Tour of Apulia and Matera

Program

Day 1:
Saturday: Central Apulia
Arrival in Bari/ Barletta and accommodation in one of the planned hotels. Check-in starts at 4:00 p.m. Before dinner, meet with your guide and have a Welcome Cocktail with the presentation of the tour. Dinner and Overnight stay.

Day 2:
Sunday: Trani - Monte Sant'Angelo
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Trani to explore its charming historic center, famous for its elegant atmosphere. A walk through the stone alleys brings us to the grand Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture that rises directly by the sea. Along the way, there will be time to admire the Swabian Castle, the Municipal Villa, the old Jewish quarter with its synagogue, and the enchanting seafront promenade. Lunch with local flavors. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Monte Sant’Angelo, where we will visit the Sanctuary and the Cave of Saint Michael the Archangel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Accomodation in one of the planned hotels, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3:
Monday: Vieste - San Giovanni Rotondo
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided walk through the historic center of Vieste, among alleys, arches, and sea views. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, departure for San Giovanni Rotondo to explore the places linked to the life of Padre Pio, one of the most venerated spiritual figures. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4:
Tuesday: Barletta - Bari
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Barletta where we will enjoy a pleasant walk through the old town admiring the main monuments of the city such as the Norman Castle, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colossus of Barletta or “Eraclio” and the “Sótano del challenge". Next, visit an oil mill in the area and taste the famous Altamura bread. Lunch and departure to Bari, visit of the historic center with the Basilica of San Nicolas, a masterpiece of the Pugliese Romanesque. Transfer to the hotel in the Itria Valley, accommodation and dinner.

Day 5:
Wednesday: Castellana Caves - Alberobello - Ostuni
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Caves of Castellana. Arrival in Alberobello, the “capital of the trulli,” and walk through its monumental area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Lunch. In the afternoon, departure to Ostuni, the “white city,” and walk through its picturesque historic center with a visit to its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. Return to the Hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6:
Thursday: Lecce - Otranto
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Lecce, the “Florence of the South” and capital of Pugliese baroque. Visit the historic center with the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Duomo and Piazza San Oronzo. Small oil tasting. Lunch. In the afternoon, departure to Otranto to visit this city called the “Gate to the East” with its Romanesque Cathedral, the chapel of the tomb of the Holy Martyrs and the suggestive Crypt. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7:
Friday: Matera
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Matera to visit the historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to the famous “Sassi” districts excavated in the rock, with particular attention to the “Sassi” Barisano, Caveoso and their houses, wineries and churches. Lunch and departure toward Bari or the surroundings. Accommodation in the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8:
Saturday: Central Puglia
Breakfast at the hotel and the end of the services.

Price includes

- GT coach and Tour Leader/ Regional guide ( Multilingual service available on request ) from dinner on the day of arrival until the end of the last excursion the day before departure
- Half Board (breakfast and dinner) during the entire tour, from dinner on the 1st day to breakfast on the 8th
day in the hotel or in a partner restaurant. Fixed regional menu with 3 courses Menu and drinks (1/4 liter of wine and 1⁄2 liter of water per person)
- Light lunch/Local culinary experiences included, as specified in the itinerary
- 1/4 liter of wine and 1⁄2 liter of water per person included during meals
- Welcome cocktail
- Use of audio-receiving devices throughout the duration of the tour
- Accommodation at a 4-star hotel or similar
- Tickets included according to the program: Trani Cathedral, Shuttle in San Giovanni Rotondo, Caves of Castellana, Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce

Price does not include

- Transfers at the beginning and end of the tour
- Extras and/or tips
- Possible local eco-taxes and tourist taxes
- Anything not specified in the “price includes” section