Day 1: Istanbul Airport – Bari – Polignano a Mare – Bari
We meet our valued guests at 03:45 in front of THY’s international departures F counters (counters 1–27) by entering through Gate 3 at Istanbul Airport and complete check-in procedures. We depart for Bari on THY flight TK1445 at 06:45. Upon arrival at Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport at 07:50 local time, we proceed to Bari city center by our private vehicle. Bari is a historic port city on the Adriatic coast, the administrative center of the Puglia region and one of Italy’s 20 administrative regions. With a population of 1.3 million, it is the third-largest city in Southern Italy. On our panoramic tour of Bari, we will see the Old Town (Vecchia Bari), the San Nicola Basilica dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Demre, Antalya (11th century), Teatro Petruzzelli, the largest private opera house in Europe, Palazzo di Città, the city hall, Il Palazzo della Provincia, the government building, and Lungomare di Bari, the waterfront avenue.
After the tour, we head to Polignano a Mare. Polignano is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” with its azure sea, whitewashed houses, and natural beaches carved into the cliffs. It is a charming town with poetic streets and stunning views. It is also the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, famous for the song “Volare.”
After the Polignano visit, we return to our hotel in Bari. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 2: Alberobello – Monopoli – Bari
After breakfast at the hotel, we start our full-day excursion at the time previously announced by our guide. We head to Alberobello, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In this town famous for its traditional cone-roofed stone houses known as trulli, we will take a walk through history. Trullo Sovrano and the Trulli Museum are among the places to be seen.
After the tour, we continue to Monopoli on the Adriatic coast. Known for its harbor, fishing boats, small squares, and colorful houses lined along the seafront, Monopoli is a typical southern town. After a short walk and free time, we return to Bari. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 3: Matera – Lecce – Bari
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our full-day excursion. Our first stop is Matera. We walk through the Sassi district, which has been placed under UNESCO protection for its rock-hewn houses and cave churches. Matera is one of the most impressive historic settlements in Southern Italy.
Then we depart for Lecce. Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce will be seen panoramically through places such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, Sant’Oronzo Square, and the Roman amphitheater.
After the tour, we return to our hotel in Bari and overnight at our hotel.
Day 4: Bari – Istanbul Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and transfer to the airport at the time indicated by our guide. After ticketing and baggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1446 at 08:50. We arrive in Istanbul at 12:00 local time and the tour ends.