Hilltop Towns in Apulia
Why visit Hilltop Towns in Apulia the first time?
Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe
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A tour of the hilltop towns in Apulia (Puglia), Italy, is a fantastic way to experience the region's unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you plan your trip:
Day 1: Bari
Start your tour in Bari, the capital city of Apulia. Explore the historic center, known as Bari Vecchia, with its narrow streets, charming squares, and the Basilica of San Nicola. Sample local street food specialties like panzerotti and focaccia barese. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Day 2-3: Ostuni and Cisternino
From Bari, head south to Ostuni, known as the "White City" for its whitewashed buildings. Explore the picturesque historic center, visit the Cathedral of Ostuni, and enjoy panoramic views from the city walls. Nearby, you'll find the town of Cisternino, famous for its excellent meat dishes and traditional butchers called "macellerie."
Day 4-5: Alberobello and Locorotondo
Travel further south to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its trulli houses. Explore the Trulli district, visit the Trullo Sovrano, and learn about the history and architecture of these unique structures. Continue to Locorotondo, a charming hilltop town known for its white-washed houses and delicious white wine. Take a walk through the historic center and enjoy the panoramic views.
Day 6-7: Martina Franca and Ceglie Messapica
Visit Martina Franca, a beautiful town known for its Baroque architecture and elegant palaces. Explore the historic center, visit the Basilica of San Martino, and sample local pastries like the famous "cartellate." From Martina Franca, make your way to Ceglie Messapica, renowned for its gastronomy. Enjoy a culinary journey through the town's trattorias and taste traditional dishes like orecchiette and "bombette" (stuffed meat rolls).
Day 8-9: Lecce and Otranto
Travel to Lecce, often referred to as the "Florence of the South" for its stunning Baroque architecture. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Duomo, and the Roman Amphitheatre. Sample local specialties like "pasticciotto" (a pastry filled with custard) and explore the lively streets of the historic center. From Lecce, continue to Otranto, a charming coastal town with a beautiful beach and a stunning cathedral housing intricate mosaic floors.
The suggested itinerary for a tour of the hilltop towns in Apulia would be around 8 to 9 days. This allows you to explore each destination at a relaxed pace, immerse yourself in the local culture, and savor the diverse food and wine specialties of the region. Of course, you can adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and the time you have available.
Beautiful Hilltop Towns in Italy
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Tour of Hilltop Towns in Apulia and itinerary to discover the attractions and local food and wine specialties to taste, how to get there, where to stay in Italy, How many days should the itinerary be?