APULIAN VIBES: ART, SEA AND FLAVORS: 8 DAYS/ BARI-ALBEROBELLO- LECCE

One of the largest regions of southern Italy, Apulia extends along the south-eastern side of the peninsula: a long strip of land overlooking the Adriatic and rich in an artistic and cultural heritage that blends with the natural beauty of the area. In fact, the Salento coast is today one of the most sought-after seaside tourism destinations in Italy, next to the beautiful islands of Sicily and Sardinia; amazing beaches overlooking the two seas that bathe the region: The Tyrrhenian and the Ionian sea.

Another treasure of this region is its gastronomy. A long tradition of farmers and breeders is placed at the base of the regional productive pyramid and over the years some of the local products have expanded their popularity within the Country and abroad.

Among these products we can mention the famous Orecchiette, a typical Apulian durum wheat pasta that is still hand-made by the old women from Bari in the alleys of the historical centre. They represent one of the most folkloristic views of the city. Along with the Orecchiette we can mention the tasty dairy products, bread and last but not least the Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Commonly called “the green gold” the oil produced in these land is one of the best in Italy and it is pleasing to the eye to admire  the vast fields of olive groves framing the streets of the region.

An itinerary designed to let you  discover this land from north to south, passing through the coast and the hinterland and letting you immerse yourself in the centuries-old tradition of a region that makes hospitality its flagship.

During the various trips, stop and visit  the beautiful white villages of the Val d'Itria such as Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Cisternino, San Vito dei Normanni, where the art of a strong Baroque influence alternates with the simplicity of simple buildings, alleys and characteristic views that will leave you enchanted. And if you love animals, don't miss a stop at the Zoo Safari in Fasano, the only one in Italy where you can admire animals in a reproduction of their natural habitat.

8 days/ 7 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to Bari

Arrival to Bari and check in at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel

Day 2: Bari- Orecchiette Pasta Cooking Class

The day will be dedicated to explore the wonderful city of Bari in its architectural and artistic beauties and taste the delicacies of its gastronomic tradition. You will meet with your guide and first of all you will visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas.Along the way you can stop to admire the façade of the Castle of Bari. At the end of the mini tour, you will enter a traditional bakery, famous for the typical focaccia from Bari. After tasting a piece of this authentic Apulian delicacy, you will continue to a grocery to savor the cheeses and cold cuts typical of Puglia. You will then continue the food tour by exploring the city's street food stands. More concretely, you can taste the “sgagliozze”, an Apulian product made with fried polenta, and the very popular panzerotti. And to end on a sweet note, you will also treat yourself to a very creamy ice cream. In the afternoon, the tour to discover the Bari poular traditions continues. Passing through the narrow streets of the centre, you will be able to observe emblematic buildings such as the castle, the cathedral of San Sabino and pass again by the Saint Nicolaus church. Along the way, you will make a stop at the private house of a local woman, a Bari doc pasta expert, who will teach you the art of pasta-making. You will whatch how the lady prepares “orecchiette” (the typical Apulian Pasta) and how to cook them in the traditional way. Once “al dente”, you will sit down at the table to taste a plate of orecchiette with tomato sauce. After two hours and a half, the activity concludes. Evening and dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Polignano a Mare

The day will be dedicated to explore Polignano a Mare, one of the most beautiful towns in the area of Bari.  As soon as you arrive independently in Polignano, your guide will be waiting for you on board a friendly “ape calessino” and will drive you on a panoramic tour. You will wander through the pretty streets of this small fishing village, perched on a cliff that is reflected in the waters of the Adriatic sea. You will enter the historic center of Polignano a Mare to learn about its past, stopping in the most evocative corners of the city. Cliffs, beaches, Saracen towers and terraces overlooking the sea... You will pass in front of the famous Marquis Arch, a defensive structure that served as a gateway to the historic center, and then move on to the church of Purgatory. Finally, you will be able to enjoy the wonderful view of the cliffs of Polignano a Mare from several viewpoints, such as the Lama Monachile bridge. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon (only for departures from March to October and in case of favorable sea) you will have the possibility to enjoy a boat ride for nearly 2 hours to admire Polignano from the sea and visit its unique caves. At the end of the activity you can spend the rest of the day on your own. Free return to Bari in the evening. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Castellana Caves- Alberobello

Departure from the hotel in Bari to Val d'Itria. On the way to Alberobello you can stop to admire the beauty of the Castellana Caves. An underground path through cavities and stalactites of karst origin of considerable interest. A guide will accompany you along the way where you can admire the natural creations and the wonderful play of light and shadow. At the end of the visit to the caves, continue towards Alberobello where your guide will be waiting exclusively for you, to accompany you to discover this UNESCO heritage town known all over the world for its dry constructions: the Trulli. The tour will start with a beautiful view from the terrace of the Belvedere, which will introduce you to the interesting history of this village. You will then continue with a visit to the districts of Aia Piccola and Rione Monti, where you can admire the typical architecture of the local houses. Stroll through the Trulli and alleys of the city, until you reach the trullo-shaped Church of Sant'Antonio. You will end the tour by visiting the private house  of a local, where you will have the opportunity to taste extra virgin olive oil, a local product and national gastronomic excellence. At the end of the tour, check back to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Alberobello.

Day 5: Ostuni- Cisternino- Mozzarella Experience

The day will be dedicated to discover the Val d'Itria region with its villages and its beautiful farms. The first suggested stop is Ostuni, the famous “white city”(due to its typical white constructions). Before getting lost in the narrow streets of the village, you will have the chance to visit a local dairy factory and discover the secrets of mozzarella. Inside the farm's facilities, you will visit the animal grazing area to find out where the exquisite cow's milk is obtained. Fresh and good cow’s milk is the main ingredient of a good mozzarella and all the other cheese types produced in the farm. After visiting the farm, you will enter the production rooms where you will be shown all the steps that mark the production process of mozzarella and what are the characteristics that differentiate it from other dairy products. Afterwards, you will participate in a tasting of different types of cheeses and cured meats. Lunch on your own. After lunch a guide will be waiting for you to show you the history of Ostuni and Cisternino: 2 of the most famous White cities in Val d’Itria. You ill get lost among the narrow white alleys and love the atmosphere of these places. After the tour you will stop in a local Val d’Itria winery to enjoy a delicious tasting and local products aperitif. Back to Alberobello. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Lecce

Departure from the hotel to Lecce. Along the way, we suggest you make an intermediate stop in one or more of the villages of the Val d'Itria or pay a visit to the Zoo Safari. Free day to discover the area. Arrival in Lecce in the evening and check-in at the hotel. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel in Lecce.

Day 7: Lecce- Otranto- Dinner in "Masseria"

The day will be entirely dedicated to discover the 2 main cities of Salento region: Lecce and Otranto. Otranto is rich in history and every corner exudes the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Ottomans and the Aragonese. You will have free time to visit the Cathedral, the Byzantine church of St. Peter, the Castle, the Bastions of the Pelasgians and the walls that once surrounded the city.  Afterwards, you will continue the excursion in Lecce, the caital city of the Barocco style in Salento. Here you will get to know the unique characteristics of a city where romanic and barocco style merge together. To conclude the full day tour you will stop at a masseria where you can enjoya typical dinner accompanied by a unique atmosphere. Back to Lecce. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Free day. Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

- Bari: The Nicolaus Hotel or similar

- Alberobello: Grand Hotel Olimpo or similar

- Lecce: Grand Hotel Tiziano e dei Congressi or similar