Tour of Alberobello and Guide to Matera, from Bari

On this tour you will discover two UNESCO heritage gems, steeped in the history and tradition of southern Italy. You will visit Alberobello on your own, known worldwide for its famous "trulli"-a charming 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 represents an extraordinary example of vernacular architecture. The trulli, characteristic limestone dwellings built using the dry-stone 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-like atmosphere. During your visit, you can stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the perfect blend of architecture and landscape. The historic center is full of local craft stores, bars and restaurants where you can immerse yourself in Apulian culture and flavors. Alberobello is an easy place to explore even 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 very ancient, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic period. Matera is famous for its Sassi, ancient quarters carved into the limestone rock, where for centuries people lived in extremely harsh conditions. Until less than 70 years ago, some 15,000 peasants still inhabited these caves, without access to electricity, running water or ventilation, in a world almost unchanged by time. With the help of your Guide, you will discover the extraordinary history of this town and its transition from a symbol of rural poverty to a world heritage icon. You will walk through the alleyways of the Sassi of Matera, admiring ancient rock dwellings, churches carved into the rock with Byzantine frescoes, and an intricate network of streets, stairways, and hidden passageways. Your guide will take you through a journey through time, explaining the unique architectural features of the place and the city's rebirth in recent decades. Matera today is a vibrant center of art, culture, and gastronomy, with numerous craft stores, bars, and ice cream parlors offering an authentic experience of Lucanian life. This tour will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the history and traditions of two of the most fascinating and unique places in Italy.