Puglia & Matera

7 Nights • Flights & Accommodation Included

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Puglia & Matera

Offer Details

  • Flights & Accommodation
  • £799
  • Europe
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Standard Room

Discover Puglia & Matera on a 7-Night Fly Drive Holiday

Experience the very best of southern Italy on this 7-night Puglia fly drive holiday, combining the breathtaking landscapes of Puglia with the ancient city of Matera. Perfect for travellers who enjoy the freedom of the open road, this self-drive itinerary allows you to explore charming coastal towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic cities and some of Italy's finest food and wine at your own pace.

Your journey begins with two nights in Matera, one of Italy's most fascinating destinations, where you'll wander through the remarkable Sassi cave dwellings and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Continue into the heart of Puglia, discovering the vibrant streets of Bari, the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello, the whitewashed hilltop town of Ostuni, the elegant Baroque city of Lecce and the spectacular Adriatic coastline at Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.

Designed as one of our most popular Puglia self drive holidays, this itinerary combines hand-picked hotels, an included hire car, authentic local experiences and return flights, giving you complete flexibility to discover the region's hidden treasures.

Whether you're looking for Puglia holidays, holidays to Matera, or unforgettable Puglia multi centre holidays, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of culture, history, coastal scenery and outstanding Italian cuisine.

This offer includes:
 
• 2 nights BB in a double room at 4* Dimora del Monaco Hotel (or similar) in Matera
• 3 nights BB in a double room at 4* Corte Altavilla in Conversano (or similar accommodation in the South of Bari area)
• 2 nights BB in double room at 4* 8piu Hotel (or similar) in Lecce area 
• Wine tasting in a renowned winery near Matera 
• 10-course aperitif in a gourmet Bistrot (drinks not included)
• Car rental (Economy Car) 
• Small cabin bag and one piece of hold luggage allowance (15kg) per person included
• Return flights are included from your selected airport to Bari, Italy.

At a Glance

  • Destination: Puglia & Matera, Southern Italy

  • Duration: 7 Nights

  • Holiday Type: Fly Drive Holiday

  • Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast

  • Perfect For: Couples, food lovers, history enthusiasts and independent travellers

  • Fly From: London Gatwick or Manchester

  • Arrival Airport: Bari

  • Departure Airport: Bari (or Brindisi available on request)

  • Drive Highlights: Matera • Bari • Alberobello • Conversano • Polignano a Mare • Monopoli • Ostuni • Lecce

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Matera's Sassi & Alberobello's Trulli

  • Included Experiences: Wine tasting near Matera & gourmet aperitif in Conversano

Why Choose This Puglia Fly Drive Holiday?

Discover one of Italy's most captivating regions at your own pace on this carefully planned Puglia fly drive holiday. Combining the cultural treasures of Matera with the beautiful coastline and charming towns of Puglia, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation and authentic Italian experiences.

Unlike escorted tours, your included hire car gives you complete flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints, discover hidden villages and spend as much time as you wish exploring each destination.

Holiday Highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed cave city of Matera

  • Visit Alberobello and its famous Trulli houses

  • Discover Bari's atmospheric Old Town

  • Wander the whitewashed streets of Ostuni

  • Experience Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South"

  • Visit the stunning coastal towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

  • Enjoy an included wine tasting near Matera

  • Relax with hand-picked 4-star accommodation throughout

  • Return flights, breakfast and car hire included

Best Time to Visit Puglia

Puglia is a wonderful destination from April through October, with each season offering something unique.

Spring (April to June) is ideal for sightseeing, with pleasant temperatures, colourful wildflowers and fewer visitors. It's the perfect time to explore Matera, Alberobello and Lecce on foot.

Summer (July and August) brings warm sunshine and vibrant seaside towns. Beaches around Polignano a Mare and Monopoli are at their best, while evenings are filled with lively restaurants and local festivals.

Autumn (September and October) is considered one of the best times to visit. The weather remains warm, vineyards begin harvesting their grapes and the region becomes quieter, making it perfect for a relaxing fly drive holiday.

Why Visit Matera?

One of Italy's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Matera is unlike anywhere else in Europe. Famous for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been carved into the limestone landscape over thousands of years.

Today, visitors can wander through atmospheric alleyways, explore rock-hewn churches, enjoy panoramic viewpoints and discover boutique cafés and restaurants hidden within centuries-old caves. Matera has also featured in numerous international films, including No Time To Die and The Passion of the Christ, adding to its worldwide appeal.

Whether you're interested in history, photography, architecture or authentic Italian culture, Matera is an unforgettable highlight of any holiday to southern Italy.

Upon arrival at Bari Airport, collect your rental car and begin your journey through Puglia and Basilicata. Drive to Matera and check into your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing or enjoying your first glimpse of this remarkable city.
Overnight in Matera.

After breakfast, set out to explore Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its extraordinary Sassi districts. Wander through ancient cave dwellings, rock churches, and atmospheric alleyways, discovering one of Italy’s most unique landscapes.
In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting at a renowned winery near Matera, sampling local vintages and learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.
Overnight in Matera.

Following breakfast, check out and drive to Bari, the vibrant capital of Apulia. Spend the morning exploring the historic old town, with its narrow streets, lively squares, and authentic local atmosphere.
Continue on to Conversano in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Later in the day, enjoy a gourmet aperitif in a charming Bistrot overlooking the main square, the perfect way to soak up the local ambience.
Overnight in Conversano.

After breakfast, drive to Alberobello, the UNESCO-listed town known as the Capital of the Trulli. Take a leisurely walk through its fairy-tale streets, admiring the iconic cone-shaped houses.
Continue your exploration with visits to the nearby towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca, both celebrated for their whitewashed architecture and elegant historic centres. Return to Conversano in the evening.
Overnight in Conversano.

Enjoy breakfast before heading towards the coast to Polignano a Mare. Take in spectacular sea views from its panoramic terraces and wander through the charming old town.
In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a delightful seaside town with a bustling harbour, historic walls, and colourful streets.
Overnight in Conversano.

After breakfast, check out and spend the day exploring Ostuni, famously known as the “White City.” Lose yourself in its maze of narrow streets and enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.
Continue towards Lecce, arriving in the afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore independently.
Overnight in Lecce.

After breakfast, discover Lecce, renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture. Stroll through elegant squares and admire beautifully decorated churches and palaces.
Alternatively, consider an excursion to Otranto, featuring its imposing castle and magnificent Romanesque cathedral, or visit Gallipoli, a lively coastal town renowned for its beaches and historic old town.
Overnight in Lecce.

After breakfast, drive back to Bari Airport for your return flight, taking home unforgettable memories of your self-drive journey through Puglia and Matera.

Your holiday includes return direct EasyJet flights from London Gatwick or Manchester to Bari, making it easy to begin your adventure in southern Italy.

Prefer a different route? This holiday can also be arranged with arrival into Bari and departure from Brindisi, allowing you to explore more of Puglia without retracing your journey. Please contact our travel specialists for availability and pricing.

Your holiday also includes:

  • Small cabin bag per person

  • One 15kg checked bag per person

  • Airport taxes and charges included

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From £799 per person
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