Tour of Alberobello and guided tour of Matera, from Bari
On this tour, you will discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites steeped in the history and tradition of southern Italy. You will visit Alberobello on your own, known throughout the world for its famous "trulli": an enchanting place that is easy to explore even without the help of a guide, as it is very intuitive with its intersecting streets. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Alberobello is an extraordinary example of vernacular architecture. The trulli, characteristic limestone dwellings built using a dry construction technique, date back to ancient times and are evidence of prehistoric building techniques that have survived to the present day. Their conical roofs, often decorated with religious or esoteric symbols, and white walls create a unique, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. During your visit, you can stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the perfect fusion of architecture and landscape. The historic center is full of local craft shops, bars, and restaurants where you can immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of Puglia. Alberobello is easy to explore on your own thanks to its intuitive layout and the warm welcome of its inhabitants. The tour will then continue to Matera, where you will be accompanied by an expert guide. Matera is a unique place in the world, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and designated European Capital of Culture in 2019. Its history is ancient, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. Matera is famous for its Sassi, ancient neighborhoods carved into the limestone rock, where people lived in extremely difficult conditions for centuries. Until less than 70 years ago, about 15,000 farmers still lived in these caves, without access to electricity, running water, or ventilation, in a world that had remained almost unchanged over time. With the help of your guide, you will discover the extraordinary history of this city and its transition from a symbol of rural poverty to an icon of world cultural heritage. You will walk through the narrow streets of the Sassi di Matera, admiring the ancient cave dwellings, the rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes, and an intricate network of streets, stairways, and hidden passageways. Your guide will take you on a journey through time, illustrating the unique architectural features of the place and the city's rebirth in recent decades. Today, Matera is a vibrant center of art, culture, and gastronomy, with numerous craft shops, bars, and gelaterias offering an authentic experience of Lucanian life. This tour will allow you to immerse yourself completely in the history and traditions of two of Italy's most fascinating and unique places.