Day trip from Polignano al Mare to Matera?
 

Viamichelin says it would take 1 1/2 hrs. What is the truth? 3 hrs? It sounds like it is very isolated and we would probably need to take small, windy roads? I would be driving.

Well, it took us five days to get from Matera to Polignano. But then we took our time. LOL
Actually if you go north to Bari, which is super quick, then take the road through Altamura, I would think 1 and a half hours would more than do it. You could also take the autostrada from Bari to the Castellaneto exit and then head to Matera which is not far. Probably a little less time.