• Bari - The chief town of Puglia (Apulia), Bari faces the sea and, seen from above, appears like a bird with unfolded wings, whose head is old Bari.
  After the construction of the Church of San Nicola (St. Nicholas) in the XI century, Bari became one of the most vital centres of Christianity, a meeting place and point of arrival of the Crusades. The origins of this Church of the Patron saint - St. Nicholas - who is venerated not only by Catholics but also Orthodox and Protestant Christians, are unusual. The saint, who is considered the protector of sailors, died around 350 AD in Myra, an ancient city in Lycia in Asia Minor, at the time under the rule of the Muslims. His remains were removed by sailors from Bari and taken to the city on 9th May 1087. They were placed in a crypt and a large church dedicated to him was immediately built. Constructed in the beautiful and essential Puglia-Romanesque style, the church’s chancel features a stone altar that preserves his remains from which, for centuries, a liquid with miraculous effects continuously exudes. This so-called manna is distributed to worshippers in ampules. The church is open in the evening for guided visits every Saturday from 1st July to 30th September.

Each year, during the May Celebrations, the “translation of the relics” is remembered with the Caravella historic procession, which is animated by songs that have been handed down for generations. The saint is also celebrated on 6th December, the day of his death.

• Private, deluxe vehicle transportation
• English-speaking driver
• Guided tour with an English-speaking guide
• 3-hour tour in Bari

• Lunch fees
• Entrance tickets
• Gratuities

Embark from your Rome accommodation with your English speaking chauffeur towards Bari, Apulia. Link up with your guide and spend 3 hours traversing the town, appreciating its highlights including the captivating beach and notably, a chief pilgrimage site for Catholics and Orthodox Christians, the Basilica of San Nicola. This 11th and 12th century Basilica is steeped in myth, with one tale being that St. Nicholas stopped at Bari en route to Rome and announced it would be his final dwelling place. Currently, the monument hosts one of the key Romanesque sculptures in southern Italy: a bishop’s throne. Navigate a web of trails and gaze upon the twin towering structures giving the church its castle-like facade. Interestingly, it was utilized as a castle four different times. Before returning to Rome, savor a delicious lunch ( meal cost not included ) and meander through the characteristic streets to indulge in some shopping!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.