Culinary Puglia & Basilicata
What makes this journey special
A culinary journey through Puglia and Basilicata, from the coastal city of Bari to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera. Discover the region’s culinary heritage through olive oil tastings, local specialities, culinary walks and a cooking experience with locals. From handmade orecchiette and the famous bread of Altamura to traditional cheeses and regional olive oils, the journey reveals authentic flavours, ancient traditions and the warm hospitality of Southern Italy.
Next dates
Days
Journey character
CULTURE
FOOD
NATURE
RELAXATION
ACTIVITY
The journey at a glance
Regions
Puglia, Basilicata
Group size
6 to 16 travelers
Travel style
small-group, culinary immersion, food & wine, local encounters and traditions
Accommodation type
b&b or hotel
Transport
private
Starting point
Bari
End point
Bari
The Hidden Moments
- A hands-on cooking class exploring local flavours and traditions
- A visit to an olive oil producer and a tasting of Puglia’s famous “green gold”
- A taste of the famous Altamura bread
- A culinary walk through Bari, discovering its traditional street food and local specialities
- A tasting of typical cheeses in Matera
THE ITINERARY
The journey, day by day
Day overview
Today takes you along the coast and into the landscapes of the Valle d’Itria. Begin with a visit to Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically above the Adriatic, before discovering the traditions behind Puglia’s olive oil during a visit to a local producer. Continue to Locorotondo for a walk through its picturesque historic centre before returning to Bari for dinner.
Day overview
After breakfast, travel inland to Altamura, a town renowned for its culinary traditions, especially for its delicious bread. Discover its flavours and local specialities during a culinary walk before enjoying some free time to explore the town. Continue to Matera, where dinner and your overnight stay await in the atmospheric setting of this extraordinary historic city.
What’s included
in this journey
In carefully selected b&bs and hotels
10 meals
5 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Personal travel guidance
Small-group support throughout the journey
4 Culinary experiences
Tastings, hands-on cooking class, visit to local producers
Transport
Private transfers throughout the journey
What is not included
- Travel arrangements to/from Italy
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Meals and services not specified
Download all the information about the journey here
Your culinary experience in Puglia & Basilicata starts here!
Culinary Puglia & Basilicata
EUR 1.490,00*
*Price per person in double room.
Single room possible at extra charge of a total of EUR 250,00.
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What our travellers say
”Every journey leaves a story behind. We’re still collecting some of those shared by our travellers — stories of people met, places discovered and flavours remembered. Perhaps yours will be among them.
Good to know, frequently asked
Where does the journey start and end?
The journey begins with an individual arrival in Bari, where the group meets before setting off to explore Puglia and Basilicata. The journey also ends in Bari, from where you can continue your journey independently. If you combine Culinary Puglia & Basilicata with Culinary Lazio & Campania, we travel together to Bari.
What interests does this journey focus on?
This journey focuses on food, local traditions and the culinary heritage of Puglia and Basilicata. From handmade orecchiette and traditional bread to olive oil, local cheeses and regional specialities, each experience offers a taste of southern Italy and an insight into the people and traditions behind it.
How physically demanding is this journey?
This is an easy-paced journey, but a reasonable level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable walking for longer periods, including during culinary walks, town visits and visits to local producers. Some historic areas, particularly in Matera, include steps and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
How much free time will I have?
The itinerary includes organised experiences as well as time to enjoy the destinations at your own pace. There is room to explore historic streets, stop for a coffee or gelato, browse local shops or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of southern Italy.
How will we get around during the journey?
Private transfers are provided throughout the journey, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience from one destination to the next. Sit back, take in the scenery and enjoy the journey along the way.
What kind of culinary experiences are included?
The journey combines a variety of authentic food experiences, including a hands-on cooking class, an olive oil tasting, a culinary walk through Bari, a taste of the famous Altamura bread and a cheese tasting in Matera. Along the way, you will discover many of the flavours and traditions that define the cuisine of southern Italy.
Do I need to be a food or wine expert?
Not at all. Curiosity is much more important than expertise. The experiences are designed for anyone who enjoys good food, local traditions and discovering the flavours, stories and people behind the cuisine of Puglia and Basilicata.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Please let us know about any allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements when booking. We will do our best to take your requirements into account. As we work with a variety of small, independent local businesses, however, we cannot guarantee that every dietary requirement can be accommodated in every situation.
Can I join this journey as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome on all our journeys. You can either share a double room or, subject to availability, book a room for single use at the applicable supplement.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We stay in carefully selected b&bs and small hotels, chosen for their character, comfort and location. They provide a welcoming base from which to explore the different landscapes, towns and culinary traditions of Puglia and Basilicata.
STORIES AND PEOPLE
Discover the places & stories behind this journey

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