Half Day Tours
Alberobello – Polignano a Mare
Departure for Alberobello: along the beautiful panoramic road that climbs from the sea to the Murgia hills and crosses the impressive Canale di Pirro with its rolling hills, vineyards and rural architecture. Visit to the capital of the Trulli, ancient limestone dwellings embellished with conical roofs, which were declared aWorld Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Take a walk between the two most typical districts, Monti and Aia Piccola until you reach Parrocchia Sant’Antonio di Padovaa, a unique church built in trullo style. Learn some fun facts, myths and legends about the white symbols which decorate the most famous roofs in Italy.
Departure for Polignano a Mare, a small coastal town with its charming caves and the best view on them from the balconies overlooking the Adriatic sea. The Old Door Archway will lead you to the Old Town still fortified with original ancient walls. From there on there is a net of narrow streets and white houses of simple construction. In a beautiful medieval square you will find the Cathedral of the Madonna Assunta, which houses the relics of St. Vito, the patron saint, and the Palazzo del Sedile. Continue walking along the ancient Roman bridge until you reach the statue of a famous Italian singer Domenico Modugno who was born in Polignano (here you can have a break and enjoy a “special”coffee and an ice-cream).
Full Day Tours
Bari – Conversano – Polignano a Mare
Departure for Bari, by the road which stretches along the Adriatic sea (with possible coffee-break on the seafront in Mola di Bari, Italy); arrival to the capital of Apulia and visit to the old town “Bari Vecchia”, well- known for the relics of San Nicola, visit to the Basilica, to the Piazza del Ferrarese and to the Piazza Mercantile. Outside the Old Town there is an elegant nineteenth-century district Murattiano with its luxurious shops. Here you can admire the Margherita theatre and a famous Petruzzelli theatre.
A ride along the Nazario Sauro seafront and on the way to Conversano, a medieval town with its original structure, which is located on the Murge hills. The symbol of Conversano is its medieval castle dominating the surrounding landscape.
Visit to the beautiful old town and to the Romanesque cathedral.
Departure for Polignano a Mare, a small coastal town with its charming caves and the best view on them from the balconies overlooking the Adriatic sea. The Old Door Archway will lead you to the Old Town still fortified with original ancient walls. From there on there is a net of narrow streets and white houses of simple construction. In a beautiful medieval square you will find the Cathedral of the Madonna Assunta, which houses the relics of St. Vito, the patron saint, and the Palazzo del Sedile. Continue walking along the ancient Roman bridge until you reach the statue of a famous Italian singer Domenico Modugno who was born in Polignano (here you can have a break and enjoy a “special”coffee and an ice-cream).
Villages of Itria Valley: Ostuni – Locorotondo – Martina Franca
Departure for Ostuni. A trip along the picturesque roads lined with age-old olive trees with stops to admire these natural sculptures. Arrival to the “white town”: a medieval town, one of the most beautiful in Italy, with its maze of narrow streets and lime houses, a panoramic view of the Itria Valley and the monumental Mother Church, dedicated to the Madonna Assunta, decorated with a fifteenth-century rose – one of the largest in Europe.
Departure for Martina Franca, along beautiful Apulian countryside roads, olive groves, cherry orchards, drystone walls and trulli. Arrival in the beautiful town called “the parlour of the Itria Valley”, built on the hills that overlook spectacular views. Elegant, baroque, monumental, with a delightful piazza Roma crowned by the Palazzo Ducale, Martina Franca was the true embodyment of aristocracy centuries ago.
Walk through the streets, the courtyards, the balconies and the decorated portals until you reach the heart of the historic centre and the Basilica of San Martino, exemplifying the climax of Baroque architecture and housing important relics. Further on you will see the Porches, the medieval maze, the Church of San Domenico and will have an opportunity to admire the “pumi”, symbolic objects typical of the towns located in the Itria Valley.
Departure for Locorotondo: a small circular town which has received the Italian Orange Flag for sustainable tourism. The white of the lime is all around here, enhancing the intense colour of flowers on the balconies. Walk among the typical conical roofs called “cummerse” made of grey stone chiancarelle. Everything looks lovely and intimate in this historic town, though, giving you a sense of order both in faith and art.
DEPARTURE FROM BARI
Itinerario Mezza Giornata
MATERA
Discovering Matera: a scenic route from Bari through nature, flavors, and culture
Exploring Matera from Bari is a unique journey through authentic flavors, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient history. Here’s an unforgettable itinerary with handpicked stops that make the road part of the experience.
First stop: a break in the Mercadante Forest with cheesemaker Vito Di Cecca
On your way from Bari to Matera, we recommend a stop in the peaceful Mercadante Forest, where you’ll find the renowned Vito Di Cecca, known as Italy’s most famous cheesemaker. In the heart of the woods, he’s opened an innovative Cheese Bar, perfect for tasting high-quality artisan cheeses and local dairy specialties.
From there, choose between two scenic detours:
Option 1: Gravina in Puglia – canyons and James Bond views
Heading toward Matera, consider a detour to Gravina in Puglia, a town nestled among dramatic rock ravines. Its iconic stone bridge gained worldwide fame after appearing in the James Bond movie “No Time to Die”. It’s the perfect stop for a photo and a dive into raw natural beauty.
Option 2: Altamura – bread, history, and warm hospitality
Alternatively, visit Altamura, a town cherished by Emperor Frederick II and famous for its PDO bread and traditional baked goods. Savor the authentic local taste with a visit to:
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Antico Forno Santa Caterina, where the beloved “nonnine” (grandmas) welcome you with warmth and the aroma of freshly baked focaccia.
Final destination: Matera, the city of stones
End your trip in Matera, one of Italy’s most magical cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named European Capital of Culture in 2019. Famed for its Sassi — ancient cave dwellings carved into rock — Matera offers a one-of-a-kind blend of spirituality, history, and beauty.
Pro tip: to fully experience Matera, hire a local guide. They’ll take you through rock churches, hidden alleyways, and the soul of the ancient city, turning your visit into a meaningful adventure.
CASTEL DEL MONTE
Itinerary from Bari to Castel del Monte: seaside villages, cathedrals, and iconic landscapes
Discovering northern Puglia from Bari is a journey through history, coastal charm, excellent cuisine, and architectural wonders. This itinerary highlights the best stops along the way, from seaside towns to UNESCO treasures.
First stop: Giovinazzo – medieval charm by the sea
Heading north along the Adriatic coast, make your first stop in Giovinazzo, a charming medieval village where the cathedral blends beautifully into the seafront landscape. Wander through the old town, enjoy a homemade gelato or a slice of focaccia by the sea, and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Perfect for a scenic and relaxing break.
Second stop: Trani – elegance, history, and gourmet dining
Continuing along the coast, you’ll reach the stunning city of Trani, famous for its Romanesque cathedral by the sea, the world-renowned Trani stone, and its high-end dining scene, including several Michelin-starred restaurants.
An ideal spot for a romantic seafood dinner with a view.
Final destination: Castel del Monte – the mysterious crown of Puglia
From Trani, head inland to the majestic Castel del Monte, one of Italy’s most unique monuments, commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia. With its distinctive octagonal shape and stunning hilltop location, this medieval masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A must-see for lovers of art, history, and photography.
Alternative routes: flamingos and authentic flavors
If you want to explore more, visit the Salt Pans of Margherita di Savoia, home to pink flamingos and rare wildlife in a spectacular natural reserve.
For a truly local culinary experience, book well in advance at Antichi Sapori, the farm-to-table restaurant of chef Pietro Zito in Montegrosso, where zero-kilometer cuisine meets authentic southern hospitality.
SOUTH OF BARI
Southern Bari coastal route: seaside towns, street food, and underground wonders
Heading south from Bari takes you on a scenic journey through authentic coastal villages, unforgettable food stops, and natural marvels. Discover the true soul of Puglia along this flexible and flavorful itinerary.
From Bari to Torre a Mare: the southern seafront
Begin your adventure by riding along Bari’s entire southern seafront, a relaxing and panoramic road that leads to Torre a Mare, a charming fishing village perfect for a peaceful break.
Mola di Bari: fish market and local life
Continue on to Mola di Bari, where the fish market in front of the port offers a glimpse into real Italian tradition — loud, lively, and full of character.
A must-see experience for visitors from abroad.
Ripagnola’s Trulli Coast: wild beauty and Insta-spots
Just before reaching Polignano, explore the lesser-known Trulli Coast of Ripagnola, a stunning area of rocky shores and rural charm.
An ideal spot for breathtaking photos and coastal views.
Polignano a Mare: the pearl of Puglia
Next stop is Polignano a Mare, a postcard-perfect town famous for:
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The Lama Monachile bridge — a must for photography lovers
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The local “special coffee” or a tasty gelato
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For modern foodies, a gourmet fish sandwich at Pescaria is a must-try
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Stroll through the historic center, full of white alleys and dramatic cliffside views
Monopoli: seaside beauty and history
Continue south to Monopoli, with its lively historic center by the old port. A wonderful place that blends history, sea life, and modern charm.
Option 1 – Conversano: elegance and Michelin flavors
Alternatively, detour inland to Conversano, a refined town with a peaceful and elegant old center. Don’t miss Evviva Maria, a Puglian street food concept by Michelin-starred chef Maria Cicorella, where traditional dishes are reimagined with sophistication.
Option 2 – Castellana Caves: Europe’s underground wonder
For nature lovers, visit the Castellana Caves, among the largest karst caves in Europe and a UNESCO-listed site. Perfect for guided tours that captivate both adults and kids.
