Bari

Bari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Puglia region in Italy.

Bari has the longest seafront in Italy, dotted with elaborate, elegant, black wrought-iron street lamps and palm trees.

Take care with Italian traffic, especially in the narrow streets of the Old Town and zebra crossings.

To reach the Old Town, head left along the promenade for about 10 minutes, you'll then see a broad archway set into the old walls, this is the entrance to Bari's magical and authentic Old Town.

The Old Town food market is fragrant, colourful and bursting with local produce. It's just off the square on the left of the cathedral.

The 11th Century Basilica of St. Nicola and the 12th Century Cathedral of San Sabino are both in the Old Town.

The Norman-Swabian Castle lies just outside the Old City walls, facing the sea.

The New Town is the best place to find sophisticated shops and department stores selling good-quality clothes, ceramics and giftware.

Further afield, the pretty beach resort of Trani is located about 30km from Bari. It's a sleepy place with an attractive waterfront and lots of old fashioned charm and is a great place to relax. It's 12th Century Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino is also here.

Beyond the city itself lies beautiful Puglia, with it's sandy coastline, 60 million olive trees and Roman ruins. Puglia is also famous for its handmade pasta, which you'll find in many unusual shapes.

Monopoli is around 40km away. It has a spectacular central piazza surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants.

Alberobello, the Trulli capital of Puglia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bari's cuisine is based on wheat, olive oil and wine, supplemented by locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat.

Dishes include the traditional pasta orecchiette, baked calzone, thick minestrone soup and ragu of lamb or pork.

Bari has three separate docks, one being for cruise ships.

Facilities include a souvenir shop, toilets, drink machines and a news-stand.

Bari's Old and New Towns are easily walkable from the port in around 10-15 minutes.

Some cruise lines provide free shuttle buses from the dock gates down to Avenue Corso Cavour, one of the main shopping streets in the "new" part of Bari.

There is a mini-train and taxis at the dock gates.