Ruvo di Puglia

Full Day Excursion to Altamura & Matera

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking your coach transfer to the utterly fascinating town of Matera. On the way there, you will make a stop at the lovely town of Altamura, an important historical town in the very heart of Puglia. The beautiful cathedral in the centre is the focal point of this town and while you are here, you will have the oppurtunity to taste some of the region's most famous culinary delights with a bread tasting. You will be invited to try the area's famous foccacia and while you may have tasted this delicious Italian bread before, this is sure to be the best you've had.

Afterwards, you will continue on to Matera. Renowned for its cinematic landscape and ancient cave dwellings, also known as sassi, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most awe-inspiring in Italy.

For years and years these ‘sassi’ were used as housing for the poor and the squallored conditions were renowned. Since then, however, the area has gained something of a revival with the sassi hosting artists and hippies as well as major film productions. What’s more is that Matera has been named as 2019’s European Capital of Culture indicating how things have entirely flipped for the area.

The third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world, when you visit the sassi, it seems you've been transported back to the ancient Holy Land which is why perhaps the area has often been used to depict biblical scenes for TV and film, including ‘Passion of the Christ’. This is a truly unique and remarkable place just begging to be discovered. You will return to your hotel in the evening time, after a fascinating day.

Full Day Excursion to Alberobello & Polignano a Mare

This morning you will be picked up by coach to visit the fairytale town of Alberobello. Puglia’s picture-perfect town is famous for its conical-roofed dry stone huts, also known as trulli and in this UNESCO World Heritage site, you will find more than your fair share of sights at which to marvel. On your guided tour, you will get to explore its narrow pedestrianised streets, little shops selling local produce and quaint cafés, boasting the perfect espresso. You will then be treated to a traditional, authentic and truly delicious lunch with a glass of wine, at a local masseria. Puglia is known for its fantastic culinary standards, using fresh produce and its famous olive oil.

Afterwards, you will be brought to the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare, famous throughout the world for its mouth-watering gelato. But it’s not just that that will make you fall in love with this town, it’s the glorious surrounds too. Located on top of limestone cliffs, overlooking the ocean, this historic old town is a beautiful labyrinth of narrow roads and alleys, lined with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants for you to peruse. Afterwards, you will be transferred comfortably back to your hotel in time to spend the evening as you wish.

Full Day Excursion to Castel del Monte, Wine Tasting & Visit to Trani

After breakfast, it will be time to take to the raod to visit Castel del Monte. It is a 13th century citadel and castle situated on a hill in Andria in the Apulia region. It was built in the 1240's by the Emperor Frederick II and is now protected as a World Heritage Site. If it looks familiar, it may be because the castle appears on the Italian version of the 1 cent coin.

No tour of Puglia would be complete without the oppurtunity to sample some local produce which is why between stops, you will enjoy a wine tasting in a local vineyard.

After this, its time to visit the 'Pearl of Puglia', the beautiful fishing town of Trani. You will get a chance to visit the cathedral in Trani, which is very impressive and enjoy some time around the stunning harbour. Afterwards, you will be returned to your hotel after another informative and interesting day.