Bari in 1 Day for Couples - Guided walk through the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO)
In Collaboration with Veditalia. Updated on February 2, 2026.
Full-day guided shore excursion from Bari visiting the Sassi of Matera, the trulli of Alberobello and the cliffside beauty of Polignano a Mare — paced for couples with a romantic cliffside moment, relaxed guided walks and time to savour local food and views.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Veditalia, inspired by the tour Bari Guided Shore Excursion: Matera, Alberobello & Polignano. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided walk through the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO)
- Trulli quarter and Trullo Sovrano in Alberobello
- Cliffside viewpoint and romantic moment at Lama Monachile, Polignano a Mare
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Bari and take a comfortable, air-conditioned coach to Matera, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. The pace is relaxed for couples with time for photos, a local lunch and a romantic cliffside moment.
Meet & check-in at Largo Eroi del Mare (Mazzini Statue) — Bari port
Gather by the Mazzini statue next to the shuttle bus stop to meet your bilingual guide and board the coach. Clear, easy meeting point close to cruise terminals.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for the guide holding a Veditalia sign — arrive 5–10 minutes early to avoid crowding.
- There are benches and shade nearby if you want to sit while waiting; keep passports/cruise ID handy.
- Photograph the Mazzini statue as a memory of your meeting point — it’s an easy landmark to find on return.
Transfer: Coach from Bari to Matera
Comfortable air-conditioned coach transfer across the Puglia/Basilicata border toward Matera. Enjoy countryside views and a short orientation from your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side of the coach for better coastal-to-hinterland views as you leave Bari.
- Carry a light jacket — coastal mornings can be breezy in May even if the sun warms up later.
- Use this time to charge your camera/phone and review the guide’s notes for photo spots in Matera.
Guided walking tour: Sassi di Matera (historic cave dwellings)
45–90 minute guided walk through the Sassi neighbourhoods and stone-carved lanes. Learn the history of Matera's cave dwellings and enjoy intimate viewpoints over the ravines.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled lanes and uneven steps are charming but require stable footwear.
- Ask your guide for a quiet terrace viewpoint for a romantic photo with the ancient stone houses in the background.
- If you prefer fewer crowds, request to start at lesser-known vantage points (the guide can steer you to quieter alleys).
Transfer: Matera to Alberobello
Scenic drive east into Puglia toward Alberobello — enjoy a short rest on board and a commentary from your guide about trulli architecture before arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the left side of the coach for rural olive-grove views approaching Alberobello.
- Take this transfer as a calm pause: sip water, reapply sunscreen, and enjoy the countryside scenery.
- If you’re celebrating, let the guide know — they may point out a nice spot for a couples' photo upon arrival.
Lunch & free time in Rione Monti — Alberobello
Enjoy lunch at one of the charming local trattorie in the trulli district (time to sample fresh burrata, orecchiette or a glass of regional wine). Free time to wander narrow streets hand-in-hand.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a small trattoria with an outdoor table for a cozier, intimate lunch — ask for a table with trulli views.
- Try a local white wine from Puglia (e.g., Verdeca) or a shared dessert like pasticciotto for a sweet moment together.
- If you prefer a guaranteed table, tell your guide and they can recommend a quieter restaurant or reserve ahead.
Guided visit: Trullo Sovrano and the Trulli quarter
Guided introduction to the unique dry-stone trulli houses; visit Trullo Sovrano (the largest trullo museum) and stroll photogenic lanes.
Tips from local experts:
- Trullo Sovrano has tight interior spaces — it’s atmospheric for photos but not suited for long wheelchair/stroller tours; pick scenic exterior spots for shared photos.
- Ask the guide for a quieter lane for private photos away from souvenir stalls.
- Bring a small prop (scarf or hat) for romantic portrait shots against the conical roofs.
Transfer: Alberobello to Polignano a Mare
Drive toward the Adriatic coast to Polignano a Mare — watch the landscape change from trulli-strewn countryside to coastal panoramas.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your camera ready as you approach the coast — the first views of the Adriatic can be striking.
- If you feel like a quick refresh before the cliff walk, ask the guide for a restroom stop in town centre.
- Sit on the coast-facing side of the coach for the best sea views approaching Polignano.
Cliffside moment & free time at Lama Monachile (Cala Porto) — Polignano a Mare
Wander the cliffside promenade to heart-stopping viewpoints over Cala Porto. Enjoy a romantic shared gelato or quick aperitivo while watching the sea and boats below — a special couples' moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Head to the western viewpoint near the arched bridge for an iconic couple’s photo framed by the rocks and turquoise water.
- Buy a gelato or espresso from a nearby café and sip it together on the low stone walls for an easy, romantic pause.
- If you’d like a quieter spot, walk a few minutes east along the cliff to smaller terraces with fewer tourists.
Return transfer: Polignano a Mare back to Bari (Piazza Eroi del Mare)
Relaxed coach transfer back to Bari port with an expected arrival in time to re-board your ship. Your guide will confirm drop-off details and arrival time at the port.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep small valuables and any purchases in an easy-to-reach bag for quick disembarkation back at the port.
- Ask the guide to confirm the exact drop-off spot at Bari (Piazza Eroi del Mare) so you can time your return to the ship.
- Use the transfer to stretch, review photos, and plan a quiet on-board dinner to extend your romantic day.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Culture, Meal, Outdoor |