Difficulty
A BIRDS, NATURE & CULTURE TOUR
Italy: Birds & Art in Apulia & Matera
At the heel of the Italian boot, the southern provinces of Apulia and Matera combine ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich birdlife. This relaxed tour balances Mediterranean birding with cultural exploration—from the cave dwellings of Matera to the coastal wetlands of Gargano National Park. Staying in two elegant hotels, we’ll savor fine cuisine, timeless scenery, and a tapestry of birds that reflect the natural beauty of southern Italy.
Starting At
$8,650 per person
11 Days
11 Days
10 Guests
Pace
Tour Overview
Southern Italy’s Apulia and Matera regions are among Europe’s most captivating landscapes—a meeting of sea and stone, history and wilderness. Here, where the turquoise Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, medieval villages rise above forested valleys, while steppe plateaus and salt marshes teem with wildlife.
Our journey begins in Matera, whose cave dwellings—some dating back 9,000 years—have evolved into boutique hotels and restaurants, earning the city UNESCO World Heritage status. From our serene country manor at Masseria Fontana di Vite, we’ll explore the limestone cliffs and ancient river gorges of Parco della Murgia Materana, home to Lesser Kestrels, Egyptian Vultures, and European Rollers.
We’ll spend time amid the vibrant architecture and living history of Matera itself before venturing to Alta Murgia National Park, where wildflowers and open steppes host Calandra Lark, Blue Rock Thrush, and Woodchat Shrike. Visits to Bari Vecchia, Saline di Margherita di Savoia, and Gargano National Park showcase the region’s blend of culture and nature—from Romanesque cathedrals and medieval monasteries to Greater Flamingos, Purple Swamphens, and Audouin’s Gulls.
A final ferry to the Tremiti Islands offers a fitting finale, with chances for Eleonora’s Falcon, Yelkouan Shearwater, and breathtaking Adriatic vistas. With its fine food, leisurely pace, and outstanding birding, this is southern Italy at its most enchanting.
Ecosystems Experienced
A varied Mediterranean landscape of coastal wetlands, limestone plateaus, river gorges, oak forests, and flower-rich meadows, home to both resident and migratory birds.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Mild and pleasant, with daytime highs in the 60s–70s °F (16–23 °C) and cooler evenings in the 50s °F (10–12 °C).
Rainfall
Light spring rains possible; most days are sunny and warm, ideal for outdoor excursions.
Seasons
Scheduled in spring, when wildflowers bloom and Mediterranean migrants join resident species across Apulia and Basilicata.
Key Species
Short-toed Snake Eagle
Western Marsh Harrier
Eurasian Hoopoe
European Bee-eater
Calandra Lark
Leader
Rick Wright
Primary Leader
Author and scholar who bridges history and field experience, inspiring birders through his books, lectures, and thoughtful approach to birds and their stories.
Read MoreMarco Valtriani
Marco Valtriani is a veteran birding guide and field biologist with more than two decades of experience exploring the landscapes, flora, and fauna of Mediterranean Europe. Based in his native Italy, he leads birding and natural history tours across the continent, combining deep ecological knowledge with insights into Europe’s history, culture, food, and wine to create rich, meaningful experiences for travelers.
Itinerary
Day 1
Board an evening flight and travel to Bari.
Day 2
Arrive in Bari and transfer to Masseria Fontana di Vite, a beautifully restored country manor overlooking Matera.
Enjoy time to relax amid olive groves and golden fields before an evening welcome dinner with your guides before retiring for the night in Masseria Fontana di Vite, Matera.
Day 3
Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs and deep river valleys of Murgia Materana Park.
Search for Lesser Kestrel, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, and European Bee-eater.
Visit ancient cave churches and archaeological sites scattered through the park.
Day 4
Spend the day walking among Matera’s sassi, the city’s famous cave dwellings.
Visit the Palombaro Lungo cistern, Santa Lucia alle Malve, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Bruna.
Watch Lesser Kestrels soaring above the rooftops of this extraordinary living city.
Day 5
Discover the wild beauty of Alta Murgia National Park, a vast steppe alive with European Rollers, Calandra Larks, and Rock Sparrows.
Visit the Altamura Man Museum and explore archaeological treasures of the plateau.
Day 6
Explore Bari Vecchia, the old walled city with its Romanesque cathedral and Basilica of Saint Nicholas, resting place of the saint who inspired Santa Claus.
Day 7
Depart Matera for the Adriatic coast and the vast saltpans of Margherita di Savoia, Italy’s largest marine saltworks.
Observe breeding colonies of Pied Avocet, Slender-billed Gull, and Greater Flamingo, along with Western Marsh Harrier and Eurasian Spoonbill.
Continue to our seaside base in the historic town of Vieste, gateway to Gargano National Park.
Retire for the night at the Hotel degli Aranci, Vieste.
Day 8
Explore the contrasting habitats of the Gargano Peninsula—rocky coastlines, oak forests, and upland meadows.
Search for Woodchat Shrike, Western Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, and Collared Flycatcher.
Visit Mount Gargano’s Sanctuary of Saint Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the sea.
Day 9
Explore the contrasting habitats of the Gargano Peninsula—rocky coastlines, oak forests, and upland meadows.
Search for Woodchat Shrike, Western Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, and Collared Flycatcher.
Visit Mount Gargano’s Sanctuary of Saint Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the sea.
Day 10
Take a scenic ferry to the Tremiti Archipelago, a remote island cluster in the Adriatic.
Look for Audouin’s Gull, Eleonora’s Falcon, and migrating Pallid Harriers and Shearwaters.
Return to Vieste for a festive farewell dinner.
Day 11
After breakfast, transfer to Bari Airport to head home.
What’s Included
Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
Similar Trips
Loading calendar...