Tours & tickets

Castel del Monte

Begin your journey at Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique octagonal design and eclectic mix of Gothic, classical, and Arab architectural styles. This iconic structure was envisioned by Emperor Frederick II and stands as a testament to his enlightened rule and diverse cultural influences. Explore the castle’s interior and its surroundings, where the strategic placement and altitude provide panoramic views of the Apulian landscape. Unlike typical medieval castles, Castel del Monte lacks fortifications like moats and drawbridges, emphasizing its role as a place of power and representation rather than a military fortress. Conclude your visit with a deeper understanding of why this site was chosen for imperial gatherings and administrative purposes. The tour ends at the castle, allowing you to continue exploring the area or return at your leisure.

At the slow pace of the roads of the southern heel of the Italian boot, we will get to know places otherwise difficult to reach independently. You will have the chance to visit ancient towns, seaside resorts, and historical sites in Puglia and Basilicata. Our trips will be opportunities to learn about local culture in a friendly and informal environment. We'll travel backroads to destinations showcasing nature alongside human handiwork. You'll have a friend at your side to immerse you in the customs and traditions of the cities you visit. Select amongst various itineraries. Frequently requested trips include: 1) Bari - Polignano - Alberobello - Matera - Bari (200 km) 2) Bari - Alberobello - Locorotondo - Cisternino - Ostuni - Bari (190 km) 3) Bari - Polignano - Alberobello - Locorotondo - Monopoli - Bari (170 km) 4) Bari - Altamura - Gravina - Matera - Bari (150 km) 5) Bari - Giovinazzo - Castel del Monte - Trani - Bari (150 km) World Heritage Unesco sites: Alberobello: on the way to the ''trulli'' capital is Polignano, famous for its cliffs, home of the Diving World Championship, on the Adriatic coast. Locorotondo and other small towns of the Itria Valley can be visited driving old roads filled with ancient monumental olive trees. Matera: on the way to this amazing town we could stop in Gravina in Puglia and Altamura, homelands of some of the most delicious food in the region. Castel del Monte: suggested stops at Giovinazzo and Trani, with their wonderful cathedrals. Drive through picturesque rocky and coastal scenery.

Castel del Monte is an ancient manor built by Frederic of Swabia on the highest hill of Alta Murga which dominates the splendid landscape like an emperor's crown, a symbol of the power and genius of the great man who was Federico II. Today it is a Unesco World Heritage Site, a castle full of mystery and many questions that seek an answer among the stones, the only witnesses of the past. Your personal guide will await you at the bus and car parking and together we take the shuttle that bring us to the Castle where we walk around the area and admire the monument from outside and all the splendid area of Alta Murgia, then you entry inside of the Castle and explore the different spaces: cort, rooms and towers. Using the story learned from the guide and your own imagination immerse yourself in the midlevel atmosphere and try to understand the mystery of this unique manor so narrow related to its builder.

Discover with us all the secrets and mysteries of the symbol of Puglia known throughout the world. ⇒ THE GUIDED TOUR OF CASTEL DEL MONTE IS FOR people who love culture and art who want to discover the most important and representative monuments of Puglia and, at the same time, want to know fascinating stories that hide secrets and curiosities. ⇒ YOU WILL GET EMOTIONAL immersing yourself in an atmosphere with a medieval taste inside an octagonal castle built in typical Apulian limestone. Outside you will discover the landscape of the Murgia: a breathtaking panorama that you can admire and photograph. ⇒ DIFFICULTY: Easy ⇒ TIME: 1 hour and a half ⇒ TO PUT IN THE BACKPACK: for our guided tour of Castel del Monte we recommend a bottle of water, bring a cell phone or camera with you: you won't be able to resist the desire to take a selfie in front of a unique castle of its kind. Let yourself be caressed by the well-being of the surrounding area. ⇒ WE PROMISE YOU that with our guided tour of Castel del Monte you will get to know our land much better through a full, authentic and engaging experience. You will be pleasantly surprised by the things you discover and it will be love at first…. visit. ⇒ CASTEL DEL MONTE GUIDED TOUR IN BRIEF: The visit is divided into two parts. The external part, to better describe the shape of the monument and the surrounding landscape, and the internal part. Here you will be able to wander between the 2 floors, the 16 rooms, the octagonal courtyard, the octagonal towers and the spiral staircase. You can choose between two options: the shared tour option with other participants, or the private and exclusive tour option for you and your group of people.

Are you in Trani and want to reach the most visited monument in Puglia and you don't have a car? Do you want to understand something more about the meaning that Castel del Monte hides behind it? Do you want to discover this beauty in a single day but don't want to waste time traveling? I would say that the solution is just a click away, book our Trani – Castel del Monte organized tour. ⇒ POPULARITY': 10/10 ⇒ THIS TRANI-CASTEL DEL MONTE ORGANIZED TOUR IS FOR who wants to reach Castel del Monte in total comfort in a minivan and with a local driver departing from Trani. If, on the other hand, you are in Bari or Bisceglie, Barletta you can get to Trani by train and join our tour. ⇒ YOU WILL GET EXCITED when, at the top of the octagonal castle, you will notice the Apulian countryside as far as the eye can see. ⇒ DIFFICULTY': Low ⇒ TIME: 3 hours ⇒ DEPARTURES: Every day for the private formula. Every Monday at 10.00 for the sharing formula (all year round, see calendar) ⇒ MEETING POINT: Piazza Re Manfredi, Trani (next to the entrance to the Swabian Castle) ⇒ LANGUAGES: multilingual tour in Italian, English, Spanish ⇒ GUARANTEED: Max 8 people ⇒ TO PUT IN THE BACKPACK phone and camera because we assure you that you will start taking pictures non-stop. For the warmer months bring a hat and water because the sun beats down. ⇒ WE GUARANTEE YOU many emotions for the discovery thanks to our local guide of a known, ancient and enigmatic monument. If you need more info contact us on Whatsapp. FROM TRANI TO CASTEL DEL MONTE IN BRIEF Leave with a comfortable minivan from Trani (round trip) Visit Castel del Monte with our tour guide Share the experience with others (sharing) Choose the PRIVATE formula if you want the experience all to yourself You will meet your tour guide in Trani in front of the castle and depart in direction Castel del Monte. Guided tour inside where -always with our guide- you can discover the characteristics and curiosities of the grandiose octagonal castle. ⇒ CHOOSE THE FORMULA YOU PREFER: PRIVATE if you, your family or your friends prefer an exclusive and tailor-made service; SHARING this option is the best and most convenient for you if you are alone, as a couple or with less than 4 people and it is not a problem to have a non-exclusive service but together with our other customers. Trani Castel del Monte Tour 1 day [private formula] Every day departure at 10.00 am – Return at 13.00 pm ⇒ €650 per group of up to 8 people Trani Castel del Monte 1 day [sharing formula] Every Monday departure at 10.00 – Return at 13.00 ⇒ 90 € per person

What is a hot-air balloon flight? It is something halfway between the speed of the wind and the lightness of the air. Every experience is unique. You can enjoy the beauty of the entire area surrounding you while you reach the highest peaks and skim over velvety fields of wheat. A hot-air balloon has no rudder and travels with the wind. Its route is uncertain and your destination is unknown. These are the main reasons why it is a mesmerising experience. Balloon flights take off early in the morning, after sunrise, and a couple of hours after sunset. These are the best times of the day with the most favourable weather conditions. Upon reaching the launch site and after a thorough briefing with all passengers, the exciting balloon assembly and inflating phases start. Passengers are then invited to get into the basket. It takes about 10 minutes to heat the inside of the hot-air balloon, which must reach a temperature of 100° C to take off. The preparation phase takes about 35 minutes, and the flight lasts about an hour. The length of the flight depends on both the weather conditions and the wind and is at the pilot's discretion. The chase crew follows the balloon and stays in radio contact with it in order to be ready to meet passengers at the landing site. After landing, you can toast your experience with a glass of local wine and tasty snacks and receive your flight certificate. All flights must be booked in advance. If the pilot cancels your flight due to either adverse weather conditions or technical reasons, you can schedule a new date together. Flights may also be cancelled a few minutes before take-off. We suggest that you wear comfortable shoes and multiple layers of clothing. The temperature could be cold in the morning and warmer when flying.

Embark on an unforgettable journey starting from vibrant San Giovanni Rotondo! Our delightful driver is all set to whisk you away to the enchanting town of Monte Sant'Angelo in a cozy car or van. After an exciting guided tour, get ready for a smooth ride back to San Giovanni Rotondo with our friendly driver. The guided tour of Monte Sant’Angelo will concentrate mainly in the historic center, the castle and the sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, which in 2011 became a Unesco World Heritage Site with the Longobardian routes in Puglia. The visit starts from the castle (outside), originally a Byzantine castle built before the year 1000, was later flanked by a tower, the so-called Tower of the Giants, characterized by a height of 18 meters and a wall thickness of 3 meters and expanded by the Normans, Swabians and Aragonese. After the castle you will come to the outside of the sanctuary of Saint Michael where you will admire the imposing octagonal tower built by Charles I of Anjou on the model of Castel del Monte. The visit will continue inside the cave where the Saint Michael the Archangel is venerated from the fifth century. The lower level includes the cave which is accessed directly from the Angevin staircase. Going down the Angevin stairway until you get to the “terrestrial home” cave of the Saint Michael, you will perceive a sense of spirituality and mysticism difficult to explain. On the main altar you can admire the statue of Saint Michael the Archangel, in Carrara marble, which holds with your right hand a sword which symbolizes the power over evil that comes from God. Inside the cave, inside the statue of the Saint, there is the episcopal chair and the statue of San Sebastiano. The crypts are located in the Lombard age and served as an entrance to the cave, are rich in inscriptions along the walls that bear witness to the considerable influx of pilgrims from all over Europe since the Lombard era. Also in 1216 Saint Francis of Assisi spent a visit to Saint Michael the Archangel, but not feeling worthy to enter the cave, he stopped in prayer and recollection at the entrance, repeatedly kissing the earth and engraving on a stone the sign of the cross in shape of “T” (Tau), a sign that is still visible and revered as a relic of the passage of the Saint of Assisi in the Celestial and angelic Basilica. And fear not, our driver will ensure your journey back to San Giovanni Rotondo is not just a ride but a comfortable and engaging experience, making your entire adventure truly memorable!

Discover Puglia with a Unique Photo Tour: Capture Your Memories in a Land of Wonders Puglia is a magical land, rich in colors, history, and breathtaking views. If you are looking for an experience that will allow you to fully enjoy its beauty, we offer an exclusive service: a personalized photo tour where you will discover the most fascinating places and immortalize your moments with professional shots. What We Offer Explore the most enchanting places in Puglia: the characteristic trulli of Alberobello, the historic alleys of Ostuni, the Castel del Monte in Andria and its magic, and the wonderful Polignano a Mare. Our service guides you through these unique settings, combining cultural discovery with a professional photographic experience. Each tour is tailor-made to enhance your experience and capture unforgettable memories. Why choose a photography tour in Puglia? Our photography tour is an opportunity to discover the true essence of Puglia. With an expert photographer at your side, you won't have to worry about finding the best angles or the most fascinating details: choose where to go and we'll take care of transforming each stop into the perfect setting, with the aim of providing you with an authentic experience. How Our Photography Tour Works • Choice of Location: Choose the destination in Puglia you most want to explore. • Shooting and Tour: Walk with the photographer through the streets and panoramas, discovering the historical details and most evocative views of the area while we capture memorable photos. • Tailor-made service: Each tour is customized according to your preferences, with the option to add locations or extra time, or change the itinerary. • Fast delivery: You will receive your photos (minimum 50) within a week. A vacation to remember forever! The photos we take will tell a unique story, your Apulian experience, to be relived as many times as you like. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with friends, our photo tour will leave you with lasting memories of Apulia and will be an experience that will make you fall even more in love with this special land. Book your photo tour in Puglia now and get ready to discover—and capture—its most evocative corners.

⇒ POPULARITY': 10/10 ⇒ THIS TOUR ORGANIZED FROM BARI TO CASTEL DEL MONTE IS FOR those who want to spend a day discovering this beautiful destination with history and enchanting but not tiring walks. ⇒ YOU WILL GET EXCITED when, at the top of the octagonal castle, you will notice the Apulian countryside as far as the eye can see. ⇒ DIFFICULTY': Low ⇒ TIME: 4 hours ⇒ DEPARTURES: Every day for the private formula. Every Monday at 09.00 for the sharing formula (all year round, see calendar) ⇒ MEETING POINT: Petruzzelli Theater, Bari ⇒ LANGUAGES: multilingual tour in Italian, English, Spanish ⇒ GUARANTEED: Max 8 people ⇒ TO PUT IN THE BACKPACK: the desire to discover and learn. Phone and camera. For the warmer months, bring a hat and water because the sun beats down. ⇒ WE GUARANTEE YOU many emotions and discoveries thanks to our expert local guide. ORGANIZED TOUR FROM BARI TO CASTEL DEL MONTE IN BRIEF Leave with a comfortable minivan from Bari (round trip) Visit Castel del Monte with our tour guide entry tickets Share the experience with others or choose exclusivity. You will meet your minivan in front of the Petruzzelli Theater, Bari. Guided tour of Castel del Monte inside where - always with our guide - you can discover the characteristics and curiosities of the grandiose octagonal castle. ⇒ CHOOSE THE FORMULA YOU PREFER: PRIVATE if you, your family or your friends prefer an exclusive and tailor-made service; SHARING this option is the best and most convenient for you if you are alone, as a couple or with less than 4 people and it is not a problem to have a non-exclusive service but together with our other customers.

Discover the most significant medieval monument in southern Italy on a 1-hour guided tour of Castel del Monte. Situated in Andria in the Puglia region, the citadel and castle is a national treasure and beauty to behold. Built on top of a hill with commanding views of the Puglia region, Castel del Monte is the most important building built by the Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Swabia. Explore the monument’s myths and legends, including the meaning of the number 8. After years of neglect, when the castle was stripped of its furniture and marble decorations to become a refuge for shepherds, brigands and political refugees, Castel del Monte was bought and restored by the Italian state in 1876. Almost a century later, it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site for the perfection of its shape and harmonious union of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Islamic world, and classical antiquity. Explore the castle’s façades and interior, and learn the historical context in which it was built.