10:00

Basilica of Saint Nicholas

Set aside about an hour for the basilica and its worship spaces, taking in the Romanesque façade, the crypt, and the sculptural details. From Bari Centrale station, it takes about 20–25 minutes on foot, crossing the city center; admission is generally free, but for special visits or donations, allow around €0–5. Check the official website for any visit arrangements or services.

Respectful attire is required in places of worship; during services, visits may be limited.

11:30

Norman-Swabian Castle

Reach the castle with a walk of about 5–10 minutes and allow 60–90 minutes for the courtyards, walls, and accessible exhibition spaces. The visit lets you trace the different phases of the medieval structure and its later transformations; budget roughly 8–12 € for any admission ticket, to be confirmed on the official website.

After the visit, plan a lunch break in the historic center: about 12–25 € per person for a simple or full meal.

15:30

Nazario Sauro Seafront

From the castle, reach the seafront on foot in about 15–20 minutes and stroll along a stretch overlooking the Adriatic, stopping to take in the harbor, the boats, and the city skyline. Allow about an hour, with no cost for the walk; a drink at a café may cost roughly 2–6 €.

The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos; bring water and sun protection on hot days.

18:30

Petruzzelli Theatre

From the seafront, continue to the theatre in about 15–20 minutes on foot, crossing the Murat district. Take time to admire the façade and the square; if guided tours or performances are scheduled, check availability and details on the official website, with an estimated 5–15 € for a visit and variable rates for events. You can end with dinner nearby, budgeting around 20–40 € per person.

Tours and events depend on the schedule: check the official information before making plans.

09:30

Polignano a Mare (Lama Monachile)

From Bari Centrale, take the train to Polignano a Mare: the journey takes roughly 30–40 minutes, plus the walk from the station to the center and to Lama Monachile. Spend about three hours at the viewpoint, the bridge, and the pebble beach, paying attention to the paths and sea conditions; the walk is free, while an optional boat excursion may cost about 25–40 €. Check train times and updated fares before departure.

The descent to the beach can be steep and the ground uneven: comfortable shoes are more practical than flip-flops.

14:00

Monopoli (Old Port)

Reach Monopoli from Polignano by train in about 10–15 minutes, checking connections and waiting times. From the center, walk toward the Old Port and explore the basin, traditional boats, and surrounding alleys on foot; allow two to three hours, with no cost for the stroll. For lunch or an early dinner, budget roughly 15–35 € per person, then head back to Bari by train in about 35–50 minutes.

Services can vary depending on the day and season: leave some margin for your return journey and check the official timetables.

09:30

Alberobello (Rione Monti)

Set off early from Bari: by car the trip takes about an hour, while by public transport it can take significantly longer and depends on connections. In Rione Monti, walk among the trulli and admire the conical roofs and sloping lanes; allow about two hours and note that the walk is free, though visits to interiors or museums may cost around 3–8 €. For lunch, budget about 15–30 € per person.

If you’re using public transport, plan your connections to Castellana Grotte in advance and check the official timetables: a car or a booked transfer may be more practical.

13:30

Castellana Caves

From Alberobello, reach the caves in about 25–35 minutes by car; by bus or local connections, travel time can vary and should be checked beforehand. Allow about two hours for a guided visit, with route and duration to be confirmed on the official website; tickets cost roughly 18–25 €, depending on the route and applicable conditions. After the visit, allow about 45–60 minutes to get back to Bari by car, with times varying according to traffic.

Inside, the temperature is cooler and the route may include stairs and damp sections: bring a light layer and shoes with good grip.