Visit Alberobello: the complete guide
Alberobello, in the heart of the Itria Valley in Puglia, is one of Italy’s most iconic villages,...
31.10.2025
Guided 
Private tour 
Walking
Bari to Matera Guided Walking Tour
Puglia & BasilicataDifficulty path:Moderate
Guided, Private tour · WalkingDuration: 7 daysCode: wg009
from 890 €Join the GROUP!
Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable walking tour from Bari to Matera, exploring the heart of Southern Italy and connecting with authentic Italian culture.
This adventurous journey takes you through the vibrant city of Bari, along the Adriatic Sea, across the scenic Murge plateau, and finally to the UNESCO city of Matera.
The Cammino Materano – Via Peuceta winds through the ancient lands of Peucezia, following Roman roads, medieval streets, traditional sheep trails, and historic cart tracks. Along the way, discover castles, rock churches, caves, and sacred sanctuaries set within ever-changing landscapes: centuries-old olive groves, rolling vineyards, oak forests, vast fields of wheat and legumes, dramatic canyons, and the pine woods surrounding Lake San Giuliano.
This slow and immersive journey is perfect for travelers who love nature, history, culture, and gastronomy, offering a deep dive into the rich heritage and rural cuisine of Puglia and Basilicata.
This adventurous journey takes you through the vibrant city of Bari, along the Adriatic Sea, across the scenic Murge plateau, and finally to the UNESCO city of Matera.
The Cammino Materano – Via Peuceta winds through the ancient lands of Peucezia, following Roman roads, medieval streets, traditional sheep trails, and historic cart tracks. Along the way, discover castles, rock churches, caves, and sacred sanctuaries set within ever-changing landscapes: centuries-old olive groves, rolling vineyards, oak forests, vast fields of wheat and legumes, dramatic canyons, and the pine woods surrounding Lake San Giuliano.
This slow and immersive journey is perfect for travelers who love nature, history, culture, and gastronomy, offering a deep dive into the rich heritage and rural cuisine of Puglia and Basilicata.
Join the GROUP TRIP:
17/05/2026 > 23/06/2026
or
Book your PRIVATE TOUR:
choose your date and travel with your own group, always accompanied by one expert local tour leader.
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Walk from Bari to Matera along the Via Peuceta
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Scenic landscapes
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Historic sites: Roman roads, rock churches, and caves
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Discover authentic villages and Southern Italian culture
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Enjoy traditional food and wine experiences
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A slow, sustainable journey full of nature and heritage
→ If you are a two-wheel enthusiast you can cycle the Camino Materano by gravel bike in just 3 stages, take a look at the program.
Program
Day1
Bari
Welcome to the sunny and authentic capital of Puglia!
Strolling through the elegant boulevards of the Murattiano district, you’ll encounter the iconic Petruzzelli Theatre, the sea-suspended Teatro Margherita, and the lively Piazza del Ferrarese, gateway to Bari Vecchia.
In its white maze scented with freshly baked focaccia, local women still prepare handmade orecchiette right outside their homes. From the Swabian Castle to the Cathedral of San Sabino, the route leads to the majestic Basilica of San Nicola, a symbolic place uniting East and West.
Overnight stay in Bari.
Day2
From Bitetto to Cassano delle Murge
26km, +320m -100m
After a short train ride from Bari to Bitetto, our journey along the Via Peuceta officially begins.
Before setting off, don’t miss the sporcamuss, a traditional puff-pastry dessert filled with custard, best enjoyed in front of the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo.
The path winds through red-earth olive groves, dry-stone walls, small trulli and ancient farmhouses, gradually climbing toward the Murge plateau. The first centuries-old oaks announce our arrival in Cassano delle Murge, whose charming white historic center welcomes us for the night.
Overnight in Cassano delle Murge.
Day3
From Cassano delle Murge to Santeramo in Colle
22km, +370m -230m
Today’s stage climbs toward the Murgia plateau and crosses a surprisingly wooded landscape.
We enter the Forest of Mesola, a Site of Community Importance rich in holm oaks, turkey oaks and impressive centuries-old specimens. Ancient trees alternate with wheat fields, vineyards and olive groves framed by dry-stone walls and old masserie. In spring, the path lights up with colorful blooms.
Arrival in Santeramo in Colle, one of the highest towns of the Murgia, brings a lively atmosphere: in the evening the streets fill with the aroma of meat grilled in the traditional fornelli pronti.
For more inspiration, enjoy our short guide to food and wine experiences in Puglia!
Day4
From Santeramo in Colle to Altamura
23km, +250m -260m
The vast landscapes of the Alta Murgia National Park greet us, their colors shifting with the seasons.
The trail leads into the heart of the steppe-like Murgia, over gentle hills. Along the way we encounter the rock-cut complex of Grotta Sant’Angelo, an important site of of Micaelic worship in ancient Apulia. Nearby are Masseria Scalera—perfect for a delicious stop to taste fresh mozzarella and local cheeses—and the rock settlement of Fornello.
Soon, Altamura appears atop its hill. Known as the city of Frederick II, it welcomes travelers with the aroma of its famous PDO Altamura bread. The National Archaeological Museum houses the extraordinary remains of the Altamura Man, a rare Neanderthal discovery.
Overnight in Altamura.
Day5
From Altamura to Gravina in Puglia
20km, +170m -300m
The day begins with an iconic local treat: the famous Tette delle Monache (Nun's Tits), soft sponge cakes filled with rich custard—an essential taste of Altamura’s pastry tradition.
We continue through the historic center, leaving the city southward. The path intersects a stretch of the ancient Via Appia, the Roman road once connecting Rome to Brindisi. Rolling hills cultivated with wheat, oats and chickpeas create a peaceful, harmonious landscape.
After crossing a small woodland, we reach Gravina in Puglia, a stunning town carved into calcarenite rock and overlooking a dramatic canyon.
Dinner and overnight stay in this fascinating historic village.
Day6
From Lake San Giuliano to Matera
18km, +420m -140m
After a short transfer from Gravina, we begin at Lake San Giuliano, in the heart of the natural reserve that bears its name. Welcome to Basilicata!
The trail runs along the lakeshore among pines, eucalyptus and cypress trees—an ideal habitat for many bird species. The Bradano ravine and its rock settlements hold a true treasure: the breathtaking Crypt of the Original Sin, reachable with a brief detour.
From here the final ascent to Matera begins, through wheat fields and wide open spaces. Crossing the Casalnuovo district, the view suddenly opens onto the Sassi of Matera, an amphitheater of rock-hewn houses overlooking the ravine—one of the most iconic panoramas in all of Italy. Our Cammino Materano ends here.
Overnight in Matera.
Day7
Matera
We conclude our journey in the magical City of the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 9,000 years of history. Explore artisan ceramic workshops, traditional bakeries producing Matera’s IGP bread, and beautifully frescoed rock-hewn churches.
Discover more in our blog before your visit!
Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 6 nights with breakfast in shared room
- Local English Speaking locale guide during excursions and included dinners
- 2 Dinners (first and last night)
- Private transfer day 6
- Luggage transportation
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Train ticket day 2
- Other meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's not listed as Included
Departures and prices
Join the GROUP!17/05/2026 => 23/05/2026
Standard890 € /p
PRIVATE TOUR - Departures every day on request01/01/2026 => 31/12/2026
Supplements per person
Transfer Bari Apt-Bari (min 2 pax)
Standard42 € /p
Transfer Matera-Bari Apt (min 2 pax)
Standard75 € /p
Other Information
Grade
The Camino Materano runs along the ancient Via Peuceta. The length of a walking day ranges from a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 25 km, with sometimes significant differences in height, so the tour is suitable for anyone with good walking training.
The route is a mixture of dirt and paved roads, with little shelter from the sun. In general, the climate is mild, often until December; the coldest and rainiest months are January, February and March, without ever being extreme. Spring and autumn are good seasons to set off, but with the right equipment and a few precautions, this route can be tackled at any time.
We recommend to wear comfortable walking shoes, better if trekking boots, and to bring with you a hat, trekking poles (strongly recommended) drinking water, sun cream and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Accomodations & Meals
Accommodation in selected central B&B/Hotel.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Bari
- 1 night in Cassano Murge
- 1 night in Santeramo in Colle
- 1 night in Altamura
- 1 night in Gravina in Puglia
- 1 night in Matera
6 breakfasts included. All other meals are not included.
Group Trip or Private Tour?
GROUP TRIP: for cheerful and proactive people! You'll share a travel experience with new people, all eager for an active vacation filled with wonderful memories. By participating in our group tours, you'll always be accompanied and guided by one of our dynamic local tour leaders.
PRIVATE TOUR: This tour also offers departures for small pre-arranged groups of friends, families, and colleagues. The presence of an expert local guide is guaranteed during the scheduled excursions.
→ Departures every day on request.
Choose your departure date, who you are going with and ask us for a personalised quote!
Support
You will be accompanied during the excursions and dinners by one of our expert tour leader, coordinator of the group and passionate about travel, nature and the territory visited. He/she will become your travel companion, always attentive to the needs of the group, facilitating and promoting an authentic, relaxing and fun holiday.
Price per person for Private Tour
The price varies according to the services requested and the number of people.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive by email the documentation containing the latest information relating to your holiday.
Arrival and Departure
Getting there
Reaching Bari is very easy. It is inserted in all the best circuits and roads between North and South of Italy.
BY TRAIN. Trenitalia connects the main Italian cities with Bari. On Viaggiatreno you can find update informations about train routes.
BY AIR. Bari Palese airport is connected with the most important Italian and foreign cities by the main airlines and the low cost ones. It is well connected with many flights, to the city centre by Metro and train approximately every 20 minutes. More info on the website Aeroporti di Puglia.
BY BUS. Bari is also accessible by bus. Here some links to the major operating companies: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Busmiccolis, Buscenter.
BY CAR. The main highways are the A14 Bologna-Taranto and the A16 Napoli-Canosa. maps.google.com can help you with the directions.
Back to Bari
From Matera you can reach Bari by trains or buses of Ferrovie Appulo Lucane.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.