Alberobello and Matera Italy

A Day in Bari, Alberobello, and Matera, Italy

One of our stops aboard the MSC Sinfonia was Bari, Italy. Instead of booking an organized cruise excursion, we arranged a private driver through Apulia Shuttle, and it was an excellent decision. Our driver was punctual, professional, and provided insightful information about the region during our journey, even though he was not an official tour guide. I highly recommend Apulia Shuttle for anyone looking for a reliable transportation service in the area.

Our Itinerary: Bari – Matera – Alberobello

The drive times were manageable, making it a great day trip from the cruise port:

• Bari to Matera: ~1 hour
• Matera to Alberobello: ~1 hour
• Alberobello to Bari: ~1 hour

We started our adventure in Matera, an ancient city known for its cave dwellings, then moved on to Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses.

Matera: The City of Cave Dwellings (Sassi di Matera)

Matera is a breathtaking city with homes carved into limestone cliffs that have been inhabited for over 9,000 years. Walking through Matera feels like stepping back in time, with its historic charm and biblical-era appearance. Here are some must-see attractions:

Top Things to Do in Matera

• Sasso Caveoso & Sasso Barisano: Two of the most famous districts filled with ancient cave dwellings.
• Piazza Duomo: A great starting point offering panoramic views of the Sassi district.
• Casa Noha: An immersive video experience that provides historical context about Matera.
• Casa Grotta Nei Sassi: A preserved cave home showcasing what life was like up until the 1950s.
• Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant’Eustachio: Matera’s stunning cathedral located at the city’s highest point.
• Palombaro Lungo: A massive 3,000-year-old water cistern hidden beneath the city’s main square, rediscovered in 1991.
• Rock Churches (Chiese Rupestri):
  • Cripta Del Peccato Originale: Known as the Sistine Chapel of cave churches, featuring 8th-9th century frescoes.
  • Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano: The largest rock-hewn church in Matera.
  • Chiesa Rupestri Di San Nicola Dei Greci Madonna Delle Virtu: A fascinating site between the two Sassi districts.

Where to Eat in Matera

We were so busy exploring that we only had time for a quick pizza stop, but here are some highly recommended restaurants:

• Ivizi degli Angeli
• Agristories Ristorante
• Stano
• Baccanti

Alberobello: The Fairytale Trulli Village

After Matera, we continued to Alberobello, home to the iconic trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These charming whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs are unique to the Puglia region and make Alberobello feel like a village straight out of a fairytale.

Top Things to Do in Alberobello

• Zona Trulli (Rione Monti): This district has over 1,000 trulli houses, making it the most picturesque area in Alberobello.
• Rione Aia Piccola: A quieter, less touristy trulli district offering a more authentic glimpse of local life.
• Belvedere Santa Lucia: A fantastic panoramic viewpoint overlooking the trulli rooftops.
• Trullo Sovrano: The only two-story trullo, now a museum showcasing traditional life in these historic homes.

Where to Eat in Alberobello (These are some restaurant ideas. We didnt stop for lunch but we did have gelato)

• L’Aratro: A cozy restaurant inside a trulli house, offering a traditional Apulian menu.
• Evo Ristorante
• Trattoria Terra Madre

Final Thoughts

Our day trip to Matera and Alberobello from Bari was unforgettable. The contrast between Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and Alberobello’s whimsical trulli homes made for a truly unique experience. If you’re arriving in Bari on a cruise ship, I highly recommend skipping the cruise excursions and opting for a private driver like Apulia Shuttle for a more personalized and immersive adventure.

Have you visited Matera or Alberobello? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!