Mietwagenrundreise "Weißes Apulien"

About the destination: Despite the fact Bari is quite a large modern city it has managed to keep the unique atmosphere of small towns. In this city ancient buildings and strict gothic castles border with new trading centres and restaurants, making Bari even more attractive and elegant. Walk along the narrow streets of the city centre to reach the Cathedral of Bari. Built in the 12th century, its crypt is a triumph of Baroque art. In this labyrinthine streets, another fine example of Baroque architecture stands, the beautiful church San Nicola, built a thousand years ago. Castello Normanno Svevo, which was built in 1132, is one of the most notable sights of the city. The Museum of Archaeology is another place of interest in Bari as excavations in the old part of the city haven’t stopped even now, so the museum constantly gets new exhibits. If daytime is traditionally used for unhurried walks on shady valleys, night turns Bari into one noisy discotheque. Trendy bars, pubs, and clubs are ready to entertain their visitors till dawn.

About the destination: Cozy with the fields of olive trees, beautiful like no other part in the world, born of this red earth that perfumes and transforms the surrounding landscape in a succession of wonderful chromatic effects. It is the Valle d'Itria, known as Valle del Trulli, which extends through the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto and includes the municipalities of Alberobello, Carovigno, Castellana Grotte, Ceglie Messapica, Cisternino, Fasano, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Noci, Ostuni, Putignano, San Michele Salentino, San Vito dei Normanni and Villa Castelli. It will be the white color of their houses or the vegetation that surrounds them, the fact is that each town, each village of the valley is impregnated with a magical atmosphere, almost fable. In the heart of the Itria Valley, a must-see is Alberobello, included in Unesco's World Heritage List as a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is impossible not to be fascinated by the alleys of the neighborhoods of Monti and Aja Piccola. But it is not just about Alberobello. The landscape of the whole area is planted with these typical constructions: just think of Cisternino that emerges in the so-called Murgia dei Trulli, included along with Locorotondo among the most beautiful villages in Italy. This last one, called until the end of the 19th century "Luogorotondo" for its characteristic round shape of the inhabited center, forms part of the Terra dei Trulli. Not to be missed in any way a "Journey to the center of the earth", to the caves of Castellana (in the municipality of Castellna Grutte): the Grave, the first and largest cavern and the only connected with the outside; And the White Grotto, which will leave your visitors speechless.

About the destination: Alberobello, a small town in Italy’s Puglia region, is famous for its fairytale trulli: whitewashed, conical-roofed stone houses that look like they belong in a storybook. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town’s historic districts—Rione Monti and Aia Piccola—are packed with these unique dwellings, some dating back several centuries. Wandering the narrow lanes, you’ll find trulli converted into shops, tiny museums, cafés, and cozy guesthouses, all preserving their original charm. Begin your visit in Rione Monti, the more touristic quarter, where over a thousand trulli climb the hillside. Climb up to the Belvedere terrace for a panoramic view of the clustered cones, especially beautiful in the soft evening light. Nearby, the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo open to the public, offers a glimpse into traditional local life, with period furniture and household tools showing how families once lived in these compact spaces. For a quieter, more authentic atmosphere, head to Aia Piccola, where residents still live in many of the trulli. Here you can soak up daily life, chat with locals, and take photographs without the crowds. Don’t miss the trullo church of Sant’Antonio, with its distinctive cone-topped façade, and consider joining a guided tour to learn about the construction techniques and symbolism behind the painted roof symbols. Alberobello also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Valle d’Itria. Combine your stay with visits to nearby white towns such as Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Ostuni, or take a day trip to the Adriatic coast for a swim. In the evenings, sample Puglian specialties in local trattorias—orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and rich olive oil—paired with regional wines like Primitivo or Negroamaro, rounding off your stay in this uniquely enchanting town.

About the destination: Despite the fact Bari is quite a large modern city it has managed to keep the unique atmosphere of small towns. In this city ancient buildings and strict gothic castles border with new trading centres and restaurants, making Bari even more attractive and elegant. Walk along the narrow streets of the city centre to reach the Cathedral of Bari. Built in the 12th century, its crypt is a triumph of Baroque art. In this labyrinthine streets, another fine example of Baroque architecture stands, the beautiful church San Nicola, built a thousand years ago. Castello Normanno Svevo, which was built in 1132, is one of the most notable sights of the city. The Museum of Archaeology is another place of interest in Bari as excavations in the old part of the city haven’t stopped even now, so the museum constantly gets new exhibits. If daytime is traditionally used for unhurried walks on shady valleys, night turns Bari into one noisy discotheque. Trendy bars, pubs, and clubs are ready to entertain their visitors till dawn.

About the destination: Despite the fact Bari is quite a large modern city it has managed to keep the unique atmosphere of small towns. In this city ancient buildings and strict gothic castles border with new trading centres and restaurants, making Bari even more attractive and elegant. Walk along the narrow streets of the city centre to reach the Cathedral of Bari. Built in the 12th century, its crypt is a triumph of Baroque art. In this labyrinthine streets, another fine example of Baroque architecture stands, the beautiful church San Nicola, built a thousand years ago. Castello Normanno Svevo, which was built in 1132, is one of the most notable sights of the city. The Museum of Archaeology is another place of interest in Bari as excavations in the old part of the city haven’t stopped even now, so the museum constantly gets new exhibits. If daytime is traditionally used for unhurried walks on shady valleys, night turns Bari into one noisy discotheque. Trendy bars, pubs, and clubs are ready to entertain their visitors till dawn.

About the destination: Barletta is a city in southern Italy, in the Apulia region of Barletta-Andria-Trani province. It has about 95,000 inhabitants and is located on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, in the valley of the Ofanto River.

About the destination: Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', beautiful Trani has a sophisticated feel, particularly in summer when well-heeled visitors pack the array of marina-side bars. The marina is the place to promenade and watch the white yachts and fishing boats in the harbour, while the historic centre, with its medieval churches, glossy limestone streets, historic Jewish quarter and faded yet charming palazzi is an enchanting area to explore. But it's the cathedral, pale against the deep-blue sea, that is the town's most arresting sight.

About the destination: Despite the fact Bari is quite a large modern city it has managed to keep the unique atmosphere of small towns. In this city ancient buildings and strict gothic castles border with new trading centres and restaurants, making Bari even more attractive and elegant. Walk along the narrow streets of the city centre to reach the Cathedral of Bari. Built in the 12th century, its crypt is a triumph of Baroque art. In this labyrinthine streets, another fine example of Baroque architecture stands, the beautiful church San Nicola, built a thousand years ago. Castello Normanno Svevo, which was built in 1132, is one of the most notable sights of the city. The Museum of Archaeology is another place of interest in Bari as excavations in the old part of the city haven’t stopped even now, so the museum constantly gets new exhibits. If daytime is traditionally used for unhurried walks on shady valleys, night turns Bari into one noisy discotheque. Trendy bars, pubs, and clubs are ready to entertain their visitors till dawn.

About the destination: Matera is the capital of the Matera province in the Basilicata region of Italy. It boasts the sassi, well-preserved rock-cut settlements that are a World Heritage site and one of Southern Italy's many important attractions. The town center, the oldest part of town, was built on the edge of a bare plateau where a high rocky mount looms over the spot where a valley descends to the long deep river-ravine. This is where you'll now find the town cathedral and the fairly typical Italian town center. The town's main historical museum, the Museo Nazionale Ridola, contains exhibits from distant eras of Basilicata's past, from prehistory to the Roman age (closed Monday mornings; a small entrance charge). Nearby, Palazzo Lanfranchi houses the Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna della Regione Basilicata - an art museum incorporating the Pinacoteca D'Errico, which has lots of religious paintings by southern painters and, more interestingly, the Centro Carlo Levi, which contains a range of paintings by the twentieth-century artist and writer who is a part of this region's modern history.

About the destination: Brindisi is a city in the South of Italy, right down in the "heel of the boot" in the region of Apulia, in the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Historically, the city has played an important role in trade and culture, due to its strategic position on the Italian Peninsula and its natural port on the Adriatic Sea. The city remains a major port for trade with Greece and the Middle East. The city of Brindisi lies between two deep bays linked to the open sea by a narrow and deep channel, overlooked by the Castello Rosso (Red Castle), named for the particular color of the stone used to build it. The Swabian Castle, rather, overlooks the western channel of the port and today is a venue for major cultural events. Among the sights not to be missed, the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with a beautiful and finely-decorated marble portal, and the Colonna Romana (Roman Column), once flanked by a "twin" that today is part of the structure of the famous Colonna di Sant’Oronzo in Lecce. Beautiful sandy beaches are scattered along the coast, lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea.

About the destination: The town takes its name from the 16th century watchtower, partially ruined today, built by the Spaniards to defend the Salento from the attacks of Saracen pirates. Born as a descendant of the nearby village of Case Simini, a town in the municipality of Lecce just more inland. Also part of the marina is a small island in front of the coast called by the "Lu squeiu" (the rock) leccesi. Looking towards the horizon, just next to the islet, you can glimpse in the sea between 5 and 7 meters deep, a series of marble columns dating back to the 2nd century BC Of particular naturalistic interest are the Idume and Fetida basins, where Characean algae and combed brazil grow. Along the banks there are thick reeds, a "salted steppe" of annual Salicornia and plants such as narco narcissus. From the Idume basin, continuing northwards along the coast, we find the Spiaggiabella summer residential complex, with a splendid beach and crystal clear water. In the immediate hinterland we find the Regional Natural Park Bosco and Paludi di Rauccio.

About the destination: Lecce is a historic city in Apulia region of Italy, and the capital of the province of Lecce. Because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments found in the city, Lecce is commonly nicknamed "The Florence of the South". Lecce has a lovely historic center (centro storico), and travellers can easily spend many hours exploring picturesque little lanes and finding the more far-flung Baroque churches. The town's great artistic treasure is its architecture; in terms of other arts, such as painting, Lecce cannot really compare with northerly towns like Florence and Rome. The town has two main focal points: Piazza Sant'Oronzo and Piazza del Duomo. Piazza Sant'Oronzo is the big civic heart of the town, a large square with a slightly different atmosphere, the ancient and the modern sitting uncomfortably together. Piazza del Duomo is an unusual interpretation of a familiar Italian cathedral square. In Lecce the cathedral sits in one corner of a theatrical enclosed square; a still space in the heart of town.

About the destination: Brindisi is a city in the South of Italy, right down in the "heel of the boot" in the region of Apulia, in the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Historically, the city has played an important role in trade and culture, due to its strategic position on the Italian Peninsula and its natural port on the Adriatic Sea. The city remains a major port for trade with Greece and the Middle East. The city of Brindisi lies between two deep bays linked to the open sea by a narrow and deep channel, overlooked by the Castello Rosso (Red Castle), named for the particular color of the stone used to build it. The Swabian Castle, rather, overlooks the western channel of the port and today is a venue for major cultural events. Among the sights not to be missed, the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with a beautiful and finely-decorated marble portal, and the Colonna Romana (Roman Column), once flanked by a "twin" that today is part of the structure of the famous Colonna di Sant’Oronzo in Lecce. Beautiful sandy beaches are scattered along the coast, lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea.