Puglia and Basilicata: Bari, Matera Cave Town and Lecce Baroque
Explore the sun-bleached heel of Italy. Experience nonnas rolling orecchiette on outdoor tables in Bari Vecchia, sleep in ancient stone cave quarters in Matera, and marvel at the exuberant limestone baroque facades of Lecce at low southern costs.
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Intercity route legs
Day-by-day itinerary
Bari Vecchia and Saint Nicholas
BariArrive in Bari. Watch nonnas make orecchiette along Via Arco Basso, visit the Basilica di San Nicola, and eat hot tomato focaccia barese.
FAL Train to Ancient Matera
MateraTake the 1h45 private FAL train into Matera. Settle into a renovated cave guesthouse in Sasso Caveoso and walk the stone alleys as sunset illuminates the ravine.
Rupestrian Churches and Cave Homes
MateraVisit rock-hewn cave churches with Byzantine frescoes and tour Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario. Dine on traditional legume crapiata stew.
Train to Florence of the South, Lecce
LecceTrain via Bari down to Lecce. Marvel at the intricate carved limestone facade of Basilica di Santa Croce and the sunken Roman amphitheatre.
Pasticciotto Breakfast and Otranto Coast
LecceEat warm pasticciotto custard pastries with espresso leccese. Optional afternoon regional train to coastal Otranto before return travel.
✂️ What I Would Cut If Short on Time
Focus exclusively on Bari and Matera for an unforgettable 3-day deep dive.
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