Uncover the sublime medieval landmarks of Bari, a hallowed city said to hold the remains of two revered saints, on this enlightening walking tour. After a brief drive through downtown Bari, you’ll arrive at the Old Town and begin a walking tour that leads you to the Norman-Swabian castle, symbol of the city and its most dominant structure. You’ll marvel at this spectacular example of medieval construction, which features an impressive stone bridge over a dry moat, sheer ramparts and several imposing towers. Continuing through the Old Town’s warren of narrow streets, you may see women hand-making a pasta called orecchiette, meaning little ears, on tabletops outside their homes, as this uniquely shaped treat is a favorite throughout the Puglia region at the heel of Italy’s boot. Admire the Cathedral of San Sabino, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque design that, according to legend, shelters its namesake saint’s relics, and the splendid Saint Nicolas Basilica, also a resting place for its venerated saint. Delight in a stroll along Bari’s ancient defensive walls and, if you choose, remain in bustling Piazza Massari to browse the tempting shops of bewitching Bari.

Behold the natural underground wonders of the labyrinthine Grotte di Castellana caves and enjoy free time in the seaside village of Polignano a Mare. You’ll drive to the scenic Itria Valley and find the limestone Grotte di Castellana, discovered in 1938 yet created millions of years ago when an ancient sea retreated. Learn the Grotte di Castellana comprises the longest network of caves in Italy and, as you walk through them, treasure extraordinary natural sights such as the massive main chamber, which glows under natural light. Study stalactites and stalagmites named to reflect their familiar shapes, which include an owl, a slab of bacon and even the Madonna. You’ll agree the White Cave truly captures the imagination, as its uniformly snowy alabaster walls, enhanced by the sparkling crystals coating them, are said to shine brighter than any other cave walls in the world. Returning to the coast, appreciate time on your own in the cliffside village of Polignano a Mare. Stroll alluring streets beside architecture that reflects Arab, Byzantine, Spanish and Norman styles, perhaps spotting the stately archway for the gate that was once the only access into this utterly entrancing town.

Gain a deeper understanding of life in the ancient world on a guided tour of the cave dwellings and subterranean churches in the hilltop village of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Settle in for a scenic drive to Matera, whose earliest residences, known as sassi, were simple caves hand-cut out of the soft-rock mountains. Learn the setting is so visually stunning that it was used as the backdrop for scenes in 2004’s The Passion of the Christ, as the area is often called the Second Bethlehem. You’ll stroll narrow lanes that ascend and descend according to the hills’ contours to the Casa Grotta, a quintessential example of Matera’s enthralling cave homes. As you stand on one of the town’s abundant terraces, look across to nearby cave-dotted hills that will transport you to a long-gone and mysterious age, although, amazingly, some caves were occupied as recently as the 1950s. You’ll find that Materans also worshipped in cave churches, many of which are adorned with frescoes painted directly on the rock. Following your captivating tour, revel in time at your leisure to immerse yourself further in uniquely enticing Matera.

Admire the medieval landmarks of seaside Trani and travel into the countryside for a sampling of olive oils whose taste reflects Puglia’s character. You’ll drive up the coast to the sophisticated city of Trani, which boasts a picturesque marina and a wonderfully atmospheric Old Town. See the imposing castle built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, an impressive structure redesigned numerous times over the years as weaponry and methods of attack changed. You’ll agree that Trani’s cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim and was constructed beside the sea about 100 years prior to the castle, is equally superb. Exult in free time to meander along the waterfront or further explore the town’s medieval landmarks before your drive down the coast to Bisceglie, which is renowned for its superlative olive oil. At the esteemed Galantino family estate, you’ll taste fine varietals crafted with coratina olives, which produce an intensely fruity oil, and ogliarola olives, which are more delicate. To enhance your sampling, you’ll also feast on freshly baked bread, local greens and cheese, as well as mouthwatering small pretzels known as tarallini, a perfect accompaniment to Galantino’s golden elixir.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in traditional life while exploring the village of Ostuni, which is known as the White City for its radiant whitewashed buildings. The name Ostuni derives from a Greek word meaning “new city,” probably referring to the fact that it was built over a much earlier settlement. Be sure to notice how the sunlight reflects off the whitewash, illuminating areas of the narrow streets that might otherwise be in shadow. Your exploration will begin in the Piazza della Libertà, a beautiful square that Sant’Oronzo Church dominates. It is named for the saint who according to legend saved the town from the plaque in 1656. The Ostuni Cathedral is another religious treasure. Originally Romanesque in design, it was rebuilt in a Gothic style after a 15th-century earthquake damaged it. Because of its elevation, Ostuni offers wonderful views, especially over the sea of olive groves that separates the village from the Adriatic.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wander about Ostuni, nicknamed the White City for its whitewashed architecture.
• See highlights such as the town hall and Sant’Oronzo Church in Ostuni’s main square.
• Behold the Ostuni Cathedral and especially note its rose window.
• Enjoy sweeping views from throughout Ostuni as the town sits atop a high hill.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Wonder at the town of Alberobello’s unique cone-shaped buildings, which were ingeniously constructed from limestone using a prehistoric technique that doesn’t require mortar. You’ll travel down the heel of Italy’s boot to Alberobello, a hillside town named for the beautiful ancient oaks that once covered the area. Appreciate the town’s main draw is architectural in nature, as Alberobello boasts a marvelous collection of conical-shaped, mortarless, whitewashed limestone buildings known as trulli that have been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. See many of the finest examples of trulli in the Aja Piccola district, where you’ll walk along the twisting lanes and peer inside some of the striking residences. Notice the roofs display mythological or religious symbols and the interiors typically feature recessed stone fireplaces, narrow windows and barrel-vaulted niches. In the Rione Monti district, stroll among hundreds more trulli and come across the Church of Saint Anthony, a sanctuary completed in 1927 that is built in the shape of trulli and topped with a Greek cross. As you examine the equally captivating interior, contemplate the truly unusual ingenuity of Alberobello’s citizens.