1

For me a full day is enough for Matera.....I don't remember much to do there apart from visit the cave dwellings.There are a couple of museums and churches if you have more time.I think arriving Saturday evening and leaving Monday morning would be fine.

2

Thanks Lucapal , that's what I was thinking ... will get to Matera on Sat evening .

Now how best to spend the day on Saturday . I will be reaching Bari ( from Martina Franca) in the morning , say around 11 am . Can keep my bags at the train station . Then is it worth going to Trani for 3-4 hours (maybe over lunch) or is there enough in Bari to keep me occupied ?

3

I've stayed two half days and one night in Matera and regret that i didn't stay for a second night as it certainly was one of the highlights in the area for us. Matera is magical. Bear in mind that the sassi (the cave dwellings) is a huge labyrinth which keeps on surprising you with stunning views. A walk from A to B there looks totally different compared to the walk back from B to A, and so on.
By all means try to sleep within the sassi area, there are many b&b's there. We had a room with a private rooftop terrace in the excellent and cheap b&b Domus del Barisano. Unfortunately i don't find their link anymore.

Trani is fine. I can't comment on Bari though.

4

I would go to Trani.....I know there are some fans of Bari on here,but not me.

5

Thanks Lucapal and Artemis 2 for your inputs .