We’re up early to explore the beautiful towns of Alberobello and Locorotondo.

Alberobello, with its iconic conical-roofed trulli, whitewashed houses, and narrow pedestrianized streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is protected because it has been deemed an exceptional example of a building construction style dating back to prehistory that survives intact and functions to this day. Our focus today will be on minimalist street and portrait photography.

After lunch, we move on to Locorotondo. Surrounded by the green countryside of the Valle d’Itria is Locorotondo, this attractive hilltop town and is officially one of the Borghi piu belli d’Italia – translation… one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Locorotondo means “round place”, named because of the circular layout of the streets in the old town (Centro Storico) with the Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio (The Mother Church of Saint George) in the center.

Locorotondo was believed to have been settled by the Greeks for several centuries B.C. The earliest historical records go back to 1195, and a document written by King Henry VI of Swabia refers to the place as “Rotondo.” The town has endured centuries of economic decline, cultural turmoil, uprisings, and invasions. (B)

On day three, we will take a short drive north to the wonderful city of Bari. It is a vibrant city where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Starting in the heart of the old town, Bari Vecchia, we’ll wander through narrow, winding alleys lined with centuries-old buildings. The architecture here, with its rustic stone walls and wrought-iron balconies, offers countless opportunities to capture southern Italy’s essence. As you explore, you’ll encounter local women making orecchiette pasta by hand on wooden tables outside their homes, a scene that is quintessentially Puglian.

The Basilica di San Nicola is an imposing Romanesque church that is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a site of deep religious significance. Its ornate façade and tranquil interior, filled with soft light filtering through stained-glass windows, provide a striking contrast to the lively streets outside.

Moving towards the waterfront, the Lungomare offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Here, the contrast between the sea’s deep blue and the city’s warm tones makes for stunning landscape photos. As the sun sets, the golden hour bathes the city in a warm, soft light, perfect for capturing the marina and the fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbor.

Bari is an excellent opportunity for street, architecture, and people photography. We’ll be sure to capture the spirit of Puglia. (B)

Today we will drive south to Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” and its nearby coastline.

Our day will be filled with a captivating blend of Baroque architecture and stunning coastal landscapes. In Lecce, we’ll explore a city rich in history and art, with its ornate churches, like the Basilica di Santa Croce, and grand palazzi showcasing intricate stonework unique to the region. The golden-hued limestone buildings, narrow streets, and bustling piazzas provide a wealth of architectural and street photography opportunities.

After capturing the urban beauty of Lecce, we’ll continue to the nearby coastline, where the dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea offer breathtaking landscapes, including the famous “Cave of Poetry.” By sunset, we’ll be ready for another excellent Italian dinner before we return to our hotel. (B)

On day five, we will explore the picturesque hilltop town of Ostuni before moving on to the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare.

From the Greek Astu-neon or new city, Ostuni has a long history from the Romans to the Bourbons. It has been given the epithet La Citte Bianca – the white town. This fortified city is considered one of the most stunning in Southern Italy with its dazzling uniformly whitewashed houses that starkly contrast against the pink brown of its prominent Gothic cathedral.

Polignano a Mare is home to a charming village and one of Italy’s most stunning beaches, Lama Monachile. The town exudes a timeless Mediterranean charm with its whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and flowering balconies. The village’s historic center is a maze of winding alleys that lead to hidden courtyards, lively piazzas, and terraces offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Just below the village lies Lama Monachile, a postcard-perfect beach nestled between towering cliffs. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, this pebble beach is framed by dramatic rock formations, creating a secluded and picturesque setting. The beach is accessible via a Roman bridge, adding to the area’s historical allure. Together, the village and beach of Polignano a Mare create a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it one of Puglia’s most enchanting destinations. (B)

Today, we depart early for the neighboring Basilicata region, the city of Matera, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi di Matera.

Matera consists of remarkable cave dwellings and is probably the only place on earth where people can claim to be still living in identical houses as their ancestors of 9000 years ago. Everything in Matera starts with its caves. To understand them, you have to understand the geology. The town sits on a ridge with deep canyons to either side. The top of the hill consists of clay. By contrast, the sides of the canyons contain exposed layers of softer, sandier rock.

At least 9,000 years ago, and probably much earlier, humans settled in natural caves in the canyon walls, extending them until thousands of grottoes honeycombed the town. The caves make up Italy’s oldest continually inhabited dwellings and, in the words of Unesco, “the most outstanding example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean.” Matera and its inhabitants make for an amazing day of photography.

We will enjoy a sunset “Farewell Dinner” in Sassi di Matera before returning to Monopoli. (B) (D)

On our final day, we awake to some early morning photography in Monopoli, then breakfast, our final group discussion, review our past week’s photos, and sadly bid you farewell. From here, you will depart from Bari or Brindisi Airport (or train station) for your voyage home.

We urge you to extend your stay in Italy or Europe and make good use of everything you will learn on our Photo Workshop Adventure. (B)