Morning: Arrive at Bari International Airport and pick up your rental car, then drive towards the Gargano Peninsula. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Adriatic coast with optional stops at the scenic coastal town of Peschici.
Afternoon: Explore the rugged cliffs and pine forests of Gargano National Park, taking a short hike to the iconic Foresta Umbra for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Have a light lunch of seafood at a seaside trattoria in Vieste.
Evening: Check into a seaside boutique hotel and enjoy a sunset stroll along the Baia delle Zagare. End the day with a glass of local white wine at the hotel’s terrace.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive south to the Baroque city of Lecce. Tour the impressive Piazza del Duomo and the magnificent San Pietro Basilica.
Afternoon: Wander through the artisan workshops of the Ostuni Lattice and savor a traditional lunch of *pasticciotto* at a historic confectionery.
Evening: Delight in a live *tarantella* performance at a local piazza before returning to your hotel in Leuca for a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Napoli and start at the historic Pompeii Excavations for a glimpse of ancient Roman life.
Afternoon: Savor authentic Neapolitan pizza at the famed Antica Pizzeria da Michele and wander the bustling Spaccanapoli street.
Evening: Walk along the seafront promenade of Via Caracciolo and enjoy a sunset cocktail with views of Mount Vesuvius.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel inland to the medieval hill town of Castelsaraceno, explore the historic castle and stunning panoramic viewpoints.
Afternoon: Hike the dramatic limestone spires of the Dolomiti Lucane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for photography and nature lovers.
Evening: Camp under the stars at a nearby campsite, enjoying a simple dinner of locally sourced *caciocavallo* cheese and fresh bread.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the historical port city of Brindisi, visiting the **Roman Column** and the maritime museum.
Afternoon: Visit the renowned Al Bano Tenute Carrisi winery for a guided tour, tasting the acclaimed *Primitivo* and *Aglianico* wines.
Evening: Enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with the winery's selections, with panoramic views of the Adriatic, before returning to your accommodation.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the cliffside village of Polignano a Mare and its famous sea caves; try the local gelato at a seaside bar.
Afternoon: Visit the Tenute Masullo winery for an intimate tasting of *Primitivo di Manduria* and a scenic picnic among the vineyards.
Evening: Return to the charming town; dine at a seafood restaurant perched above sea cliffs, sampling fresh fish and regional olive oil.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to historic Matera, exploring the famous cave dwellings of the **Sassi di Matera** and the ancient **Palombaro Lungo**.
Afternoon: Head to Altamura to taste the famed **Altamura bread** in its traditional bakery and explore the medieval cathedral.
Evening: enjoy a traditional dinner of *cacio e pepe* and locally cured pork at a historic tavern before a tranquil night.
Find HotelsMorning: Leisurely breakfast at your accommodation, final stroll through the markets of Altamura for last‑minute gifts.
Afternoon: Return the rental car in Bari and head to the airport. Take a moment to reflect on the journey over a coffee at the airport’s rooftop café.
Evening: Fly home, bringing memories of Italy’s coastal charm, historic sites, and sumptuous wines.
Find HotelsFor a more relaxed pace, add a day in Lecce or Matera to explore their museums and culinary delights in greater depth. If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping the Dolomiti Lucane hike and replacing it with a shorter coastal walk near Polignano, which still offers spectacular scenery with less travel time.