TOUR
Puglia in 360 Degrees
The land of cathedrals, castles, trulli, natural beauty, and good food
TOUR PLAN
Arrival in Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport and transfer to your hotel in Vieste on the Gargano (2 nights)
The Spur of the Boot
We begin our journey through one of Apulia’s most beautiful landscapes, from Vieste to Monte S. Angelo, where we visit the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel. This place is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity. The route takes us into the Umbra Forest with its unique flora and fauna. A short walk through the old town of Vieste and the return journey to the hotel are still on the agenda.
Romanesque Cathedrals and Castles
Today, our first destination is Trani, home to the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, undoubtedly the most beautiful Apulian Romanesque church. Then it’s time to enjoy a sip of the famous Moscato di Trani and, at a nearby oil mill, sample the true gold of Apulia: the much-praised olive oil. Then we reach Castel del Monte, the “Crown of Apulia.” The most famous monument to Emperor Frederick II, unique in its octagonal shape, was built according to precise algebraic and astronomical principles. We will spend the night in the Monopoli-Fasano area.
Landscapes, Caves, and Trulli
Taking the beautiful panoramic road from Selva di Fasano, we reach the Castellana Caves: a fairytale world of stalactites and stalagmites. After tasting the region’s typical wine, Primitivo, accompanied by excellent Apulian gastronomy, we visit Alberobello, the capital of the Trulli, nestled in the limestone plain of the Murge.
Baroque and Mosaic Floors
In Salento, the “heel” of Italy, we first visit the capital of Apulian Baroque: Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” with its cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, and the Roman town hall. We continue to Gallipoli, the “beautiful city,” located on a small island on the Ionian coast. We follow the enchanting coastal road, and, via Capo di Leuca and S. Cesarea Terme, we reach Otranto, a historical and artistic gem whose cathedral houses the famous 12th-century mosaic floor.
The “Sassi” of Matera
Today we leave Apulia and head to nearby Basilicata. Along the way, we visit Altamura, famous for its wood-fired bread and delicious focaccia. But it’s Matera, the city developed on plateaus and gorges, that takes your breath away. We take a walk through the Sassi and discover the characteristic cave dwellings, inhabited until 1960, and the various churches. After returning to the hotel and some relaxation, we arrive in the evening at a typical masseria, a typical Apulian farmhouse, where exquisite Apulian specialties await us, accompanied by pizzica music, originally from Salento folklore. Those interested can take a dance class.
Bari and Fine Dining
The capital of Apulia, Bari, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan port city, an important commercial center, and the destination of many thousands of pilgrims from Eastern Europe who come to visit the Basilica of San Nicola. After visiting the basilica, we take a short walk through the old town. Beyond the cathedral and the castle, the housewives making the famous orecchiette pasta deserve our attention. We leave the city and head to a farm, where we actively learn some of the secrets of the local cuisine and, of course, enjoy what we have prepared.
Departure
Transfer from the hotel to Bari airport and departure: Goodbye Puglia!
GALLERY
