Molise/Puglia 10-Day Tour
Schedule
Day #1 – Airport Transfer + Welcome Dinner
Free Airport pick up (Rome or Naples).
Drive from the airport onwards to San Martino in Pensilis to your hotel. Once you’re settled there will be a briefing on your tour followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Day #2 – Agnone Bell Foundry + Cheese Tasting + Cooking Class
Morning
We’ll leave for Agnone, the center for important archaeological vestiges of the old Oscan-Samnite civilization. Agnone is sometimes called “the Athens of the Sannio” due to the large number of ancient ruins of the Samnitic culture. According to the tradition, the name of Agnone derives from the old city of Aquilonia that was destroyed by the Romans.
Agnone also lays claim to the most important ancient Molise document: the so-called “Oscan Tablet” (“Tabula Osca”), a bronze inscription written in the Oscan alphabet that dates from the 3rd century BC and now kept in the British Museum.
The first visit will be the Marinelli Bell Foundry. The Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli is an ancient factory for bells which has been operating in Agnone for nearly a millennium. It ranks as one of the oldest companies in the world, where the Marinelli family has run the foundry for the last 1000 years.
After the foundry we’ll visit the The “Francesco Gerbasi” Museum of Copper, one of the last places where you can learn about the ancient art of copper making.
The final visit of the day will be the Di Nucci Cheese Makers renown for their aged Caciocavallo di Agnone. The visit will include the chance to taste some of these beautful cheeses for yourself.
Lunch will be at La Panonda where you be treated to some of the best cuisine the local area has to offer.
Afternoon
After a drive back the days there will be some free time to relax before our Cooking Class. After class we’ll settle down for Dinner
Day #3 – Wine Tasting + Visit Termoli
Morning
After breakfast we will head off to Monteroduni, a town situated on a slope of almost 460 meters above sea level, for a fabulous wine tasting and lunch at the Wine cellar Campi Valerio. Since 1974 the Valerio winery has been producing fine wines with great character.
We will get a guided tour with Sonia the sommelier and lunch followed by lunch prepared by Chef Leonardo.
Afternoon
In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax before we meet for the evenings cooking class. After the cooking class we will take a walk around Termoli.
Day #4 – Relaxing Day on Tremiti Islands
The day will be spent relaxing & sunbathing on Tremiti Island. The Island is located a short ferry ride from Termoli. Tremiti is known for it beautifully clear waters.
We will also visit the Island of San Nicola. Lunch will be included.
After a day of sun and sea we’ll catch the ferry back to Termoli.
Day #5 – Bari
Morning
After breakfast we head off to Bari which is about a 2 hour drive. On arrival we will check in to Archita Guest House & Apartment or La Corte San Francesco (depending on availability).
After we have settled into our rooms and taken a short rest we will go for lunch and walk through the old town and port visiting numerous artisans shops & historical sights with our guide.
Afternoon
Bari plays host to some of Pulgia’s most beautiful sites. Details of some of the sites we will be visiting during the afternoon are below.
The Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) was built around 1132 by Norman King Roger II and stands on the outskirts of the old city. Bari Cathedral (Italian: Duomo di Bari or Cattedrale di San Sabino) is senior to, though less famous than, the Basilica of St Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicola) which is also located in Bari. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto. It is dedicated to Saint Sabinus, a bishop of Canosa, whose relics were brought here in the 9th century. We will also visit Chiesa di San Marco dei Veneziani (San Marco Venetian) located in Vico San Marco. The facade of the church retains some of its Romanesque appearance, gabled, with pitched roof, enclosed by two high pilasters on either side, that originally divided into three naves. Finally we will visit Basilica di San Nicola, an important pilgrimage destination both for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians from Eastern Europe.
After a full day of sightseeing we will meet that evening for Dinner in a local Bari restaurant.
Day #6 – Authenic South Italian Dining Expeirence
Morning
Today you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a Cesarina’s home, enjoy exclusive show cooking and taste authentic Bari recipes treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian Mammas.
Afternoon
After lunch, we will have a short rest and then head into Bari for a guided tour of the city before heading to Dinner.
Day #7 – Polignano a Mare Boat Trip
Morning
Today we will set out by boat to explore the sea caves of Polignano a Mare. We will cruise out to sea and admire the coastline views as our guide takes care of the navigating. You will get the opporttunity to see unique rock formations along the coast.
We will pull up for some free time on the beach.
After a full day of boating you’ll have to time in the evening to freshen up before Dinner.
Day #8 – Alberobello
Today you will visit the world famous Alberobello, a small town and comune of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia. In Italian Alberobello means literally “beautiful tree”. It has 10 735 inhabitants and is famous for its unique trullo buildings. These trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
Day #9 – Monopoli
Sitting on Puglia’s Adriatic coast around 30km south of Bari, Monopoli is a lovely town for a day trip, mixing a dip in the sea with a good lunch and a wander around the old town centre.
Like so many towns on the Adriatic, Monopoli’s history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castle tell many a story. Around Piazza XX Settembre, is the location of a colourful street market, and the cathedral. Built in 1693, the tower is over 60 metres high, completely dominating the town below. We will also visit the castle Charles V Castle, built in 1552. The castle is visit able and the view from the top is wonderful.
Passing under an archway outside the castle, you will arrive in the port, comprised by a series of little harbours. Wandering half way round the first one, busy with fishermen mending their nets or unloading the day’s catch, a little street will take you back into town and, along Via Cimino .
Lunch will be Madià street food, a true example of excellent local street food.
That evening we will check-in to our B&B before Dinner.
Day #10 – Martina Franca & Ostuni
Morning
After breakfast we will had off to Martina Franca & Ostuni
Martina Franca is the capital of the Valle D’Itria. We will spend the day sampling street food, wine tasting and a guided tour.
Afternoon
In the afternoon we will leave for Ostuni, a beautiful old whitewashed town.
That evening Dinner will be at Osteria del Munacello,
Day #11 – Airport Transfer
After breakfast we will provide a transfer back to the airport.
Attention!
Tour Includes
Accommodation ✔
Airport Pick Up & Drop Off ✔
Food & Drink ✔
Personal Tour Guide ✔
Driver ✔
Apron & Recipe Book ✔
