ItalyGayTravels
Luxury Matera and Puglia Vacation
Matera & Puglia

Luxury Matera and Puglia Vacation

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

Luxury Matera and Puglia Vacation 1Luxury Matera and Puglia Vacation 2Luxury Matera and Puglia Vacation 3

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.

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