The Murge of Altamura
Why visit The Murge of Altamura the first time?
Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe
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The Murge of Altamura is a beautiful region located in the Apulia (Puglia) region of Italy. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious local cuisine, it offers a unique travel experience. To help you plan your tour, here's an itinerary that covers the attractions, local food, and wine specialties, as well as information on how to get there and where to stay.
Itinerary for the Tour of The Murge of Altamura:
Day 1: Arrival in Altamura
- Arrive in Altamura, a charming town known for its well-preserved medieval center and famous Altamura bread.
- Explore the historic center, visit the Altamura Cathedral, and stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional houses.
- Enjoy a dinner featuring local specialties like focaccia and burrata cheese.
Day 2: Matera
- Take a day trip to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, known as "Sassi."
- Explore the fascinating rock-cut churches, cave houses, and winding streets of Matera.
- Sample some regional dishes, such as orecchiette pasta with turnip greens (cime di rapa) and lamb stew.
Day 3: Gravina in Puglia
- Visit Gravina in Puglia, a picturesque town located on the edge of the Murge plateau.
- Explore the underground city, known as "Gravina Sotterranea," with its network of caves, cellars, and churches.
- Taste local specialties like "Burrata di Gravina," a creamy cheese, and "Murgia Ricotta," a traditional cheese made from sheep's milk.
Day 4: Wine Tasting in Gioia del Colle
- Head to Gioia del Colle, a town famous for its vineyards and excellent wines.
- Visit a local winery and enjoy a wine-tasting experience, sampling renowned wines like Primitivo and Aglianico.
- Indulge in a traditional Apulian lunch with dishes like "orecchiette con le cime di rapa" and "bombette," a specialty of grilled meat rolls.
Day 5: Castel del Monte
- Take a day trip to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive medieval castle.
- Explore the castle's unique octagonal design and learn about its intriguing history.
- Enjoy a picnic in the surrounding countryside, savoring local products such as olives, taralli (savory biscuits), and local wines.
Day 6: Alberobello
- Visit Alberobello, a town renowned for its iconic trulli houses, which are traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs.
- Explore the narrow streets lined with trulli, and visit the Trullo Sovrano, a two-story trullo house turned museum.
- Try local delicacies like "taralli" (crunchy bread rings) and almond sweets.
Day 7: Departure
- Depart from Altamura or continue your journey to other destinations in Puglia or Italy.
How to Get There:
Altamura is located in the Apulia region of southern Italy. The nearest airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, which receives domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can reach Altamura by renting a car or taking a train or bus.
Where to Stay:
Altamura offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and agriturismi (farm stays). Consider staying in the historic center to immerse yourself in the town's atmosphere. Alternatively, you can find accommodations in nearby cities such as Matera or Bari, which offer a wider range of choices.
Duration of the Itinerary:
To fully enjoy the Murge of Altamura and its surrounding attractions, a recommended itinerary length is around 6-7 days. This duration allows you to explore the main highlights, experience the local cuisine, and have some flexibility for day trips to nearby towns.
Remember to check the current travel restrictions, opening hours of attractions, and local guidelines before your trip, as they may vary.
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