Pocket guide: Why now is the time to plan a trip to Bari in Italy

Wander through the city's honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards, and Romanesque and baroque churches.

What's good about it? Located in Italy, on the Adriatic Coast, Bari's sunny, palm-fringed streets are lined with romantic, honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards and Romanesque and baroque churches.

Best for: Visit the Norman Swabian castle, the splendid Romanesque Basilica of St Nicholas and the Petruzzelli Theater, one of Italy's most important opera houses, and stroll the picturesque waterfront. Also visit Alberobello and its fascinating trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site of whitewashed buildings with conical roofs. Head to the Old Town's two main squares, Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile.

Best time to visit: For stable weather, visit Bari between April and November. The summer months can be particularly hot, so opt for shoulder months for cooler temperatures.

Getting there: Visit Bari on Viking's 29-day Mediterranean's Iconic Shores and 15-day Italy, the Adriatic & Greece voyages.

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