10-Hour Day, Tour Leader

10-Hour Day, Tour Leader, 10 hours, rated 4.6 across 581 traveller reviews.

Overview

Two UNESCO World Heritage towns in one day is the pitch here, and the day is built around that: a coach ride out from your chosen starting point, roughly three hours on your own in Alberobello, then a transfer to Matera for close to four hours of free time before the drive back. Apulia Smart Tour runs it with a tour leader on board and a Gran Turismo motorcoach, and you can start from Bari, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli depending on the option you pick.

This is not a guided walking tour. The tour leader travels with the group and hands out a brochure with digital maps, but the exploring in both towns is self guided. Audio guides in five languages are provided, though they need an internet connection to work.

It suits people staying in Bari or the coast nearby who have no rental car and want the logistics handled. One reviewer put it plainly: public transport between these two towns would be difficult, and this tour solves that. Expect a comfortable bus, information materials to orient yourself, and the freedom to spend your hours however you like.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting pointThere are 3 meeting points depending on the option selected: Bari, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli. Staff welcome participants and hand out information materials.
2. Coach to AlberobelloThe first leg is a bus ride of about 1 hour on an air-conditioned Gran Turismo motorcoach.
3. Alberobello free timeAround 3 hours in the trulli town for photos, walks, artisan shops and a self-guided visit at your own pace.
4. Coach to MateraA transfer of roughly 80 minutes links the two stops.
5. Matera free timeApproximately 3 hours and 45 minutes for the Sassi, rupestrian churches, viewpoints, shopping and sightseeing on your own.
6. Return and drop-offA coach ride of about 1 hour back, with 3 drop-off locations depending on the selected option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape the day, from connectivity for the audio guides to how the free time actually works.

• Bring internet. The audio guides need a Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection to run. Without it you still get the brochure with digital maps, but not the commentary.
• Self-guided pace. Visits in both towns are self guided.
• Comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet for most of the free time in both towns, walking and sightseeing independently. Sturdy footwear helps for a day built around wandering.
• Food and entries. Food, refreshments and admission fees for attractions or museums are included. Reviewers mentioned fitting in coffee and lunch stops during the free time.
• Be on time. The bus cannot wait for latecomers. Arrive at the meeting point early, since no one arriving late is accepted.
• Assistance on call. A 24-hour remote assistance service backs up the in-person staff during the experience. The tour leader speaks English, Spanish and Italian.

Common issues. Some travellers were surprised that visits are self guided, so read the option description carefully before booking. One reviewer wanted far more facts about the sights before arrival, and said very little detail was given on the bus. Another reported loud music and weak air conditioning on the coach despite repeated requests, and said the guide walked ahead without the group in Matera. Pickup is not included; you make your own way to one of the three meeting points.

Common Questions