The heel of italy among history, art, nature and earth product culture
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Arrival at Bari, capital of the region Apulia, the heel of Italy.
Walking tour in the afternoon to learn about the city’s history and its most relevant monuments. Walk through the charming narrowalleys of the old city center, admire the Basilica of San Nicola where the remains of Saint Nicholas of Myra are preserved and the Norman-Swabian Castle, a 12th century fortress built by Roger the Norman and rebuilt by Frederick II of Swabia. You cannot miss a visit to the so-called «road of orecchiette», where there are ladies making orecchiette (typical ear-shaped pasta) throughout the day.
Be amazed by the as onishing view that you can enjoy from the fortress. After the visit, reach Piazza Mercantile where you will see the ancient Column of Justice.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery.
In the afternoon, Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of Puglia’, the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral.
After the visit let’s make a stop at Villa Spinosa for Moscato wine taste (typical wine of the area).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine taste, Dinner
Your journey will continue towards Castellana Grotte a complex of underground karst cavities and one of the most spectacular natural places in Puglia and Italy.
After lunch proceed to Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These drystone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley.
Overnight stay in a scattered hotel, sleeping in a real “Trullo”. Dinner at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, by coach will take you to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit and learn the history of the “Sassi di Matera” (Stones of Matera), caves that have been used as houses for over 9.000 years, that are part of the historic center of the city. Admire the Romanesque Cathedral that overlooks the city, its beautiful “Campanile” (Bell Tower) and enjoy the amazing view of the “Sassi”.
Transfer back to Alberobello in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in the “Trullo”.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will leave Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo, characteristic Apulian village with a circular plan, known for its “cummerse”, typical houses with a pitched roof. Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center, it is easy to be enchanted by its fairytale atmosphere and out of time, between panoramic views and ancient churches.
Enjoy to visit this small town that is part of the “white towns” of Puglia.
Board on the coach again and travel to Ostuni: located between the “Trulli” region and Salento, overlooks the coastal plain rich of ancient olive trees.
Visit to another “white town” with lunch, shopping and tasting of several local products like the world’s famous olive oil. In the late afternoon, get again on board of the coach and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region.
Dinner and overnight in Lecce.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, wine taste, Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided visit of the city, learn the history of Lecce, visit the old town center, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo.
After the visit, board on the coach and leave Lecce.
You will reach Otranto where you can have lunch.
Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst the others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. Wander around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Cathedral where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. See its marvelous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance.
Proceed to Supersano at Masseria le Stanzìe a complete farm where you will see the olive mill, the cheese cave, how homemade pasta is made and visit the medieval tombs that are part of the farm. Don’t miss to visit the the food boutique with the local products on the ground floor, where local food and wine products such as wine, oil, jams etc. are sold. Finally you will be ventured upstairs for the most epic italian meal and experiencer with typical meals and products from the region.
In the night, travel back to Lecce for the overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Bari airport to fly back to hometown with unforgettable memories.
Meals: Breakfast
