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Three-day Itinerary for Bari, Italy

  • Day 1: Bari Old Town
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Basilica di San Nicola

    Bari Old Town, also known as Bari Vecchia, is a charming ancient town with narrow streets, historic churches, and traditional houses with colorful shutters. Walk around the winding alleys and stop by Piazza del Ferrarese for a coffee or aperitivo. Don't miss the impressive Basilica di San Nicola, housing the remains of Saint Nicholas.

  • Day 2: Castello Svevo and Lungomare Nazario Sauro
    10 minutes (1.5 miles) from Bari Old Town

    Start your day at Castello Svevo, a medieval fortress overlooking the sea, dating back to the Norman period. Walk along the walls and enjoy the panoramic views. Then, head to Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a scenic promenade lined with palm trees and seafront restaurants. Stop by Pane e Pomodoro Beach to relax on the sand.

  • Day 3: Trani and Polignano a Mare
    30 minutes (20 miles) from Bari Old Town

    Take a day trip to two picturesque towns near Bari. Trani is a coastal town famous for its Romanesque cathedral facing the sea, the Jewish Quarter, and the fishing port. Polignano a Mare is a cliff-perched village with pastel-colored houses, a charming old town, and stunning views over the Adriatic sea. Try the local specialty, gelato di riso, rice ice cream.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Basilica di San Nicola (1 hour, free)
  • Castello Svevo (1 hour, €8)
  • Pane e Pomodoro Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Trani (4 hours, train ticket €5-€10)
  • Polignano a Mare (4 hours, train ticket €5-€10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €28-€36

Transportation

Most of Bari's attractions are within walking distance. For day trips to Trani and Polignano a Mare, take the local train from Bari Centrale Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs between €5 and €10 each way.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring other nearby towns such as Alberobello, famous for its cone-shaped Trulli houses, or Matera, known for its prehistoric caves and Sassi di Matera. If you have less time, skip Trani or Polignano a Mare and spend more time in Bari Vecchia.

Airports

Bari has one airport, named Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), located about 8 miles northwest of the city center. The airport has connections to major Italian and European cities.

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