Excursion Elegant trani, olive oil mill & tasting tour at Bari

The first part of the one-hour drive to Trani goes through Bari's newer area along the seafront road. Your guide will point out some of the imposing buildings which are a legacy of the Fascist architecture with which Mussolini sought to recall the glories of ancient Rome and to signify his powerful influence.

The journey continues northwest up the scenic coastal route to the lovely seaside town of Trani. The elegant cathedral, a splendid example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, stands with its soaring bell tower on one side of the U-shaped harbor facing the vast, almost modernist Swabian Castle on the other.

Trani Cathedral is one of the finest examples of churches in the Apulian Romanesque style, boasting a delicately carved 13^th-century main portal and the magnificent late-12^th-century bronze doors cast by Barisano da Trani with their 32 relief panels decorated with figures of Christ, the Virgin, Apostles and Saints. Also from the 12^th century are fragments of fine mosaic floor tiles near the main altar. The cathedral's interior was embellished with Baroque decorations in the 19^th century but later restored to its original Romanesque appearance in 1952-55.  From the side aisles you will reach the crypt dedicated to St. Nicholas the Pilgrim built, along with the lower church of Santa Maria, over a Paleochristian site housing a rectangular hypogeum. This is the underground tomb of Saint Leucius, the first bishop of Brindisi.

After the visit you will have some free time to wander around this lovely town locally known as 'the slow town' and sit and relax in one of its charming cafes. At the right time of day you may see the hustle and bustle of the local fish market, but in any case the lively fishing port, wide paved streets and elegant buildings are a pleasure in themselves. A stroll along Trani's harbour brings you back to the coach to continue your tour towards Bisceglie.

Like much of Apulia, the Bisceglie area is renowned for its robust extra virgin olive oil, mainly pressed from Cima di Bitonto and Coratina cultivars.  A short drive through countryside dotted with sculpture-like olive trees takes you to a leading oil producer's, where you will learn about olive harvesting and oil production and take part in an oil tasting. You will be served with what they call a snack - Cerignola olives, artichokes, aubergines, sweet peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, wild Lampascioni onions - all obviously pickled in olive oil, roasted sweet peppers and roasted onions, Caprese Salad, Altamura bread, Bisceglie focaccia bread, taralli biscuits, toasted bruschetta, fresh fruit and local dessert, washed down with mineral water and Primitivo di Manduria wine.

It is time for the drive back to Bari after having nourished soul and body with culture, tradition and flavors.

aving nourished soul and body with culture, tradition and flavors.

Note

Please note: This tour involves walking a total distance of approximately 1.30 miles over uneven and cobbled surfaces and inclines as well as up and down the 30 steps leading to the cathedral. The coach drop-off point is the main square in Trani, from where visitors must walk to the monument area, and the olive oil farmhouse is not wheelchair accessible. The tour is therefore not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with very limited mobility.  Children over 5 may participate. Flat comfortable footwear is highly recommended, as is a hat in hot weather.  Conservative dress is required to visit the cathedral: all guests must cover their knees and shoulders, and inappropriately dressed visitors may be refused admission. Photographic and video equipment may not be used in in Trani cathedral. On Sundays, church holidays and during weddings, groups are not allowed inside places of worship during services and guides may not enter and talk. Guests may have the chance to visit churches on their own, quietly and respectfully.