Explore Central Puglia & Matera 2023

Individual arrival in Bari. Check in at your hotel and day at leisure.

After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel for a tour to discover the beauties of Bari. You’ll reach its historical centre, known as “Bari Vecchia”, and learn inter­esting information about Bari’s past as well as the history of its main monuments. Walk down little alleys and find your­self in tiny little squares inside the walls, until you reach the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas (that contains the relics of Saint Nicholas), the Castello Svevo (or Swabian Castle, built in the XII century by Norman King Roger II and later restored by Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire), Piazza Mercantile, Piazza Ferrarese, Piazza del Sedile and finally the Basilica di San Sabino. Leisure time in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Bari. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, a visit to Trani, a very important medieval centre of the so-called Imperial Puglia. The Jewish ghetto (or Guidecca) and the splendid Romanesque cathedral by the sea are not to be missed. After your free time, continue to Andria for lunch and wine tasting at a typical masseria (large farm). On your way back to Bari, you will make a stop at the Castel del Monte, the most amazing castle built by Frederick II. It is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its geometric design is unique, an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. Many mysteries are still unresolved, including the real purpose of the castle. Return to Bari for overnight. (B, L, T)

After breakfast, you will set off to two of the most prominent coastal places of Puglia, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. You will start from Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Getting lost in the intricate little streets of Monop­oli is an almost mystical experience. From its port, just like a number of other Apulian ports, the crusaders left Puglia in the Middle Ages to reach the Holy Land. After lunch in Selva di Fasano at a typical masseria, you will head for Polignano a Mare, hometown of Domenico Modugno, Italian singer-songwriter who co-wrote the world-known song Volare (Nel blu, dipinto di blu). Polignano was built on the peak of a cliff, and therefore its coastline is characterised by coves, small bays and inlets. Return to Bari for overnight. (B, L)

After breakfast, Alberobello is on the list, the “Città dei Trulli”, also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trulli are dry stone huts with a conical roof originally built for stor­age purposes. They were also permanent dwellings and are called casedde by locals (little houses). Alberobello is a gem, a true fairy tale place in the heart of Puglia. Near Locorotondo, you’ll eat at a typical masseria, and after lunch you’ll see Locorotondo, a picturesque town that is one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful hamlets of Italy). Locorotondo comes from the Latin phrase "locus-ro­tundus", meaning circular place, for its round shape. Next stop will be Ostuni, the “città bianca” (white city), anoth­er true gem 74 kilometres south of Bari, located on the summit of a hill. It was built by the Normans and has city walls with four gates (remains of them can be seen). The region is a producer of top quality olive oil and wine. We will have time to go around the historical centre, eat typical delicacies, shop for food or souvenirs or simply get lost in the old medieval streets. Return to Bari for overnight. (B, L)

After breakfast, you will head for Basilicata, a border region and Matera, its capital, “la città dei sassi” (literally the city of the stones), Italy’s own version of Cappadocia in the south of Italy. European Capital of Culture 2019, Mat­era is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your time to admire the sassi from different perspectives and overlooks. These cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period make for the monumental historical centre and are connected by a maze of quaint little alleys. You will visit the historical centre and enjoy the views from different overlooks. Lunch and free time. Return to Bari for overnight. (B, L)

After breakfast, head for Bari Airport. (B)