SIGE by Kubik-Rubik.de

Castles Tour

Price

€ 1140 per person

Tour introduction | Detailed program | Booking conditions | Reservation form | Itinerary

Tour introduction

This itinerary will give you the chance to live the history of Normans, Swabians and the following dominations that enriched Puglia with their towers and fortresses.

You will start with the capital of the region, Bari, which had various dominations and it represents the union between East and West: this is the place where Catholic Church meets Ortodoxes, and the annual "Fiera del Levante" brings people from all around the Mediterranean area.

The tour will proceed with Monopoli, Conversano, Barletta and Castel del Monte, summer residence of Frederick II of Swabia and UNESCO patrimony. All these towns developed their own identities around magnificent castles, symbols of feudal conflicts, legends and court celebrations.

Conversano will fascinate your spirits with its legends related to the famous and dreadful Earl Giangirolamo, and it will conquer your heart with its castle, siege of a strong and powerful county, its churches, its palaces and alleys.

Going south, you will enjoy a stroll in the old cities of Carovigno and Brindisi, sharing Messapian origins and fate under several dominations: the remains of that past era is now visible through the ancient ruins and their castles.

The last day will be dedicated to Norman-Swabian castles, visiting three of the most ancient towns in Puglia. You will enjoy a good insight of Mesagne and the fiabesque look of Oria, also quoted by Erodotus, and the charme of Grottaglie will persuade you to come back more often to see the rest of Puglia.

Detailed program

Day 1

• 3pm: Participants' meeting in the "Arrivals" hall of Bari airport.
• Afternoon: Visit of Bari old town (St Nicholas Basilica, St Sabinus Cathedral, Norman Castle, Ferrarese square)
• Transfer to the b&b
• Evening: Stroll in Monopoli with its castle facing the sea and dinner.
• Overnight.

Day 2

• Morning: breakfast at the b&b and transfer to Castel Del Monte. Guided tour of the famous summer residence of Frederick II, part of the UNESCO Heritage. After the tour, transfer to Barletta for a guided tour of the old town (Basilica, Castle, Cellar of the Challenge). Lunch on your own.
• Afternoon: Transfer to Conversano, where you can admire the Castle (XI century), the Cathedral, an example of Apulian Romanesque style, the Monastery of St. Benedict and lovely alleys and arches in its old town.
• Evening: Return to the b&b and dinner.
• Overnight.

Day 3

• Morning: breakfast at the b&b and transfer to Carovigno. Guided tour of the old town and castle. After the tour, lunch and transfer to Brindisi.
• Afternoon: Visit of Brindisi and view of the castle. Return to b&b.
• Evening: Transfer to Polignano a Mare for dinner and evening on your own.
• Overnight.

Day 4

• Morning: breakfast at the b&b and departure for Mesagne at 8.30. Guided tour of Mesagne castle and old town. At the end of the tour, transfer to Oria for visiting its castle and old town. Lunch on your own.
• Afternoon: transfer to Grottaglie. Guided tour of Grottaglie castle and old town. Free time for shopping in the "ceramics quarter".
• Evening: Return to the b&b and dinner.
• Overnight.

Day 5

• Breakfast at the b&b and transfer to the airport.

Booking conditions

Minimum of 8 participants.

The price refers to the total cost per person, including VAT.

At the time of booking only 25% of the amount will be required as deposit.

The balance payment must be made within 90 days before departure, subject to confirmation of the minimum number of participants in the tour.

If the minimum number is not confirmed, Discovery Puglia will move the booking to the next tour available at no extra charge or provide a refund of the deposit.

Discovery Puglia has no responsibility for any cancellation penalties due to non-refundable airfares or additional services booked by the customers.

Travel insurance is not included and, should you not have one already, Discovery Puglia Limited highly recommends you buy yours through the link Travel Insurance.

Read full Tour booking conditions

Quote includes

• Transportation on GT Minicoach for the whole tour.
• Professional tour guide.
• Accommodation in B&B, double room basis.
• Overnight stay and rich breakfast.
• Dinners with typical products tasting.
• Guided tours: afternoon Bari, morning Castel Del Monte and Barletta, afternoon Conversano, morning Carovigno, afternoon Brindisi, morning Mesagne and Oria, afternoon Grottaglie.

Quote does not include

• Single supplement €30.
• Flight.
• Drinks and beverage and all the admissions where otherwise specified, porterage and everything not expressely mentioned in "Quote includes".

Reservation form

Itinerary