Travel Itinerary: Puglia, Italy - October 11-19, 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Bari Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Bari and check into your spacious, centrally located accommodation with parking, ideal for your car day trips. Relax and settle in.

Afternoon: Explore the historic center of Bari Vecchia, visiting landmarks like the Basilica di San Nicola and wandering through the charming narrow streets.

Evening: Enjoy an authentic Puglian dinner at a local trattoria, sampling dishes like orecchiette pasta with fresh tomatoes and burrata cheese.

Day 2: Alberobello & Trulli Houses

Morning: Drive to Alberobello, famous for its unique Trulli houses. Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site and visit the Trullo Sovrano.

Afternoon: Have lunch at a traditional restaurant, then explore local shops offering handcrafted souvenirs and typical Pugliese products.

Evening: Return to Bari for a relaxed evening walk along the scenic Bari promenade and enjoy a gelato.

Day 3: Polignano a Mare & Coastal Views

Morning: Head to Polignano a Mare, a stunning cliffside town. Visit the famous Lama Monachile beach and explore its picturesque old town.

Afternoon: Have a seafood lunch overlooking the sea at a cliffside restaurant. Consider a boat tour to appreciate hidden caves and coastal beauty.

Evening: Dinner in Bari featuring Puglian seafood specialties such as fritto misto di mare.

Day 4: Lecce - The Florence of the South

Morning: Drive to Lecce, exploring its magnificent Baroque architecture including Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a piazza cafe, then visit artisan shops for local pottery and papier-mâché crafts.

Evening: Sample traditional Salento cuisine in a cozy osteria, trying dishes like pasticciotto pastry for dessert.

Day 5: Gallipoli & Beach Day

Morning: Travel to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast. Spend time on the soft sandy Baule Lido beach relaxing or swimming.

Afternoon: Explore Gallipoli’s old town and its fortified seaside castle, then enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

Evening: Return to your accommodation and enjoy a quiet dinner or try local wine along with light antipasti.

Day 6: Matera Day Trip (Nearby Basilicata Region)

Morning: Take a day trip to Matera, famous for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings and distinctive architecture.

Afternoon: Have lunch in a restaurant carved into rock, then visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario to see traditional cave homes.

Evening: Drive back to Puglia for a relaxing evening at your lodging.

Day 7: Ostuni & Olive Groves

Morning: Visit Ostuni, the “White City,” walking through its beautifully painted old town and panoramic lookout points.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch featuring local olive oils and cheeses, with a short visit to a nearby olive grove or winery for a tasting experience.

Evening: Dinner in Bari with a menu focusing on Puglian specialties and regional wines.

Day 8: Coastal Drive & Beach Time at Torre Guaceto

Morning: Drive along the scenic coast to Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, a protected marine area with pristine beaches and walking trails.

Afternoon: Swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, have a picnic or lunch at a nearby trattoria focusing on fresh, local produce.

Evening: Return to Bari and enjoy your final evening dining with a view, perhaps at a rooftop restaurant.

Day 9: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final stroll around Bari’s center for last-minute souvenirs or coffee.

Afternoon: Pack up and check out, then drive to the airport or train station for your departure.

Evening: Travel home carrying wonderful memories of Puglia’s culture, cuisine, and coastline.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bari Vecchia & Basilica di San Nicola: 3 hours, €0-10 (entry donations)
• Alberobello Trulli Houses & Trullo Sovrano: 4 hours, €10-15 per person
• Polignano a Mare & Boat Tour: 4-5 hours, €30-40 (boat tour optional)
• Lecce Baroque Walk & Basilica: 4 hours, €5-10
• Gallipoli Beach & Castle: 5 hours, free beach access, €3-5 for castle entry
• Matera Sassi Cave Dwellings: Full day, €15-20 per person
• Ostuni Old Town & Olive Grove Tasting: 4-5 hours, €15-25 for tasting
• Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve & Beach: 4-6 hours, free entry
• Meals (average per meal for two): €40-60
• Car Rental & Parking (9 days): approx. €300-400

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €1000 - €1300

Tips

• If you prefer a shorter trip, consider focusing on Bari, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare for a rich mix of culture and coast within 4-5 days.
• To extend your visit, add more beach days along the Adriatic or Ionian coasts, explore smaller towns like Martina Franca or Monopoli, or spend a night in Matera for a deeper experience.
• Booking lodging with parking in Bari allows flexible day trips by car, so prioritize destinations within 1-1.5 hours drive for ease.
• October weather is mild; bring layers for cooler evenings and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and walking tours.