Puglia Essentials

Upon arrival at Bari airport or train station meet and assist. Enjoy a private transfer to Trani, the jewel of the Adriatic coast. Take advantage of free time to immerse in the charm of the sea breeze and the winding alleys of the old town. Overnight stay in Trani at Palazzo Paciotti 4* or similar. 

Meet at Santa Teresa Church at 10 am and travel to Castel del Monte, the remarkable octagonal fortress built by Emperor Frederick II and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the castle with your local guide before returning to Trani for a tasting of the renowned Moscato di Trani and an introduction to the area’s winemaking traditions. The afternoon is at leisure. At 6 pm, discover Trani on a sunset walking tour through its historic centre, including the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter and Villa Comunale, followed by an aperitif. Overnight at Palazzo Paciotti or similar. (B)

Check-out and departure from Santa Teresa Church. Start your day at a traditional Apulian dairy, where you'll take part in an immersive workshop on making mozzarella and burrata by hand. Wrap up with a guided tasting of extra virgin olive oil during a tour of a local mill. Arrival in Bari at approx. at 3pm and check-in at the hotel. At 6pm enjoy sunset guided tour of Bari Old Town from the Swabian Castle. Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Boston or similar. (B)

Morning departure for Alberobello and a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed trulli district, meeting local artisans and hearing the stories behind these unique dry-stone houses. Continue to Polignano a Mare for tasting stops featuring traditional focaccia and the famous Polignano coffee, followed by a walking tour through the historic centre and its panoramic sea-view terraces. Return to Bari afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Bari at Hotel Boston or similar. (B)

Check-out depart for Matera, the extraordinary stone-carved city listed by UNESCO. Enjoy guided tour of the Sassi district, including a cave house, a rupestrian church and an Amaro Lucano tasting, with free time until early afternoon. Check-in at a boutique hotel in the heart of the Sassi. The rest of the day at leisure to explore Matera and admire the spectacular sunset over the ancient stone city, one of the most memorable experiences in Southern Italy. Overnight stay at a 4-star boutique hotel in the Sassi district. (B)

After breakfast, transfer from Matera to Bari Airport or Bari Centrale Railway Station. (B)