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Apulia ─ in the Land of the Trulli and the Staufers

Name: Apulia ─ in the Land of the Trulli and the Staufers
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2098.22 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Italy

Flight:

Included

Favorite

Tour id:

297347

Operator:

Gebeco
Length:

8 days
Group size:

26 pax
Age:

0 to 0
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

16.09-23.09.25 scheduled
07.10-14.10.25 scheduled
14.10-21.10.25 scheduled
07.04-14.04.26 scheduled
28.04-05.05.26 scheduled

Itinerary

Follow me to the fairytale landscape of the trulli: to Apulia. We will experience medieval crusader ports in detail, follow the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II and try to unravel the mystery of Castel del Monte. Come with me to Puglia and I'll show you why this region is a real insider tip! Your Edna Thörner

Tour program

Day 1

Journey to Ostuni

You fly to Bari and drive to your hotel in Ostuni Marina, only around ten kilometers from the picturesque town of Ostuni with its whitewashed houses. Make yourself comfortable in the quiet complex, try out the pool or take a first look at the Adriatic Sea! (A)

Day 2

Martina Franca and Ostuni

After a short drive through the olive groves, we arrive in the idyllic little town of Martina Franca. Today is market day and, of course, we can't miss a visit to the market, where the fresh fruit and vegetables are held right under our noses. During our walk we meet friendly people and a well-kept, attractive townscape. Afterwards, we try the excellent olive oil from Puglia and taste the difference to the mass-produced goods from the supermarket. And then we see the "città bianca", the white town of Ostuni, from afar up on a hill. Winding narrow streets lead through the historic town center to the cathedral and Piazza della Libertà. 90 km (F, A)

Day 3

Capital Bari and Bitonto

We continue along the coast to the capital of Apulia, Bari. The predominantly car-free old town of Bari Vecchia is located on a headland between two harbors and attracts visitors with its narrow, winding streets and numerous historic buildings. In the church of San Nicola, we stand in front of the tomb of St. Nicholas, stroll through the medieval old town and visit the Romanesque church of San Sabino. In the afternoon we travel to Bitonto. Nicholas of Bari preached in the local cathedral ─ before the Hohenstaufen King Frederick II. What was it about? A relief in the Romanesque church tells us! 210 km (F, A)

Day 4

Trani and the Castel del Monte

We drive to Trani, idyllically situated by the sea. The 11th century Norman cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Apulia. Like most of the buildings in the old town, it is made of a light reddish shimmering natural stone, which gives it a very harmonious appearance. Trani is also a member of "Cittaslow", a movement for deceleration and more awareness and quality of life in Italian cities. Let yourself be infected by the serenity and enjoy the drive through the countryside to the highlight of the day: the famous octagonal Castel del Monte. The "stone crown of Apulia" is a mystery. Was the castle planned as a hunting lodge or even as a vault for the state treasury? Let's go in search of explanations on site and talk about the Hohenstaufen dynasty. 315 km (F, A)

Day 5

In the land of the trulli

We descend into the breathtaking cave system of the Castellana Caves. The fantastically shaped stalagmites and stalagtites at depths of up to 60 meters take us into an unknown world. Back on the surface, we see the first trulli on our way through the limestone plain of the Murge. In the town of Alberobello there are over 1,000 of these strange houses, built without mortar and with corbelled vaults. A more than picturesque sight, rightly worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status. After driving through the Itria Valley, we remember that Apulia also produces excellent wine. During a wine tasting with a small but very typical snack, we try the good wines and some local delicacies. Finally, we reach the seaside town of Monopoli and take a relaxing stroll along the sea. 150 km (F, A)

Day 6

The Sassi of Matera

The journey first takes us through beautiful countryside to Altamura, where we stroll through the historic old town. We then reach the picturesque rock town of Matera. In addition to fantastic views, this town is famous for its rock dwellings carved into the limestone tuff ─ the so-called Sassi, which were inhabited until the 1950s. 285 km (F, A)

Day 7

Deep into the south

Today we are heading deep into the heel of Italy's boot. Our first destination is Lecce, the "Pearl of Baroque" in Apulia. We walk to Piazza Oronzo in the heart of the city and admire the remains of the amphitheater. On our walk through the city, we experience the hustle and bustle in the streets and admire one of the most beautiful examples of Lecce Baroque ─ the church of Santa Croce. We take a short lunch break in the old town and continue on to Otranto. What are the "800 martyrs of Otranto" all about? We find out in the Cathedral of Santissima Annunziata. Then we marvel at the completely preserved mosaic floor, which has adorned the church for 900 years. The Byzantine frescoes in the church of San Pietro provide an art historical comparison. At our last dinner together, we discuss the experiences of the past few days once again. What was your personal highlight? 240 km (F, A)

Day 8

Return journey or connecting vacation

We say goodbye to Puglia, the Hohenstaufen family and the trulli. On the way back to the airport, we can review the impressions once again in our mind's eye. If you have booked a few more days of connecting vacation, we wish you lots of fun. (F)

We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the flight schedule, hotel and program.

(F=breakfast, A=dinner)

Tour Details

others

* not included if traveling on your own

The caves of Castellana

Trulli quarter in Alberobello

"Cittaslow" feeling in Trani

Snack with wine in Alberobello

Dates without single room supplement

Use of audio equipment

All entrance fees

Location

Marina di Ostuni

accommodation

7 nights in a hotel (bath or shower/WC) incl. local taxes

The Masseria S. Lucia is a converted country house located about ten kilometers from Ostuni. The hotel has direct access to the sea (about 500 meters on foot) with a private sandy beach with parasols and sun loungers. The complex extends in several buildings over a large area with Mediterranean vegetation. The large pool (open from June to September) and the sun terrace invite you to relax. The rooms are all equipped with telephone, satellite TV, minibar and air conditioning. The hotel has also been awarded the EU Ecolabel, which attests to its special commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. WLAN is available throughout the hotel.

flights

Train to flight 1st class*

Flights with a renowned airline in economy class from/to Munich to/from Bari (plus flight surcharge if applicable)*

Air traffic tax, airport and flight security fees*

guide

German-speaking qualified Gebeco study tour guide

Travel literature to choose from

meals

7 breakfasts, 7 dinners

transport

Round trip/excursions in a typical local minibus or coach with air conditioning

Transfers on arrival and departure day*

Good to know

Currency

€

Euro

Italy

Plugs and adapters

Plug type L

Customer reviews

Operator

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.