Uncover Southern Italy’s Soul: Puglia & Matera
Historic masserias, slow travel, exclusive local access. Unique experiences with focus on architecture, local craftsmanship, food heritage, local traditions, ancient history and authenticity.
In a world where luxury is often synonymous with crowds, clichés, and overexposure, the true traveler seeks something rarer — beauty untouched, culture unscripted, and experiences that speak to the soul. In Puglia and Matera (amazing city in the region Basilicata, right on the border with Puglia), time slows, stone speaks, and elegance hides in olive groves and ancient caves. Here, you won’t find grand palaces or designer boutiques at every turn. Instead, you’ll wander through sun-drenched vineyards, dine beneath the stars in centuries-old masserie, and wake to the silence of Matera’s cave dwellings — all without sacrificing comfort, discretion, or world-class service.
Our travel ideas for a memorable 5–7 days itinerary:
1. Private Cave Dinner in the Sassi of Matera Dine in a privately restored cave-dwelling in Matera’s ancient “Sassi” district. Hosted by a local historian or archaeologist who shares the city's story — from ancient times to its modern revival. Paired with wines from the nearby Vulture region and seasonal Lucanian cuisine.
2. Stay in a Masseria – A Noble Farmhouse Reimagined Base your stay in a restored 17th-century masseria near Ostuni or Fasano. Olive oil tastings from centuries-old trees, and exclusive garden dining experiences are available. Optional: cooking class with a local chef, in-house sommelier, horseback ride or e-bike tour through the surrounding territory.
3. Private Boat Day Along the Salento Coast Cruise from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca. Dive into hidden grottos, enjoy onboard seafood and sip locally made rosé.
Optional: Exclusive landing at a cliffside seafood restaurant only accessible by water.
4. Ceramics & Craft in Grottaglie with a Master Artisan Private studio visit with a famous ceramicist whose family has worked in clay for generations. Create your own piece, followed by a courtyard lunch with local wines and appetizers in the artisan’s home.
5. Wine Safari in Itria Valley Explore off-the-map vineyards in the Itria Valley (home of Primitivo and Verdeca) by vintage car. Private tastings with boutique winemakers, trullo picnic or lunch in a vineyard villa, with a sommelier guide.
6. Spend a Day in the Life of a Shepherd Spend a morning with a local shepherd near Altamura, learn to make fresh ricotta and mozzarella, picnic among the olive groves, with an elegant setup, linen tablecloths, and locally sourced delights.
Optional add-on: Tasting and pairing session with ancient grains and wines from the Murgia plateau.
7. Private Tour of Lecce’s Hidden Baroque Skip the tourist route and explore Lecce with an art historian. Exclusive entry to private palazzi and artist studios normally closed to the public.
Optional: Italian aperitivo in the alleys of Lecce historic centre.
8. Matera by Moonlight Evening walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Sassi, dramatically lit after dark.
Optional: Access to a church carved from stone and a private candlelit concert inside a cave.
Possible add-on to enhance your local experience:
- Chauffeured vintage car for countryside drives;
- Personal photographer and videographer;
- Bespoke leather or tailoring experience in Lecce or Martina Franca;
- Private airport transfers from Bari or Brindisi by high-end car to your accommodation.
- Enjoy a relaxed and traditional dinner with local dishes and endless views.
To start planning your next trip, email us at: info@zestitalytours.com
