PUGLIA & MATERA
OCTOBER 16 - 23, 2025
Adventure with us across the plains of Basilicata and over the rocky terrain of the Murgia, to reach the sun drenched stone houses and sparkling beaches of the Adriatic Sea. In the extreme south of Italy lie the white villages of Valle d'Itria. Many travelers do not venture this far south and miss out on the magic of this place. A foodie's dream, Puglia offers the freshest seafood, floral and smokey capocollo from the village of Martina Franca, grano arso (charred grain) pasta from the burning fields of Basilicata, and more hidden culinary treasures.
Accommodation:
2 nights at Sant Angelo Resort in ancient Matera, and 5 nights in your own trullo in Cisternino, Puglia.
Sant Angelo is a luxury resort carved from the tufa stone that makes up the city of Matera. This property has some of the best views of the sassi, modern Italian furnishings, amenities, and is located in the middle of it all, making it perfect for exploring the village on foot.
Our second leg of the trip brings us into Puglia to experience this region through ancient eyes at
Borgo Canonica. Each trullo once used to house farmers, animals and hay, have been converted into a private apartments. Each apartment has all of the modern amenities including air conditioning, en suite bathroom, satellite TV, Wi Fi, swimming pool, on-site bar and restaurant.
DAY 1 WELCOME TO THE SOUTH
We will meet you at Napoli Centrale train station and head to Matera for the next two nights.
Check into Hotel Sant' Angelo and we'll meet for an aperitivo before dinner at Stano for some of Matera's modern takes on centuries old dishes.
DAY 2, THE SASSI
Discover the ceramic artisans and our favorite wood carver, Massimo, who specializes in hand carving bread stamps, and ancient tradition of Matera. We will visit the Madonna della Idris ancient church and an original cave house, (The people of Matera lived in the caves of the sassi until the 1950's!) Lunch is on your own today. For digestivo fans, a stop at the Amaro Lucano shop for a tasting is a must, as it is made here. Dinner together tonight at a trattoria in the heart of the sassi.
DAY 3 ANCIENT ART & BREAD
Transfer to Borgo Canonica. On the way, we stop to see some of the oldest frescos in the country only recently discovered, followed by lunch in the town of Altamura, famous throughout Italy for their breads. We'll enjoy a light lunch of local products and the pane di Matera bread baked in ovens which have been in use since the 1400's at Antico Forno Santa Chaira. (You may go in and take a peek at the ovens.) Dinner tonight in Cisternino famous for their "rosticcerie" where you can try a wide variety of bombette, (Think bracciole, but smaller and cooked on skewers in a wood fired oven. AMAZING).
DAY 4 POLIGNANO A MARE
Wine tasting and light lunch at the beautiful Tenuta Terre di San Vito. They produce the area's best wine and olive oil and you can buy some to take home, or they will also ship. After lunch we'll hop over to walk the dramatic cliffs of Polignano A Mare with free time to shop or just sit and take it all in.
Dinner tonight in Martina Franca.
DAY 5 COOKING CLASS AT A MASSERIA
Hands on cooking class at a 16th century masseria with the local casalinge (house wives). Pick fresh vegetables from the masseria's garden to use in the cooking class. Make pasta, focaccia Barese, cheese and other local specialties. Recipes to keep! Dinner tonight at Borgo Canonica.
DAY 6 WINE, ALBEROBELLO & OSTUNI
Today we start the day with a wine tasting at I Pastini then it's onto Alberobello, the ancient trulli settlement. Lunch is on your own with free time to explore the streets and shops. Tonight we will have dinner in in the glowing city of Ostuni.
DAY 7 VISIT BARI
We'll visit the "orecchiette ladies" who make pasta in streets out front of their homes, have life-changing focaccia Barese and gelato for lunch. Shop for old fashion Italian sweets at the historic candy store, Manarid, or pick up pasta tools and ceramics at the little shops hidden in the alleyways. Farewell dinner tonight in Locorotondo.
Puglia & Matera 7 night tour rate:
$5,600.00 per person, double occupancy
Included in price:
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2 Nights Luxury Accommodations at Hotel Sant Angelo in Matera, Italy
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5 nights accommodations at Borgo Canonica, in Cisternino, Italy.
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Queen size bed, air conditioning, ensuite
private bath, TV, Wi-fi
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Breakfast daily
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5 Lunches & 7 Dinners
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Wine included with all meals
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Private transportation throughout the tour
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All entrance fees to excursions outlined in tour
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All taxes and gratuities
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Airport/Train Station transfers to and from Naples
Not Included:
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International Airfare
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Travel insurance
Reserve your spot for Puglia & Matera!
For questions or to book,
please email Angela at angela@cicalarestaurant.com
or call
(443) 440-0473 between
10am-5pm EST