CAVES OF CASTELLANA AND OLD TOWN OF BARI
Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Caves of Castellana
This fantasyland of eye-popping stalactites and stalagmites was carved out of limestone 90 million years ago. Located near the town of Castellana Grotte, this complex of underground caves extends 3,348 meters (10,984 feet) and reaches a depth of 122 meters (400 feet); however, your guided tour covers a distance of one kilometer (62 feet) in approximately 50 minutes.
Bari
The capital of Apulia has seen its share of history-a who's who of conquerors since its founding in 1500 BC. Evidence of its illustrious past can be seen in Old Town, known by the locals as Bari Vecchia. Among the labyrinth of winding streets sits a number of breathtaking medieval structures such as the Basilica of St. Nicolas, Bari's patron saint most closely associated with the legend of Santa Claus. Built between 1087 and 1197 to house his remains, it became a popular pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. A walk through the lovely Romanesque church reveals carved stone doorways, an elaborate stone canopy over the altar and a 900-year-old marble Cattedra di Elia, or bishop's throne, a symbol of the bishop's teaching authority in the Catholic Church.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Nature has shaped the Caves of Castellana into otherworldly stalactites, stalagmites, incredible shapes that resemble dinosaur fossils, and canyons.
LUNCH
While in Bari, treat yourself to lunch in any of the charming restaurants. The Mediterranean diet's been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List so you can't go wrong with dishes like the ear-shaped orecchiette with olive oil, a local favorite. Or taste some typical street food like focaccia barese (seasoned with tomatoes, olives, oil, and oregano), panzerotti (a a savory turnover) or sgagliozze (fried polenta).
SHOPPING
Ceramics, pottery and papier-mâché crafts make ideal souvenirs.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Taranto, you'll travel north through the scenic countryside to the Caves of Castellana.
Points of interest
Castellana Caves
Schedule
Special Notes
Note: The temperature in the caves is lower than on the surface. Please wear appropriate clothes. Not recommended for wheelchair guests or limited mobility as this tour requires extensive walking over uneven surfaces and steps.
The paths inside the caves may be sometimes slippery, please wear comfortable, non-slippery walking shoes. At the caves we will follow the 1km itinerary (the visit lasts approx. 50 minutes).
There are no restrooms during the 50-minute visit inside the Caves; visit is not advisable for guests suffering from heart problems. Strollers are not allowed in the caves. Photos are allowed only in the first cave. It is forbidden to touch or remove the limestone formations. On Sundays, church holidays and during weddings, groups are not allowed inside churches during services. Guests may have the chance to visit churches independently, quietly and reverently. Guides are not allowed to enter and talk during services. Guests are requested to dress conservatively with both shoulders and knees covered when visiting sacred sites. The order of visited sites may vary. Restroom facilities are located in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari. Shops in Bari are closed on Sundays (all day) and Monday mornings. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
Exceptional Value
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Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Caves of Castellana
This fantasyland of eye-popping stalactites and stalagmites was carved out of limestone 90 million years ago. Located near the town of Castellana Grotte, this complex of underground caves extends 3,348 meters (10,984 feet) and reaches a depth of 122 meters (400 feet); however, your guided tour covers a distance of one kilometer (62 feet) in approximately 50 minutes.
Bari
The capital of Apulia has seen its share of history-a who's who of conquerors since its founding in 1500 BC. Evidence of its illustrious past can be seen in Old Town, known by the locals as Bari Vecchia. Among the labyrinth of winding streets sits a number of breathtaking medieval structures such as the Basilica of St. Nicolas, Bari's patron saint most closely associated with the legend of Santa Claus. Built between 1087 and 1197 to house his remains, it became a popular pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. A walk through the lovely Romanesque church reveals carved stone doorways, an elaborate stone canopy over the altar and a 900-year-old marble Cattedra di Elia, or bishop's throne, a symbol of the bishop's teaching authority in the Catholic Church.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Nature has shaped the Caves of Castellana into otherworldly stalactites, stalagmites, incredible shapes that resemble dinosaur fossils, and canyons.
LUNCH
While in Bari, treat yourself to lunch in any of the charming restaurants. The Mediterranean diet's been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List so you can't go wrong with dishes like the ear-shaped orecchiette with olive oil, a local favorite. Or taste some typical street food like focaccia barese (seasoned with tomatoes, olives, oil, and oregano), panzerotti (a a savory turnover) or sgagliozze (fried polenta).
SHOPPING
Ceramics, pottery and papier-mâché crafts make ideal souvenirs.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Taranto, you'll travel north through the scenic countryside to the Caves of Castellana.
Points of interest
Castellana Caves
Schedule
Special Notes
Note: The temperature in the caves is lower than on the surface. Please wear appropriate clothes. Not recommended for wheelchair guests or limited mobility as this tour requires extensive walking over uneven surfaces and steps.
The paths inside the caves may be sometimes slippery, please wear comfortable, non-slippery walking shoes. At the caves we will follow the 1km itinerary (the visit lasts approx. 50 minutes).
There are no restrooms during the 50-minute visit inside the Caves; visit is not advisable for guests suffering from heart problems. Strollers are not allowed in the caves. Photos are allowed only in the first cave. It is forbidden to touch or remove the limestone formations. On Sundays, church holidays and during weddings, groups are not allowed inside churches during services. Guests may have the chance to visit churches independently, quietly and reverently. Guides are not allowed to enter and talk during services. Guests are requested to dress conservatively with both shoulders and knees covered when visiting sacred sites. The order of visited sites may vary. Restroom facilities are located in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari. Shops in Bari are closed on Sundays (all day) and Monday mornings. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.