Italy A Passion for Puglia

Depart home today on your overnight flight to Bari (BRI), Italy (flights may connect through Rome). (meals on plane)

We have found that the majority of participants like to have an additional evening to rest and get over jet lag. The Bari airport is less than 10 miles from the old city center and harbor of Bari; therefore we have included an overnight stay in the old town. Take a taxi to the hotel and depending on your energy level you can rest or walk on your own to get a feel for what is to come on your tour of Puglia. Suggestions to check out: the famous Basilica of St Nicholas, walk through the fascinating old quarter known as Bari Vecchia, where the local ladies still make pasta by hand sitting outside their houses. Bari castle is Norman and surrounded by a moat on three side, and original towers with a nice view of the old town. Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade is a fantastic place to be at sunset. If you would like to opt out of this evening, please call Strabo Tours for credit information and the time you will need to arrive the next day. Overnight Bari Hotel

The tour bus collects you after breakfast at the hotel. You will need to be checked out and ready to travel with camera gear in hand. Your guide will welcome you to Italy and give you all the information about the tour en route to your first adventure – Trani. A historic fishing port on the Adriatic Coast. It’s a lovely introduction to Puglia, quieter than most you will be able to walk the promenade and photograph the yachts and fishing boats in the harbor.

On the way to the Basilicata region, you will stop at the picturesque town of Gravina to immortalize the breathtaking beauty of the town’s magnificent Roman bridge, an architectural marvel that whispers tales of history through its ancient stones. As a photographer, you’ll have the privilege of capturing not only the bridge’s structural elegance but also the enchanting interplay of light and shadow that dances across its weathered stones.

Continue through the countryside to the UNESCO site in Matera, Basilicata region (border to Puglia). Matera was elected the European capital of culture in 2019. Best known as the Sassi di Matera, an ancient city with houses and churches that have been excavated into the rocks and inhabited since the Stone Age. Continue with a photography walk this evening when the city begins to light up. Welcome dinner based on traditional local specialties and wine!

The next day take a day trip to the central part of the Basilicata region, Castelmezzano, a village located by a breath-taking wide valley. Located in the spectacular Dolomiti Lucane, mountains that draw a unique landscape through their rocky contour.  Return to Matera, this evening you will photograph at the belvedere, offering commanding views of the city at sunset. Mel Gibson chose to shoot the film “The Passion of the Christ” amidst this unique landscape. Overnight Matera (B, D; B) (meals listed each day B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=Dinner)

On the way to Lecce city stop in Grottaglie for the ceramic district, visit and photograph with local artisans making hand-made ceramics. Then on to the lovely Apulian countryside, with wine tasting and light lunch. Then stop in the Apulian countryside, in the area of Negroamaro vineyardswith a visit local winery visit. After photographing the winery’s production area and the cellar with oak barrels, you will have a private lunch with wine pairing. Arrive to Lecce and enjoy a brief rest after checking in to the hotel. The superb beauty of its Baroque churches and elegant noble buildings, Lecce is called “the Florence of the Southern Italy”. Lecce is also famous for the cartapesta (papier-mâché art).

The next morning depart early, driving to the Adriatic Coast with photography of some of the beautiful natural bays Faraglioni and Grota della Poesia, where you’ll be charmed by a wonderful emerald, green lake set amidst rugged limestone cliffs. Then visit Otranto, full of interesting sights to visit while wandering through the town’s maze of narrow streets and passages. The beautiful Cathedral of Otranto holds one of the largest mosaics in Europe. Conclude your day with a captivating stop at Punta Palascia Lighthouse, Italy’s easternmost point, perched high upon a rugged cliff. At this location, you can capture the radiant beauty of the sun’s warm glow on the rugged cliffs along the Mediterranean. Late in the day you will drive along the Ionian Sea. Stop in Santa Cesarea Terme, a small fishing village famous for its natural thermal springs and stunning cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s a must-visit for photography enthusiasts due to its combination of natural wonders, architectural elegance, and captivating coastal scenery.

This morning you will have time to enjoy Lecce. It’s one of the few places, besides Bari to do a bit of shopping, as they have very interesting shops. Lecce is famous for the cartapesta (paper-mache art), you will see local shops and artists as they work. Alternatively there is much to photograph as it is one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia. Its city gates together with narrow sandstone streets are breathtaking, you will find something around every corner. Late this afternoon you will travel outside the city. Given time and weather you may stop in Galatina, then on to the stunning town of Gallipoli. Known for its historic charm, crystal- clear waters, and vibrant streets, Gallipoli is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll conclude your day with a visit to this coastal gem, where the magic of a Gallipoli sunset will provide a memorable ending of this day trip.  Overnight Lecce (B, L; B; B, D)

After breakfast you will depart for Ostuni, best known as the “white city”. There will be a walking tour along the ancient walls and narrow streets, where some of the most picturesque spots are visible. Your guide will recommend some local restaurants for you to enjoy. Then stop in a local farmhouse where you will enjoy an olive oil tasting and can photograph an ancient oil mill underground and centuries old olive trees that are considered real “sculptures of nature”. Puglia has more than 60 million olive trees, and in this particular area close to the sea you can find some trees that are more than 1.000 years old!

Our trip continues driving to Monopoli. It is a typical Mediterranean town located on the Adriatic Sea and it was a thriving seaport, although its strategic position made it the object of regular attacks by pirates. Walking by the port, in the evening you can see fishermen with their fresh catch of the day. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy Pizza & Birra in a famous pizzeria of the town.

After breakfast, explore and photograph more of the small village of Locorotondo. The old town layout follows a circular plan, with narrow and concentric arranged streets lined with whitewashed houses called cummerse.

Then visit and lunch in a local farm famous for the production of Apulian organic cheese. You can taste freshly hand-made excellent mozzarella, burrata and other Apulian cheeses! Mariangela, the owner of the farm, will cook a traditional family lunch and she will show you how to make fresh Mozzarella, hand-made of course!

In the afternoon enjoy Alberobello, the capital of the Trulli and a UNESCO Site. Trulli are ancient 13th century stone houses with a round shape, conical roof, and a pinnacle on the top. Enjoy a guided photography walk along the Trulli district and visit St Anthony’s Church, the unique trulli church. Waiting for the sunset, photograph up above the town away from the typical tourist district.

The next day your guide will take you to Polignano a Mare, a characteristic Mediterranean fishing village that stands on a rocky cliff. Enjoy photographic opportunities by the sea before reaching the village. Guided walking tour through the historical downtown where with the particular light of the sunset you can photograph houses and terraces directly overlooking the sea. Overnight Monopoli (B, D; B, L D; B, D)

Given time there will be a group breakfast and an early morning group transfer to the Bari airport (time to be announced). (B)