Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Mattinata - Matera - Noci - Lecce
100% customisable for you
Head to the airport today for your two-hour-and-45-minute flight to Bari, making the most of the airport lounge facilities before boarding. On arrival in Italy, pick up your trusty hire car for the first leg of your Puglian road trip: a scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive along the coast to Mattinata.
Once you arrive, drop your bags and settle in for your two-night stay at the foot of the ‘Monte Sacro’, an iconic mountain known for its ancient temple. Spend the rest of the evening savouring idyllic views of the beach and enjoying a tasty dinner in the hotel restaurant before flopping into bed, ready for the real excitement to begin tomorrow.
Set just a half-hour’s drive from Mattinata, Gargano National Park is a hidden paradise that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Complete with rugged coastlines, pristine beaches and lush forests, it’s a paradise for bird lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. As you wander along the park’s winding trails and explore its hidden coves, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the sparkling Adriatic and the surrounding countryside.
But Gargano is more than just a natural wonderland. The park also boasts a rich cultural heritage, featuring ancient ruins, medieval castles and charming fishing villages such as Vieste and Peschici. Feeling peckish after a day of walking? Take a detour to the towering cliffs of Monte Sant'Angelo to taste the delicious local cheese, caciocavallo, at a traditional producer.
This morning, it’s time to say arrivederci to Mattinata and ciao to Matera as you hop in the car for the two-hour-and-15-minute drive south.
Nestled in the heart of Basilicata, Matera is positively steeped in history and charm. Known for its ancient cave dwellings, or sassi, this UNESCO World Heritage site has been inhabited for over 9,000 years. Some rock churches, decorated with beautiful frescoes, are open to the public; others have been turned into stunning hotels and lodges.
Settle in for two nights in an atmospheric, hillside hotel. If you’re still raring to go after the long drive, venture out into the town to wander between the quaint cafes and pretty galleries. Not ready to return to the hotel just yet? Enjoy a tasty dinner in a local restaurant – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some hidden gems.
After a tasty hotel breakfast this morning, it’s time for a private tour of Matera’s sassi. Alongside an expert guide, discover the city’s iconic architecture, which beautifully blends with its natural environment.
As you wander along the winding streets, you’ll be transported back in time to a bygone era, complete with honey-toned limestone hermitages, monasteries and houses. Byzantine monks settled in Matera in the Middle Ages and decorated their churches with intricate carvings and frescoes, which have retained their impressive beauty over centuries.
Your Puglian road trip continues this morning with a scenic one-hour drive to Noci, a charming Norman city renowned for its romantic architecture and stunning natural landscapes. For the next four nights, you’ll be staying in a traditional 17th-century masseria, a historic farmhouse which has been converted and restored to ensure guests can enjoy modern comforts while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of the old stone houses.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking. Fancy a rest after the first four jam-packed days? Spend the day relaxing at the masseria. If you’re still raring to go, however, you’re in luck: there are beautiful beaches just a short drive away, and hiking trails surround the extensive olive groves.
This morning, venture out of Noci for a private tour of Ostuni, also known as the ‘White City’ of Puglia for its striking whitewashed buildings. Set atop the dramatic cliffs of the Puglian coastline, the Citta Bianca is exceptionally beautiful, and its winding streets are steeped in history.
Along the way, you’ll pay a visit to Ostuni’s stunning Gothic cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century. Cameras at the ready: with its intricate frescoes and soaring arches, it’s a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture.
To round off the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic homegrown olive oil in a local masseria. Consider yourself a keen foodie? Stick around a bit longer for a cooking class – what better excuse to sample tasty Italian cuisine?
The next two days are all about discovering the Itria Valley’s iconic villages. First up is Locorotondo, whose pretty centre is home to winding streets and white-washed houses with conical roofs, known as trulli. These famous buildings, once used as farmhouses, are built without mortar and are native to the region.
Next is lively Martina Franca, renowned for its Baroque architecture and vibrant music festival, where you can enjoy a cappuccino in the charming old town. Finally, head to Ceglie Messipica, one of the oldest villages in Italy. After losing yourself in its historic alleys and piazze, pay a visit to the hilltop Catello Ducale, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
It’s time for the final leg of your Italian road trip, so enjoy a hearty breakfast before hopping in the car for the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Lecce. This will be your home for the next three nights, so check into your hotel and settle in before spending the afternoon exploring the pretty scenery. Once evening comes, head out for a tasty meal at a local restaurant – your local Concierge can recommend some of the best.
Today’s yours to spend as you like, but we recommend exploring the historic city of Lecce. Known for its stunning Baroque architecture, Lecce is affectionately nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’ and features a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with beautiful buildings.
The city is bursting with architectural delights, including ornate churches, palaces and public buildings, all built from the local golden limestone. While exploring, you can’t miss the Basilica di Santa Croce: one of the city’s most famous landmarks, this Baroque masterpiece boasts an intricately carved façade and an impressive 16th-century dome.
After a day of independent exploration yesterday, spend today venturing behind the scenes of beautiful Lecce with a friendly local guide. As you wander through the city’s squares and along its cobbled streets, you’ll be invited to taste mouth-watering Apulian pastries from traditional cafés. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to Lecce’s hidden gems as well as its famous sights, meaning you’ll get to know the city like a true local.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to picturesque Puglia. After one last Italian breakfast, drive 40 minutes back to Brindisi Airport and return your trusty rental car. Make the most of the airport lounge facilities to refresh and refuel before boarding your two-hour and 45-minute flight back to the UK, which brings your magical trip to a close.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
