6 Days
A journey to discover the extraordinary cultural and artistic heritage of Apuglia region: wonderful Trani, Castel del Monte with its surprising octagonal shape are immersed in a suggestive landscape, made of olive oil trees and peculiar “trulli” in Alberobello area. We’ll admire the white cities of Ostuni and Lecce, in the heart of Salento and we won’t miss an excursion to Otranto and a visit to the famous Sassi di Matera, capital of culture in 2019, in Basilicata region.
Arrival at the hotel in Bari, and meeting with the english -italian tour leader and the rest of the group in the evening.Dinner in the hotel.
Hotel breakfast and departure to Trani, for a guided visit to the astonishing cathedral and the castle (outside) built by Federico II to protect the city. Lunch at your leisure and departure to Castel del Monte, also wanted by Federico II in 1250. The castle is immersed in the Apuglia landscape and it’s been listed by Unesco world heritage site. Continuation to Alberobello, dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Hotel breakfst and morning guided tour of Alberobello, a blindingly white typical Apuglia town, renowned for its unique prehistoric “trulli” buildings, also designated by Unesco world heritage site since 1996. Lunch at your leisure and continuation to Ostuni, “the white city” thanks to its white buildings and ancient olives groves; free time in the afternoon, before departing to Lecce, in the heart of the Salento. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Hotel breakfast. Morning guided tour of Lecce. Thanks of the rich Baroque architectural monuments found in the city, Lecce is commonly nicknamed “The Florence of the South”. The city also has a long traditional affinity with Greek culture going back to its foundation; the Messapian who founded the city, are said to have been Cretans in Greek records. Lunch at your leisure and then transfer to Otranto, enjoying the Salento coast. Otranto is a fishing town famous for its breed of horses, located on the east coast of the Salento Peninsula. Guided tour of the city centre and return to Lecce. Dinner in the hotel and overnight.
Hotel breakfast and following departure to Basilicata region, for a visit to the spectacular Matera. Known as “la Città Sotterranea” (the underground City), Matera is well known for its historical center called “Sassi”, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1993. Guided tour of the “Sassi” which represent the ancient city and the outstanding example of careful use in time of natural resources. Lunch at your leisure and free time in the afternoon and following departure to Bari.
Hotel Breakfast and departure.