Bari Area and Matera
The cradle of the Apulian RomanesqueBari area is famous for wonderful quaint towns such as Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Barletta and Giovinazzo along the coastline overlooking the crystal clear waters of the wonderful Adriatic sea. This part of Apulia is also very well famous for its artistic heritage. In the Middle Age the area used to be the land of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. During the Norman-Swabian age and therefore in the times of Crusades the region flourished with wonderful castles and Cathedrals built in Apulian Romanesque stile. Some of the most important artistic heritages are St. Nicholas Basilica in Bari, Trani’s Cathedral directly facing the sea, or Castel del Monte which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another attraction is the city of Altamura which is not only well known for its majestic Romanesque cathedral but also for being a food travel destination because of its famous bread.
Last but not least, the city of Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture 2019.
TOWNS IN THE AREA
Giovinazzo
Giovinazzo is a fascinating medieval village by the Adriatic Sea with a fortified small port and a wonderful romanesque cathedral.
During our visit of Giovinazzo you will walk through narrow alleys, sunny squares and shady arches as the so called “Trajan Arch”, built in the XIV century using two mile columns of the roman Trajan Way.
Barletta
Barletta, scene of the historical “Challenge” is today an art city on the Adriatic Sea with an important historical patrimony as well as a nice nightlife. Barletta, scene of the historical “Challenge” is today an art city on the Adriatic Sea with an important historical patrimony as well as a nice nightlife.
We will admire the castle, one of Southern Italy’s most beautiful fortresses, which now houses the Civic Museum and the magnificent cathedral. In front of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre you will see the Colossus, a large bronze statue representing the emperor Theodosius II.
Bitonto
Bitonto is an elegant old town in the area of Bari that preserves a magnificent angevin circular tower of the 14th century (Torrione Angioino) and beautiful renaissance buildings of the 15th-16th century.
Conversano
Conversano was the center of one of the most important counties of Puglia, ruled from the 15th to the 19th century by the Acquaviva family…
Putignano
Putignano is a typical ancient village filled with a maze of alleys, narrow streets and small squares surrounded by enchanting loggias.
The city is famous for its “Carnival of Putignano”, one of the oldest in Italy, which in 2020 will celebrate its 626th anniversary! Especially during the carnival, the town becomes a real tourist destination, attracting visitors from all corners of Italy and the world.
Altamura
Altamura was re-founded by the Emperor Frederick II in the XIII century. The city is well known for its majestic Romanesque cathedral, which is ascribed to the Emperor itself.
Castel del Monte
We will visit one of the wonders of Italy, Castel del Monte. This mysterious castle was built in the 13th Century by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and is an example of architectural perfection in Puglia, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a wonderful town along the Adriatic coast with about 13 kilometers (8 miles) of coastline. The origins of this ancient town date back to fifth century BC.
We will take an unforgettable guided tour among the most important historical buildings, such as the baroque Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Madia and the wonderful Castle of Charles V, symbol of the city. We will end our trip along the harbor, which is full of fine restaurants, colorful fishing boats and very stylish bars, and where we will enjoy the unique Mediterranean atmosphere of this town.
Polignano a Mare
Perched on a high rocky outcrop that reaches into the Adriatic Sea, Polignano is a destination not to be missed on a trip to Puglia.
The best way to experience the atmosphere of this Mediterranean city is through a nice walk on its terraces overlooking the sea. With its picturesque bays and hidden caves, Polignano was an ancient landing spot for merchants and fishermen. Today, its artisan shops and stylish bars are busy year round.
Trani
Trani is one of the most beautiful cities along the Adriatic Sea. The city is famous for its extraordinary Romanesque cathedral directly facing the sea, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Pilgrim, as well as its ancient harbor, which provides for an elegant setting for the many who stroll between colorful fishing boats and fine restaurants.
Matera
Matera is the oldest city in Europe the third oldest cities in the world, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture 2019. Matera sits like a giant sculpture in the center of the Murgia plateau.
Bari
Bari is the capital of Apulian Romanesque style. While here, you will see the two faces of the city. First, you will visit the French-influenced Murat quarter, with its elegant 19th Century theaters and majestic Liberty-style palaces.
GET THE BEST FROM YOUR TOUR!
Combine the visit of the Bari Area and Matera with this experiences:
Food street market
Get a taste of traditional life in Puglia! At least once a week, every Apulian town organizes a local market where you can find local fresh food products…
Bread Tasting – Pane di Altamura and Pane di Matera
Visiting a bakery in Altamura or Matera you will learn about the process of bread making. Indeed, Altamura and Matera, 20 km away from each other, share a millenary tradition in making bread that has recently been formalized with the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) Pane di Altamura and the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) Pane di Matera.
Wine tasting – Gioia del Colle Primitivo
We will visit one of the most famous wineries in Puglia, whose Gioia del Colle Primitivo wines are considered among the best in the world…
Trekking in the Murgia Materana
Enjoy a natural trip outside the urban context of Matera! We will take you to the Murgia plateau, on the other side of the canyon overlooking the Unesco WHS of the Sassi. In the middle of a stunning panorama we will observe the typical plants of the area, deepening many aspects of the natural world.
Lunch or dinner in a Slow Food Restaurant
We will take you to the most authentic places, and we will introduce you to Apulian restaurants selected by the Slow Food Movement…
Boat tours and sailing trips
There is no better way than a boat trip to enjoy the beauty of the Apulia seas. We can organize your private or sharing boat tour (sailing or motor) in the all best costs of Puglia: Vieste and Peschici on the Gargano, the Tremiti Islands, the perched city of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, the breathtaking cliffs around Otranto, the white beaches of Gallipoli, till Taranto with is large dauphin colony…
Cheese tasting
Enjoy the vast production of high quality fresh cheese of Puglia! We will visit an artisanal cheese factory where, from the expert hands of the dairyman, some of the most famous Italian delicacies are born.
Cooking class
In introductory Apulian cooking classes you will have the chance to gain practical knowledge about some of the most typical dishes of Puglia, including the most famous orecchiette with broccoli rabe.
Castellana Caves
The beautiful Castellana caves are the magical expression of nature’s tireless work over millions of years. In this natural phenomenon, you will recognize spectacular spires that reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals, as well as mythical animals and ancient trees.