Puglia Accessible in a 7 Day Holiday by Rickshaw and Apecar

Exploring the vibrant region of Puglia in southern Italy can be a delightful adventure. Travelers can experience the area’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes by navigating its charming streets via rickshaw and Apecar, unconventional modes of transport that allow for a more leisurely and immersive journey. This 7-day itinerary promises to unveil the captivating cities, quaint villages, and breathtaking coastlines that make Puglia a truly remarkable destination. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the details of this unique and unforgettable exploration.

Key Points

• A 7-day Puglia itinerary exploring Bari, Lecce, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Matera by utilizing eco-friendly modes of transportation like rickshaws and Apecar.
• Experiencing the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning Baroque architecture of Puglia’s cities and charming villages, while navigating the narrow streets and alleyways.
• Enjoying fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and authentic Pugliese cuisine throughout the journey.
• Discovering the unique troglodyte dwellings and ancient character of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Taking in the traditional way of life and exploring the maze-like alleys, whitewashed buildings, and historic centers of Puglia’s picturesque towns.

Exploring Bari: A City of Rich History and Culture

As the tour begins, visitors will discover Bari, a city steeped in rich history and vibrant culture.

The walking tour takes them through the charming old town, marveling at the Romanesque cathedral and the iconic Basilica of St. Nicholas.

The walking tour takes visitors through Bari’s charming old town, where they marvel at the Romanesque cathedral and iconic Basilica of St. Nicholas.

They’ll explore the lively Mercato di Rialto, where locals shop for fresh produce and artisanal goods.

The picturesque port area offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and a chance to savor authentic Pugliese cuisine.

With its captivating blend of ancient and modern, Bari showcases the essence of this fascinating region.

Discovering the Enchanting Lecce: The "Florence of the South"

After exploring the historic city of Bari, the tour journeys onward to the enchanting city of Lecce, often dubbed the "Florence of the South" for its stunning Baroque architecture.

Travellers will wander through the quaint streets, admiring the intricate carvings and ornate facades of the city’s churches and palaces.

The highlight of the Lecce tour is a visit to the Roman amphitheatre, a remarkably well-preserved testament to the city’s ancient past.

With its charming atmosphere and impressive monuments, Lecce captivates visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and Italian charm.

Traversing the Whitewashed Wonders of Ostuni

From Lecce’s magnificent Baroque wonders, the tour journeys to the captivating town of Ostuni, known for its striking whitewashed buildings that cascade down the hillside.

Wandering the maze-like alleys, visitors discover charming cafes, boutiques, and panoramic viewpoints over the Adriatic Sea.

The walking tour explores the historic center, including the impressive 15th-century Cathedral and its scenic plaza.

The historic center of Ostuni is anchored by the impressive 15th-century Cathedral and its scenic central plaza.

Travelers have ample time to get lost in Ostuni’s timeless ambiance, soaking up the lively atmosphere and local culture.

This whitewashed gem offers a refreshing contrast to the ornate Baroque of Lecce, showcasing Puglia’s diverse architectural treasures.

Charming Villages of Locorotondo and Cisternino

Leaving the whitewashed wonders of Ostuni behind, the tour now ventures to the charming villages of Locorotondo and Cisternino.

Locorotondo boasts its historic city center, recognized as one of Italy’s "most beautiful villages." Visitors can wander the maze of whitewashed buildings and admire the conical-roofed trulli houses.

Next, the tour explores Cisternino, known for its picturesque old town and lively market. Guests can browse local artisanal goods and savor the region’s renowned cuisine.

These unspoiled hilltop communities offer a glimpse into Puglia’s traditional way of life, complementing the previous visits to larger cities.

Delving Into the Timeless Allure of Matera

The tour now delves into the timeless allure of Matera, a city that has captivated visitors with its unique and ancient character.

Travelers will explore the city’s historic Sassi districts, where homes and churches have been carved directly into the rocky hillsides. They’ll wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets, discovering hidden churches, museums, and breathtaking vistas.

Matera’s rich history dates back to the Paleolithic era, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable troglodyte dwellings.

The tour offers an immersive experience in this extraordinary, centuries-old city.

Coastal Splendor: The Captivating Otranto

After exploring the ancient wonders of Matera, the tour now takes travelers to the captivating coastal town of Otranto.

Situated along the Adriatic Sea, Otranto enchants with its picturesque harbor, medieval walls, and the iconic Otranto Cathedral. Visitors can wander the charming streets, discover local artisanal shops, and savor the region’s renowned seafood.

The tour includes a guided visit to the cathedral, known for its stunning 12th-century mosaic floor. Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the Castle of Otranto, a well-preserved fortification with panoramic views of the coastline.

With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Otranto promises an unforgettable experience.

Wandering Through the Trulli Homes of Alberobello

Next, the tour takes visitors to the unique and captivating town of Alberobello, known for its distinctive trulli homes.

These whitewashed, conical-roofed structures are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a highlight of the Puglia region.

The walking tour allows travelers to meander through the narrow streets, admiring the charming architecture and learning about the history and construction of these iconic buildings.

A walking tour through Alberobello’s narrow streets, admiring the charming trulli architecture and learning about their history and construction.

Visitors can peek inside some of the trulli, seeing how locals have adapted the unique spaces for modern living.

With its picturesque scenery, Alberobello offers a truly memorable experience on this Puglia adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Under 2 Years Old Join the Tour?

No, infants under 2 years old are not allowed to participate in this tour. The tour overview indicates it’s not accessible for children under 2 years old.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Booking?

The tour has a non-refundable policy, meaning there’s no refund for cancellations. Travelers should be aware of this policy before booking to avoid any unexpected costs if they need to cancel their reservation.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not fully accessible for people with disabilities. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible and near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, though infants under 2 are not allowed.

Can I Request a Different Pickup Location in Bari?

Yes, the traveler can request a different pickup location in Bari. The tour overview states that "Pickup from selected points in Bari" is included, so the traveler can communicate their preferred pickup time and location to the tour provider.

Is the Tour Led by a Professional Guide?

Yes, the tour is led by a professional guide. The tour overview states that private transportation and guided tours in various cities are included, so a professional guide will accompany the group throughout the 7-day holiday.

The Sum Up

Puglia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and gastronomic delights can be explored in just seven days by navigating the region’s charming streets via rickshaw and Apecar. This innovative mode of transport allows travelers to leisurely discover historic cities, picturesque villages, and the captivating Adriatic coastline, seeing the local traditions and flavors of this enchanting corner of Italy.