In Bari with a Local: Private Walking Tour

Highlights

  • Spend time with your private, expert local guide

  • See Bari’s enchanting art and learn its vigorous history

  • Get an introduction to both the culture and cuisine

  • Visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas, where his relics are interred

  • Enjoy the intermix of top sites and hidden spaces

Summary

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. 

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
30
Pricing (From)
Group: (13-99 years)
€260.00
Commentary
English, Italian
Meeting Point

Piazza Federico II di Svevia, 36, Bari, Puglia, 70122 , IT

Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

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! 

Sites Visited
Castle of Bari,
Arco Basso Street,
Cathedral of St. Sabino,
Basilica of St. Nicholas,
Piazza Mercantile,
Piazza Ferrarese

What’s included?

  • Local guide

  • Expertly guided walking tour

  • Gratuities

  • Entrance Fee to churches (most are free)

  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Things to know

Before you book

  • This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a light to moderate pace without difficulty. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

  • Please note, this tour does not include entrance to the main sites. If you’d like to visit any particular site, you will need to buy a ticket at the location.

  • Please note, this tour does not include entrance to the main sites. If you’d like to visit any particular site, you will need to buy a ticket at the location.

Before you go

  • This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a light to moderate pace without difficulty. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point ready for your tour - prior to arrival use the bathroom and ensure you have eaten.

  • Tours run rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. In the event of exceptionally heavy rain, the tour may be canceled and you will be given a full refund.

  • Please note, this tour does not include entrance to the main sites. If you’d like to visit any particular site, you will need to buy a ticket at the location.

  • Due to circumstances beyond our control, sites may occasionally close. We make every effort to stay as close to the advertised itinerary but substitutions/omissions may be necessary.

  • No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.

Covid Policy

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.