A Day in Bari: Gateway to Southern Italy

Bari, the capital of Italy’s Puglia region, is known for its charming old town, delicious food, and coastal charm. Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Bari while on a cruise.

Morning: Explore Bari Vecchia (Old Town) (3 hours)

• Duration: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Start your day in Bari Vecchia, the historic heart of the city:

1. Basilica di San Nicola: Visit this stunning Romanesque basilica, dedicated to Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus). Admire its architecture and the crypt that houses the saint’s relics (1 hour).
2. Cattedrale di San Sabino: Another magnificent Romanesque cathedral worth visiting for its serene interior and historical significance (30 minutes).
3. Castello Normanno-Svevo: Walk through this imposing Norman-Swabian castle that offers insight into Bari’s medieval history (1 hour).
4. Wander the labyrinthine streets of Bari Vecchia, where you’ll see locals making orecchiette pasta by hand outside their homes.

Lunch: Taste Puglian Cuisine (1.5 hours)

• Duration: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
  Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria or café in Bari Vecchia. Try regional specialties like:
• Orecchiette alle cime di rapa (pasta with turnip greens)
• Focaccia Barese (local focaccia topped with tomatoes and olives)
• Panzerotti (fried dough filled with mozzarella and tomato)

Pair your meal with a glass of Puglian wine, like Primitivo or Negroamaro.

Afternoon: Coastal Stroll and Modern Bari (3 hours)

Option 1: Seafront Walk and Teatro Margherita

• Walk along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Bari’s beautiful seafront promenade. Take in the views of the Adriatic Sea and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere (1 hour).
• Visit the Teatro Margherita, an art space built on stilts over the sea. It often hosts exhibitions and offers great views of the harbor (1 hour).

Option 2: Day Trip to Polignano a Mare

• Take a 30-minute train ride to Polignano a Mare, a stunning cliffside town. Stroll its charming streets, visit its dramatic sea caves, and enjoy a gelato overlooking the turquoise waters (2 hours). Return to Bari by train.

Late Afternoon: Shopping and Relaxation (1 hour)

• Duration: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  Spend your last hour browsing shops along Via Sparano, Bari’s main shopping street. Pick up local products like olive oil, taralli (crunchy bread snacks), or handmade ceramics. Alternatively, enjoy a final coffee or aperitivo at a café in Piazza del Ferrarese.

Evening: Return to the Cruise Ship (30 minutes)

• Duration: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
  Make your way back to the port with plenty of time to board your ship. The cruise terminal is close to the city center, making it easy to return.

Tips for Your Day in Bari

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the cobbled streets of Bari Vecchia.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially if visiting in summer.
• If visiting Polignano a Mare, check train schedules to ensure a timely return to Bari.
• Be sure to try local street food like sgagliozze (fried polenta) at one of Bari’s markets.

This itinerary offers a mix of history, coastal beauty, and Puglian cuisine, ensuring a memorable day in Bari or its surroundings. Let me know if you’d like additional details