Bari | Essence of Puglia Small Group

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Discover the essence of southern Italy's charming Puglia region with its stunning coastline, picturesque towns & villages, iconic Trulli, and ancient olive groves. You'll visit Puglia's most important historic & cultural sites, overnight in a real Trullo and savour the delightful local cuisine, all in the company of no more than 15 passengers!

Day 1: Bari

Welcome to Puglia! Arriving in Bari make your way to your hotel for check-in. Meet your tour guide at the hotel and off you go on a tour to discover the beauties of Bari. In the afternoon you’ll reach its historical centre, known as “Bari Vecchia”, and learn interesting information about the city'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, which 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). Piazza Mercantile with the historic Palazzo del Sedile and Colonna della Giustizia (Column of Justice) is also worth a visit. The column stands out right in the middle of the square and is thought to have been used as a pillory. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Bari | Trani | Castel del Monte | Alberobello

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’, the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities in Southern Italy. Discover its art & monuments, visit the Jewish Quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. Its Jewish district and the majestic Cathedral will be yours to admire. The latter was built using a local stone, a calcareous tuff characterised by its colour, an extremely light almost-white pink. In the afternoon, the next monument will be 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. After Castel del Monte, Alberobello is the next stop, the “città dei Trulli”, also protected as a World Heritage Site. Trulli are unique dry stone huts with a conical roof originally built for storage purposes. They were also permanent dwellings, typically called "casedde" (little houses) by locals. Alberobello is a true gem, a fairy tale place in the heart of Puglia. You will spend the night in a dream hotel, an “albergo diffuso” (one of the network of scattered hotels), and get the chance to sleep in a real Trullo with dinner included. (B.D)

Day 3: Alberobello | Matera | Alberobello

After breakfast, a bus will be waiting in a parking lot adjacent to the hotel (200 meters from the Trulli) which will take you across the border into the Basilicata region and its capital Matera. Known as “la città dei sassi” (literally the city of the stones), Matera is Italy’s own version of Cappadocia. It is a UNESCO Heritage site and was the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Take your time to admire the sassi from different perspectives and overlooks. These cave dwellings, inhabited since the Paleolithic period are part of the city's historic centre and are connected by a maze of quaint little alleys, which will make you feel like you are catapulted into a real-life nativity scene. For their resemblance to ancient sites near Jerusalem, the sassi have been used as the setting of many 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 also a must. You'll return back to Alberobello in the late afternoon. Dinner in the evening and another night in your "Trullo”. (B.D)

Day 4: Alberobello | Locorotondo | Ostuni | Lecce

Following breakfast, leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. This picturesque town 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. Afterwards, you’ll reach Ostuni, the “città bianca” (or white city), another true gem located 74 kilometres (46 miles) south of Bari on the summit of a hill. It was built by the Normans and has city walls with four gates, remnants of which can still be seen). The region is also known for the production of top-quality olive oil and wine. You will have plenty of leisure time to stroll around Ostuni's historical centre, eat typical delicacies, shop for food or souvenirs, or simply get lost in the old medieval streets. In the late afternoon, get on board the coach again and travel to Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight in Lecce. (B.D)

Day 5: Lecce | Otranto | Lecce

Enjoy breakfast before taking advantage of a guided tour of Lecce with a professional guide. For its artistic and cultural buzz, Lecce is known as “southern Florence”. Its underlying trait is the baroque style of its buildings. A number of religious and secular monuments will be yours to take in at your leisure. After the visit, a 30-minute bus ride will take us to Otranto where you will have some free time for lunch on your own. Then spend the afternoon exploring this wonderful city at your own pace. For many centuries, Otranto was dominated by the Greeks, the Romans and the Turks, and traces of this melting pot of cultures can still be seen. Don’t miss out on the Cathedral that keeps the bones of 813 martyrs in a shrine behind the main altar. Its floors are mosaics that rival those found in Ravenna’s main churches. To end the day in the best of ways, you will have dinner in Supersano (near Lecce) at "Masseria le Stanzie", a typical Salentine masseria (or large farm). You will visit the ancient farm and learn about Puglia’s gastronomy history too. You will be told how traditional homemade pasta is prepared from scratch. You'll then enjoy dinner and taste some local products before returning to your hotel in Lecce. (B.D)

Day 6: Lecce | Gallipoli | Lecce

Today is dedicated 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 wild beaches whose dunes and pine tree parks are paradise! You will have free time to discover the centre of Gallipoli, the walls, and the port that shelters amazing yachts. In the afternoon, return to Lecce where you will still have time to enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

Day 7: Lecce | Martina Franca | Bari

This morning we’ll head back to Bari driving through the "Murge Plateau" with its unique landscape. You’ll get to see Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village full of churches, noble buildings, and squares perfect for a stage setting. The urban focal points are Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. You'll have some free time before we continue driving in the Valle d’Itria, a rural area full of olive trees and vineyards. You’ll enjoy lunch in a Masseria where food and excellent extra virgin olive oil are produced from organic farming. A tasting of those products is included. In the afternoon, there will be some free time and then a short drive will take us to Bari. (B.L)

Day 8: Bari | Monopoli | Polignano a Mare | 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 with 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. A rich commerce with Constantinople flourished and this is why a marked oriental atmosphere can be felt here. The second stop will be in Polignano a Mare, the 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 its coastline is characterized by coves, small bays, and inlets. Lama Monachile Cove is one of them, known for its crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs all around. You'll have free time for some shopping or to enjoy an "aperitivo" on the main square. After the visit, return to your hotel in Bari. (B)

Day 9: Lecce

Enjoy one final breakfast at your hotel before checking out. A private transfers can be arranged to Bari or Brindisi or continue your vacation with CIT Tours' custom-designed arrangements. Arrivederci! (B)

Guaranteed Departures!

Friday - September 08 & 22; October 06, 20 & 23**; November 03, 2023    (** Monday departure)
Friday -  April 26; May 17 & 24; June 07 & 21; July 12 & 19; August 23; September 06, 20 & 27; October 04, 18 & 25; November 08, 2024

CIT Tours can customise your vacation to include any of the other areas of Italy and bring you to Bari in time to meet your tour.  Ask your travel agent to speak to one of our experienced destinations specialists.