Puglia - the magic of Southern Italy
- every week
- 8 days
.
Day 1 | Welcome to Bari
Departure from Sofia Airport with a direct airline flight Wizz Air or Ryanair. Landing at Bari airport.
Departure for Barry – the lively port city and regional center of Puglia, which combines a rich historical heritage, a Mediterranean atmosphere and dynamic city life.
Walking tour in the historic center of Bari, included in the price. We will consider St. Savin Cathedral„ – an impressive example of Romanesque architecture in Puglia, whose bright facade and elegant interior combine medieval and baroque elements.
We continue to the Norman-Svean fortress„ – one of the emblems of Bari, whose foundations date back to the 12th century. Today the castle is a space for art exhibitions and cultural events, and a walk along the fortress walls reveals beautiful views of the city, the port and the Adriatic Sea.
We will also visit Basilica of Saint Nicholas„ – one of the most significant religious temples in Puglia, where the relics of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, children and travelers. The basilica, consecrated in 1087, is one of the most remarkable examples of Romanesque architecture in southern Italy.
Free time to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, where we will find small shops, cozy restaurants and cafes. Opportunity to try some of the traditional specialties of Puglia - focaccia, fresh pasta and authentic Italian coffee.
Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Dinner.
Overnight stay.
Day 2 | Matera
Breakfast. Free time for a solo walk and rest in Bari.
Dinner with water included. Overnight stay.
Tourist program upon request and with prior request:
Full-day excursion to Matera with a Bulgarian-speaking guide
The excursion takes place at a minimum 20 registered tourists.
Departure for Matera – a unique city in southern Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its history dates back to the Paleolithic, when the first inhabitants settled in the natural caves in the canyon of the Gravina River. Gradually, they expanded their dwellings, carving them directly into the rock and building the characteristic stepped stone facades.
These dwellings, known as „"sassi"“, were home to the local population for centuries. Living conditions remained almost unchanged until the mid-20th century, when the Italian government undertook a large-scale program to relocate residents to modern housing. The old quarter gradually became deserted and received the nickname „"The Dead City"“.
Over time, Matera has come to life again, and its unique appearance has attracted filmmakers from all over the world. Today, the former cave dwellings have been transformed into shops, restaurants, wine bars, galleries and boutique hotels, making Matera one of the most unusual tourist destinations in Italy.
Walking tour through the historic center and neighborhoods of Sassi, during which we will immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of the city and discover its rock dwellings, churches and panoramic platforms.
Opportunity to visit Sassi Museum„ – the entrance fee is paid additionally: 5 EUR per tourist.
The entrance fee for the rock churches is approximately 4–8 EUR and is paid additionally.
Return to Bari. Free time. Dinner with water included.
Overnight stay.
Day 3 | Alberobeo – Locorotondo
Breakfast. Free time. Dinner with water included. Overnight.
Tourist program upon request and prior request:
Full-day excursion to Alberobello and Locorotondo in Bulgarian. The excursion takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists.
Departure for Alberobello – one of the most emblematic towns of Puglia, known for its unique trulli – traditional stone houses with cylindrical bases and characteristic conical roofs. These unusual buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and make Alberobello one of the most recognizable places in southern Italy.
A walking tour through the historic center, during which we will immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the neighborhoods filled with dozens of authentic trulli. We will see Territorio Museum„, located in a complex of ten connected trullos, as well as the cathedral dedicated to the saints Cosmas and Damian, and the church „"Santa Lucia"“.
We continue to Locorotondo – one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, picturesquely located among the vineyards of the Itria Valley. Its name means „round place“ and is related to the characteristic circular shape of the historic center. The town is also known as „"The City of Balconies"“ because of the beautiful facades, colorful balconies and white houses lined up along its narrow streets.
Walking tour of the historic center and free time for coffee, local specialties and independent exploration of the picturesque streets.
Departure to the hotel. Dinner with water included. Overnight stay.
Day 4 | Ostuni – Martina Franca
Breakfast. Free time. Dinner with water included. Overnight.
Tourist program upon request and prior request:
Full-day excursion to Ostuni and Martina Franca in Bulgarian. The excursion takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists.
Departure for Ostuni – the picturesque „White City“ of Puglia, situated on three hills and famous for its dazzling white houses, narrow streets and beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves. The city is also known for the traditional production of high-quality olive oil and local wine.
A walking tour of the historic center, during which we will see Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary„ – one of the most significant architectural monuments of the city, as well as the episcopal palace and the beautiful palaces of the former aristocratic families. We will walk along the picturesque streets of the old town, among whitewashed houses, arches and small squares, creating the unique atmosphere of Ostuni.
We continue to Martina Franca – an elegant town in the heart of the Itria Valley, known for its exquisite baroque architecture. The historic center impresses with its beautiful palaces, churches and squares, among which stands out Roma Square„ and the majestic Palace of the Dukes.
Walking tour of the old town and free time for coffee, local specialties and independent exploration of the charming streets.
Departure to the hotel. Dinner with water included. Overnight stay.
Day 5 | Leuca – Gallipoli
Breakfast. Free time. Dinner with water included. Overnight.
Tourist program upon request and prior request:
Full-day excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli in Bulgarian. The excursion takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists.
Departure for Santa Maria di Leuca – a picturesque seaside resort located in the southernmost part of Puglia, at Cape Santa Maria, where the waters of Adriatic and Ionian Sea. The place impresses with its beautiful coastline, elegant villas and the iconic lighthouse, which has been guiding ships to this strategic point on the Italian peninsula since 1866.
Free time for a walk by the sea and the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views of the coast.
We continue to Gallipoli – a charming seaside town located on an island connected to the modern part of the city by a bridge. Its history begins in antiquity, and in the 16th century Gallipoli became an important trading center and one of the largest olive oil markets in the Mediterranean.
A walking tour of the historic center, during which we will discover the narrow streets, ancient churches and fortresses of the city. We will see The Aragonese fortress, which guards the entrance to the old city, as well as the famous Greek fountain – one of the most interesting historical monuments of Gallipoli. We will walk among the traditional white houses and picturesque squares and feel the atmosphere of the old fishing town.
Free time for a walk, coffee or lunch with the opportunity to try local specialties and fresh seafood.
Departure to the hotel. Dinner with water included. Overnight stay.
Day 6 | Capomarino di Marugio – Monopoli
Breakfast. Free time. Dinner with water included. Overnight.
Tourist program upon request and prior request:
Full-day excursion to Polignano a Mare and Monopoli in Bulgarian. It is held with a minimum of 20 registered tourists.
Visit to Polignano a Mare. This charming resort town is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, a favorite place of millions of romantics. The twenty-kilometer coastline is popular for its crystal clear sea and numerous water caves hidden in the rocks. From the terrace above the rocks, an incredible panorama opens up to the endless expanse of the sea, hidden bays and small caves.
Monopoly is a small coastal town in the Puglia region of southern Italy. It is famous for its whitewashed old town, picturesque harbor, historical landmarks, and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. It is suitable for a peaceful walk, a seaside vacation, and delicious local cuisine.
Day 7 | Lecce – Otranto
Breakfast. Free time. Dinner with water included. Overnight.
Tourist program upon request and prior request:
Full-day excursion to Lecce and Otranto in Bulgarian, including a tasting of "Leccese" coffee with almond milk and traditional sweets in Lecce. The excursion takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists.
Departure for Lecce – one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia, known as „"Florence of the South"“ for its rich artistic and architectural heritage. The city impresses with its magnificent Baroque facades, richly decorated churches and elegant squares built of the light stone characteristic of the region.
A walking tour of the historic center, during which we will see Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary„, the Bishop's Palace, the Church of the Holy Cross, the Church of Our Lady of Grace, the Roman theater and the famous column of Saint Oronzo. We will walk through the beautiful squares of the city and enjoy the characteristic atmosphere of Lecce.
During the visit we will have the opportunity to try the traditional Leccese coffee„ – coffee with almond milk, served with sweet local specialties.
We continue to Otranto – a picturesque seaside town on the Adriatic Sea and one of the easternmost points of Italy. Thanks to its strategic location, the city has a rich history associated with the ancient Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Aragonese.
A walking tour through the historic center, among the narrow streets, small squares and ancient buildings. We will see Aragonese Castle, associated with the famous Gothic novel "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole, as well as the magnificent Annunciation Cathedral„.
In the cathedral we will see the impressive medieval floor mosaic - one of the most significant monuments of medieval art in Southern Italy, as well as the ancient columns, which are believed to originate from an ancient temple.
Free time for a walk along the promenade, coffee or lunch with a view of the Adriatic Sea.
Departure to the hotel. Dinner with water included. Overnight stay.
Day 8 | Departure
Breakfast. Check-out. Transfer to the airport.
Departure to Bulgaria with a direct flight of the airline "Wizz Air"/"Ryan Air". Landing at Sofia Airport.
Price per person from
- Double room – €880 / 3123 BGN.
The price includes
- Plane ticket for direct flight Sofia - Bari - Sofia on "Wizz Air"/"Ryan Air" airline with airport taxes included
- 1 small piece of cabin baggage measuring 40x30x20 cm up to 10 kg (Wizz)/dimensions 40x30x20 cm up to 10 kg (Ryan)
- Airport - hotel - airport transfer
- 7 nights in standard rooms with balcony or terrace at the 4* Grand Hotel dei Cavalieri (or similar) in Puglia
- 7 breakfasts and buffet dinners with water included during dinner
- Walking tour in the historic center of Bari
- Umbrellas and sun loungers by the pool (while supplies last)
- Umbrella and two sun loungers on the beach per room (subject to availability)
- Insurance "Assistance when traveling abroad" of Insurance Company "Euroins" AD with assistance and liability limit 10,000 EUR
The price does not include
- Checked baggage up to 10 kg., 20 kg. or 32 kg.
- Tourist tax 2 EUR per tourist per day: paid at reception and determined unilaterally by the local municipal administration. Children from 0 to 11.99 years old do not pay a tourist tax.
- Additional services and excursions according to the program (If requested on site, excursions are paid in euros)
- Entrance fees for museums, sites and events during excursions and others visited at will
- Tips for tour guide/driver
- Beach towel usage: 3 EUR upon collection and for each change
- Baby cot: EUR 5 per night (requested in advance and paid on site at the hotel reception)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (We recommend that you take out this insurance
- Use of headphones during excursions (3 EUR per person per excursion), payable on site
- Fuel fee (compulsory additional payment, if such is announced)
- Tourist tax (paid by tourists at the hotel reception): 2 EUR per tourist per day for a 4* hotel
Optionally available
- Surcharge for checked baggage up to 10 kg (both ways) €80
- Surcharge for checked baggage up to 20 kg (both ways) €104
- Surcharge for adjacent seats on the flight Sofia - Bari - Sofia (per tourist) €30
- Priority Boarding surcharge (per tourist) €60
- Full-day excursion to Matera in Bulgarian. It takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists. €75
- Full-day excursion to Alberobello and Locorotondo in Bulgarian. It takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists. 80 €
- Full-day excursion to Ostuni and Martina Franca in Bulgarian. It takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists. €80
- Full-day excursion to Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca in Bulgarian. It takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists 75 €
- Full-day excursion to Lecce and Otranto (with tasting of "Leccese" coffee and sweets in Lecce) in Bulgarian. It takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists 80 €.
- Full-day excursion to Polignano a Mare and Monopoli in Bulgarian. It takes place with a minimum of 20 registered tourists, 80 €.
- Package of 3 excursions: Matera; Ostuni and Martina Franca; Lecce and Otranto. The excursions are conducted in Bulgarian and with a minimum of 20 registered tourists €218.
- Package of 4 excursions: Matera; Ostuni and Martina Franca; Lecce and Otranto; Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca. Excursions are conducted in Bulgarian and with a minimum of 20 registered tourists €288.
Additional information
- Reservations: deposit 35% of the basic price + the value of the requested additional services upon reservation; additional payment up to 35 days before the departure date.
- Cancellations: up to 36 days before the departure date - 35% of the basic price; from the 35th day to the day of departure - 100% of the total price.
- The organizer reserves the right to change routes and times or move excursions to another day when weather conditions require it, in order to ensure the safety and quality of the service. The airline reserves the right to change flight times.
- Fuel surcharges in case of fuel price increase: Fuel prices are calculated based on fuel quotes (905 USD/ton and exchange rate 1.09 EUR/USD). In case of fuel price increase - calculated in Euro - up to 9,99%, the company will bear the increase at its own risk. In case of fuel price increase - calculated in Euro - equal to or exceeding 10%, the company reserves the right to introduce a fuel surcharge. The amount of the fuel surcharge for round-trip travel per tourist in case of fuel price increase from 10-19,99% will be 1.20 EUR. For each subsequent fuel price increase by 10%, the amount is multiplied accordingly.
- Additional excursions for children from 2 to 11 years old are at a discount.