Journey to Puglia
Everyone is more or less familiar with Italian culture, from watching movies, learning about the Roman Empire, or simply eating pizza. But not until you arrive in the country do you realize that everything you thought you knew is really just the tip of an enormous iceberg. Every region—every town even—has a unique personality, so no matter how many times you visit Italy, you’re always left with the craving for more.
Matera | April 28 – May 1, 2025 | 3 nights
Puglia | May 1 – 7, 2025 | 6 nights
In May, Puglia experiences pleasant spring weather with mild temperatures. Days are mostly sunny, and there's little rain, making it ideal for exploring the region's beaches and countryside. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket is recommended for nighttime outings.
U.S. passport holders do not need any special visa to visit Italy. Make sure your passports are valid for at least three months after your travel dates.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Best known as the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia has long been a favorite getaway for Italians but is still relatively off the radar for foreign tourists. Cavernous grottos and sandy beaches draw visitors to the dreamy Salento Peninsula, but the countryside is just as alluring with the fairy tale trulli cottages. You’ll likely see local women hand-rolling orecchiette pasta in the street, best enjoyed with freshly caught seafood and a glass of Puglia wine.
After exiting baggage claim at Bari Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer through the Puglia countryside to your hotel in Matera.
Drive Time: Approximately one hour
Booked by Scenset. Transfer from an airport other than Bari comes with additional costs.
Dining recommendations will be provided closer to your travel date, and reservations can be made on your behalf.
A list of recommendations of what to do in Italy will be provided closer to the travel date.
Why we love it for you: One of the most memorable, and unusual, experiences to be had in Italy is staying in a cave-hotel in the Unesco-protected city of Matera. For the troglodyte purist, it doesn’t get better than Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita whose starkly romantic cave-rooms overlook the dramatic Gravina canyon.
- Palazzo Classic with View
- Breakfast included
Matera, known as the Subterranean City, is famed for its historic center, the 'Sassi,' a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. This recognition also extends to the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, which you can explore during your visit. A local guide will reveal the hidden gems of this former European Capital of Culture (2019).
After a brief stroll through the town's heart, you'll visit a traditional dairy, where you'll savor artisanal focaccia and enjoy freshly crafted local delicacies.
Duration: 3 hours
Booked by Scenset
Sextantio le Grotte della Civita
- Palazzo Classic with View
- Breakfast included
In the silence of dawn, hover in the air on a hot-air balloon to admire from above the Sassi of Matera or the ghost town of Craco. The sweet currents will accompany your flight and gently there they will give unforgettable views over hills, rivers, ancient cities and wonderful castles, when the warm lights of dawn awaken.
Hot air balloon ride takes place at sunrise, and the total flight time is about an hour.
Booked by a user
A deconsecrated church carved from the rock offers an unforgettable and uniquely romantic experience. Bathed in the soft glow of dozens of candles, warmed by an open fire, and accompanied by the elegance of classical music, this former sacred space transforms into an enchanting dining room. Here, you'll discover new flavors while indulging in the chef’s passion for local cuisine, creating a truly magical dining experience.
Dinner included.
Booked by a user
Sextantio le Grotte della Civita
- Palazzo Classic with View
- Breakfast included
After breakfast and checking out, meet your driver for a private transfer to Borgo Egnazia.
Drive Time: about 90 minutes
Booked by Scenset.
Why we love it for you: Borgo Egnazia replicates an actual Puglian borgo, or village, and guests are even given a map to navigate the winding streets and lively piazzas. The whole property feels a bit like walking around the movie set of Gladiator with candle-lit corridors and stone villas, but with a few modern updates. Stretch out in the state-of-the-art yoga studio, dine in a Michelin-star restaurant, play a round of golf, and take a dip in one of the swimming pools worthy of an emperor.
- La Corte Bella
- Breakfast included
The Puglia coast is known for its sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and rock formations—not to mention the crystal clear Mediterranean water. Explore Polignano a Mare from the best perspective possible: on the water. You'll see caves that glow from within and have plenty of opportunity to jump off and swim in the sea.
This is a full day boating excursion.
Booked by a scenset.
Borgo Egnazia
- La Corte Bella
- Breakfast included
A land steeped in history, rich with ancient beauty and culinary delights, awaits you in the heart of Egnazia’s historic countryside. As you cycle along paths flanked by timeless dry-stone walls and towering olive trees, you’ll arrive at one of the region's oldest farms. Managed by the same family for two generations, this farm offers a unique opportunity to discover the traditional production of local dairy specialties, such as mozzarella, burrata, and stracciatella, and savor their authentic flavors.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Booked by a scenset representative
Borgo Egnazia
- La Corte Bella
- Breakfast included
In the wonderful Apulian karstic complex of Grotte di Castellana, between stalactites and stalagmites, canyons and concretions,
Terrecarsiche winery brings you the ultimate wine tasting experience.
The right degree of humidity and the right temperature inside this karstic complex make the caves the perfect wine cellar. Enjoy a glass of wine in a natural cave in the depths of the earth surrounded by the sound of silence.
Booked by Scenset
After your exclusive wine tasting experience in the caves, your driver will take you to the nearby town of Castellana where you can explore and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a suggested restaurant.
After dinner, your driver will take you back to Borgo Egnazia.
Dinner to be paid locally. Option to add an exclusive dinner at an abbey overlooking the sea.
Booked by Scenset
Borgo Egnazia
- La Corte Bella
- Breakfast included
Alberobello, a village in the hinterland of the Itria Valley, is undoubtedly the capital of the Trulli. Enjoy this unique experience with a local guide and great connoisseur of Apulian traditions. Take a guided walk in the heart of the town with its iconic Trulli buildings before visiting the coned home of a local resident, where they'll show you the secrets of Puglian cooking and you'll get to dine in their home with them.
Lunch included.
Booked by Scenset.
Borgo Egnazia
- La Corte Bella
- Breakfast included
Enjoy your last full day in Italy soaking in the sun at Borgo Egnazia. If you'd like something to be organized, we're happy to do so.
Let us know if you'd like to book an appointment at the Borgo Egnazia Vair Spa so you can fully relax on your last day and return home feeling rejuvenated from your trip.
Recommended by Scenset—nothing has been booked.
Borgo Egnazia
- La Corte Bella
- Breakfast included
It's time to pack up and head home, but filled with memories to last a lifetime. Thankfully in Italy we don't say goodbye but rather a dopo, or until next time.
Based on the time of your flight out, you'll be picked up from Borgo Egnazia for a private transfer to Bari Airport.
Drive Time: about 1 hour
Booked by scenset.
Catch your international flight back to the U.S. Flight details will be provided as soon as you have them.
Booked Independently
