Bari, Italija

Hop into a rickshaw and experience Matera like never before! Whiz through the Sassi neighborhoods, along narrow streets and past cave dwellings and views like something straight out of a movie. In the districts of Barisano and Caveoso, which boast UNESCO World Heritage status, there's a surprise around every corner: frescoed churches, ancient stories and breathtaking views.Discover life in the cave houses, breathe in the atmosphere of a city sculpted from stone... and don't be surprised if you feel like you're walking through a movie set. Welcome to Matera!

• Rickshaw ride through the old town and the Sassi neighborhoods.
• The “Cave House”, a typical dwelling carved out of the rock.

Set off to conquer Matera, the oldest city in southern Italy: here, the houses are carved out of the rock, the churches are more like caves and time has taken a coffee break…of a century or two. But don't be alarmed: here, you won't be walking - instead, whiz about in a rickshaw among the Sassi, in the Barisano and Caveoso neighborhoods - a UNESCO world heritage site sculpted from the rock, with the same patience as it takes to prepare a proper Sunday lunch.

You'll step inside the Cave House to discover what life was like when “open space” meant a single room for everyone and everything. And you'll find yourself looking at frescoed churches that would make certain city museums pale in comparison.

It'll be like stepping onto a film set, and it's no coincidence that Mel Gibson filmed The Passion of the Christ here. Except that here, you write the script: laughter, stories, anecdotes, and glimpses that will make you want to stay.

And before going back, you'll receive a small souvenir. Because you may not be able to take Matera home...but at least you can keep a little piece of it in your pocket.

• Make sure you have your driving license and some ID with you to ride the rickshaw.

Explore Bari the fun, tasty way Wander along historic alleys, take photos of the monuments and taste the local specialties: crisp focaccia, octopus sandwiches, fried food and artisan ice-cream. Culture, flavors and folklore all in one, in a fun, flavorsome experience for all the family!

• Guided tour of Bari's most iconic sights
• A chance to meet local food artisans and taste authentic flavors
• A sensorial experience enjoying culture, art, and savoring food and wine

Get ready to discover all of Bari in an experience combining history, culture and authentic flavors.
You'll start from the historic city center, admiring the main attractions: the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and its precious crypt, the ancient Cathedral of San Sabino and the Norman Swabian Castle (visits of the exteriors).
You'll continue through the winding streets of the old town, tasting some local specialties. A slice of crisp focaccia bread hot from the ovens of a bakery that has been open for centuries. Octopus sandwiches, made to a traditional recipe, in a famous delicatessen. Typical fried foods such as panzarotti (deep-fried pizza dough stuffed with tomato and mozzarella) or sgagliozze (deep fried polenta chips), in characteristic spots of the city. An artisan ice-cream, to taste unique flavors and learn the secrets of ice-cream making.

You'll end the tour exploring the lively piazzas of the French quarter, famous for its theaters and luxury shopping streets, the long seafront and buzzing fish market, soaking up the folklore and colors of city life.

• The transfer will be with the Costa GoRound bus service.
• At the end of the excursion, if the length of the stopover permits, stay as long as you wish in the city center and then get back on board free of charge with the Costa shuttle bus service, showing your Costa Card to the driver. Check the time for returning on board and of the last available shuttle bus in “Oggi a Bordo”.
• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting

Hop on board the train, relax...and let Bari come to you! A simple, fun way to explore the city, setting off from the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Then, get lost amongst the authentic alleyways of Bari Vecchia, where tradition comes to life on the famous street of orecchiette...where you'll be surrounded by handmade pasta! The journey continues to the Norman-Swabian Castle, where you can stroll between its medieval walls and admire the city from above. Surrounded by legends, glimpses of the sea and interesting facts, you'll arrive at Piazza Ferrarese, for a tasting of a typical treat.Then enjoy the grand finale on Europe's longest seafront promenade, where the sea, the city and the flavors will leave you with memories that will stay with you forever.

• Old town of Bari
• Basilica of San Nicola, crypt and miraculous column
• Norman-Swabian Castle: external visit
• Piazza Ferrarese with food tasting and free time
• Bari's seafront promenade

• Take a seat on the miniature train and set off for the Basilica of San Nicola, the city's protector. Walk down into the crypt that houses the saint's relics and the legendary miraculous column.
• Strolling around Old Bari you'll soon come to the orecchiette street, where local women get together to make pasta by hand.A few steps further on is the Norman Swabian Castle, a 13th century fortress built to defend the city, destroyed in 1156 by the people of Bari themselves and then rebuilt by Frederick II as it is today. Make the most of the view from the medieval walls to follow in the footsteps of the lookouts on their tour of duty.
• Rejoin the train for Piazza Ferrarese, the center of Bari nightlife. Take a photo near the infamous column, an ancient pillory for debtors, and take the opportunity to taste local products. End on a high with a trip along the seafront promenade, the longest in Europe at 15 km.

• This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.
• This experience is not recommended for guests with mobility impairments.

An adventure among the alleyways of Bari Old Town, where the legend of Saint Nicholas becomes a fun treasure hunt. Divided into team, the kids and adults will solve riddles, pass creative tests and join forces to discover a mysterious hidden relic. An original, engaging way to experience Bari together, through games, traditions and fun.

• Treasure hunt and games among the alleyways of Bari Old Town
• Family challenges

Are you ready to turn a walk in Bari into a team adventure?
Explore Bari Old Town together with your family in a fun treasure hunt inspired by the legend of Saint Nicholas.

Led by expert entertainers, you'll explore the delightful alleys, hidden squares and historic views. There's more to do than just listen: you'll have to solve riddles, pass small creative tests and work with your team to succeed on your mission.

Divided into 'secret societies', kids and adults can test out their intuition, curiosity and team spirit to find a mysterious hidden relic. Along the way, you'll find out about local curiosities and traditions in a light-hearted, engaging way, with a little technology to make the game even more exciting, for the younger ones too. In the meantime, the city with its views and its alleyways is bound to make its mark.

An experience to enjoy together, full of laugher, being close and sharing proud moments when you solve the mystery. Because in Bari, history can become a game .... and the game can become a family memory.

• This experience will be narrated.
• Minimum age: 8 years.
• The transfer will be with the Costa GoRound bus service.
• At the end of the excursion, if the length of the stopover permits, stay as long as you wish in the city center and then get back on board free of charge with the Costa shuttle bus service, showing your Costa Card to the driver. Check the time for returning on board and of the last available shuttle bus in “Oggi a Bordo”.

Making memories first-hand in Bari! Learn how to make traditional Bari focaccia, pillowy and golden brown, and iconic handmade orecchiette, based on local, age-old traditions. Afterwards, enjoy a toast with a glass of wine and the fruits of your labor in an authentic, convivial atmosphere.

• Exclusive experience.
• Learn the secrets of Puglia's cooking
• Taste the most well-known specialties of Bari, that you made yourself

Are you ready to experience Bari like a local hero? In a secret location in the heart of the city, this exclusive experience will reveal the authentic flavors of Puglia's cooking.
Accompanied by a local guide, you will get first-hand experience of making two of the most favorite specialties of Bari, its focaccia bread, the indisputable hero of street food, golden brown, pillowy and topped with fresh cherry tomatoes. And handmade orecchiette, the culinary heritage handed down from generation to generation, and even appreciated by the New York Times.

After the lesson, you'll enjoy a toast with a glass of local wine and together taste the dishes you've made, listening to tales, anecdotes, and tasting the real flavors of Puglia. A unique experience - cuisine, culture and conviviality - all in one.

• The transfer will be with the Costa GoRound bus service.
• At the end of the excursion, if the length of the stopover permits, stay as long as you wish in the city center and then get back on board free of charge with the Costa shuttle bus service, showing your Costa Card to the driver. Check the time for returning on board and of the last available shuttle bus in “Oggi a Bordo”.

Discover the Old and the New Town in Bari, on a tour that will take you straight to the heart of the city! Set off from the majestic Basilica of Saint Nicholas and wander through the historic alleyways of the Bari Vecchia, the old town, from the church of Saint Gregory to the iconic Norman-Swabian Castle, with views that reveal centuries of history.Then, make your way through Bari Nuova, the city's newest neighborhood, with its elegant seafront, 1930s buildings and glimpses of the sea, before ending on a high with a tasting of typical products. An experience that combines history, atmosphere and flavors in every corner of the city.

• The historic centre of Bari: Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Church of Saint Gregory
• Norman-Swabian Castle (external visit)
• The New City

• This tour takes us to the beautiful historical centre of Bari to visit its "treasures". We start with the Basilica of Saint Nicholas * built in the Apulian Romanesque style during the Norman domination * where the relics of the famous patron saint of the city are preserved, followed by a tour of the exterior of the Church of Saint Gregory. Built during the10th and 11th centuries, its interior is divided into three naves which lead to three apses.
• The tour proceeds with a visit of the exterior of the famous Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle), a defensive bulwark of the old town that has come to symbolise the whole city. Built by the Normans in the 12th century, it was destroyed in 1156 and rebuilt at the behest of Frederick II between 1233 and 1240. The manor is one of the most interesting fortifications in the region, above all because of its strategic location. The castle, which is a fascinating example of a medieval construction, has numerous extensions that were built in successive periods. Today it hosts occasional events and temporary exhibitions.
• After a pleasant tasting of typical products, we move to the città nuova (the new city). We then procced with a panoramic tour along the seafront promenade, Bari's pride and joy, which features numerous imposing buildings from the 1930s.

• The “Adagio Tour” was born from the collaboration between Costa Crociere Foundation and AISM, with the aim of offering land experiences at a “slower” pace and itineraries with fewer architectural barriers, designed for people with accessibility needs.
• The “Adagio Tour” version of this excursion is available on all ships.
• The places available for the "Adagio Tour" version are limited.
• If you use a wheelchair, the reservation of the "Adagio Tour" must necessarily be made through your cruise representative or through the contact channels of the Customer Center.
• The visit to the old city involves walking for approximately 2 hours.
• Dress code that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

From the port in Bari, you'll head to Matera, a city that you don't simply visit: you've got to experience it. Wander among the Sassi, houses and churches carved into the rock, and inhabited for thousands of years, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a local guide, discover a truly timeless place, where history is everywhere and a surprise hides around every corner. And between one surprise and the next, don't forget to look up: you may spot a Lesser Kestrel, the true “master of the house” in Matera.

• Matera's alleys and houses dug out of the limestone
• ”Stones" and rock churches with frescoes

• From the port of Bari, you'll travel to Matera by bus. The city is truly astonishing. It is centuries old, with roots in the Bronze Age, enriched by a globally unique artistic and cultural heritage.
• Our local guide will accompany you on a tour through the narrow streets and past the houses dug out of the limestone rock. You'll visit the “Stones”, the two districts dug out of the Murgia stone which, together with over 100 rock churches, are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inhabited since prehistory up until the 1950s, this urban ecosystem has, over time, made expert use of natural resources like water, soil and energy. Mel Gibson found the right inspiration here to create the film set for the epic movie ”The Passion of the Christ”.
• Don't be surprised if you find many wooden nests among the Stones. They are used to help with the reproduction of the Lesser Kestrel, a symbol of Matera that is in danger of extinction.

• The tour of the City of Stones includes a walk across rough ground.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions in order to safeguard your health and comply with regulations and the safety protocol.

A trip through the heart of the Murgia to discover Gravina di Puglia, the town sculpted from the rock, with it spectacular canyon. Wander around the stone-paved streets, admire the Aqueduct bridge, explore the rupestrian churches and archaeological sites with finds dating back thousands of years. The tour ends with a tasting of typical products and local wine, to savor the authentic side of this land.

• Unique landscapes of the Murgia
• Archeology and rupestrian towns
• An authentic experience away from mass tourist destinations

From the coastline of Bari to the Murgia hills, you'll arrive at Gravina di Puglia, one of the most surprising towns of inland Puglia, sculpted in the rock and suspended over a natural canyon, from where it takes its name.

The historic town center boasts stone-paved alleys, medieval architecture and spectacular views. The indisputable symbol of the town is the impressive Ponte Acquedotto della Madonna della Stella, a stunning aqueduct bridge connecting the two sides of the canyon and a not-to-be-missed viewpoint to see the entire valley.
With your guide, you'll explore the archaeological areas of Botromagno and Padre Eterno, with their remains of temples, ancient paving and finds dating back thousands of years. In the center of the town, admire the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in Norman times, with its facade dominated by the large rose window, and the crypt of San Michele dug out of the rock.

Just outside the town center, you'll see traces of the Swabian castle and a fascinating rupestrian world: cave dwellings, frescoed churches, such as the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, underground passages and water tanks that depict a history layered over the centuries.
Before returning, enjoy a well-deserved tasting of typical products accompanied by a glass of local wine, to savor the taste of this authentic land.

• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.

Alberobello, the village that looks like a fairytale...but it's all real. With a local guide, wander among the trulli - white houses with a unique shape that now have UNESCO World Heritage status. Stroll through the lively, colorful Rione Monti neighborhood and through Aia Piccola: it's still inhabited, but here time seems to have stood still. Every symbol on the roofs tells a story, every trullo is different to the next. And to end on a high? A typical tasting with a delicious glass of wine. You don't visit Alberobello: you savor it.

• Trulli of Alberobello
• Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola
• Local food tasting

• You'll travel to Alberobello on our bus. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll visit the two urban areas with the greatest number of trulli: Rione Monti to the south, where there are roughly a thousand trulli used as craft workshops, and Rione Aia Piccola, with around 400 units that are actual homes belonging to local inhabitants.
• These buildings, which are typically white, cylindrical and topped with a dome, date from the mid-14th century and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An edict of the Kingdom of Naples levied a tax on every new building. This is how the idea of the trulli was conceived; as they were built without mortar, they were considered to be temporary constructions and therefore not taxable.
• The whiteness of the walls indicates purity and the whitewashed symbols on the dome indicate the family's religion, while the shape of the overlapping stone pinnacles was the final touch that made your home unique and recognizable.
• We can't leave Alberobello without tasting some local products, accompanied by a glass of wine.

• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions in order to safeguard your health and comply with regulations and the safety protocol.