excursion in Bari, Italy

[CCDave]

Coming to Bari on an RCI cruise, on a Sunday. Choice # 1 - "do" Bari itself independently. If we choose to do that how complicsated is it to get into town?

 

Easily walkable if you're a walker (a pleasant mile) but I'd be surprised if there were no shuttle bus laid on.

 

Choice # 2 - a five hour trip toAlberobello.

 

Choice # 3 - a 3 hour Bari and Truilli district... did not specify Alberobello

There's plenty to keep you occupied in Bari for a day (but beware bag snatchers). If you want to get out of town, it's cheaper to rent a car and drive to Alborobello, especially if you can get another couple to join you, and you'll have time to stop at other places on the way.

[ShylaQ]

Also will be in Bari in September on a Sunday with RCI....And have a question for any shoppers/window shoppers out there (and am fully prepared to take judgement from non shoppers..:)

 

Question is Fashion District Molfetta Outlet...worth a look..? and the ships 40 usd transfer per person...Would a taxi be a better deal?

 

Appreciate any insight!

[CCDave]

Also will be in Bari in September on a Sunday with RCI....And have a question for any shoppers/window shoppers out there (and am fully prepared to take judgement from non shoppers..:) Question is Fashion District Molfetta Outlet...worth a look..?

The shops are generally open on Sundays but beware the siesta - they close for about 3 hours in the early afternoon (can't remember whether it was 12-3 or 1-4). I know nothing specifically about Fashion District Molfetta Outlet though.

 

and the ships 40 usd transfer per person...Would a taxi be a better deal?

40 dollars? What a complete rip-off. Now I know why I've never sailed RCI and probably never will. That combined with the sales pressure I've read about, high bar prices + 15%, etc.

 

As I already said, it's easy to walk into Bari, if you're capable of walking a mile. Otherwise, taxis were waiting at the port gates and should certainly be a lot less than 40 dollars - no more than 10 each way, I'd have thought. Just have your wits about you, because Italian taxi drivers know all sorts of tricks to part you from your money, e.g. you give them a 50 and they give you back the 5 they previously palmed in anticipation, saying you made a mistake and only gave them 5. It isn't as bad these days, with euros instead of the huge lira denominations that used to exist, but still happens. They're metered but that won't stop drivers taking roundabout routes. Try and negotiate a fare when you get in, have the right money ready, and watch them carefully.

 

Don't let me put you off though! I'm sure the majority are honest. Just be on your guard.

[fotobrad]

Is it possible to do BOTH Aberobello and matera in a 9hr. cruise stop? I would rent a car, but only available in town-not at the port.

Thanks

[euro cruiser]

Is it possible to do BOTH Aberobello and matera in a 9hr. cruise stop? I would rent a car, but only available in town-not at the port.

Yes, BUT you need to recognize that you would spend nearly half of your time getting from place to place, vs. actually being there.

 

Bari, Alberobello and Matera form a triangle. Although it's only about 120 miles, it's almost all on secondary roads so it will take you between 3.5 - 4 hours to get from A to B to C and back to A. Add to that time to get the car and drop it off at the end of the day, plus time to find parking at Matera and Alberobello ... and you're left with perhaps an hour at each location.

[miaminautigal]

I was in Bari last June. We walked off the ship and asked any of the Taxi drivers if they spoke English. We hired a taxi for 5 hours for 140 Euro for 4 people. He drove us to a cherry farm, 1 hour to the Tulli houses and we stopped at a local champagne tour. Then he dropped us off in the old city in Bari. We spent two hours walking around. It was a 10 min walk back to the ship. Just follow the water.

 

What an excellent price and tour. Was this a standard price every taxi was offering? I got taxis in Marseilles and Barca for around E40/hr for around 200 kms in May of this year and thought that was reasonable. How hard did you have to negotiate? I love to bicker but I don't want to be unreasonable, fuel after all is very pricey. We want to hit Polignano and few if any other highlights. Not too ambitious. Sometimes less is more.