On board a splendid Fiat 500L, or equivalent, at the slow pace of the roads of the southern heel of the Italy boot, we will travel to get to know places otherwise difficult to reach independently. You will have the chance to know ancient towns, seaside resorts and historical sites of Puglia and Basilicata. Our trips will turn into an opportunity to learn the local culture in a friendly and informal environment. We will travel backroads to destinations that will enlight the day with the beauty that nature and human work will offer along the way. You will have a friend at your side who will immediately immerse you in the customs and traditions of the territories you are going to visit. You can select amongst various itineraries: Alberobello: we will stop in Polignano, famous for its cliffs, home of the Diving World Championship, on the Adriatic coast, explore the Itria Valley in depth driving across old roads filled with ancient monumental olive trees. Matera: on the way to this amazing town we could stop in Gravina in Puglia and Altamura, homelands of some of the most delicious food in the region. Castel del Monte: suggested stops at Ruvo di Puglia and Trani, with their wonderful cathedrals, driving through suggestive rocky and coastal scenery. Wine and Olive Oil tasting sessions at traditional farms other than lunches aimed to enjoy the local mouthwatering cuisine can be also scheduled. Itineraries and approx distances in kms: 1) Bari - Alberobello - Matera - Bari (190 km) 2) Bari – Alberobello – Locorotondo – Cisternino – Ostuni – Bari (190 km) 3) Bari - Polignano - Alberobello - Locorotondo - Cisternino - Monopoli - Bari (170 km) 4) Bari - Altamura - Gravina - Matera - Bari (150 km) 5) Bari - Castel del Monte - Trani - Bari (150 km)

Discover the medieval town built during the Holy Roman Empire, enter the historical center from one of the ancient gates to the town and discover the architectural beauties of the churches of St. Blaise, St. Nicholas, Greek Church and the Cathedral of Altamura, the only church built by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in the Middle Ages. The lovely walk continues through the typical squares of the old town and made to carry you smell good in the little streets of the old town in search of old wood-burning ovens where even today the cooking bread and focaccia. 

Enjoy a guided tour of Gravina in Puglia, a spectacular location overlooking the very beautiful Murgia National Park. Learn about the inhabitants of this region from the first prehistoric populations up until today. Gravina is a town in Puglia about 60 km from Bari, it borders to the south with Basilicata. Part of the city extends on the banks of a deep crevasse, very similar to canyons, carved into the limestone by the Gravina stream, a tributary of the Bradano river, from which the famous ravines of the Murgia take their name, in an area characterized by the presence of numerous karst cavities. Walking tour in the old town between historic buildings, churches and 18th century viaduct bridge overlooking the ravine. During the walking tour you will visit the places where the James Bond 007 film "No time to die" was filmed with actor Daniel Craig.

Your driver will accompany you to the Crypt of Original Sin: a cave used as a church in the ninth century B.C. by Benedictine monks, completely frescoed by the expert hand of the "Painter of flowers of Matera". Rediscovered back in 1963 by a group of young Matera fans, from shelter of flocks, the crypt has become one of the unmissable stops in the visit of the European Capital of Culture 2019. The journey continues towards the Church of Madonna della Palomba, where inside you can visit some underground environments: Neviera outside; Refectory; Cellar; Cistern; Kitchen. The third place to visit is the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, kept inside the Masseria Jesce in Altamura, which has frescoes from the mid-fourteenth century, including a "deesis" (Byzantine iconography) attributable to Giovanni da Taranto, and a series of wall panels depicting episodes of the Marian cycle, made by Didaco de Simone in the seventeenth century. (The order of places to visit may vary)

Immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine and taste the fruit of your labor accompanied by local wines. During the lesson, the cook will reveal the tricks of the trade for three authentic local recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Discover the medieval historic center of Altamura, with its cathedral built by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia.The historic center is famous for its perfectly circular shape, but above all for the cloisters, a mirror of the mixture of several cultures that have characterized the city throughout the historical periods.Entrance to one of the wood-fired ovens to learn the secrets of Altamura bread.

Arrive at the home of your expert host for a memorable private dining experience where you will taste authentic recipes treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian mothers. During an exclusive cooking demonstration, feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as your host shares the secrets of her family cookbook while preparing the dishes right in front of you. Once the end result is ready, sit at an authentic Italian dining table and enjoy your 4-course seasonal menu including a starter, pasta, main course with side dish, and dessert.