Travel-Learn Program

When: September 18, 2012 - September 26, 2012 (iCal)

Description

Our excursion to Apulia, a land of olive trees, Norman castles, and charming hilltop towns, begins as we settle into Polignano a Mare, a town with a decidedly Greek feel and refreshing coastal setting. We will walk on the narrow cobblestone streets to see the Old Town, travel to Leece to take in the baroque architecture, and continue on to Ostuni and its dazzling white buildings. We will then head to Trulli and the cave houses and caverns in Sassi. This journey is the making of an exciting exploration of one of Italy’s little known treasures.

Activity level: Moderately Active

Featuring Faculty Host

Professor Cristelle Baskins

Download the program flyer.

To avoid disappointment of a sold out program, register now!

Cost

From $2,745 per person, based on double occupancy.

Contact

For more information,contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Director Tufts Travel-Learn Program, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Departure - Day 1

Depart gateway cities.

Day 2 - Bari/Polignano a Mare

After arriving in Bari today, we will transfer to Polignano a Mare and check into our home, the Hotel dei Saraceni. This evening we will meet for a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel.

Day 3 - Polignano a Mare/Bari

This morning we will hear a lecture on the history, agriculture and beauty of the Province of Apulia. Afterwards we will stroll through our home of Polignano a Mare, and then make a scenic transfer to Bari, the capital of the Apulia region and ancient Greek port. Here we will embark on a guided tour of Bari including the ancient port, the old town, the Basilica of St. Nicolas and the Murat quarter. After lunch in Bari, we will return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 4 - Lecce/Ostuni

Our day begins with a lecture on the history and architecture of Lecce, “The Florence of the South” and the “White Town” of Ostuni. Shortly thereafter, we will depart by our motor coach for an excursion to Lecce to see the Piazza Sant’ Oronzo, Colonna Romana (which marked the end of the Appian Way), the Roman Amphitheater and the Basilica di Santa Croce. After free time and lunch in Lecce, we will continue on to Ostuni, known as the “white town” because of its whitewashed homes high on a hill above the Mediterranean. Here we will have free time before returning to Polignano a Mare.

Day 5 - Bisceglie/Trani

This morning we will travel to a family run olive farm in Bisceglie for a lecture, tasting and a buffet lunch. Following this, we will take a scenic drive to Trani to visit the 13th century fort, the Cathedral, the Ghetto area and Norman houses. This evening we will return to our hotel for dinner on our own.

Day 6 - Sassi di Matera/Alberobella

Today we begin with a scenic drive to Sassi di Matera where we will tour its historic troglodyte churches and dwellings (Sassi) that are designated UNESCO sites. After lunch in Matera, we will continue on to Alberobella to tour its UNESCO designated trulli – conical houses with grey stone roofs. Afterwards we return to the hotel and gather for dinner.

Day 7 - Castle del Monte

Today we begin with a guided excursion to the UNESCO site of Castle del Monte located close to the monastery of Santa Maria del Monte. Afterwards, we will visit a working winery for wine tasting and lunch. We then return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure and dinner on our own.

Day 8 - Polignano a Mare

After a morning lecture on contemporary Italy, our day today is at leisure. This evening we will meet for a farewell reception and dinner at our hotel, and share our impressions of our Apulia visit.

Day 9 - Bari/US

Depart from Bari, Italy for return flights.

Price and Itinerary are tentative and subject to change

617-627-5323|usha.sellers@tufts.edu