Bari, Trani, Alberobello, Matera, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Martina Franca, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli
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Discover Puglia’s surprises and delights
DAY 1: BARI
Make your own way to the tour hotel in Bari (this hotel will be mentioned on your voucher). Meet the Tour Leader in your hotel in Bari, the main city of Puglia. In the afternoon 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, and 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. From inside the castle one can enjoy a beautiful view (entrances not included). After the visit, Piazza Mercantile is worth a visit: the Colonna della giustizia (or Column of justice) stands out right in the middle. It is thought to have been used as a pillory. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight is in Bari. (D)
DAY 2: BARI – TRANI – CASTEL DEL MONTE – ALBEROBELLO
After breakfast, depart for Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’, the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter, and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Continue to Alberobello: a UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight in Alberobello. (B, D)
DAY 3: ALBEROBELLO – MATERA – ALBEROBELLO
Matera will be the destination for today. After breakfast the coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years, that are part of the historic centre of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”. Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
DAY 4: ALBEROBELLO – LOCOROTONDO – OSTUNI – LECCE
Breakfast in hotel. Leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy some free time to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia. Board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees. Free time at your disposal to explore another “white town” with free time for lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expenses). In the late afternoon, get again on board of the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Overnight Lecce. (B, D)
DAY 5: LECCE – OTRANTO – LECCE
After breakfast, enjoy a 3 hour guided visit of the city of Lecce. Learn the history of Lecce, visit the old town centre, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. After the tour, depart for Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your pace. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst the others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. Wander around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. In the early evening, reach Supersano where you will have dinner at the “Masseria L’Uliveto”. Visit this ancient farm, learn about the history and culture of Puglia. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce. Overnight in Lecce. (B, D)
DAY 6: LECCE – GALLIPOLI – LECCE
After breakfast, travel to Gallipoli, one of the most touristic and cosmopolitan destinations in the Salento. Gallipoli has Greek origins and is now a summer location preferred by young people who are attracted by its nightlife as well as beautiful beaches whose dunes and pine tree parks are paradise. Free time to discover the centre of Gallipoli, the walls, and the port that shelters amazing yachts. In the afternoon, return to Lecce. Overnight Lecce. (B)
DAY 7: LECCE – MARTINA FRANCA – BARI
After breakfast, return to Bari driving through the “Murge plateau” with unique landscape. See Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village full of churches, noble buildings, and squares perfect for a stage setting. Free time to see Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. We’ll continue driving in the Valle d’ Itria, a rural area full of olive trees and vineyards. Enjoy lunch in a masseria where food and extra virgin olive oil are produced from organic farming. A tasting of those products is included. In the afternoon, after some free time, return to Bari for overnight. (B, L)
DAY 8: BARI – MONOPOLI – POLIGNANO – BARI
After breakfast, we’ll set off to two of the most prominent coastal places of Puglia: Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. We’ll 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 and free it from the Muslims. A rich commerce with Constantinople flourished and this is why a marked oriental atmosphere can be felt here. The second stop is Polignano a Mare, hometown to 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 characterized by coves, small bays, and inlets. Lama Monachile is one of them, known for its crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs all around. Free time before returning to Bari for overnight. (B)
DAY 9: BARI
After breakfast, end of our services. (B)
Accommodation (or similar):
BARI: Hotel Excelsior Bari
ALBEROBELLO: Grand Hotel Olimpo
LECCE: Delle Palme
Includes:
– Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
– English speaking tour escort
– Accommodation in 4 stars hotels
– Meals as per itinerary
– Visit of Bari, Matera, and Lecce with local expert guide
– Entrance tickets to the Castel del Monte
– Porterage service included only on our escorted tours in Puglia
Not Included:
– Tips
– Drinks
– Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned
– City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)
– Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”
Things to Note:
– Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.
– Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.
– Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.
– Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.
– For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.
– A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.
Download this trip's brochure as a PDF.
All rates are based on twin/double share. Please enquire for single and triple rates. Rates are based on AUD. Availability is conditional on final confirmation from the supplier and is subject to change.
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