THE BEAUTIES OF THE ALTA MURGIA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 1 Monday (October 19)
Canosa di Puglia and Barletta
Arrive at Bari Airport on an early Ryanair flight from Malta. Meet your local guide and transfer by bus to Canosa di Puglia, one of the oldest cities in Puglia. Known in Roman times as Canusium, it was an important Daunian and Roman center, located near the Ofanto River and along the Via Traiana. Today, it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. We will visit the Basilica of San Sabino, the city's main religious monument and one of Canosa's historical symbols. It was built between the 7th and 8th centuries during the Lombard era and features a distinctive Romanesque-Byzantine style with five low domes.
Inside, you can see: the crypt with the relics of San Sabino, the city's patron saint; the tomb of Bohemond of Hauteville, a Norman prince linked to the Crusades; and ancient architectural elements recovered from Roman buildings. We'll then move on to the San Leucio Archaeological Park, home to the remains of an Italic temple dedicated to Athena/Minerva (4th century BC), and the large Early-Christian Basilica built much later (8th century) on the site of Roman and Late Antique structures. We'll conclude with the Lagrasta Hypogeum. We'll then move on to Barletta, home to the cathedral, the Colossus, and the cellar of the Disfida. Check-in at the hotel in Ruvo di Puglia, which will be the permanent base for our mini tour. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2 Tuesday (October 20)
A Day as a Shepherd + Castel del Monte, Bitonto, and Molfetta
After breakfast, we'll head to the heart of the Murgia to an educational farm renowned for producing the area's typical cheeses. Here, we'll enjoy an authentic experience, walking alongside a flock of sheep led by the shepherd. It will be a pleasant and easy walk, learning about this ancient, local profession that has always characterized these rugged lands. The shepherd will tell us about his daily routine, and upon returning to the farm, we'll stop to taste their pecorino, ricotta, mozzarella, focaccia, and wine. We'll move on to Castel del Monte to visit the splendid Octagonal Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, to Bitonto to see the magnificent Romanesque cathedral, home to an ancient floor mosaic. We'll then explore Molfetta, a seaside town with its charming village historically linked to the Knights Templar. Return to the hotel in Ruvo di Puglia. Dinner and overnight stay.
Length of the route: 6km / Walking time: 2 hours / Difficulty: easy
DAY 3 Wednesday (October 21)
Bauxite Quarries and Trani + Winery Visit
After breakfast, we'll head to Spinazzola for a trek to discover the bauxite quarries, a Martian landscape in the Alta Murgia Park. After the trek, we'll head to Trani, where we'll visit a winery that produces the famous Moscato di Trani. We'll tour the vineyards and then enjoy a wine tasting of four wines (white, rosé, red, and Moscato di Trani DOP Dolce Naturale) paired with traditional products (bruschetta, taralli, cheese, salami, and almond cantucci biscuits paired with Moscato di Trani). At the end of the tour, we'll visit the splendid coastal city of Trani with its Romanesque cathedral, Jewish quarter, and synagogues. Return to the hotel in Ruvo di Puglia. Dinner and overnight stay.
Trail Length: 9km / Walking Hours: 3 / Difficulty: Easy
DAY 4 Thursday (October 22)
Altamura Man and the Pulo + Street Food
After breakfast, we'll head to Altamura. Here, with a short and easy hike, we'll discover the Pulo of Altamura, one of the largest sinkholes in Puglia. From here, the trail continues to the cave and the Altamura Man visitor center. A 3D video will tell you about the history and discovery of Ciccillo, a Neanderthal man found here, a very important archaeological find. At the end of the morning, we'll head to the center of Altamura for a local street food tour. We'll visit a wood-fired oven to taste the famous tomato focaccia and the renowned Altamura bread. We'll stop at a pastry shop to indulge in the famous "tette delle monache" (nun's breasts) and then stop at a bar to try the famous Padre Peppe bitter liqueur. After refueling, we'll take a guided tour of the historic center, including the magnificent cathedral built by Frederick II of Swabia. In the afternoon, return to Ruvo di Puglia. Dinner and overnight stay.
Length: 7 km / Walking time: 3 hours / Difficulty: easy
DAY 5 Friday (October 23) Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Bari Airport for your return flight.
INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION FEE €700
Book your own flight
The fee includes:
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4 nights' half-board accommodation (water and 1/4 cup of wine at dinner included) in a hotel in a twin/double room.
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Private minibus transfers for the entire tour (with driver, fuel, and parking included).
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Tour and hiking guide for the entire tour.
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Guided tours as per the program.
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A one-day shepherd experience with tasting.
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Visit to a winery with wine tasting and an aperitif with typical products (day 3).
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Technical travel organization.
The price does not include:
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flights
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lunches
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entrance fees to tourist sites, museums, and other accommodations where an entrance fee is required
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single room supplement €100
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anything not expressly indicated in "The price includes"
Please note: The guide reserves the right to cancel the excursion in case of bad or unpredictable weather. Hiking shoes are mandatory, unless otherwise indicated, and the guide advises against participating in the excursion if you are not wearing hiking shoes. The guide reserves the right to change the route and/or destination of the excursion based on weather conditions, the type of group being accompanied, or any other reason the guide deems valid to justify such changes. The guide is responsible for calibrating the pace of the excursion based on the group's fitness level, even if this prevents reaching the planned destination.
The above programme is the intellectual property of Luigina Geusa.
Copying, dissemination, or unauthorized use of it is prohibited.
HOTEL Pineta Wellness and Spa
Via Marx Carlo, 5, 70037 Ruvo di Puglia BA, Italy