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Romantic Renaissance: A 4-Day Escape to Bari, Italy

Experience amore in the enchanting streets of Bari, Italy.

28 August 2023

Escape to the charming coastal city of Bari for a romantic getaway. Explore the narrow cobbled streets of the old town and admire the breathtaking views from the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Indulge in delicious local cuisine by dining al fresco at the waterfront restaurants, and stroll hand in hand along the picturesque beaches as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea.

Travel plan

• Check into Villa Nicolaus, a charming boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century building with beautiful frescoes and a tranquil courtyard.
• Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Bari Vecchia, the city's historic center, where laundry dances on lines above your head and colorful shutters beg for selfies.
• Savor the freshest seafood at Trattoria Santo Nikola, a hidden gem overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Their octopus carpaccio will make you question your existence.
• Stroll along the promenade, catching a glimpse of locals fiercely competing in an impromptu game of over-the-top hand gestures, known as "gesticolanza."
• Watch the sun go down with an aperitivo at Al Pescatore, a quirky bar perched on the edge of Bari's ancient walls. Sip on a Negroni while pretending to be an extra in a Fellini movie.

• Visit Castello Normanno-Svevo, a medieval fortress overlooking the sea. Imagine knights in shining armor jousting while you take obligatory castle selfies.
• Take a scenic drive along the coast to Polignano a Mare, a stunning cliffside town that's a sweet spot for romance. Prepare to be smitten by its narrow streets and balconies draped in flowers.
• Bite into heaven at Pasticceria Martinucci. Their cannoli are legendary, bursting with ricotta so creamy it could melt a heart made of granite.
• Dabble in local culture at Teatro Petruzzelli, a historic opera house that has seen its fair share of drama onstage and off. Catch a performance if you're feeling fancy.
• Stroll hand in hand along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, breathing in the fresh sea air and secretly hoping to stumble upon a hidden treasure chest full of gelato.

• Take a day trip to the enchanting city of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South" for its stunning Baroque architecture and elegant streets.
• Amble through Piazza del Duomo, adorned with intricate limestone facades that make you question whether you've been transported back in time or into a fairytale.
• Experience a sensory journey through the past at Museo Faggiano, where you'll uncover ancient underground chambers and unexpected archaeological finds.
• Indulge in a romantic dinner at Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant nestled in a cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Savor gourmet cuisine while waves serenade your taste buds.
• Appreciate the art of dolce vita at Caffè Alvino, a historic café where espresso comes with a side of nostalgia. Sip your coffee slowly, savoring the secrets whispered by the walls.

• Embark on a countryside adventure to the picturesque countryside of the Itria Valley, famous for its ancient olive trees and trulli, cone-shaped houses.
• Visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where fairytale-like trulli create a whimsical atmosphere. Get lost in narrow streets while chasing rainbows.
• Sip on local wines at a family-run winery, basking in the warm hospitality and savoring the rich flavors of Puglia's red nectars.
• Dive into an olive oil tasting at a traditional masseria, learning the ancient art of pressing liquid gold from olives. You'll never look at olive oil the same way again.
• Have a farewell dinner at La Uascezze, a rustic restaurant where you'll feast on traditional Puglian dishes lovingly crafted from locally sourced ingredients.