PUGLIA & MATERA
MAY 1 - 9, 2026
SEPTEMBER 20 - 28, 2026
Adventure with across the plains of Basilicata and over the rocky terrain of the Murgia, to reach the sun drenched stone houses and sparkling beaches of the Adriatic Sea. In the extreme south of Italy lie the white villages of Valle d'Itria. Many travelers do not venture this far south and miss out on the magic of this place. A foodie's dream, Puglia offers the freshest seafood, floral and smokey capocollo from the village of Martina Franca, grano arso (charred grain) pasta from the burning fields of Basilicata, and more hidden culinary treasures.
Accommodation:
2 nights at Il Palazzotto Wine Resort in ancient Matera, and 6 nights at 15th century Bambarone La Masseria in Fasano, Puglia.
DAY 1 WELCOME TO PUGLIA
Our first leg of the trip brings us into Puglia to experience this region through ancient eyes at
Bambarone La Masseria. This 15th century masseria has been converted into a luxury property with modern amenities including air conditioning, en suite bathroom, satellite TV, Wi Fi, on-site bar and restaurant.
Bonus: Beneath the building is an ancient olive oil mill you can explore. We will have a welcome dinner tonight together at a local trattoria.
DAY 2 WINE & SEA
Wine tasting and light lunch at the beautiful Tenuta Terre di San Vito. They produce the area's best wine and olive oil and you can buy some to take home, or they will also ship. Take a sunset sail along the Adriatic Coast with free time to shop before a seafood dinner tonight in Polignano A Mare.
DAY 3 ANCIENT ROADS ON HORSEBACK
Get up close and personal with nature today as we take a gentle horse back ride through the rock lined paths built thousands of years ago. Ride through olive groves and trulli houses with spectacular views of the this ancient land. Lunch at a nearby village trattoria. Dinner tonight at a local "rosticcerie" where you can try a wide variety of bombette. Think bracciole, but smaller and cooked on skewers in a wood fired oven.
DAY 4 RELAX AT THE MASSERIA OR BEACH CLUB
Take the day for yourself and enjoy the masseria or spend the day at a full service beach club on the Adriatic Sea. Dinner tonight will be at the masseria on your own.
DAY 5 COOKING CLASS WITH RITA & VITTORIA
Hands on cooking class at a 16th century masseria with the local casalinge (house wives). Pick fresh vegetables from the masseria's garden to use in the cooking class. Make pasta, focaccia Barese, cheese and other local specialties. Recipes to keep. Dinner in a nearby village tonight.
DAY 6 CHEESE IN THE FOREST & OSTUNI
We're venturing into the forest today to Baby Dicecca for a cheese tasting. A cheese bar immersed in nature like you've never experienced before! Tonight we will have dinner in in the glowing city of Ostuni.
DAY 7 MEDIEVAL OVENS & MATERA
Transfer to Il Palazzotto in Matera. On the way, we stop in the town of Altamura, famous throughout Italy for their breads. We'll enjoy a light lunch of local products and the pane di Matera bread baked in ovens which have been in use since the 1400's at Antico Forno Santa Chaira. (You may go in and take a peek at the ovens.) Dinner tonight at our favorite trattoria in Matera.
Il Palazzotto is carved from the tufa stone that makes up the city of Matera. Each of the "cave rooms" embodies the true character of the ancient life in the sassi, but with modern Italian furnishings, amenities, and it is located in the middle of it all, making it perfect for exploring the village on foot.
DAY 8 THE SASSI
Discover the sassi today. Visit ceramic artisans and one of our favorite wood carvers, Giuseppe, who specializes in hand carving bread stamps, and ancient tradition of Matera. Visit the Madonna della Idris ancient rock church with some of the oldest frescos you'll ever see, and an original cave house, (The people of Matera lived in the caves of the sassi until the 1950's!) Lunch is on your own today. For digestivo fans, a stop at the Amaro Lucano shop for a tasting is a must, as it is made here. Dinner together tonight at a trattoria in the heart of the sassi. Dinner is at Stano for some of Matera's modern takes on centuries old dishes.
MAY 1-9, 2026
$6,950.00 per person, double occupancy
$7,400 single occupancy
Included in 8 night tour price:
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2 Nights Accommodations at Il Palazzotto Wine Resort in Matera, Italy
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6 nights accommodations at Bambarone La Masseria
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Queen size bed, air conditioning, ensuite
private bath, TV, Wi-fi
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Breakfast daily
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5 Lunches & 7 Dinners
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Wine included with all meals
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Private transportation throughout the tour
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All excursions & classes outlined in tour
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All taxes and gratuities
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Airport/Train Station transfers to and from Naples
Not Included:
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International Airfare
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Travel insurance
SEPTEMBER 20-28, 2026
$6,500 per person, double occupancy
$6,850 single occupancy
Reserve your spot for Puglia & Matera!
For questions or to book,
please email Angela at angela@cicalarestaurant.com
or call
(443) 440-0473 between
10am-5pm EST
KEEP YOUR HOLIDAY GOING !
JOIN US FOR 2 MORE NIGHTS IN NAPOLI!
(Link to book is in Puglia & Matera booking page)
After we check out of Matera, we will take everyone back to Naples.
Stay with us for two more nights and explore the city.
A fun and convenient option especially if you will be flying in and out of Naples, as it allows a short and easy commute to the airport.)
$1,200 PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
($500 SINGLE OCCUPANCY FEE)
ADD ON INCLUDES:
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2 Night's accommodation at Eurostar's Hotel Excelsior, Napoli waterfront
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Hands-on Neapolitan pizza class
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Walking tour of the city (Pignasecca market, Via San Gregorio artisans, La Chiesa di Santa Maria la Nova, Quartieri Spagnoli and more)
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Food crawl in the historic center
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2 Lunches & 2 Dinners, wine included with all meals
DAY 1 PIZZA CLASS & PASSAGIATA
Transfer from Matera and check into Hotel Excelsior and get refreshed before our pizza making class tonight. Stroll through the lively city streets after dinner for passegiata and gelato. For those who dare, try a limonata coscia aperta, a true Neapolitan after dinner tradition for digestion. This non alcoholic lemon drink must be drunk with legs apart and knees bent, usually creating a huge mess. Even if you don't partake, the people watching is great at this little limonata stand as Italians and tourists alike line up to drink!
Double Deluxe Room with a view of the sea and Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest castle in Naples. Walking distance to the main sites of Naples. A favorite spot for artists, actors, intellectuals and other celebrities visiting the city, the Excelsior has spectacular panoramic views of the Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples and the paradise islands of Ischia and Capri. Incorporated into the elegant decor are Murano glass lamps, Carrara marble, silk fabrics and coverings.
DAY 2 STREETS OF NAPOLI & RAGU!
Wake up in the heart of old Napoli. Today we'll explore the hidden side of the city on a walk to discover markets, churches, visit Via San Gregorio's artisans, learn about the Neapolitan's obsession with superstitions and saints, and try traditional street food along the way. The rest of day is your's to explore on your own before dinner.
Neapolitan dinner tonight with ragu, genovese, scarpetta, and pastas galore at our very favorite "red sauce" spot in the city, Tandem O'Rau.
