Apulia: Journey to the East of Italy
Southern Italy is a world of its own, embedded in the beauty of castles, narrow medieval streets, fortresses, lush baroque architecture and the azure sea. Time flows slowlier due to the song of cicadas, as if it were dissolving under the heat of the southern sun. Perhaps that is why Apulia became one of the richest archaeological regions in Italy, where relics, artifacts and remains of our ancestors who lived hundreds of thousands of years ago have been preserved. This southern region is also famous for its aromatic olive oils, called "the green gold of the region". Around 60 Mio. olive trees grow here. Apulia is famous for its ancient recipes, also for the production and storage of wine, cheese and pasta, which the inhabitants carefully keep and pass on from generation to generation.
Tour-Code: ITL01
Culture tripPeople, nature & history
8 Days/ 7 NightsIncluding the days of arrival and departure
Number of participantsSmall groups: 6 - 12
Accommodation4* Hotels
FeaturesVisiting the most beautiful places in southern Italy: Bari, Matera, Alberobello, Lecce & Mare on the Adriatic!
Meals7 x breakfast
Our local guide will give you insider tips for meals that are not included in the trip.
TransferFrom & to the airport, all excursions
GuideEnglish speaking guide throughout the entire trip
ITINERARY
Arrival and transfer to the hotel
Your driver will meet you at the airport in Bari and escort you to the hotel.
Overnight in Bari
Your driver will meet you at the airport in Bari and escort you to the hotel.
Overnight in Bari
1st highlight: City tour of Bari
Bari is the cultural capital of the Italian south, which is located at the very bottom of the heel of the "Italian boot". In ancient times, Bari was already considered the gateway to the Orient and still today the port is one of the most important connections to Croatia, Montenegro and Greece. The capital of Apulia draws its peculiar charm from the juxtaposition of the medieval old town and the new town of the 19th century, whose magnificent buildings in some corners are a bit reminiscent of Paris. The locals claim: "If Paris were by the sea, it would be a little Bari". During our tour we get to know the history of this beautiful southern city, which goes back several millennia to the Middle Bronze Age. We walk through the old town and visit its most famous sights - the Basilica of San Nicola from the 11th century with the relics of St. Nicholas, the cathedral and the castle "Svevo". We take a look at the defensive walls from the 4th century, which extend over 400 m and cross the most important squares and streets of the city.
2nd highlight: free time
In the afternoon you have the opportunity to explore the city on your own.
Our tip: take a stroll along the promenade, one of the longest lakeside promenades in Europe, or visit one of the state art galleries. Alternatively, you can use the afternoon to relax and bathe in the azure blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Overnight in Bari
Bari is the cultural capital of the Italian south, which is located at the very bottom of the heel of the "Italian boot". In ancient times, Bari was already considered the gateway to the Orient and still today the port is one of the most important connections to Croatia, Montenegro and Greece. The capital of Apulia draws its peculiar charm from the juxtaposition of the medieval old town and the new town of the 19th century, whose magnificent buildings in some corners are a bit reminiscent of Paris. The locals claim: "If Paris were by the sea, it would be a little Bari". During our tour we get to know the history of this beautiful southern city, which goes back several millennia to the Middle Bronze Age. We walk through the old town and visit its most famous sights - the Basilica of San Nicola from the 11th century with the relics of St. Nicholas, the cathedral and the castle "Svevo". We take a look at the defensive walls from the 4th century, which extend over 400 m and cross the most important squares and streets of the city.
2nd highlight: free time
In the afternoon you have the opportunity to explore the city on your own.
Our tip: take a stroll along the promenade, one of the longest lakeside promenades in Europe, or visit one of the state art galleries. Alternatively, you can use the afternoon to relax and bathe in the azure blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Overnight in Bari
Highlight: Drive to Matera, the city of cave settlements - all day
In the Apulia region, the places of worship preserve the memory of miracles and legends: millennia of history is hidden in the masonry of the cathedrals, basilicas and pilgrimage sites, which are at the same time treasuries and places of spiritual calm. Today we are going to one of these places: the old city of Matera. This consists to a large extent of cave settlements, the Sassi (UNESCO World Heritage). Although scholars continue to debate the date of the first settlement of the place, it is believed that the area of present-day Matera has been inhabited since the Paleolithic (10th century BC), making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
We visit a tiny museum in one of the old grotto apartments with the aim of getting to know the everyday life of the locals. Then we cross labyrinthine, narrow streets with small courtyards full of light green cacti and visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Matera from the 13th century.
In the evening we continue to the city of the "white pointed hats" - Alberobello.
Overnight in Alberobello
In the Apulia region, the places of worship preserve the memory of miracles and legends: millennia of history is hidden in the masonry of the cathedrals, basilicas and pilgrimage sites, which are at the same time treasuries and places of spiritual calm. Today we are going to one of these places: the old city of Matera. This consists to a large extent of cave settlements, the Sassi (UNESCO World Heritage). Although scholars continue to debate the date of the first settlement of the place, it is believed that the area of present-day Matera has been inhabited since the Paleolithic (10th century BC), making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
We visit a tiny museum in one of the old grotto apartments with the aim of getting to know the everyday life of the locals. Then we cross labyrinthine, narrow streets with small courtyards full of light green cacti and visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Matera from the 13th century.
In the evening we continue to the city of the "white pointed hats" - Alberobello.
Overnight in Alberobello
1st highlight: Alberobello - all day
Alberobello is especially famous for its "Trulli" (white round houses). Their pointed hats protrude between olive groves and vineyards and give the city a unique charm. The houses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the oldest dating back to the 14th century. There are different versions of how these houses were built - many believe the specific architecture and construction allowed these dwellings to be dismantled quickly so that people could avoid paying taxes on new settlements.
Today there are already 1,030 trulli with approx. 3,000 inhabitants in the famous Monti district. Each trullo was built in a special way: terrace, with internal garden, the "Siamese trulli". Our destination will be the "Trullo Savrano", the tallest building in the city, built on two floors from the 18th century, with original furnishings. Another destination is the only trulli church in the world - the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua.
2nd highlight: free time in Alberobello
After lunch, you can take a leisurely stroll around town on your own.
Overnight in Alberobello
Alberobello is especially famous for its "Trulli" (white round houses). Their pointed hats protrude between olive groves and vineyards and give the city a unique charm. The houses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the oldest dating back to the 14th century. There are different versions of how these houses were built - many believe the specific architecture and construction allowed these dwellings to be dismantled quickly so that people could avoid paying taxes on new settlements.
Today there are already 1,030 trulli with approx. 3,000 inhabitants in the famous Monti district. Each trullo was built in a special way: terrace, with internal garden, the "Siamese trulli". Our destination will be the "Trullo Savrano", the tallest building in the city, built on two floors from the 18th century, with original furnishings. Another destination is the only trulli church in the world - the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua.
2nd highlight: free time in Alberobello
After lunch, you can take a leisurely stroll around town on your own.
Overnight in Alberobello
1st highlight: visit to the city of Martina Franca
Our journey continues to the capital of the easternmost province of Italy - the city of Lecce. But first we make a stop in the town of Martina Franca. Here we see a well-preserved old town, which is surrounded by stone walls with striking baroque gates, which lead to various squares and narrow, winding streets. We take a look at the Piazza Roma, the largest square in the city with its Romanesque basilica, which is considered a masterpiece of the local Baroque style. The focal point of the facade is the baptismal font from 1773 and the holy water font. It houses the relics of the local saint Comasia, martyr of the 2nd - 4th centuries and makes the place an absolute "must-see".
2nd highlight: drive to Lecce
In the afternoon we reach Lecce, which is often called "Florence of the Baroque". The real origin of the city is unknown, according to legend, the city was founded in 1211 BC. According to history, it experienced its economic development in the 16th century and artistic heyday and also took on its characteristic baroque appearance. Even today we find the typical, lush baroque decorations on the historical buildings. Most of them were made of the Lecce stone - a very soft sandstone - which can only be found here in in the surroundings of Apulia and which changes color depending on the time of day, the incidence of light and humidity.
Overnight in Lecce
Our journey continues to the capital of the easternmost province of Italy - the city of Lecce. But first we make a stop in the town of Martina Franca. Here we see a well-preserved old town, which is surrounded by stone walls with striking baroque gates, which lead to various squares and narrow, winding streets. We take a look at the Piazza Roma, the largest square in the city with its Romanesque basilica, which is considered a masterpiece of the local Baroque style. The focal point of the facade is the baptismal font from 1773 and the holy water font. It houses the relics of the local saint Comasia, martyr of the 2nd - 4th centuries and makes the place an absolute "must-see".
2nd highlight: drive to Lecce
In the afternoon we reach Lecce, which is often called "Florence of the Baroque". The real origin of the city is unknown, according to legend, the city was founded in 1211 BC. According to history, it experienced its economic development in the 16th century and artistic heyday and also took on its characteristic baroque appearance. Even today we find the typical, lush baroque decorations on the historical buildings. Most of them were made of the Lecce stone - a very soft sandstone - which can only be found here in in the surroundings of Apulia and which changes color depending on the time of day, the incidence of light and humidity.
Overnight in Lecce
Highlight: Lecce - all day
Today, during a morning stroll through the alleys of Lecce, we will learn about the legends and stories of the city.
During the tour we will visit the main attractions of the city, such as the Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century, which was discovered by chance at the beginning of the 20th century, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Also the Column of Saint Oronzo, which is a gift from the city of Brindisi because the patron saint of Lecce put an end to an outbreak of the plague in Brindisi.
In addition, a visit to the Faggiano Museum is planned in the afternoon. It is a private building in which excavations were carried out over a period of 7 years. Some archaeological findings are over 2000 years old, we can find various artifacts and structural remains from these ancient sites.
Overnight in Lecce
Today, during a morning stroll through the alleys of Lecce, we will learn about the legends and stories of the city.
During the tour we will visit the main attractions of the city, such as the Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century, which was discovered by chance at the beginning of the 20th century, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Also the Column of Saint Oronzo, which is a gift from the city of Brindisi because the patron saint of Lecce put an end to an outbreak of the plague in Brindisi.
In addition, a visit to the Faggiano Museum is planned in the afternoon. It is a private building in which excavations were carried out over a period of 7 years. Some archaeological findings are over 2000 years old, we can find various artifacts and structural remains from these ancient sites.
Overnight in Lecce
Highlight: Drive to the city of Polignano a Mare on the Adriatic Sea - all day
After breakfast we drive back to Bari via the small town of Polignano a Mare, which is located directly on the Adriatic Sea, about 30 km from Bari. Like a swallow's nest, this picture-perfect city with its whitewashed houses sticks picturesquely on the cliffs of the coast. The city is not only known for its beautiful white pebble beach "Lama Monachile", but also for its many grottos, which cut through the rock on which the city was built on. The center of the city consists of small picturesque streets with a large number of Tratorias (cafés). Here we can enjoy the delicious local fish and seafood dishes in the evening and let your holiday end in a relaxed manner.
Overnight in Polignano a Mare
After breakfast we drive back to Bari via the small town of Polignano a Mare, which is located directly on the Adriatic Sea, about 30 km from Bari. Like a swallow's nest, this picture-perfect city with its whitewashed houses sticks picturesquely on the cliffs of the coast. The city is not only known for its beautiful white pebble beach "Lama Monachile", but also for its many grottos, which cut through the rock on which the city was built on. The center of the city consists of small picturesque streets with a large number of Tratorias (cafés). Here we can enjoy the delicious local fish and seafood dishes in the evening and let your holiday end in a relaxed manner.
Overnight in Polignano a Mare
Breakfast & transfer to the airport in Bari
At the agreed time, the driver will wait for you in the hotel lobby and take you to the airport in Bari. Your return flight ends the tour.
See you on a new journey!
At the agreed time, the driver will wait for you in the hotel lobby and take you to the airport in Bari. Your return flight ends the tour.
See you on a new journey!
International flights
Meals & drinks not listed
Self-organized visits and excursions
Insurance
Tip
Meals & drinks not listed
Self-organized visits and excursions
Insurance
Tip
7 x nights in 4 * hotels
7 x breakfast
Transfers from & to the airport
All transfers in an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle
All described excursions & trips
tickets
English speaking guide throughout the entire trip
7 x breakfast
Transfers from & to the airport
All transfers in an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle
All described excursions & trips
tickets
English speaking guide throughout the entire trip
DATES & PRICES
We will be happy to prepare other dates for you on request!
Guaranteed discount:
- 8% for groups of 10 or more people arriving at the same time
Guaranteed discount:
- 8% for groups of 10 or more people arriving at the same time
1. Fill out the form
2. A member of our team will call you to confirm the booking
3. You pay a deposit and receive confirmation of payment via email
4. After the final payment you will receive all the necessary documents for your tour. Take a trip with us at the appointed time!
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