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The Murge of Altamura

Why visit The Murge of Altamura the first time?

Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe

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The Murge of Altamura is a beautiful region located in the Apulia (Puglia) region of Italy. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious local cuisine, it offers a unique travel experience. To help you plan your tour, here's an itinerary that covers the attractions, local food, and wine specialties, as well as information on how to get there and where to stay.

Itinerary for the Tour of The Murge of Altamura:

Day 1: Arrival in Altamura

- Arrive in Altamura, a charming town known for its well-preserved medieval center and famous Altamura bread.

- Explore the historic center, visit the Altamura Cathedral, and stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional houses.

- Enjoy a dinner featuring local specialties like focaccia and burrata cheese.

Day 2: Matera

- Take a day trip to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, known as "Sassi."

- Explore the fascinating rock-cut churches, cave houses, and winding streets of Matera.

- Sample some regional dishes, such as orecchiette pasta with turnip greens (cime di rapa) and lamb stew.

Day 3: Gravina in Puglia

- Visit Gravina in Puglia, a picturesque town located on the edge of the Murge plateau.

- Explore the underground city, known as "Gravina Sotterranea," with its network of caves, cellars, and churches.

- Taste local specialties like "Burrata di Gravina," a creamy cheese, and "Murgia Ricotta," a traditional cheese made from sheep's milk.

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Gioia del Colle

- Head to Gioia del Colle, a town famous for its vineyards and excellent wines.

- Visit a local winery and enjoy a wine-tasting experience, sampling renowned wines like Primitivo and Aglianico.

- Indulge in a traditional Apulian lunch with dishes like "orecchiette con le cime di rapa" and "bombette," a specialty of grilled meat rolls.

Day 5: Castel del Monte

- Take a day trip to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive medieval castle.

- Explore the castle's unique octagonal design and learn about its intriguing history.

- Enjoy a picnic in the surrounding countryside, savoring local products such as olives, taralli (savory biscuits), and local wines.

Day 6: Alberobello

- Visit Alberobello, a town renowned for its iconic trulli houses, which are traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs.

- Explore the narrow streets lined with trulli, and visit the Trullo Sovrano, a two-story trullo house turned museum.

- Try local delicacies like "taralli" (crunchy bread rings) and almond sweets.

Day 7: Departure

- Depart from Altamura or continue your journey to other destinations in Puglia or Italy.

How to Get There:

Altamura is located in the Apulia region of southern Italy. The nearest airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, which receives domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can reach Altamura by renting a car or taking a train or bus.

Where to Stay:

Altamura offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and agriturismi (farm stays). Consider staying in the historic center to immerse yourself in the town's atmosphere. Alternatively, you can find accommodations in nearby cities such as Matera or Bari, which offer a wider range of choices.

Duration of the Itinerary:

To fully enjoy the Murge of Altamura and its surrounding attractions, a recommended itinerary length is around 6-7 days. This duration allows you to explore the main highlights, experience the local cuisine, and have some flexibility for day trips to nearby towns.

Remember to check the current travel restrictions, opening hours of attractions, and local guidelines before your trip, as they may vary.

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Giuseppe Baldassarri Destination Marketing & Management Consultant

Let’s Create Your Italy

Top Italy Things to Do: Explore the Best of Italy
Narration by Baldassarri Giuseppe, Destination Marketing & Management Consultant
"Italy Things to Do | Discover Italy’s Essence"

Introduction to Italy: A Gateway to Culture and History

Italy is not just a destination—it’s a dialogue between the past and present, a journey that begins the moment curiosity awakens. It calls to the traveler’s deeper sense of self, offering not only places to see but emotions to feel. From the cadence of daily life in a sunlit piazza to the majesty of ancient ruins, Italy is a gateway to both discovery and connection.

The Rich Historical Background of Italy

Every stone in Italy tells a story. It’s a country where history is not confined to museums—it lives in the streets, whispers from the amphitheaters, and glows in cathedral stained glass. For the thoughtful traveler, these aren’t just relics of the past—they’re meaningful encounters that spark reflection and awe.

Why Italy is a Must-Visit Destination

Italy moves people, not just through beauty, but through the depth of experience. It satisfies a range of human desires: adventure, meaning, indulgence, and inspiration. Whether it’s a solo traveler seeking introspection or a business guest exploring opportunities, Italy adapts and responds to what each visitor needs, often before they even realize it themselves.

Top Cities to Visit and Things to Do

Rome: The Eternal City

Rome doesn’t ask for your attention—it commands it. Walking through its streets, you're enveloped in a powerful blend of empire, elegance, and everyday life. The Coliseum, the Vatican, the fountains—they’re not just stops on a tour, they’re moments of wonder that shift your inner perspective.

Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence awakens a traveler’s imagination. This city breathes art, and its streets are an invitation to think, to feel, and to create. Whether gazing at Michelangelo’s David or sipping wine under Tuscan skies, Florence offers the kind of depth that lingers long after your visit ends.

Italy's Natural Wonders and Landscapes

The Majestic Dolomites

There’s something transformative about standing before the Dolomites. These towering peaks inspire both humility and exhilaration. They’re a space where the external journey meets the internal, where stillness and movement co-exist in sublime balance.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast

This coastline doesn’t just please the eye—it stirs the heart. Clinging to cliffs and kissed by Mediterranean sun, the Amalfi Coast is a sensory poem. Every winding road, every sea breeze, speaks to life’s richness and the joy of slowing down to savor it.

Culinary Delights: Italy Things to Do for Food Lovers

A Journey Through Italian Cuisine

Food in Italy is not merely nourishment—it’s a narrative, a celebration, and often, a love letter to tradition. Sharing a meal becomes a bridge to understanding the culture, the people, and the land itself. It’s where authenticity meets generosity, plate by plate.

Must-Try Dishes Across Italy

From truffle risotto in the north to Neapolitan pizza in the south, every dish tells a regional story. Each bite is a chance to experience place and memory simultaneously, reminding us how powerful and emotional taste can be when rooted in identity.

Cultural Experiences: Engaging with Italian Art and Festivals

Festivals in Italy are not staged performances—they are living traditions. Whether it’s a medieval reenactment in Siena or a contemporary art show in Venice, these events pull you in, not as a spectator, but as a participant in something timeless and heartfelt.

Travel Tips for Exploring Italy

To fully enjoy Italy, travel with an open mind and a responsive heart. The most enriching journeys are not always the ones most planned—they’re the ones where you allow space for emotion, spontaneity, and unexpected connections. Italy rewards those who travel with awareness, curiosity, and care.

Conclusion: Discover Italy’s Essence

Italy is more than a list of attractions. It’s an emotional experience that evolves with every step, every conversation, every sensation. Italy is the ultimate destination for those who seek not just to see but to feel. And its essence? It lies in how deeply it moves you.

– Baldassarri Giuseppe

The Murge of Altamura › Italy Travel Planner