Puglia & Basilicata

This week-long escorted tour by Travelsphere takes a measured pace through Puglia and Basilicata, two lesser-travelled corners of southern Italy. After flying into Bari, you settle near Alberobello, the town best known for its trulli houses — whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, which cluster in improbably large numbers. Days here balance free time with visits to the farmhouses and olive groves that shape the local economy.

A full day is set aside for Matera, in Basilicata, where the Sassi caves offer a rare look at dwellings carved directly into the rock. The experience is more than just a photo opportunity: the history and transformation of the district, from desperate poverty to tourist attraction, is striking. Nearby Lecce adds a dash of Baroque flourish with its golden sandstone and sunken Roman amphitheatre.

The itinerary also allows for quieter explorations: stroll the streets of Martina Franca, or sip a coffee in Locorotondo while contemplating painted symbols on trulli rooftops. The rhythm alternates between gentle sightseeing and letting the hotel’s pool or spa beckon, a welcome balance for those who appreciate downtime as much as discovery.

New to Italy? Our Italy guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.