Day 1

Get Acquainted with Matera

Upon arrival in Bari airport or Matera train station, transfer by private car to the hotel of your choice for 5 nights. Matera is particularly magical at sunset when the stones of the cave-dwelling districts take on a soft golden hue. Make the most of this idyllic location on a early evening stroll. Your private guide meets you at your hotel and takes you on an evocative walking tour to experience the unique feeling of being in a huge nativity scene with hundreds of lights scattered all over. The leisurely-paced tour ends with insider dinner recommendations.

Day 2

Discover I Sassi of Matera

The best way to learn about Matera’s appalling poverty and darker past is by visiting one of the former cave dwellings to get a lively picture of what the smells, sounds and sights were like for the people living here. After meeting your private guide at the hotel explore the Paleolithic age cave dwellings ("i sassi") in the Caveoso and Barisano districts. Walk through cave houses that are built on top of one other and explore narrow streets that lead to alleys, courtyards, stairways and squares. The leisurely-paced tour ends with insider lunch recommendations.

Day 3

Hiking the Canyon of Matera

Meet your private guide at the hotel and travel to the Belvedere Murgia Timone hiking trail - nothing too challenging - Besides the best views of Matera, this area is dotted with several attractions. Hiking down through ancient paths along the walls of the Canyon you will encounter a number of caves, including the remnants of a Neolithic village, a monumental underground tomb as well as ancient cave churches. The site is also the filming location for the crucifixion in Passion of Christ and Wonder Woman. The leisurely-paced tour ends back at your hotel with insider lunch recommendations.

Day 4

Day Trip to Alberobello

This morning meet your guide and driver and enjoy a scenic drive through the Apulian countryside to Alberobello, the capital of the “trulli”. Take in the scenic charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site and discover why Alberbello is one of the world's most unique places. Alberobello is a fascinating mix of history and architecture. A stop to sample local food products provides a delicious taste of Apulia. The leisurely-paced tour ends back at your hotel with insider dinner recommendations.

Day 5

Hands On Cooking Class in Matera

Another fantastic way to experience Matera people, culture and history is taking a cooking class. This morning you'll enjoy an insightful opportunity to learn the techniques and recipes of some mouth-watering regional specialties that you can savor at the end of the class. Under expert guidance, you will create fresh handmade pasta, tiramisu and other delicious food! According to the most typical Italian tradition, an espresso will conclude this hands-on adventure.

Day 6

Depart Matera

Today it’s time to say arrivederci to Matera. Your private driver will collect you at the hotel to transfer to Bari airport or Matera train station. Buon Viaggio!