OSTUNI SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Along Ancient Olives and Coastal Dunes: A 5‑Hour Ape Calesse Circuit Around Ostuni
A compact, 5‑hour guided tour of Parco Naturale Dune Costiere in electric Ape Calesse—this guide explains the route, what you’ll see, and how to prepare.
Along Ancient Olives and Coastal Dunes: A 5‑Hour Ape Calesse Circuit Around Ostuni.
Adventure brief
Along Ancient Olives and Coastal Dunes: A 5‑Hour Ape Calesse Circuit Around Ostuni
Drive or glide—this five‑hour itinerary through the Parco Naturale Dune Costiere threads ancient olive groves, historic masserie and farmsteads, archaeological sites and a coastal wetland, all from the comfortable confines of an electric Ape Calesse. Along the way there are optional local tastings and an automated audio‑guide to contextualize the landscape and monuments.
Located along Italy’s southeastern coast, the Parco Naturale Dune Costiere offers a distinctive blend of coastal landscapes, historic sites, and lush olive groves. This 5-hour eco-tour provides a rare chance to see a diverse array of natural and cultural highlights in a single journey. The adventure is centered around riding in a vintage electric Ape Calesse, which weaves quietly through shaded farmsteads, ancient olive groves, and archaeological remnants, all while keeping a keen eye on the region’s rich history.
What makes this tour stand out is its seamless combination of environmental consciousness and cultural immersion. The guide-led trip introduces visitors to the park’s unique geological features, including towering sand dunes formed over millennia, leading down to pristine beaches. Hidden away from the bustling tourist trail, the tour visits historic farms and archaeological sites that reveal the area's layered past. Optional tastings of local produce—like olive oils and regional wines—add a flavorful dimension to the experience.
The landscape is marked by distinctive flora, such as endemic Mediterranean shrubs and vibrant wildflowers, while birdwatchers may catch sight of herons and flamingos wading in nearby wetlands. The relaxed pace and intimate vehicle make it accessible for most travelers, yet the route offers just enough activity for those seeking a meaningful, nature-focused escape.
This journey emphasizes sustainability, with electric transportation that minimizes environmental impact, supporting the conservation of this fragile ecosystem. Whether you're a history buff, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply craving a scenic adventure, the Tour Parco Naturale Dune Costiere stands out as a top destination for immersive outdoor exploration.
Getting there is easiest from nearby Bari, which provides a convenient base for visitors eager to experience southern Italy’s coastal treasures. This tour perfectly balances education and adventure, offering visitors a meaningful glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
Route Schematic
Itinerary schematic
Key stops follow a simple loop that blends landscape passages with cultural and archaeological sites.
Via Traina
Drive along the monumental via Traina between centuries‑old olive groves and ancient lame.
Masserie (park‑branded farms)
Visit several masserie; tastings of local products are possible with prior reservation and payment on site, subject to availability.
Frantoi, ipogei and the dolmen di Montalbano
See ancient olive oil mills (frantoi), subterranean ipogei and the prehistoric dolmen formations at Montalbano.
Zona umida del fiume Morelli
Finish the tour with a visit to the Morelli river wetland, a distinct ecological counterpoint to the dry groves and dunes.
Meals and beverages are not included; tastings, aperitivi or lunches must be arranged and paid for on site and are subject to availability.
What the day feels like
What the five‑hour circuit feels like
Over roughly five hours you travel in compact electric Ape Calesse through a sequence of textured landscapes and human sites: a drive along the ancient via Traina past olive groves and lame, visits to Parco‑branded masserie (where tastings can be arranged and paid for locally), exploration of old frantoi and subterranean ipogei, viewing the dolmen di Montalbano and finishing at the Morelli river wetland. The vehicles use an automated audio‑guide app available in Italian, English and German to enrich the stops.
THE LANDSCAPE
Ancient olive groves and coastal dunes
The route follows the monumental via Traina through centuries‑old olive trees and the park’s characteristic dunes and lame—an immediate sense of Puglia’s rural landscape that frames every stop.
THE ROUTE
Masserie, frantoi and prehistoric stones
Stops include Parco‑branded masserie where local products can be sampled by prior arrangement, visits to ancient frantoi and the ipogei and the dolmen di Montalbano, ending at the Morelli river wetland.
THE VEHICLE & TASTE
Eco‑friendly transport with local flavor
The tour runs in electric Ape Calesse vehicles that allow access to narrow streets and historic quarters; tastings and food experiences are available on request and paid on site, subject to availability.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits and key age/pricing points to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the season.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts five hours.
Are meals or drinks included?
Meals and beverages are not included in the price; tastings, aperitivi or lunches can be added only by arrangement and paid on site subject to availability.
Can I do tastings during the tour?
Yes—tastings at masserie are possible but require prior arrangement and payment on site, subject to availability.
Is there an audio guide?
The vehicles offer an automated audio‑guide via an app available in Italian, English and German.
What are the age/price categories for children and infants?
Infants from 0 to 3 years travel free; children and adults have separate pricing categories.
What kind of vehicle is used?
The tour uses electric Ape Calesse vehicles, which are compact and designed for easy access to narrow historic streets.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:46.294Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.