Hilltop Towns in Apulia

Why visit Hilltop Towns in Apulia the first time?

Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe

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A tour of the hilltop towns in Apulia (Puglia), Italy, is a fantastic way to experience the region's unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you plan your trip:


Day 1: Bari

Start your tour in Bari, the capital city of Apulia. Explore the historic center, known as Bari Vecchia, with its narrow streets, charming squares, and the Basilica of San Nicola. Sample local street food specialties like panzerotti and focaccia barese. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade.


Day 2-3: Ostuni and Cisternino

From Bari, head south to Ostuni, known as the "White City" for its whitewashed buildings. Explore the picturesque historic center, visit the Cathedral of Ostuni, and enjoy panoramic views from the city walls. Nearby, you'll find the town of Cisternino, famous for its excellent meat dishes and traditional butchers called "macellerie."


Day 4-5: Alberobello and Locorotondo

Travel further south to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its trulli houses. Explore the Trulli district, visit the Trullo Sovrano, and learn about the history and architecture of these unique structures. Continue to Locorotondo, a charming hilltop town known for its white-washed houses and delicious white wine. Take a walk through the historic center and enjoy the panoramic views.


Day 6-7: Martina Franca and Ceglie Messapica

Visit Martina Franca, a beautiful town known for its Baroque architecture and elegant palaces. Explore the historic center, visit the Basilica of San Martino, and sample local pastries like the famous "cartellate." From Martina Franca, make your way to Ceglie Messapica, renowned for its gastronomy. Enjoy a culinary journey through the town's trattorias and taste traditional dishes like orecchiette and "bombette" (stuffed meat rolls).


Day 8-9: Lecce and Otranto

Travel to Lecce, often referred to as the "Florence of the South" for its stunning Baroque architecture. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Duomo, and the Roman Amphitheatre. Sample local specialties like "pasticciotto" (a pastry filled with custard) and explore the lively streets of the historic center. From Lecce, continue to Otranto, a charming coastal town with a beautiful beach and a stunning cathedral housing intricate mosaic floors.


The suggested itinerary for a tour of the hilltop towns in Apulia would be around 8 to 9 days. This allows you to explore each destination at a relaxed pace, immerse yourself in the local culture, and savor the diverse food and wine specialties of the region. Of course, you can adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and the time you have available.

Beautiful Hilltop Towns in Italy

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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

Esplore Infinite Beauties in Italy