matera bread baked in ovens which have been in use since the 1400's. Dinner tonight at Stano for a more modern take on ancient dishes of Matera.

Discover the ceramic artisans and our favorite wood carver who specializes in hand carving bread stamps, and ancient tradition of Matera. We will visit the Madonna della Idris ancient church and an original cave house, (The people of Matera lived in the caves of the sassi until the 1950's!)  Lunch is on your own today. For digestivi fans, a stop at the Amaro Lucano shop, for a tasting is a must, as it is made here.   Dinner together tonight at our favorite trattoria in the heart of the sassi.

After breakfast we will check out and transport everyone back to Naples train station or airport as needed. For guests joining us for our additional 2 nights in Naples we will take you to you Hotel Excelsior.

Check into Double Deluxe Room with a view of the sea and Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest castle in Naples. Walking distance to the main sites of Naples.

A favorite spot for artists, actors, intellectuals and other celebrities visiting the city,

the Excelsior has spectacular panoramic views of the Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples and the paradise islands of Ischia and Capri. Incorporated into the elegant decor are Murano glass lamps, Carrara marbles, silk fabrics and coverings. 

Transfer from Matera and check into Hotel Excelsior and get refreshed before our pizza making class tonight.  Stroll through the lively city streets after dinner for passegiata and gelato. For those who dare, try a limonata coscia aperta, a true Neapolitan after dinner tradition for digestion. This non alcoholic lemon drink must be drunk with legs apart and knees bent, usually creating a huge mess. Even if you don't partake, the people watching is great at this little limonata stand as Italians and tourists alike line up to drink!​

Wake up in the heart of old Napoli. Today we'll explore the hidden side of the city on a walk to discover markets, churches, visit Via San Gregorio's artisans, learn about the Neapolitan's obsession with superstitions and saints, and try traditional street food along the way. The rest of day is your's to explore on your own before dinner. 

Neapolitan dinner tonight with ragu, genovese, scarpetta, and pastas galore at our very favorite "red sauce" spot in the city, Tandem O'Rau. 

We say goodbye to Naples until next time! (Taxis to the airport or train station can be arranged. If you would prefer a private driver to move onto the next part of your journey please inquire with the front desk of Hotel Excelsior or we can recommend DayTrip driving service.)