On arrival in Bari, make your way to the starting accommodation where you will meet your Tour Guide.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the historical center, known as “Bari Vecchia,” where you’ll discover fascinating stories about Bari’s history and its key monuments. Stroll through narrow alleys and find yourself in quaint squares within the city walls, culminating at the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, which houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, and the Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle), built in the 12th century by Norman King Roger II and later restored by Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire.

Enjoy stunning views from inside the castle (entrance not included).

After your visit, be sure to stop by Piazza Mercantile, where the Colonna della Giustizia (Column of Justice) stands prominently in the center, believed to have been used as a pillory.

Dinner will be at the hotel, and you’ll spend the night in Bari.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Excelsior Bari or similar

Please note: we recommend arriving into Bari at the above starting hotel between midday and 2pm

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Trani, known as the “Perla di Puglia” (Pearl of Puglia). This medieval town is situated 53 kilometers (33 miles) south of Bari, where you can explore its Jewish district and admire the stunning Cathedral, constructed from a locally sourced calcareous tuff stone that has a light, almost-white pink hue.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Castel Del Monte, an extraordinary castle built by Frederick II, which is designated as a World Heritage Site. Its unique geometric design features an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner, and many mysteries about the castle’s true purpose remain unsolved.

Next, you’ll head to Alberobello, known as the “città dei Trulli” (city of Trulli), also a World Heritage Site. The trulli are dry stone huts with conical roofs originally built for storage but also served as permanent homes, locally referred to as casedde (little houses). Alberobello is a charming, fairy-tale-like destination in the heart of Puglia.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Olimpo or similar

After breakfast, a bus will be ready for you in a parking lot near the hotel (200 meters from the Trulli) to take you to Basilicata, a bordering region. Welcome to Matera, its capital, known as “la città dei sassi” (the city of stones), Italy’s southern equivalent to Cappadocia. Matera was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take your time to admire the sassi from various viewpoints. These cave dwellings, inhabited since the Paleolithic era, create a monumental historical center connected by a network of charming alleys, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a living nativity scene. The sassi bear a striking resemblance to ancient sites near Jerusalem and have served as the backdrop for several Christian-themed films, including The Gospel According to St. Matthew (Pier Paolo Pasolini, 1964), The Passion of the Christ (Mel Gibson, 2004), and Ben-Hur (Timur Bekmambetov, 2016).

A visit to Matera Cathedral is a must.

You will return to Alberobello in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Olimpo or similar

After breakfast, a bus will be ready for you in a parking lot next to the hotel (200 meters from the Trulli) to take you to Locorotondo. This charming town is one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful hamlets in Italy). Its name comes from the Latin phrase “locus rotundus,” meaning circular place, reflecting its round shape.

Next, you’ll visit Ostuni, known as the “città bianca” (white city), a true gem located 74 kilometers (46 miles) south of Bari atop a hill. Built by the Normans, Ostuni features city walls with four gates, remnants of which can still be seen. The region is renowned for its high-quality olive oil and wine. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore the historical center, sample local delicacies, shop for food or souvenirs, or simply wander through the charming medieval streets. In the evening, you’ll head to Lecce, the heart of the Salento region.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: 4* Hotel delle Palme or similar

fter breakfast, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Lecce with a professional guide. Known as “southern Florence” for its vibrant artistic and cultural scene, Lecce is distinguished by its stunning baroque architecture. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of religious and secular monuments at your leisure.

For lunch, you’ll travel to Otranto, just a 30-minute drive from Lecce. Over the centuries, Otranto has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, and Turks, and you can still see remnants of this rich cultural history. Be sure to visit the Cathedral, which houses the bones of 813 martyrs in a shrine behind the main altar. Its mosaic floors are renowned and rival those in Ravenna’s major churches.

To cap off your day, you’ll have dinner in Maglie (near Lecce) at “Masseria L’Uliveto,” a traditional Salentine masseria (large farm). Enjoy a delicious meal featuring local products.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: 4* Hotel delle Palme or similar

After breakfast, we’ll return to Bari, passing through the unique landscapes of the “Murge plateau.” You’ll have the chance to visit Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village adorned with churches, noble buildings, and charming squares that seem perfect for a stage setting. The main attractions include Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. You’ll have some free time to explore.

Next, we’ll continue through the Valle d’Itria, a picturesque rural area filled with olive trees and vineyards. You’ll enjoy lunch at a masseria that produces food and high-quality extra virgin olive oil through organic farming, with a tasting of these products included.

In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time before a short drive back to Bari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Excelsior Bari or similar

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey to two of Puglia’s most stunning coastal towns: Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. We’ll begin in Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Wandering through its intricate little streets offers a nearly mystical experience. From its port, many crusaders set sail during the Middle Ages to reach the Holy Land. The rich trade with Constantinople has left a distinct oriental atmosphere in the town.

Our second stop is Polignano a Mare, the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the Italian singer-songwriter who co-wrote the famous song “Volare” (Nel blu, dipinto di blu). Perched atop a cliff, Polignano features a coastline adorned with coves, small bays, and inlets, including Lama Monachile, known for its crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. You’ll have some free time for shopping or enjoying an aperitivo in the main square before returning to Bari.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Excelsior Bari or similar

Today brings an end to your time touring through Puglia.

Upon checking out of your hotel, commence your own arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast