Alberobello's Trulli & Apulian Delicacies
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Port
Bari (Puglia), Italy
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$114.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Spend a day walking through the pages of a fairytale in the quaint village of Alberobello, occupied by mortals since the 14th century.
The intrigue begins as you board your air-conditioned coach at the pier and travel southeast through picturesque countryside and lively cities. You're headed to the village of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that closely resembles a movie set. Whitewashed buildings with grey roofs lend the village a magical atmosphere, and more than 1,400 cone-shaped buildings known as trulli dot the cobblestone streets and hillsides. Walk through the town and learn about its history, which began in the Bronze Age. Thousands of years ago, residents built their homes out of the only material available -- limestone. Made without mortar, they could easily be torn down and rebuilt. According to UNESCO, they're an "exceptional example of vernacular architecture," which "represents a remarkable survival of prehistoric building techniques." Many of the trulli boast roofs adorned with painted symbols, such as a cross or a heart pierced by an arrow, to bring luck to the house. The Old Town alone boasts about 1,000 dwellings lining the winding streets and climbing the hillside -- the views from the top are awe-inspiring.
Visit the much newer Church of Saint Anthony, built in 1927.
Your guide will lead you to a rustic farmhouse called a masseria, where you can relax with a glass of local wine and a golden slice of Apulian focaccia. This regional specialty is topped with cherry tomatoes and oregano.
Enjoy free time to meander back through the Old Town for a little shopping before you return to Bari.
Notes:
Tour requires extensive walking over uneven surfaces and steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes; bring a hat. Inside church visit(s) may not be possible if religious services are being held. Modest attire is required for visiting churches or cathedrals; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered; shorts are not allowed. Shops in Alberobello are closed on Thursday mornings; otherwise, they are open 9am - 1pm. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.