Experience the picturesque yet often overlooked city of Bari - capital of the Puglia region of Italy. Enjoy the benefits of your own personal, private expert local guide who will enchant you with the cultural and historical treasures including the Castle of Bari, Cathedral of St. Sabino and the Basilica of St. Nicholas, where the saint’s bones are kept to this day. 

With the guidance from a local expert, take a two hour private tour through the cultural and historical treasures of the city of Bari. With stops at the Castle of Bari, Cathedral of St. Sabino and the Basilica of St. Nicholas, (where St. Nick’s bones are kept to this day) see the varied neighborhoods where locals linger and inside “la cucina Italiana” the regional delicacy of orecchiette pasta is still crafted in its traditional way. Enjoy the surroundings at two of the most integral piazzas in the region, where you will wander among the quaint shops and fragrant restaurants typical to the region.

The capital city of the Puglia region is situated on the picturesque Adriatic Sea. This region is often overlooked by tourists heading elsewhere but on this private tour you will learn why this is a city that shouldn’t be missed! 

Get your camera ready! It is time to meet your guide near the entrance to the Castello Normanno-Svevo in downtown Bari. As with any castle, its long history as a fortress will be explained by your guide. As you depart the Castle, stroll through the street of Arco Basso where locals still prepare, “a mano” (by hand) orecchiette pasta in the traditional way.

Stop at the Cathedral of St. Sabino, built in the 13th century and a great example of Romanesque architecture. Then, it is time to head to the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Yes, THAT St. Nick. The church was erected in the 12th century and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, children, wolves and pawnbrokers as well as being the well-attributed alias of “Santa Claus”. Your guide will share the tale behind the connection and delve into the history found here. The bones of St. Nicholas still rests in the Basilica, along with a myriad of gorgeous sculptures and mosaics. 

As your final destination approaches, enter the two important sites - the Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese. See the typical restaurants and shops of this city and learn of their stories both past and present. By the closing of your exploration in this port city, you will understand why this incredible region of Italy should be a stop on every visitor’s visit to Puglia, and even a destination of its own! 

Gratuities to guides are appreciated but never obligatory.

Accessibility: Travellers easily arrive and depart on public transport