Take advantage of the opportunity to visit more than 5 east coast cities of the Apulian region at the Adriatic Sea. You will weave through the old and new capital city of Bari and end in Salento.
Day 1: Bari
Arrival in Bari, where you will spend the night. If need a rental car, contact us.
Day 2: Bari – Alberobello
Breakfast at the hotel and then the day will be dedicated, we suggest, to discover Bari, the capital of Apulia. Take a special look at the historic monuments, multifaceted traditions and cultures of Bari from the centre of Piazza Mercantile to the San Sabino Cathedral, weaving through the narrow cobbled streets to the Basilica di San Nicola and Castello Normanno Svevo amongst the quaint houses.
Take a walk on the seafront and realx eating the specialties of Apulian cuisine in one of the many local restaurant. You will then head towards Alberobello, where you will spend the night at th Hotel.
Day 3: Alberobello – Matera
Breakfast at the Alberobello hotel and the day will be dedicated to discovering the glorious village of trullo. The historic commune of Alberobello derived its name from its ancient heritage where it was once forestry filled with beautiful oaks and beeches.
The white washed cone shaped trullo has drawn many tourists because of its unique and difficult construction methods and shape. The construction and structure of trullo can be found in the prehistoric age. Only the 11th-century trullo in Alberobello still remains as of today, with a lot of preservation efforts. Learn and discover the construction techniques of these trulli. Find out the social status that is attached to the trullo, as they age and expand, each trullo has its own uniqueness.
One of the fascinations is the Church of Alberobello, which is also a trullo made with limestone. Sant' Antonio's display the skilful masonry skills of the locals of the 14th century Alberobello. Its entrance arch is carved with three wings in a painted rose window. After your trullo visitation, you will drive down to Matera in Sassi city and overnight in Matera hotel.
Day 4: Matera
Breakfast at the Matera hotel and then you will embark to the mesmerising underground city of Matera, better known to be Sassi di Matera or Sasso Barisano. Sasso Barisano is the ancient cave dwellings of the ancient Lucanian people.
Located on the slopes of La Gravina ravine, it is one of the oldest known residential areas in the world. The houses are dug out of calcarenite rock. Sasso Barisano is proven to have some of the first human settlements in Italy. You can stroll around the alleys of the city, discovering ancient structure, such as the Stone Churches.
These cave dwellings received UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. Matera is known to be the only place in Italy to reminiscent ancient sites such as Jerusalem and it is the setting film shooting place for "The Passion of the Christ" (2004) and "The Nativity Story" (2006). Overnight at the Hotel in Matera.
Day 5: Matera – Lecce
Breakfast at Matera hotel and depart to the ancient city of Lecce. It is the main city of the Salentine peninsula and is rich with Baroque styled architectural monuments and buildings. It is affectionately known as "The Florence of the South". This city has a long affinity with Greek cultures and many foreign cultural influenced gastronomical.
The famous landmarks of Lecce are the Church of the Holy Cross of the 14th century, richly decorated with facades of animals, grotesque figures and a rose window. The 12 century built Lecce Cathedral is not to be missed.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is a masterpiece of a very detailed Romanesque work and architecture. Both the Palazzo Sedile and Palazzo dei Celestini are being used for the local council and current governmental seat respectively. Overnight at Lecce hotel.
Day 6: Lecce – Otranto – Lecce
Breakfast at Lecce hotel and depart to the fortified city of Otranto on the east coast of Apulia. Otranto is of Greek origin and many Empires have regarded Otranto to be an advantage strategic location of the Adriatic Sea. From being a Greek city to a Roman city, came into Byzantine possession and later it was invaded by the Ottomans in the 15th century.
Do not miss the Aragonese Castle, a 15th century fortress surrounded by a moat and with a spear rampart nicknamed "Punta di Diamante", currently a space where exhibitions and cultural and artistic events take place, and the Cathedral of the Annunciation. Back to Lecce and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Lecce - Ostuni
After breakfast, departure for Ostuni, known as the "white city", due to its characteristic old town which was once entirely painted in white lime. After a nice day here, you return to Lecce for the overnight
Day 8: Ostuni - Brindisi
After breakfast at the Hotel, end of the tour.
Other indipendent tours in Apulia
We also suggest you the 8-days independent tour of Apulia from Bari.
