Gargano Peninsula and Matera?

Posted by Kerri (Victoria, BC, Canada) on 02/03/18 01:02 AM

I'm trying to narrow down a country for my next trip to Europe, and even though I was just in Italy last year, I can't wait to go back. There are many places I will definitely re-visit (Rome, Venice, Tuscany) and a few places I'm okay passing on for the sake of branching out (Florence, Sorrento.) I noticed that the southern Italy tour includes Matera and the Gargano Peninsula. I don't have the 2018 guide book, but I know that neither of these places was in the 2017 guide. Can anyone advise me on these two locations? Given the chance would they be on your "must return to" list?

Thanks,
Kerri

Posted by acraven

Washington DC

02/03/18 01:10 AM

28450 posts

They would be on mine. In fact, I've been to them both twice, though the visits were all too brief.

Posted by Becky

seattle

02/03/18 02:29 AM

2147 posts

I used the Lonely Planet Basilicata and Puglia guidebook. The are is wonderful with many great sites and towns. Matera is very magical, especially at night. We also drove around The Gargano Peninsula. Lecce is well worth going to also. We also really enjoyed Trani on the coast.

Posted by Mike

Boston

02/03/18 12:46 PM

1814 posts

The Gargano and Matera are wonderful. The history will fill your head, and the sights will fill your memory. Rome, Venice, and Tuscany are great, but Italy is so much more.

Posted by Harold

New York, NY, USA

02/03/18 02:49 PM

11294 posts

Here's a very recent, very detailed trip report about this area: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-bella-puglia-plus-basilicata-and-rome

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

02/03/18 07:08 PM

32398 posts

Kerri,

I've been to both locations on the tour, and would definitely return to both.

On the Gargano Peninsula, the tour stops in Vieste which is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days. One of the highlights of the stop in Matera was staying in a "cave hotel" in the historic old part of the city.

Have you ever thought of taking the RS South Italy tour?

Posted by RB

Coraopolis, Pa, USA

02/03/18 07:55 PM

1018 posts

This past September we spent three nights Matera in the Sassi, old town, section and it was one of the most unusual places. Our hotel was the outstanding Palazzo degli Abati. The spacious room was the former abbey kitchen and part cave. The property was extremely clean, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and the setting is very different.

The restaurants were another unique experience, in addition to being very good. The 19a Buca Winery was on three or four underground levels in addition to to be very good. Other restaurants were part caves, as well.

Go and have fun.

Buon viaggio,

Posted by Kerri OP

Victoria, BC, Canada

02/04/18 07:01 AM

111 posts

I'd love to take a tour one day Ken, but I'm a teacher and I didn't see any Italy tours during the summer. I have something to look forward to in retirement!