Daunia - The High Country of Apulia
Apulia is a mysterious and intriguing region and the area known as Daunia in the extreme north is a perfect microclimate of the whole, reflecting the diversity and variety of landscape, people, history, tradition and culture.
Our nine day journey begins on the coast. Heading north from the regional capital Bari. We pass through a series of coastal port cities, beginning with tiny Giovinazzo, then continuing north, we make a longer stop in Barletta, which is currently hosting two interesting and important exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
The journey continues further northward, always keeping the coast in sight, to the delightful town of Mattinata and our base for the first three nights. Mattinata provides the perfect launching pad for exploring the important religious centres of Monte Sant'Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo. It is also a stone's throw from Manfredonia and its National Archaeological Museum. From Mattinata we can set off on some delightful walking trails, one of which (approximately 2,5 km) takes us to one of the loveliest and most unspoilt of Gargano's beaches, Vignanotica or Seagulls beach.
Next we move on to the northern part of the peninsular and base ourselves near Peschici. From here the Tremiti Islands are at our doorstep and our programme includes a day trip out to explore the beauty and splendour of some of the most wild and untouched Mediterranean waters. The largest of the Gargano's towns, and one of its prettiest, Vieste is at just a few kilometres from Peschici and warrants plenty of time to amble around the back lanes and soak up the atmosphere and sea air. Peschici too is a great base for some good walking in the Umbra forest and Gargano's National Park.
The final days of the journey take us inland and up into the sub-Apennine area of Daunia. We pass through the historic cities of Lucera and Troia, admiring the monumental reminders of the cities' glorious past. As the mood takes us, there's the occasion to explore some of the winding back roads and panoramic scenery of this stunning area and towns such as Faeto and Orsara di Puglia.
Our return journey commences with the descent from the highlands in the north and continues southward on a parallel trajectory with our voyage north. We have a final stop at one of Puglia's most impressive Romanic cathedrals, Saint Valentine in Bitonto before returning to where we began the journey.
