Puglia & Basilicata Vespa Tour

Meet your guide at 9:00 AM in the hotel lobby, then transfer by van to Polignano a Mare, where your Vespa awaits. Perched atop a dramatic 20-meter limestone cliff overlooking the shimmering Adriatic, Polignano a Mare is a breathtaking starting point for our adventure. Before setting off, we’ll do a practice ride in a parking lot to ensure everyone feels confident and comfortable. From there, we ride into the countryside, gradually climbing to a scenic viewpoint overlooking a sea of olive trees stretching to the Adriatic. Taking a quiet backroad, we head to Monopoli, where imposing 16th-century fortifications greet us. Explore this charming town on foot before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local trattoria. After lunch, hop back on your Vespa and follow the coastal road before climbing into the hills. Along the way, you’ll pass whitewashed masserie—fortified manor houses that tell the story of a time when corsair pirates threatened the coastline. In Alberobello, enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Trulli Zone with a local expert before escaping the crowds for a scenic ride to the charming town of Locorotondo. For the next two nights, you’ll stay at the elegant Masseria Grofoleo, a beautifully restored 18th-century manor house nestled in the peaceful countryside on the outskirts of Locorotondo. Tonight, enjoy a special catered dinner at the masseria. Your bags will be delivered by van. Overnight Locorotondo. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included. 

This morning, ride through picturesque vineyards and orchards to the village of Gioia del Colle, where we’ll pause for a coffee break and visit the impressive medieval castle. From there, enjoy another hour’s ride to a unique lunch spot on the outskirts of Matera—a beautifully restored ancient sheep corral. After lunch, it’s a short ride into the heart of Matera, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site. With a local guide, delve into the city’s fascinating Christian and pagan history as you explore frescoed rock chapels, centuries-old monasteries, and former cave dwellings. Matera’s “Sassi” district, carved into the steep ravines that slice through the city, offers a glimpse into a world where people lived in partially excavated stone homes until the 1950s. While the “Sassi” fell into disrepair after residents were relocated to modern housing. The ancient city’s revival has transformed it into one of Italy’s most unique destinations. Your home for the next two nights is the chic and stylish Corte San Pietro (or similar), a modern reinterpretation of Matera’s traditional cave dwellings. Unwind with an aperitivo on the hotel terrace as the setting sun casts golden hues on the gorge before strolling to dinner. Overnight Matera. Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Today's ride takes us deep into the heart of Basilicata, one of Italy's most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path regions. We’ll kick things off at the Belvedere Murgia Timone, where sweeping panoramic views of Matera and its dramatic ravines await. From there, we’ll traverse open plains and visit picturesque hilltop villages that showcase the charm of this rugged region. One highlight is the rustic village of Montescaglioso, where time seems to stand still. Here, we’ll take a leisurely break at Gran Caffè Roma, indulging in rich coffee, buttery brioche, zesty lemonades, and creamy gelato in a quintessential Italian café setting. Afterward, it’s back to Matera for a memorable lunch at Grotta del Gusto, where you’ll savor local culinary delights. The afternoon is yours to explore Matera’s fascinating streets and unique rock-hewn architecture at your own pace. Later, we’ll gather for another wonderful dinner to cap off the day. Overnight in Matera. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.