PRIVATE TOUR: Experience the best of Puglia with a week-long adventure starting in Bari. Explore the historic heart of Bari, including its ancient basilicas and charming squares. Discover medieval Trani, enjoy traditional cuisine at a local farm in Andria, and marvel at the geometric wonder of Castel del Monte. Relax along the picturesque coastlines of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, and savour local flavours in Selva di Fasano. Visit the enchanting trulli of Alberobello, the scenic streets of Locorotondo, and the striking white city of Ostuni. Conclude your journey with a trip to Matera’s fascinating cave dwellings.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Pugila!
Welcome to the region of Puglia! After arrival in Bari, check into your hotel.
Overnight: Bari
Introduction to Bari
After enjoying breakfast, join your tour guide at the hotel for a journey to uncover the wonders of Bari. Begin by exploring "Bari Vecchia," the city's historic center, where you'll delve into the rich history and notable landmarks of Bari.
Wander through quaint alleys and picturesque squares within the ancient city walls, and visit significant sites such as the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, which houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, and the 12th-century Castello Svevo, built by Norman King Roger II and later refurbished by Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire.
Your tour will also take you to Piazza Mercantile, Piazza Ferrarese, Piazza del Sedile, and the Basilica di San Sabino. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight: Bari | Breakfast
Lunch and Wine tasting in Andria
Bari - Trani - Andria - Bari. After breakfast at your hotel, you might want to visit Trani, a significant medieval centre in Imperial Apulia. Be sure to explore the Jewish ghetto (Guidecca) and the magnificent Romanesque cathedral by the sea.
After your free time in Trani, you'll head to Andria for lunch and a wine tasting at a typical masseria, or large farm. On your way back to Bari, you'll stop at Castel del Monte, an extraordinary castle built by Frederick II and protected as a World Heritage Site. Its geometric design is unique, featuring an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner, and many mysteries about its true purpose remain unsolved. You'll then return to Bari.
Overnight: Bari | Breakfast, Lunch
Coasts of Monopoli & Poligano
Bari - Monopoli - Poligano - Bari. After breakfast, you'll set off to explore two of the most prominent coastal destinations in Puglia: Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. Your journey begins in Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Wandering through the intricate little streets of Monopoli is an almost mystical experience. Historically, crusaders departed from its port, along with other Apulian ports, in the Middle Ages to reach the Holy Land.
After enjoying lunch in Selva di Fasano at a typical masseria, you'll head to Polignano a Mare, the hometown of Domenico Modugno, the Italian singer-songwriter famous for co-writing the iconic song "Volare (Nel blu, dipinto di blu)." Built on the edge of a cliff, Polignano's coastline is renowned for its coves, small bays, and inlets. You'll then return to Bari.
Overnight: Bari | Breakfast, Lunch
Pictureqsque Towns & The White City
Bari - Alberobello - Locorotondo - Ostuni - Bari. After breakfast, you'll head to Alberobello, the "city of Trulli," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trulli are unique dry stone huts with conical roofs originally built for storage and later used as dwellings, known locally as casedde (little houses). Alberobello is a gem, a true fairy tale place in the heart of Puglia. Afterward, near Locorotondo, you'll enjoy lunch at a traditional masseria.
Post-lunch, you'll explore Locorotondo, a picturesque town recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful hamlets. The town's name, derived from the Latin "locus-rotundus" (circular place), reflects its round shape. Next, you'll visit Ostuni, the "white city," situated 74 kilometres (46 miles) south of Bari on a hilltop. Built by the Normans, Ostuni features city walls with four gates, remnants of which are still visible. The region is renowned for its high-quality olive oil and wine.
You'll have time to explore the historical centre, sample local delicacies, shop for food or souvenirs, or simply wander through the medieval streets. You'll then return to Bari for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Bari | Breakfast, Lunch
Matera - Capital of Culture 2019
Bari - Matera - Bari. After breakfast, you'll journey to the border region of Basilicata. Welcome to Matera, the capital, famously known as "la città dei sassi" (the city of stones), often compared to Cappadocia in Italy's south. Recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Matera offers a remarkable experience.
Spend time exploring the sassi, ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. These structures form a breath-taking historical centre, connected by a labyrinth of charming alleys that evoke the feeling of a real-life nativity scene. You'll tour the historical centre and enjoy panoramic views from various viewpoints. Afterward, enjoy lunch and some leisure time before returning to Bari for the night.
Overnight: Bari | Breakfast, Lunch
Farewell Pugila!
Today marks the end of the tour. After the final breakfast, its time to head to the Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. We also offer a triple share option on this tour, please contact us for details.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Nicolaus Hotel, Bari
The Nicolaus Hotel is located in the residential district of Poggiofranco on the outskirts of Bari, 10 minutes by taxi from the city centre. This well equipped, modern hotel features an indoor pool, gym, sauna, Turkish baths and a hot tub. Dining options include The Seasons restaurant, serving a range of Puglia specialities. Or there is The Roof on the 14th floor, serving high quality a la carte meals in a roof garden. Stylish rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, TV and ensuite bathrooms, and the majority of rooms feature a balcony.