We’ll rise early and set out to explore the beautiful hill towns of Alberobello and Locorotondo.

Our morning begins in Alberobello, famous for its remarkable trulli—whitewashed stone houses topped with distinctive conical roofs. This enchanting town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, protected as an exceptional example of a prehistoric building tradition that has survived intact and continues to function today. As we’ll wander through its narrow pedestrian streets and clusters of trulli, our photographic focus will be on minimalist street scenes and portrait photography, using light, texture, and simplicity to create compelling images.

After lunch, we’ll continue into the rolling countryside of the Valle d’Itria to the charming hilltop town of Locorotondo. Officially recognized among the I Borghi più belli d’Italia, Locorotondo is widely considered one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Its name means “round place,” a reference to the circular layout of the streets in its historic center, which radiate around the town’s main church, the Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio.

Believed to have been settled by the Ancient Greeks several centuries BC, the earliest written records of Locorotondo date back to 1195. In a document from that period, Henry VI Holy Roman Emperor referred to the settlement simply as “Rotondo.” Over the centuries, the town has weathered periods of economic hardship, cultural upheaval, uprisings, and invasions, yet it has preserved the timeless charm and architectural beauty that make it such a joy to photograph today. (B)

On day three, we will take a short drive north to the vibrant coastal city of Bari, where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Beginning in the heart of the old town, Bari Vecchia, we’ll wander through narrow, winding alleys lined with centuries-old stone buildings and wrought-iron balconies, an atmospheric setting filled with photographic possibilities. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter local women sitting outside their homes making traditional Orecchiette by hand on wooden tables, a scene that perfectly captures the everyday rhythms of life in Puglia.

One of the highlights of the day will be a visit to the magnificent Basilica di San Nicola, an imposing Romanesque masterpiece and an important pilgrimage site. Its ornate façade and serene interior, where soft light filters through stained-glass windows, offer a peaceful contrast to the lively streets just outside.

Later, we’ll make our way toward the waterfront along the beautiful Lungomare di Bari, where sweeping views open across the shimmering Adriatic Sea. Here, the deep blue of the sea contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the city, creating stunning landscape opportunities. As the sun begins to set, golden light washes over the marina and fishing boats gently rocking in the harbor; an ideal moment to capture the spirit and atmosphere of southern Italy. (B)

We’ll drive south to the elegant city of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South”, and explore the beautiful coastline nearby. Our day blends ornate Baroque architecture with dramatic seaside landscapes. In Lecce, we’ll wander through historic streets filled with golden-hued limestone buildings, lively piazzas, and intricately decorated churches. Highlights include the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce, whose elaborate façade and sculpted stonework are among the finest examples of the distinctive Lecce Baroque style. The city’s grand palazzi, quiet alleyways, and vibrant street life provide endless opportunities for architecture and street photography.

After capturing the urban beauty of Lecce, we’ll continue to the nearby coastline along the shimmering Adriatic Sea. Here, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and sandy coves create breathtaking seascapes, including the famous Grotta della Poesia, often called the “Cave of Poetry.” As sunset approaches, we’ll enjoy the warm evening light along the coast before sitting down to another wonderful Italian dinner and then return to our hotel. (B)

On day five, we’ll explore the picturesque hilltop town of Ostuni before continuing on to the stunning seaside village of Polignano a Mare.

Derived from the Greek Astu-neon, meaning “new city,” Ostuni has a long and fascinating history shaped by civilizations ranging from the Ancient Greeks and Romans to the House of Bourbon. Often called La Città Bianca (the White City), Ostuni is one of the most visually striking towns in southern Italy. Its dazzling whitewashed houses cascade down the hillside, creating a dramatic contrast with the warm pink and brown tones of the impressive Ostuni Cathedral, whose Gothic façade rises proudly above the old town.

Later, we’ll continue to Polignano a Mare, a spectacular village perched on limestone cliffs overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea. The town radiates timeless Mediterranean charm with its whitewashed homes, narrow cobblestone lanes, flowering balconies, and hidden courtyards. Its historic center is a maze of winding alleys that open onto lively piazzas and scenic terraces with breathtaking sea views.

Just below the village lies the iconic Lama Monachile, one of Italy’s most photographed beaches. Nestled between towering cliffs, this postcard-perfect cove features crystal-clear turquoise water and a dramatic pebble shoreline framed by rugged rock formations. Accessed by an ancient Roman bridge, the beach adds yet another layer of history and beauty to this remarkable setting. Together, the village and coastline of Polignano a Mare create an unforgettable blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage; one of the true highlights of Puglia. (B)

We will wake up early and then depart for the neighboring region of Basilicata to visit the extraordinary city of Matera and its famed cave district, the Sassi di Matera, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Matera is one of the most fascinating and ancient settlements in the world. Its landscape is defined by extraordinary cave dwellings carved into soft limestone cliffs, where people have lived for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. In fact, some families can trace their homes back to the very same cave dwellings their ancestors occupied nearly 9,000 years ago. The story of Matera begins with its unique geology: the city sits along a ridge flanked by deep ravines, where softer rock layers allowed early inhabitants to expand natural caves into an intricate labyrinth of grottoes that now honeycomb the hillside.

Over millennia, these caves evolved into homes, chapels, cisterns, and passageways, forming what UNESCO describes as “the most outstanding example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean.” Wandering through the ancient stone lanes and terraces of the Sassi di Matera offers an extraordinary photographic experience, where layers of history, light, and human life create endlessly compelling scenes.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll gather for a memorable sunset “Farewell Dinner” overlooking the timeless landscape of the Sassi di Matera before returning to Monopoli, a fitting celebration of an unforgettable photographic journey through southern Italy. (B) (D)

On our final morning in Monopoli, we’ll rise early for one last optional photography session, capturing the soft morning light along the harbor and historic streets. Afterward, we’ll gather for breakfast and our final group discussion as we review favorite images from the past week, share reflections from the journey, exchange contact information, and say our farewells.

From here, you may depart via Bari or Brindisi, either from the airport or train station, to begin your journey home.

If your schedule allows, we warmly encourage you to extend your stay in Italy or elsewhere in Europe and continue exploring—making full use of the creative techniques and new ways of seeing you’ve developed throughout this unforgettable Photo Workshop Adventure. (B)