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(V. Iurilli, O. Simone and M. Tropeano)

 

9.00: Departure from Matera

Stop 1 - Matera, Belvedere locality

A "special" look to the old town ("Sassi") of Matera, placed on the right wall of a canyon-type valley ("gravina") along the boundary between the foredeep and foreland domains. 

Stop 2 - Altamura, Pontrelli quarry, the dinosaurs footprints

Dinosaurs footprints impressed on the top a mudstone layer belonging to the Cretaceous “Calcare di Altamura” Formation of the Apulian Carbonate Platform.

13.00: Altamura (countryside), lunch break.

Stop 3 - Altamura, Masseria Ragone, the Altamura Man

A "virtual tour" through the cave where, in 1993, speleologists found the almost complete skeleton of the "Altamura Man", a Homo neanderthalesis.

Stop 4 - Altamura and Gravina in Puglia area, the Murgian "Puli"

Spectacular collapse dolines, among the largest in the Italian karst landscape.

18.00: arrival to Bari (Bari Palese aeroport – Bari train station)

25 Sept. - The Romanic Cathedrals

Trani Cathedral Castel del Monte

This full day tour introduces you to the many architectural delights dating from the Swabian era.  See the dazzling town of Trani and the impressive Castel del Monte with its incomparable views.

The lovely town of Trani is constructed of pale stone, which contrasts beautifully with the blue sea of the pretty harbour. The wide paved streets and elegant buildings show the prosperity Trani gained over the centuries. You’ll visit Trani Cathedral, which features typical Apulian-Romanesque architecture. Its location next to the glittering sea makes this Cathedral picture perfect.

Before leaving Trani you’ll see the Swabian Castle, constructed for Frederick II of Swabia in 1233. This impressive fortified structure has undergone numerous renovations and today reflects its more military purpose.

During your tour you’ll have a chance to sample some of the wonderful foods during lunch at a local restaurant.


A highlight of your tour will be a visit to Castel del Monte. This precisely designed castle was built for Fredric II and has an octagonal central structure, with 8 identical towers. The hilltop location affords magnificent views over the surrounding countryside and to the town of Andria.  The castle has been restored to its former 12th century glory and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 


 

26 Sept. - Bari

Bari Bari - Teatro Margherita
Bari - Castello Svevo Bari - Basilica of St Nicholas

Allow your guide to show you the delights of the fascinating city of Bari, principal of the Apulian region.  Discover the old town with its impressive castle and cathedral, the quaint cobbled streets and bustling piazzas.

Visit Bari’s wonderful Swabian Castle built for Frederick II. Modifications carried out by the Aragonese in the 1500’s were undertaken to accommodate Isabel of Aragon.

Appreciate the marvellous gothic façade and wonderfully animated rose window of St Sabine’s Cathedral.  During your walk you’ll also be introduced to the Basilica of St Nicholas, the symbol of Bari. This impressive basilica houses the mortal remains of Saint Nicholas and is a masterpiece of Apulian- Romanesque architecture. During your visit your guide will recount the tales of Saint Nicholas and how his plight came to be know as modern day Santa Claus.

The narrow cobbled streets and piazzas of the Old Town are a delight to explore. Enjoy the facades of the medieval buildings, the small Renaissance and Baroque churches packed tightly into the small streets lined with quaint shops, restaurants and bars, all emanating a heady atmosphere of local life.

 


 

27 Sept. - Matera

Matera Matera
Matera Matera

This delightful tour shows you beautiful Apulian and Basilicata landscapes, the clustered hilltop town of Matera with its intriguing caves.

Travel inland to enjoy views of the Apulian countryside as you reach the region of Basilicata. Here you’ll stop at a wonderful viewpoint to capture the scene of Matera crowning the hilltop in the distance.

On entering Matera, you’ll embark on a walking tour to discover the hidden gems of this clustered hilltop town. Your guide will take you down through the town’s hillside to an ancient ‘Sassi’ cave dwelling. Learn of how local people lived in these caves until as recently as 1968!  You’ll have free time in Matera to wander at leisure, take in the spectacular views, browse the shops, see the churches and museums or simply relax in a nearby café and watch the world go by.

 

For other tourist information, please, visit: Viaggiare in Puglia

supported by

Regione Puglia Regione Basilicata Provincia di Bari Comune di Bari Università degli Studi di Bari Università degli Studi della Basilicata ISPRA The Geological Surveys of Europe Consiglio Nazionale dei Geologi Società Geologica Italiana Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Puglia Parco Nazionale del Gargano Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia Parco Nazionale Appennino Lucano Val d'Agri Lagonegrese