Puglia & Matera Italy

This 7-night adventure offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all at your own pace. Puglia, known as the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its sunlit coastline, baroque towns, and culinary traditions. Here you’ll find the striking trulli houses of Alberobello, the seaside charm of Polignano a Mare, and Lecce with its golden baroque churches. The drives are scenic, lined with olive trees and vineyards, giving you plenty of moments to stop, wander, and take in the views.

Your journey also takes you to Matera, one of Italy’s oldest towns and one of the most unique in Europe. Its famous “Sassi” cave dwellings, carved into the rocky hills, are a sight unlike anywhere else in the world. Walking through Matera feels like stepping into a living museum, with winding lanes, stone houses, and viewpoints that overlook an ancient landscape.

Your journey also takes you to Matera, one of Italy’s oldest towns and one of the most unique in Europe. Its famous “Sassi” cave dwellings, carved into the rocky hills, are a sight unlike anywhere else in the world. Walking through Matera feels like stepping into a living museum, with winding lanes, stone houses, and viewpoints that overlook an ancient landscape.

The package includes return flights, car hire with an economy car, and bed & breakfast stays for 7 nights. You’ll have the freedom to create your own itinerary: visit coastal towns, stop by traditional bakeries, or relax in the countryside. With everything arranged for you, all you need to do is enjoy the drive and let Italy reveal itself one road at a time.

Whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, food, or just the romance of the open road, this holiday balances comfort with exploration. By the end of the week, you’ll have uncovered the heart of southern Italy and experienced both the vibrant spirit of Puglia and the quiet, unforgettable beauty of Matera.

• Return flights to Italy
• 7 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast
• Economy car rental for the full duration
• Visits to Puglia and Matera’s key highlights
• Freedom to explore towns, villages, and coastlines at your own pace

For this package, you can begin your journey on 7 November 2025.

That period is a wonderful time to travel to Puglia and Matera because the crowds of summer have faded, the weather is pleasantly mild, and the landscapes carry a soft autumn glow. Daytime temperatures usually range between 15°C and 20°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, driving along the coast, and exploring historic towns without the heat of high summer.

It’s also harvest season in southern Italy, so you’ll find fresh olives, wines, and seasonal dishes at their very best. This makes November one of the most authentic times to experience the culture of the region.

The best time to visit Puglia and Matera is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). These months bring pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and an atmosphere perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace. In spring, wildflowers brighten the countryside, olive groves shimmer in the sunlight, and coastal drives feel especially inviting. Autumn, on the other hand, is marked by the olive and grape harvests, with local festivals bringing authentic flavours to your journey.

July and August are the busiest months, when coastal towns are lively but often crowded, and the temperatures can soar above 30°C. Winter (December to February) is quieter, ideal if you prefer a slower pace and cooler temperatures, though some attractions in smaller towns may keep shorter hours.

For this package, travelling in November offers a sweet balance: gentle weather, golden autumn light across Matera’s stone-carved streets, and a more authentic Italian experience without the summer rush.