Bari (ancient Barium) is an industrial city in the Apulia region of southern Italy and a seaport on the Adriatic Sea. The old quarter of the city sits on a promontory separating the old and new harbors. It is the site of two notable Romanesque churches: the Basilica of San Nicola (11th-12th century) and the cathedral (late 12th century). Bari was formerly a Greek colony and later a Roman trading settlement. It came under the domination of the Lombards, the Byzantines, and the Normans. It was a key Italian naval base during World War II and sustained heavy damage. From here it is easy to visit Alberobello and Egnazia.
Excursions
Bari: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli - 5 hours
Today you will have the chance to visit Polignano a Mare, a shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.
Continue to Monopoli, whose history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castle. Visit the colourful street market, the cathedral and the elegant bell tower that is over 60 metres high, completely dominating the town below.
Walk down the sea front promenade, where you will visit the church of Santa Maria della Zaffira and take a look at Monopoli’s harbour with it’s fishermen mending their nets or unloading the day's catch.
Highlights:
- Perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff Polignano a Mare makes for a fascinating stop
- Walk along Monopoli’s sea-front promenade, with its colourful street market and fishermen unloading the day’s catch
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert local guide (5 hours)
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Bari: Locorotondo & Alberobello - 5 hours
You will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.
Afterwards you will visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alberobello represents the heart of the Itria Valley. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia, where the deep roots of Alberobello act as one of the most typical expressions of the area. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and at its summit a cone-shaped roof.
Highlights:
- Visit Locorotondo, whose historical centre contains charming white-washed stone buildings
- Explore Alberobello the UNESCO World Heritage Site characterised by the Trullo cone-shaped roofs
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide throughout (5 hours)
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Bari: Ancient Matera - 8 hours
Spend a full day soaking up the unique ambience of Matera. Venture down the steep streets that crisscross Barisano and Caveoso, the two districts of Matera's sassi (literally the "stones"). Visit a house furnished as it would have been when as many as ten people lived with their animals in one or two rooms. Explore the chiese rupestri, or rock churches, some of which still have their original fresco decorations. After lunch on your own, head out on an easy hike along the opposite ridge of the ravine on which Matera is built and discover some of the rock churches that dot the countryside.
Please note: Matera involves steep walking
Highlights:
- Soak up the unique ambience of Matera and its ancient centre
- Hike to discover the nearby rock churches that dot the countryside
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Moderate (Matera involves steep walking)
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide throughout (8 hours)
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Bari: Highlights of Puglia & Cheese Tasting - 8 hours
Today you will meet your English-speaking guide for a full day excursion of “Valle d’Itria”. You will visit Alberobello which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and a con-shaped roof.
Afterwards you will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.
Next visit to a local cheese production where you will see the different phases of how different cheeses are made. After the visit you will enjoy an informal cheese tasting with a buffet where you will taste the local products.
Finally, visit Polignano a Mare, shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare truly lives up to its name and literally could not be any more ‘at sea’!
Highlights:
- Tour the charming and architecturally impressive villages of Alberobello and Locorotondo
- Experience the authentic taste of Puglia with a cheese tasting that includes various local products
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide throughout (8 hours)
- Cheese tasting
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
