Experience one of the most refined and culturally rich gay luxury vacations in Italy with this exclusive 9-day journey through Puglia and Matera , two of Southern Italy’s most captivating destinations.
Designed for discerning LGBTQ+ travelers, this hands-on itinerary blends UNESCO World Heritage Sites, luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and authentic cultural experiences into a smooth and memorable escape.
From the iconic trulli of Alberobello to the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare, and from the whitewashed elegance of Ostuni to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, this journey combines iconic highlights with quiet corners.
Expect: 5-star resorts, historic masserie, and boutique cave hotels; private guided tours and curated cultural experiences; hands-on cooking classes and premium wine tastings; time to relax by the Adriatic Sea or in luxurious countryside settings.
When
17–25 Oct 2026 · 1–9 Oct 2027 · 8 nights
Where
Bari • Savelletri • Monopoli • Polignano a Mare • Alberobello • Itria Valley • Ostuni • Matera
Group
3-10 people
Stay
5-star resorts, historic masserie, and boutique cave hotels
Highlights
Stay at the iconic 5-star resort Borgo Egnazia and the unique Sextantio cave hotel in Matera
Enjoy a private dinner in the world-famous Grotta Palazzese sea cave
Learn to prepare regional specialties in a hands-on cooking class at a traditional masseria
Take private guided tours of Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, and the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera
Route
Map of the Luxury Matera & Puglia Tour
Route stops
1Bari
2Savelletri
3Monopoli
4Polignano a Mare
5Alberobello
6Martina Franca
7Ostuni
8Matera
Day by day
Day 1
Welcome to Puglia: Arrival & Fine Dining
Your Luxury Matera & Puglia tour begins upon arrival at Bari Airport, the gateway to Southern Italy. From here, enjoy a smooth transfer to the iconic Borgo Egnazia, one of Italy’s most prestigious 5-star resorts. Settle into your elegant surroundings before a memorable welcome evening with a gourmet dinner at the renowned Due Camini, for a first taste of refined Puglian cuisine and a chance to meet your fellow travelers in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Discover Monopoli: Coastal Charm & Leisure
Enjoy a slow luxury morning at your resort, perfect for spa time, beach access, or poolside relaxation. In the afternoon, a private guided walking tour of Monopoli awaits, where you'll explore baroque churches, a medieval castle, and a picturesque harbor, experiencing authentic coastal life in one of Puglia’s most charming towns. Return to your resort for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Polignano a Mare
After a relaxed morning, journey to one of Italy’s most photographed coastal towns. A guided exploration of Polignano a Mare will take you through narrow streets, boutique shops, and scenic viewpoints to capture amazing Adriatic views from dramatic cliffs. The evening features a memorable dinner at the world-famous Grotta Palazzese, set inside a natural sea cave.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Cooking Class & UNESCO Alberobello
Immerse yourself in the flavors of Puglia with a hands-on culinary experience. You'll take part in a cooking class at a traditional luxury masseria, preparing regional specialties like orecchiette and focaccia while learning authentic techniques from local experts. In the afternoon, visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its iconic trulli houses. In the evening, check into a charming countryside masseria for an authentic stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Itria Valley: Gastronomy & Baroque Elegance
Discover the heart of rural Puglia in the picturesque Itria Valley. The day includes a guided visit to Martina Franca to admire its elegant baroque architecture and historic streets. A culinary highlight awaits with a farm-to-table tasting lunch at a local masseria, where you'll enjoy burrata, capocollo, and traditional bombette. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Ostuni: The White City Experience
Explore one of Southern Italy’s most iconic towns with a guided tour of Ostuni. Discover its whitewashed streets, panoramic views, artisan shops, the cathedral, and lively piazzas. Enjoy time to soak in the atmosphere before returning to your masseria for relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Arrival in Matera: A Timeless Landscape
Travel to the extraordinary city of Matera, one of Italy’s most unique destinations. Here you will check into Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita and stay in a luxury boutique cave hotel carved into ancient stone. Enjoy free time to wander the atmospheric streets and relax in your distinctive surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
The Sassi of Matera: UNESCO Heritage & Farewell Dinner
Step into history with a guided exploration of Matera’s ancient cave districts. You'll discover the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit rock churches, cave dwellings, and historic cisterns. The day includes a group lunch featuring local specialties, wines, and regional flavors. In the evening, gather for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of an incredible journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 9
Departure or Continue Your Italian Journey
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer back to Bari Airport for your departure. You can also choose to extend your experience by joining our Luxury Salento Food & Wine Vacation for a coastal, more relaxed continuation, or by adding spa and wellness experiences before departure.
Meals: Breakfast
What you'll experience
Learn to cook like a local with hands-on cooking lessons from Pugliese chefs
Stay in luxurious accommodation in the most sought-after resorts of the area
Enjoy fine dining at exclusive private locations
Take private tours of Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and Ostuni
Receive a guided tour of the Sassi di Matera
What you'll taste
Olive oil from centuries-old trees with a tasting of several types
Wine tasting of the region’s local wines, including those from indigenous grapes
Local cheeses such as burrata, caciocavallo, pecorino and caccioricotta
Pastries and desserts including the famous pasticciotto
Focaccia & taralli
Fresh seafood
Local fresh produce including fava beans, rape (turnip greens), and courgette flowers
Italian liqueurs such as Amaro and Limoncello
Accommodation & meals
Accommodation includes 3 nights at the 5-star Borgo Egnazia, a luxurious icon designed like a traditional Apulian village near Savelletri. You will also spend 3 nights at Masseria Grieco, a beautifully restored and elegant farmstead near Ostuni, set among olive groves. The final 2 nights are at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, an extraordinary boutique hotel within the ancient UNESCO-listed Sassi cave dwellings, offering an atmospheric and deeply hands-on experience.
Getting there
Fly in and out of Bari International Airport (BRI). Private transfers to and from the airport are included at the start and end of your tour.
What's included
8 nights accommodation with breakfast
2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Private transfers to and from Bari airport
Private transfers to all destinations listed on the itinerary
Welcome Dinner including wine (set menu)
Private walking tour of Monopoli
Guided Walking tour of Polignano a Mare
Cooking class and typical lunch
Typical Barbecue Lunch in the Itrian Valley
Private walking tour of Ostuni
Typical dinner at Grotta Palazzese, Polignano a Mare, including wine (set menu)
Guided tour of Sassi di Matera
Farewell Dinner, including wine (set menu)
Information material
Your Personal Italy Gay Travels Tour Host/Manager for the duration of the trip
All costs/entry fees for the activities listed in the itinerary
All transport during the tour in our van/minibus
24 hour phone assistance
Not included
, Flights
, Insurance, Tips and everything not listed as Included
, City Taxes
, 4% Credit Card Commission
, A tip starting from €250 for the Vacation Leader and his staff is expected
Support
A dedicated Tour Manager from 'Italy Gay Travels' will be with you for the duration of the trip to coordinate all activities and accommodation. 24-hour phone assistance is also provided. Your personal host is Sergio.
Frequently asked questions
What if I'm a solo traveler?+
Solo travelers are welcome. A single supplement of €1,990 or US$2,590 will be added to the tour price for a private room.
Is tipping expected?+
Yes, a tip for the Vacation Leader and his staff is expected, starting from €250 per guest. Tips are not included in the tour price.
Can I extend my trip?+
Yes. You can extend your experience by joining our Luxury Salento Food & Wine Vacation for a coastal, more relaxed continuation, or by adding spa and wellness experiences. Please email info@italygaytravels.com for more information.