Altamura, a charming medieval town nestled in the heart of Italy’s Puglia region, beckons visitors with its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. Explore the well-preserved historic center, marvel at the majestic Cathedral, and witness the traditional focaccia-making process. Enjoy the town’s captivating past, shaped by the Hohenstaufen dynasty, and savor the famous Altamura focaccia, a true taste of the region’s enduring culinary traditions. This private tour promises to unveil the captivating story of the ‘Town of Bread,’ leaving you eager to delve deeper into its medieval charm.
Key Points
- Explore the well-preserved medieval center of Altamura, showcasing its narrow streets, historic landmarks, and quaint piazzas.
- Witness the traditional methods of Altamura focaccia baking in a local bakery, followed by a tasting of the freshly baked delicacy.
- Marvel at the impressive Romanesque architecture of the Hohenstaufen Cathedral, a cultural and historical highlight of the tour.
- Gain insights into Altamura’s rich history and the influence of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in southern Italy.
- Enjoy a private tour with a guide, available in both Italian and English, with the option of free cancellation.
Tour Overview
This private tour allows visitors to enjoy the medieval charm of Altamura, a historic town renowned for its ancient cathedral and traditional focaccia bread.
Over the course of 2 hours, you’ll explore the town’s well-preserved medieval center, admiring its narrow streets and historic landmarks.
The highlight of the tour is a tasting of the famous Altamura focaccia, baked in wood-fired ovens according to age-old recipes.
Led by a certified local guide, you’ll explore the town’s rich history and culinary traditions.
The tour is available in both Italian and English, and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Altamura.
Discovering Altamura’s Medieval Center
The tour kicks off with a stroll through Altamura’s well-preserved medieval center, where visitors can admire the town’s narrow streets and historic landmarks that have stood the test of time.
The highlight is the majestic Cathedral of Altamura, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. Guests will marvel at the cathedral’s impressive façade and intricately carved portal.
As they wander the charming streets, they’ll also discover the old town’s quaint piazzas, ancient stone buildings, and artisanal shops. This immersion in Altamura’s medieval past provides a glimpse into the town’s rich history and enduring traditions.
Focaccia Tasting in Old Ovens
Tasting the town’s famous focaccia baked in old wood-burning ovens offers visitors a delightful sensory experience, as they savor the crisp, golden crust and fragrant, soft interior of this regional specialty.
The tour includes a stop at a local bakery, where guests can witness the traditional methods used to craft this beloved bread. Watching the skilled bakers shape the dough and slide it into the scorching hot oven is a highlight, as the sights, sounds, and aromas transport them back in time.
After the demonstration, visitors get to sample the freshly baked focaccia, paired perfectly with a glass of local wine or an espresso. It’s a true taste of Altamura’s culinary heritage.
Exploring the Hohenstaufen Cathedral
Dominating the medieval skyline of Altamura, the grand cathedral built by Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen commands attention with its impressive Romanesque architecture and intricate ornamentation.
This architectural marvel, commissioned in the 13th century, showcases the powerful influence of the Hohenstaufen dynasty during their rule in southern Italy.
Visitors can marvel at the cathedral’s striking facade, adorned with intricate stonework and towering arches.
Inside, the interiors are equally impressive, with ornate columns, vaulted ceilings, and stunning stained glass windows that bathe the space in a warm, ethereal light.
Exploring this cathedral provides a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage that shaped the town of Altamura.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Directions
The meeting point for the Altamura Private Tour is located at Piazza Zanardelli, 70022 Altamura BA, Italy. This centrally situated square in the medieval town center serves as the starting point for the guided exploration of Altamura.
The tour guide will be waiting for guests at the picturesque piazza, ready to lead them on an immersive journey through the historic streets and landmarks of this charming town.
From the meeting point, the group will set off to discover Altamura’s architectural gems, including the magnificent cathedral built by Emperor Frederick II, and indulge in the signature focaccia tasting, all while learning about the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Altamura Private Tour includes a certified tour guide who’ll lead visitors through the medieval town center, providing insights into its history and architecture.
Plus, the tour features a tasting of the renowned Altamura focaccia, a local delicacy baked in traditional wood-burning ovens. The cost of the focaccia tasting, which includes three servings, is 3 EUR per person, payable in cash.
The tour is available in both Italian and English, ensuring that travelers from all backgrounds can fully enjoy the experience.
While transfers to and from Bari airport or port can be arranged upon request, the tour itself doesn’t include any transportation services.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled date are non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy
The Altamura Private Tour offers flexible cancellation options, with full refunds available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance. However, travelers should note that cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled tour date are non-refundable.
This policy allows for convenient planning, ensuring that guests can receive a full refund if their plans change. The tour’s cancellation policy is designed to be fair and transparent, providing customers with the flexibility they need while also protecting the tour operator’s business.
Some key points about the Altamura Private Tour’s cancellation policy:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour date
- Non-refundable cancellations within 48 hours of the tour
- Refunds are issued in full for eligible cancellations
- Customers should be aware of the policy when booking to avoid any unexpected charges.
Additional Services
Along With the core tour, the Altamura Private Tour offers several optional add-ons to enhance the experience for visitors. Travelers can arrange for round-trip transfers from Bari airport or port, ensuring a seamless start and end to their journey. For those seeking an immersive culinary adventure, a visit to a local bakery to witness the traditional wood-fired focaccia making process can be added. Plus, guests can explore the charming medieval streets and piazzas at their own pace with a self-guided audio tour. These customizable extras allow visitors to tailor the tour to their specific interests and preferences, creating a truly memorable experience in Altamura.
| Optional Add-Ons | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bari Airport/Port Transfer | Round-trip transfer service | On request |
| Bakery Visit | Focaccia making demonstration | €3 per person |
| Self-Guided Audio Tour | Explore Altamura at your own pace | Included |
| Private Driver | Chauffeur-driven car service | On request |
| Photography Session | Capture stunning photos with a local guide | €50 per hour |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
The tour operator’s policy does not mention allowing participants to bring their own food. Guests are expected to purchase the included focaccia tasting during the tour. Bringing outside food is generally discouraged on guided tours.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?
The tour is available in both Italian and English. Guests can choose their preferred language when booking the tour. The certified tour guide will provide the commentary in the selected language throughout the 2-hour experience.
What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?
The tour’s group size is not explicitly stated, but it’s a private tour, so it’s likely a small group experience. The tour guide can provide personalized attention and tailor the experience to the participants’ needs and interests.
Are There Any Discounts or Deals Available?
Unfortunately, the tour details provided don’t mention any discounts or deals. The tour price appears to be a flat rate without any special offers. Customers should contact the tour provider to inquire about any promotional pricing or package deals that may be available.
Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. While the standard tour has set inclusions, the provider may be able to accommodate special requests or modify the itinerary within reason. It’s best to inquire about customization options when booking.
Recap
Enjoy the medieval charm of Altamura on this private tour.
Marvel at the majestic Cathedral, witness the traditional focaccia-making process, and savor the famous Altamura focaccia.
Explore the well-preserved historic center, stroll through the narrow streets, and gain insight into the town’s rich cultural heritage shaped by the Hohenstaufen dynasty.
This tour offers a glimpse into Altamura’s medieval past and its enduring legacy as the ‘Town of Bread.’
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