Apulia + Matera: white cities, sea, and the stone world of antiquity

Day's program:

• Old Town of Bari
• Cathedral
• Basilica of Saint Nicholas
• Norman Castle
• A Walk Through the Modern Part of the City

Description:

The day is dedicated to Bari — a city where the pilgrimage tradition and everyday life of the old south are particularly vivid.

The route passes through the Old Town, the Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and the 12th-century Norman Castle.

During the walk, city legends, scenes of daily life, and the craft tradition related to the handmade preparation of "ears" pasta are revealed.

The program concludes with the modern part of Bari, where the waterfront, squares, and remnants of the old urban fabric connect the city's past with the sea.

Day's program:

• Historic Center of Polignano a Mare
• Panoramic Balconies Over the Sea
• Lama Monachile Beach
• The Coast and Free Time by the Water
• Monopoli (optional)

Description:

The day revolves around the Apulian coast and towns where history merges with marine panoramas.

First, the route takes you through Polignano a Mare with its historic center, panoramic balconies, church, old city entrance, and Lama Monachile beach.

During the walk, local stories unfold, the city's connection to the song "Volare" is revealed, and the unique atmosphere of the rocky coastline is experienced.

After lunch, there is time to relax by the water, and optionally, the program can be extended with a visit to Monopoli, featuring its ancient houses, cathedral, Charles V Castle, and Garibaldi Square.

Day's program:

• Trullo Monti District
• Residential Trullo and Trullo-Shaped Church
• Viewpoint of Alberobello
• Tasting Local Delicacies
• Masseria or Small Winery
• Ancient Olive Grove (optional)

Description:

The day is dedicated to Alberobello and the rural gastronomic tradition of Apulia.

During the walk through the Trullo Monti district, the history of these unique houses is revealed, and the viewpoint showcases the famous panorama of white cones that earned Alberobello a spot on the UNESCO list.

After the walk, the program continues with a tasting of local delicacies, wines, or liqueurs at a masseria or small winery, where southern hospitality is particularly felt.

Optionally, the day can be enhanced with a visit to the ancient olive grove, where centuries-old trees resemble living sculptures.

Day's program:

• Liberta Square and the Old Center of Ostuni
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• Cheese factory, wine and oil mill (upon request)
• Lecce
• Baroque architecture of Salento

Description:

The day reveals Apulia through the White City of Ostuni and baroque Lecce.

First, the route passes through Ostuni, where the white houses, panoramic viewpoints, labyrinth of alleys, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary create one of the most recognizable images of the region.

Upon request, the program can be supplemented with a tasting set at a masseria, a visit to a winery, and an introduction to the production of Extravergine olive oil.

Then the route continues to Lecce, where ancient heritage and baroque architecture made from local limestone, petra leccese, intertwine with urban legends and the gastronomic culture of Salento.

Day's program:

• Transfer to Matera
• Leisurely walk around the city
• Sassi District
• Rock Church

Description:

The day is dedicated to an initial acquaintance with Matera — one of the most unusual cities in southern Italy.

The route goes through the Sassi district, where the history of the city dates back to the Paleolithic era and is reflected in the cave houses, old neighborhoods, and abandoned dwellings.

During the walk, the reasons why the Sassi were long considered a disgrace to the country are revealed, while today they are seen as a vital part of cultural heritage.

The day is complemented by a visit to the rock church, where it is particularly clear how ancient history and modern life intertwine in Matera.

Day's program:

• Historical Sassi District
• Cave church with frescoes
• Viewing platform
• Cave house-museum
• Film locations in Matera
• Farm with local products
• Canyon of Matera

Description:

The day delves deeper into Matera — through its religious, domestic, and gastronomic culture.

The route first takes you through the Sassi, cave churches, viewing platforms, and the house-museum, where the former way of urban life is particularly evident.

During the walk, urban legends, stories of religious orders, and tales of films shot in Matera, from "The Passion of the Christ" to episodes of "Agent 007," are shared.

Then the program continues at a local farm with olive groves and local products, and after lunch, it can be complemented with a walk through the canyon or a photo stop with views of Matera.

Day's program:

• Return to Bari
• Transfer to the airport
• Or departure from another city

Description:

On the final day, a return to Bari or departure from another city is planned.

The itinerary concludes with a reverse transfer, maintaining the main land connection between Apulia and Matera.