Explore Bari & the Puglia Coast – 12 Sept – 17 Sept

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning: Arrive at Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, pick up your rented BMW GS and head to the hotel in the historic centre. Settle in and enjoy a quick coffee on Piazza del Ferrarese.

Afternoon: Stroll through Bari Vecchia, wandering past the narrow alleys, the iconic San Nicola Basilica and the bustling Mercato del Pesce where fresh seafood is displayed.

Evening: Dine on traditional “orecchiette” at a trattoria near the Lungomare and watch the sunset over the Adriatic.

Day 2: Bari City Highlights

Morning: Visit the imposing Castello Normanno‑Svevo and explore its museum of medieval artifacts.

Afternoon: Tour the opulent Teatro Petruzzelli and then wander the elegant boulevard of Via Sparano, stopping for gelato.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed aperitivo at a bar on Piazza Mercantile before a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade.

Day 3: Coastal Gems – Polignano & Monopoli

Morning: Ride your BMW GS along the scenic SS16 to Polignano a Mare, famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal‑clear sea caves.

Afternoon: Explore the historic centre, dip into the natural pool at Lama Monachile, then continue to nearby Monopoli to admire its pastel‑coloured harbour.

Evening: Return to Bari and savor fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant on the Lungomare.

Day 4: Trulli Towns – Alberobello & Locorotondo

Morning: Drive inland to the UNESCO‑listed Alberobello, strolling among the iconic white‑washed trulli houses.

Afternoon: Visit the Trullo Sovrano Museum for a deeper look at the architecture, then head to the circular hill‑top village of Locorotondo for panoramic views.

Evening: Return to Bari, stopping at a countryside agriturismo for a tasting of local olive oil and wine.

Day 5: Matera – The Cave City

Morning: Depart early for Matera, a two‑hour ride to the famous Sassi di Matera cave dwellings.

Afternoon: Join a guided walk through the ancient stone streets, visit the Casa Grotta museum and enjoy lunch in a cave‑restaurant.

Evening: Head back to Bari, perhaps catching a sunset over the rolling hills of the Basilicata border.

Day 6: Departure & Final Views

Morning: Pack and check out, then ride to the nearby Castello di Barletta for a quick visit to its historic courtyard.

Afternoon: Return the BMW GS at the rental office, grab a light lunch at the airport’s café, and prepare for your flight.

Evening: Depart from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport with memories of the Adriatic coast.

Time and Cost Estimates

• BMW GS Rental (5 days) – 5 days, €70 per day = €350
• Fuel & Parking – Approx. 250 km, €30 total
• Accommodation – 5 nights, €90 per night = €450
• Meals – €30 per day × 6 days = €180
• Bari Vecchia stroll – 2 h, free
• San Nicola Basilica – 1 h, free
• Castello Normanno‑Svevo – 2 h, €6
• Teatro Petruzzelli tour – 1.5 h, €10
• Polignano a Mare & Monopoli – 5 h total, free
• Alberobello Trulli walk – 3 h, free
• Trullo Sovrano Museum – 1 h, €8
• Matera Sassi guided walk – 4 h, €12
• Castello di Barletta – 1 h, free
• Miscellaneous entrance fees & tours – €20
• Total Estimated Cost – €1,066

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, add an extra day to explore the stunning baroque city of Lecce or take a boat trip to the coastal caves of Grotte di Castellana. To shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the Matera day and spending that time enjoying more of Bari’s seaside promenades or relaxing at the beach in Pane e Pomodoro. Either way, the BMW GS gives you the flexibility to adjust routes on the fly.