Fantasia Regional: Fantasia of Puglia 8 Days Bari - Bari

Welcome to Bari! Meet your driver at the airport in the arrivals hall, then transfer to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting your Tour Leader for a morning tour of Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia. Explore the charming old city centre, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle, known for its breathtaking views (castle entry at your own expense). Continue to Piazza Mercantile and see the ancient Column of Justice. Remainder of the day is at leisure. We recommend lunch at a typical local restaurant in the city centre or sampling some of Bari’s delicious street food specialties (own expense). Dinner at your hotel.

Depart Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Your journey will continue towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight stay. Dinner included.

Today’s destination is Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique cities in the world. After breakfast, depart by coach to explore the legendary “Sassi di Matera”, ancient cave dwellings inhabited since prehistoric times and carved directly into the limestone. These extraordinary cave homes and winding alleys represent a living history spanning more than 9,000 years, offering a fascinating insight into human resilience and adaptation.
Continue with a visit to the majestic Romanesque Cathedral, which dominates the skyline with its striking Campanile (bell tower) and panoramic position overlooking the Sassi. From here, take in spectacular views across the stone labyrinth below. Your guided tour will reveal the rich architectural and cultural heritage that makes Matera so distinctive.
In the late afternoon, return to Alberobello for dinner and overnight.

Depart Alberobello by coach and travel to Locorotondo, where you will have free time to explore this charming town, part of Puglia’s famous “white towns.”
Reboard the coach and continue to Ostuni, located between the Trulli region and Salento, overlooking a coastal plain filled with ancient olive trees. You’ll have free time to discover another of Puglia’s beautiful white towns, with opportunities for lunch, shopping, and tasting local specialties, including the world-famous Ostuni olive oil (all at your own expense).
In the late afternoon, continue by coach to Lecce, in the heart of the Salento region, for dinner and overnight.  

After breakfast at your hotel, set out on a 3-hour guided tour of Lecce. Visit the historic old town centre, including the 12th-century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo.
Following the tour, board the coach and depart for Otranto, where you will have free time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful coastal city at your own pace. Over the centuries, Otranto has been influenced by many civilisations, including Greek, Roman, and Turkish cultures, all of which have left their mark on the city. Wander through the old quarters to see how these traditions blend together.
Be sure to visit the iconic Cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. Its magnificent mosaic floor is considered comparable in richness and significance to the famous mosaics of Ravenna.
In the early evening, continue to Maglie for dinner at the “Masseria L’Uliveto.” Visit this historic farm and discover more about the history and culture of Puglia while sampling traditional regional dishes and local products. Later in the evening, return to Lecce for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel back to Bari through the scenic Murge Plateau and the picturesque Valle d’Itria, known for its olive groves and vineyards. Stop in Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town featuring impressive churches, noble palaces, and charming piazzas, including Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. Free time will be available to explore the town.
Continue to Masseria Montenapoleone for a hands-on culinary experience focused on traditional Pugliese cuisine. Guided by the local massaro, learn how to prepare fresh pasta including orecchiette, cavatelli, and strascinate, while discovering local traditions and regional wheat varieties. The experience is accompanied by a glass of wine, followed by a lunch featuring your handmade pasta and other fresh local specialties from the masseria.
In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a historic fortified seaside town with a maze of narrow streets and a rich maritime history linked to the Crusades and trade with Constantinople. Later, continue to Bari for your overnight stay.

This morning you will be transferred to Bari Airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Italy
• Return airport transfers
• 7 nights hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• 1 lunch
• 5 dinners
• Cooking class at Masseria
• Modern Air-conditioned touring vehicle
• Visit Bari, Mater and Lecce with a local guide
• English speaking tour escort throughout
• Sightseeing and visits as specified in itinerary
• Italy Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International Airfares
• Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
• Optional tours and excursions
• Entrance fees not mentioned
• Drinks during meals
• Porterage
• Mandatory Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above