Apulia

Tours

Excursioni Sofia is a boat trips company in the beautiful Polignano a Mare (BA). It has got two boats of 6.5 meters in possession of a sailing license of pleasure craft with CE marking. Excursions Sofia offers its guests guided tours of the Polignano a Mare caves starting from the new tourist port "Cala Ponte Marina" in via San Vito pier D. With its 11 km of coastline and an enchanting skyline, Polignano has a coastline dotted with cavities karst. The skippers of Sofia, expert navigators and connoisseurs of the area, with their smile and their kindness will accompany you in many of the most beautiful views of the coast and in small hidden coves, perfect places for swimming, sunbathing or enjoying an aperitif. We also offer an English translation which is always available on board. The duration of the excursion is two hours. The standard departures for the excursions begin at 09:00 and proceed every two hours until 19:00. The excursions are available from 01/04 to 31/10. The seats available are ten per boat. In case of adverse weather conditions, excursions may be subject to changing.

Your tour lasts about 1.5 hours with departure and arrival at the small port of San Vito (Abbazia di San Vito and Polignano a Mare). Included is a visit to the main caves, with a break to swim in one of the most evocative places on the Polignano's coast. You'll also be treated to a tasty Prosecco-based aperitif which will be offered by the crew. The itinerary is divided into stages and includes the visit of the main caves. These caves include Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Santa Caterina, Grotta Chiari di Luna, Grotta delle Rondinelle, Cala Paura/Grottone, Grotta Azzurra, Statua “Domenico Modugno”, and Grotta Piana, just to name a few. Each boat has a length of 6.5 meters with a capacity of 8 people for each boat. The boat has a parasol, and is equipped with ladders and floats for both adults and children.

After meeting your guide, set out for a sightseeing tour of Alberobello. Follow your guide into the historical center of Rione Monti, which boasts over 1,000 iconic Trulli buildings. Marvel at the unique architecture of these fascinating buildings while learning about their history and significance. Continue the tour with a visit to Rione Aia Piccola, an area that best represents the ancient medieval village where you can stop at the viewpoint to take some beautiful pictures. Your journey ends at the highest point of the city where the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is located. Notice the similarities between the church and the Trulli buildings and soak up the historical atmosphere of the site as you listen to your guide’s tales and anecdotes.

The tour will start with a beautiful view from the Belvedere terrace, introducing the interesting history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your visit of the two districts Aia Piccola and Rione Monti, where you can admire the typical houses with their unique architecture. Walking among "trulli" and little alleys, you'll reach the trullo-shaped Church of San Antonio. Finish off the tour with a visit to a local's home, where you will get the chance to taste typical products, such as extra virgin olive oil.

The tour starts with a visit to the majestic Santa Croce Church, the jewel in the crown of Lecce’s Baroque architecture. From here, explore the nearby Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the former market square where you can find the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column, and the remains of a huge Roman amphitheater. Continue the tour with a walk through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which boasts a stunning Baroque palazzi and the recently restored Sant’Irene Church. Arrive at the breathtaking Piazza Duomo next, one of the most critically praised buildings in Italy. See the Archbishop’s Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower, and the cathedral. Finally, visit the underground Jewish Museum and discover the town’s fascinating Jewish history.

Your tour begins from Sant'Oronzo square, where you will find a Roman Amphitheater which was first discovered at the beginning of the 20th Century. The itinerary goes on to the historic center, which is rich with churches and old buildings decorated by Baroque Art. During the tour, it will be possible to look at papier-machè artisans at work. This kind of art belongs to Lecce from the 17th Century, when it was conceived to decorate churches, back when the paper was the only material available. It continues to adorn the houses and the churches of this magical city thanks to old masters and young people.

After meeting with your skipper at the marina in Bari, hop on board your sailing cruise. Enjoy a welcome snack of local focaccia and an excellent Primitivo red wine to start your sailing adventure. Then it's time to cruise out to the high sea. Out here, you can admire the imposing lighthouse of Bari. If you're lucky, you'll spot dolphins who often come up close to the boat. If you'd like, the skipper will even give you the opportunity to temporarily maneuver the boat yourself. If sea conditions allow, take a dip in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the refreshing temperatures. Your skipper will cast anchor at the old navy of Bari where you'll be able to take another swim and take panoramic photos of the promenade. Finally, visit the historic center's ancient fish market and admire the Basilica of San Nicolas.

Experience a pleasant bike tour to discover the city of Bari and let your expert multilingual guide show you the most important attractions of the Apulian capital. You will admire the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino, the Swabian Castle, the Teathers, the main squares, the many picturesque beaches, and the beautiful hidden corners of the historical center, such as the Fish Market and the alleys where women still prepare handmade fresh pasta. You will venture into the real Bari and immerse yourself in the lively local life and the traditions of this enchanting city. Choose the bikes which suit you best among women, men and children bikes. This tour is suitable to everybody and to every level of training. Bari is a flat and sunny city and is therefore ideal to be visited by bike all the year round.

Get on board and discover with us the coastline south of Otranto, a wild and uncontaminated environment, where the high cliffs alternate with a lot of coves with a rocky seabed, rich in caves. Discover Torre del Serpente, Palombara, Punta Facì', Baia delle Orte, Capo d'Otranto, Sant’Emiliano, Porto Badisco, Grotta delle rose, Grotta della Fraula, Santa Cesarea Terme, Baia di Miggiano, Grotta Zinzulusa, Grotta Azzurra, and Grotta Palombara. Continue to Mulino d’acqua, Imperia, Cale d’Otranto, S. Stefano, Baia dei Turchi, Baia Alimini, Conca Specchiulla, La Punticella, Torre S. Andrea. Swimming breaks and aperitif on board based on typical Salento products are provided, drinks included!

Arrive at the home of your expert host for a memorable private dining experience where you will taste authentic recipes treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian mothers. During an exclusive cooking demonstration, feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as your host shares the secrets of her family cookbook while preparing the dishes right in front of you. Once the end result is ready, sit at an authentic Italian dining table and enjoy your 4-course seasonal menu including a starter, pasta, main course with side dish, and dessert.