New Mysteries and Wonders of Puglia: A Journey Through Nature and Culture

Arrival in Bari.

Check-in at the hotel.

Overnight stay.

After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel and off you go on a tour to discover the beauties of Bari. You’ll reach its historical center, 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.

After breakfast at your hotel, we suggest a visit to Trani, a very important medieval center of the so-called Imperial Apulia. The Jewish ghetto (or Guidecca) and the splendid Romanesque cathedral by the sea are not to be missed. After your free time, we will take you to Andria for lunch and wine tasting in a typical masseria (or large farm).

On our way back to Bari, we’ll make a stop at the Castel del Monte, the most amazing castle built by Frederick II. It is protected as a World Heritage Site. Its geometric design is unique: it is 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.

Overnight.

After breakfast, Alberobello is on the list, the “città dei Trulli”, also protected as a 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 (or little houses). Alberobello is a gem, a true fairy tale place in the heart of Puglia.

We will continue to Basilicata, a border region. Welcome to 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 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 center and are connected by a maze of quaint little alleys, which will make you feel like you are catapulted in a real-life nativity scene. We’ll visit the historical center and enjoy the views from different overlooks.

Return to Bari.

Overnight there.

After breakfast, we’ll set off to one of the most prominent coastal places of Puglia: Polignano a Mare, hometown to Domenico Modugno, Italian singer-songwriter who cowrote 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.

Our next stop will be Ostuni, the “città bianca” (or white city), another true gem 74 kilometers (46 miles) 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 center, eat typical delicacies, shop for food or souvenirs or simply get lost in the old medieval streets. ‘

Transfer to Lecce.

Overnight in Lecce.

After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel and off you go on a 3-hour walking tour to discover the beauties of Lecce. For its artistic and cultural buzz, Lecce is known as “southern Florence”. Its underlying trait is though the baroque style of its buildings. A number of religious and secular monuments will be yours to take in: Maria Santissima Assunta and the Basilica Santa Croce, Palazzo dei Celestini, Piazza Sant’ Oronzo and its Roman amphitheater, as well as the Church of Santa Chiara.

You will have free time in the afternoon.

Overnight stay is in Lecce.

Breakfast at your hotel. Afterwards, meet your driver and head for Otranto. just a 30 minute drive from Lecce. Along many centuries, Otranto was dominated by the Greeks, the Romans and the Turks, and traces of this melting pot of cultures can still be gazed in awe.

After lunch (not included) a stop is worth in Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina. Afterwards, take your time in Santa Maria di Leuca, a summertime preferred destination famous for its liberty-style residences as well as the iconic lighthouse. Next to the lighthouse is the Sanctuary de Finibus Terrae (1720-1755), built to commemorate the passage of St. Peter during his travel to Italy.

Return to Lecce and overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will see Galatina – a fascinating and pagan inland little town. The Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria houses amazing paintings and mosaics. The Baroque church of San Pietro and the small church of San Paolo are on the list of places to see. You will get a clear understanding of the tarantismo as well as the pizzica and taranta folkore dances.

Lunch is at L’Uliveto, a beautiful masseria (or large farm). Gallipoli is next, a city of Greek origin. Its urban nucleus, surrounded by medieval walls, is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Gallipoli draws a lot of people during the summer and especially young people for its vibrant nightlife.

Return to Lecce.

Overnight stay.

Breakfast.

Transfer to Brindisi airport or port.

End of our services.