Hike, Bike and Feast in Italy's Puglia and Matera

Your adventure starts in the breathtaking city of Matera, nestled in the region of Basilicata in southern Italy. You are free to arrive at any time today, as Matera is easily accessible via frequent public bus services from Bari Airport. Matera is one of the most extraordinary destinations in Italy with its ancient troglodyte settlements, known as the Sassi, carved from limestone and perched on the edge of a deep ravine. Habitation of the Sassi cave dwellings dates back to the Paleolithic era, though the district fell into neglect up until the 1970s. Substantial restorations in recent decades have transformed the town into a vibrant hub of great cultural significance, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the late afternoon, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a short stroll through the maze of narrow alleys, cave dwellings, and rock-hewn churches that form Matera’s enchanting old town. As the sun sets, savour a drink with a view as the Sassi come aglow, then indulge in a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll be introduced to the fresh, flavourful cuisine of the region. Buon appetito!

This morning, leave the bustle of Matera behind and embark on an e-bike adventure through rolling hills. You’ll ride along the peaceful, deserted country lanes which connect Matera to San Giuliano Lake, a tranquil natural oasis and a haven for migratory birds. Along the route, you’ll stop to explore the fascinating Crypt of the Original Sin, a cave on the Murgia plateau often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of rock art' due to its stunning frescoes. Lunch will be a delicious affair at a local agriturismo, where you'll savour authentic regional flavours before cycling back to Matera. Later in the day, join your guide to visit a local baker, who will reveal the traditional techniques behind making Matera’s famous bread – culminating in a mouthwatering taste of freshly baked focaccia. Dinner is not included this evening, but your guide will recommend some of the best restaurants in town so you can choose an unforgettable meal.

Lace up your boots for a hike through Matera's Natural Park of the Rock Churches, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Marvel at the dramatic ravine, explore ancient caves and historic churches, and take in the spectacular views of Matera from its scenic trails, before the hike culminates in a crossing of the canyon via a suspension bridge. Afterwards, grab some lunch in town before heading into Puglia, the 'heel' of Italy, driving towards the coastal town of Polignano a Mare which is perched strikingly on cliffs above the Adriatic. Spend a couple of hours here, perhaps exploring its labyrinthine old town, visiting panoramic terraces, savouring an icy gelato or taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters at Polignano's beach. By late afternoon, you’ll reach countryside around Ostuni. For the next three nights you'll be staying at a traditional masseria – a beautifully restored agricultural estate typical of Puglia. Surrounded by ancient olive trees, vineyards, and lush vegetable gardens, it's a tranquil spot to kick back in. Cap off the day by sampling some of Puglia's finest olive oil, produced on the masseria itself.

Today, get back on e-bikes to pedal through the stunning countryside of the Itria Valley, renowned for its trulli houses – the unique, cone-shaped dwellings that are iconic in this region. You’ll cycle from the charming baroque heart of Martina Franca through the picturesque village of Locorotondo, following a scenic cycling path that winds through the countryside alongside an old aqueduct. Continue on to Alberobello, where you'll find over a thousand of these distinctive trulli. Take a brief stop in the quieter Rione Aia Piccola neighbourhood, where you should be able capture some photos without the big crowds. From there, pedal along scenic country lanes to a traditional rural farm, where you'll stop for lunch. A local cheese artisan will showcase the craft of making fresh cheese, before you continue your ride back to Martina Franca. Back at the masseria, unwind with some well-deserved time by the pool before getting stuck in to an orecchiette-making demonstration, where you'll learn the secrets behind this beloved Apulian pasta, followed by a delicious home-cooked dinner.

Savour your final day on a hike, starting out near your masseria, which offers sweeping views over vast olive groves – home to some of the oldest and most majestic olive trees in the world. The trail will lead you through the serene countryside, eventually arriving at the charming hilltop town of Cisternino, known for its beautifully preserved old town and whitewashed buildings. You'll have time to explore the village and choose a place for lunch. If you don't fancy sitting in a restaurant, this place is famous for its butchers, who will grill your chosen goodies on the barbecue for you – a truly delicious local experience (vegetarian options are available too). Back at the masseria, you'll have some time to freshen up before a late afternoon transfer to Ostuni, an enchanting white citadel perched on a hilltop. To celebrate the end of this incredible foodie adventure, gather for a wine-tasting session, sampling some of the finest Apulian wines and raising a toast to your adventure. Dinner is not included this evening, but your guide will take you to a renowned restaurant where you can select your favourite dishes from an à la carte menu.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred back to Bari Airport in time for your flight home. If you don't fancy leaving just yet, you could choose to extend your trip with a couple of days in lively Bari, beautiful Lecce or somewhere else along the wonderful coast of Puglia.