Things to do in

Apulia

Embark on a relaxing cruise along the coast of Polignano a Mare. Sail on a 7-meter speedboat to some of the best caves in the area and choose between a private and a group experience. Meet the local skipper and crew in the Cala Ponte Marina and set sail for the caves. Admire these natural features only accessible by boat. Cruise past 11 km of coastline and take in views of the city from a unique perspective. During the cruise, stop at the best places for swimming and dive straight into the crystal-clear water. Alternatively, stay dry on the boat and soak up the sun rays or enjoy a traditional Italian aperitif on board. At the end of your experience, return to the Carla Ponte Marina

Set sail along a stretch of the Adriatic Sea from Polignano a Mare to admire the coastal caves by sea. Stop to peek into sea grottoes like Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Piana, Cala Paura, and more. Take a dip in hidden coves with the floatation devices provided and enjoy an aperitif onboard. Explore the many caves that dot the coast of Polignano a Mare on a relaxing boat tour. Enjoy an aperitif, make frequent stops to swim in the crystal-clear waters, and soak up the dramatic views of the coast. Set sail from the small port of San Vito and begin your tour of the main caves, including Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Santa Caterina, Grotta Chiari di Luna, Grotta delle Rondinelle, Cala Paura/Grottone, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Piana, and more. Stop for a swimming break in one of the most beautiful places on Polignano's coast and indulge in a delicious Prosecco-based aperitif during the cruise. Soak up the sunshine on deck or relax under a parasol. Take advantage of the ladders and floats for both adults and children. At the end of the tour, return to the departure point.

Discover the most hidden secrets along the Polignano a Mare coast with this elegant, exclusive and thrilling cruise! Admire the city from the water and discover these natural wonders accessible only by sea: most of the breathtaking caves are not easily accessible from the beaches and only a boat excursion will allow you to see its famous caves up close. Grotta Palazzese, Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Ardito and the Caves of the Lovers are just some of the famous caves you'll discover on this tour. Meet the skipper and crew at the beautiful private Cala Ponte Marina in Polignano a Mare, an authentic gem on the Apulian Adriatic coast and sail along the 12 km of coast. Stop at the most scenic spots to swim, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, or relax on the boat while sunbathing. If you wish, enjoy a traditional Italian aperitif on board. Experience an unforgettable adventure and admire the caves and the city from a unique perspective.

A blast from the past is essential to the pasta experience. After visiting the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the main squares, the Swabian Castle and the Cathedral of St. Sabino, a moment of interaction with the local ladies is not to be missed. In Bari grandmothers open up the doors of their houses from the early hours of the morning, come out singing old songs, sweep the stone floor and scatter their homemade orecchiette on the mesh screens of wooden trays. Stop in a lively, populated and animated location, a local lady’s house opened to everybody where the grandmother combines real life and interaction with tourists. If you are interested in living like a real local, we will not disappoint your expectations. Nonna Maria will catch you up in chatting while kneading semolina and making orecchiette of all sizes. A lifetime is not long enough to become a pasta expert, as the ladies confirm. A tasting of the true Apulian flavours, orecchiette with homemade fresh tomato sauce. The best souvenir you cannot miss in Bari!

With the sightseeing bus you can reach the heart of the famous Sassi districts in total comfort. Crossing the most beautiful panoramic street of Sassi, via Madonna delle Virtù, you will discover a breathtaking location. As you move deeper into the ancient districts, the incredible landscape of Murgia Materana and its canyon will appear on the opposite side. The tour includes a stop in the main square of Sasso Caveoso, during which you will walk through the alleyways of Sassi and visit an ancient furnished cave dwelling, to better understand how was the life of peasants within it. The bus tour is not just a transfer. On board there will be a tour leader who will point out the sights along the way and will talk about the history and traditions of this beautiful city, satisfying your curiosity.

Historic Center and Sassi TourIt consists of a walking tour from the main square of the historic centre, Piazza Vittorio Veneto (starting point, arch-shaped fountain reference), with a panoramic view of the Sasso Barisano.Continue through the historic center until you reach Piazza Duomo where it will be possible to view the Cathedral from the outside and then enter the Sasso Caveoso. From here there will be a visit to the furnished house of peasant civilization, a frescoed rock church, a visit to the barbaric cemetery and the various neighborhoods.Everything will be explained by an authorized guide, which will allow you to understand the history of the city.The tour will end in Piazza Giovanni Pascoli in the historic center, close to the Sasso Caveoso.

The tour starts with a visit to the majestic Santa Croce Church, the jewel in the crown of Lecce’s Baroque architecture. From here, explore the nearby Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the former market square where you can find the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column, and the remains of a huge Roman amphitheater. Continue the tour with a walk through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which boasts a stunning Baroque palazzi and the recently restored Sant’Irene Church. Arrive at the breathtaking Piazza Duomo next, one of the most critically praised buildings in Italy. See the Archbishop’s Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower, and the cathedral. Finally, visit the underground Jewish Museum and discover the town’s fascinating Jewish history.

After meeting your guide, set out for a sightseeing Alberobello tour. Follow your guide into the historical center of Rione Monti, which boasts over 1,000 iconic Trulli buildings. Marvel at the unique architecture of these fascinating buildings while learning about their history and significance. Continue the tour with a visit to Rione Aia Piccola, an area that best represents the ancient medieval village where you can stop at the viewpoint to take some beautiful pictures. Your journey ends at the city's highest point, where the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is located. Notice the similarities between the church and the Trulli buildings and soak up the historical atmosphere of the site as you listen to your guide's tales and anecdotes.

Admire the splendid Lama Monachile from the sea with its characteristic Bourbon bridge and the splendid location of the RedBull Cliff Diving competition. The historic center of Polignano a Mare with its caves, the rock of the Hermit (San Paolo islet), cala Portalga and then a stop on one of the beaches between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli to be able to swim and taste the typical Apulian aperitif. During the stop, the paddle boards on board may be used

Secure reliable transportation with a pre-booked 1-way shared transfer from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport to Matera's Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, close to Matera Centrale. Avoid the hassle of navigating the public transportation system before or after a long journey. After getting off your flight, be greeted and supported by staff at the bus stop. They will help you onboard to prepare for your transfer. Relax and enjoy views of Italy from the comfort of a modern bus as you're driven to a convenient central location in Matera.