Day 1: Tel Aviv - Bari

We will depart on a direct evening flight by Ryanair to Bari. Upon arrival, we will stay for the next three nights in the beautiful city of Bari.

Day 2: Bari - Alberobello - Polignano a Mare - Bari

This morning we will explore more of beautiful Bari: we will tour the old city and visit the Church of Saint Nicholas and the fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. From here, we'll leave Bari to explore the "land of trulli," characterized by unique white stone structures. Alberobello, its capital, is one of the highlights of organized tours to southern Italy. We will dedicate the morning to exploring this marvelous city, marveling at its breathtaking sights. In the afternoon, we will travel to Polignano a Mare, situated on an impressive cliff overlooking the clear blue sea. We'll stroll through the old town, visit the Victory Square, and listen to the famous song "Volare" by the city's native, Domenico Modugno, before returning to Bari for another night's stay.

Day 3: Bari - Matera - Grotta del Angelo in Partinico - Bari

Today we will make our way to the city of Matera, famous for its rock dwellings. For thousands of years, the inhabitants of the area carved their homes into the soft rock of the Sassi district. We'll wander through the district, observing the people's dwellings, churches, and winding alleys. From here, we'll continue our journey through southern Italy and arrive at the "Grotta del Angelo" cave in Partinico. We'll take a boat tour of this beautiful stalactite cave, where the Israeli point will not be missed. On our way back to Bari, we may visit (if time permits) Altamura, located in the heart of the Murge plains, known for its wheat cultivation. After the tours, we'll return for another night in Bari.

Day 4: Bari - Ostuni - Lecce

This morning, we'll travel to the city of Ostuni, the "White City," serving as one of the prime examples of the whitewashed towns of Puglia. Thousands of olive trees spill down to the Atlantic Ocean from here. After a tour of the city center and its alleys, we may visit a typical "masseria" farm in Puglia, one of the ancient farms dotted throughout the region. Then, we'll head to the city of Lecce, the "Florence of the South," known for its remarkable Baroque-style architecture dominating its streets to this day. We'll stroll through the Duomo Square and Orontius Square, the city's patron saint, and admire the beautiful Santa Croce Church, considered one of the most beautiful churches in southern Italy. We'll spend the night in Lecce.

Day 5: Lecce and Otranto

In the morning, we'll explore the city of Lecce and then travel to the small port city of Otranto, located on the narrowest point on the Adriatic Sea. Some of the Crusades departed from here on their way to the Holy Land. We'll visit the ancient city and explore the Cathedral, its floor adorned with magnificent Norman mosaics from the 12th century, and end with a stroll along its walls. After enjoying a cup of coffee and excellent local ice cream, we'll continue to visit the displaced persons camps where Jewish survivors from across Europe settled after World War II and hear their moving stories. From here, we'll head to the coastal town of Santa Maria di Leuca, located at the "heel" of the boot, and visit the beautiful villas that served as "displaced persons camps" after the war, touring the museum that tells their story. After the tours, we'll return to Lecce for the night.

Day 6: Lecce - Castel del Monte - San Giovanni Rotondo - Vieste

This morning, we will embark on a northern journey and reach "the fortress on the hill," or by its Italian name: Castel del Monte, one of the impressive construction projects of Frederick II, a structure with eight towers located in a remote location from the city center, and to this day, the reason for its construction remains unclear. From here, we will head north to the Garango area, known as the 'Durban' of Italy, where we will visit the town of San Giovanni Rotondo, a city that serves as a pilgrimage site for millions of Christian believers due to the work of a Franciscan monk who heard his interesting story. We will enter the impressive church and stay for accommodation in the Vieste area.

Day 7: Vieste - Boat trip along the Gargano coast - Foresta Umbra - Monte Sant'Angelo - Trani

This morning will start with a wonderful boat trip along the Gargano coast (of course, weather permitting), sailing among the caves and cliffs formed by the waves of the sea in the white cliffs of the area. We will marvel at the turquoise waters reflected in the caves with the striking play of light and shadow, giving the caves different names. From here, we will continue to the Foresta Umbra, one of the few ancient forests remaining in all of Italy, and embark on an easy and short hiking trail in the dense forest. Finally, we will end our journey at Monte Sant'Angelo, a picturesque town where, according to local tradition, the archangel Michael appeared in person. We will enter the magnificent church and stay for accommodation in the Trani area.

Day 8: Trani - Bari - Back

On the last day of our journey in the Puglia region, we will begin with a visit to the city of Trani, a fishing town located on the beautiful bay. We will see the magnificent Romanesque cathedral by the sea, considered one of the most beautiful among the competing churches of Puglia, visit what was once the Jewish quarter, and learn about the Jewish community of Puglia, of which Trani was one of its centers. After our visit, we will travel to Bari Airport for our return flight home.