Alberobello & Matera
We woke to a glorious sunrise and then headed off to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site I’d been really looking forward to seeing. The cone-topped trulli houses are straight out of a storybook. Built entirely from limestone without mortar, they were designed so they could be quickly dismantled if tax collectors showed up. Ingenious—and a little sneaky.
Afterward, we wandered through the trulli-lined streets. It was charming—and very busy. Clearly, we weren’t the only ones who wanted to see this place.
Then it was lunch, a wine tasting and appetizers which were absolutely wonderful. Fresh mozzarella, creamy ricotta, cheeses, focaccia, and little prosciutto sandwiches.
Yum doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Matera
From Alberobello, we continued on to Matera, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolutely incredible destination. We had a fairly long trek to our hotel, Locanda San Martino, but with Lisa and our audio guides we were kept informed, and more importantly, shown landmarks so we didn’t get lost. Our hotel is a unique cave-style property—beautifully cool inside after the warm walk. Everyone’s room was on a different level, which added to the adventure.
Best surprise of the day? Laundry service for €12. A lifesaver when you’re traveling light.
Once we were settled, Lisa invited us for happy hour in the old section of town. It was relaxed, fun, and just what we needed. We had a great time connecting with our fellow travellers. A good time was definitely had by all.
Later, Andy and I went to a restaurant Lisa recommended for dinner and ended up joining Jill, Allan and Leslie. Everyone was so friendly—we really enjoyed their company.
The next day after breakfast, we had a walking tour through the Sassi area of Matera. It was fascinating—and sobering—to learn how people once lived here. Families and livestock shared the same space, often in extremely harsh conditions. Poverty and disease were widespread, and in the 1950s most residents were forced to relocate.
Today, the area has been beautifully restored and now includes homes,
shops, and hotels, but the history
really stays with you.
