2 0 7 Alberobello in the province of Bari has around 1,500 traditional mortarless houses called Trulli, which are a popular tourist attraction until the 18th-century addition of its Baroque façade. The interior holds an extravagant and eclectic ensemble of design embellishments, a feast for the eyes and a celebration of history’s finest craftspeople. Across the bridge in the new town on an unremarkable side street is the Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto. It is here among countless ancient artefacts that cruise guests can truly appreciate the historical relevance of Taranto. Largely devoted to the archaeology of ancient Taranto, perhaps among the most astonishing exhibits is the Athlete of Taranto and the Venuses of Parabita, a pair of small Palaeolithic carved rocks – relics that you can reasonably conclude contributed towards the birth of art. There is more on offer in Taranto than just historical marvels and architectural splendour. For example, sunseekers and water sport enthusiasts will delight at the numerous sandy beaches and blue seas. Meanwhile, conservation enthusiasts can experience Jonian Dolphin Conservation’s valuable activities on a whale- and dolphin-watching tour. An unnecessary footnote for foodies is the acknowledgement that they will be spoilt for choice with an impressive range of tasting activities and countless fine sources of traditional Italian fare. Taranto is a safe and easy city to navigate with nowhere too far away from the port, even when taking a modest pace. There are numerous appealing stops for refreshments between the popular sights and the locals are friendly and helpful – important attributes for cruise passengers as they explore a new destination. CFR Alberobello’s trulli houses have been designated with UNESCO World Heritage status since 1996. The iconic drystone constructions topped with corbelled roofs came about through an edict that required dwellings to be easily disassembled, each decorated with roof-top iconography to identify the architect. This is a popular tour that gifts evening visitors with striking images of the pale buildings set against the backdrop of a dark-blue sky illuminated by the rich hues of the setting sun. Martina Franca, overlooking the Itria Valley, is a beautifully conserved old town just 30 minutes away from Taranto. The Piazza Roma, home to the Doge’s Palace, is the largest square in the town but the finest is undoubtedly the Piazza Plebiscito – here the view is dominated by the very grand Basilica di San Martino. A visit to Martina Franca must include an olive oil-tasting experience at Frantoio Acropoli di Pugli, though be prepared to be reprimanded if you confess to cooking with olive oil rather than using it as a finishing ingredient! The name Grottaglie, meaning many ravines, provides a clue to the dominant industry of this charming town. Local inhabitants found the raw materials required for ceramics within these ravines, which also provided good hideouts during Saracen raids. The town’s ceramics are a big tourism draw today and leading artisans enjoy international appeal. For example, Leonardo Petraroli’s studio, which has now passed on to his two sons, boasts an impressive list of past customers including American political family, the Kennedys. Exploring Puglia Three notable excursions for cruise guests wishing to travel a little further afield during a cruise call in Taranto Alberobello Grottaglie Martina Franca
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