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21-Day Sardinia (10 days) & Puglia (10 days) Itinerary — From the United States via Rome

Viewed by 168 travelers

Day 1: Transatlantic flight

Departing city, United States on April 23, 2025

6:00pm

International flight to Rome

Board an overnight transatlantic flight (example: JFK–FCO or IAD–FCO). Flights typically take 8–10 hours; choose an evening departure to arrive in Europe the next morning. This is the fastest, most practical way from the US to Italy.
EUR600, 8h0m

10:00pm

Prepare for arrival

Set travel documents, rest on the flight and adjust to the time difference for a smoother arrival the next day.
Free, Overnight

Day 2: Arrive Sardinia

Olbia, Sardinia, Italy on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Arrive Rome Fiumicino

Clear passport control and collect any checked luggage; allow 90–150 minutes for transfer to domestic flights if you plan to connect the same day.
EUR0, 1h30m

9:30am

Domestic flight Rome to Olbia

Take a direct flight (approx 1h10) from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to Olbia (OLB). Flights run frequently—book an early morning or late morning connection to maximise day one in Sardinia.
EUR90, 1h10m

11:30am

Hotel check-in and light lunch

Check into your hotel in Olbia and have lunch at a local cafe — try Panini or a seafood salad to sample Sardinian flavours.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Olbia town centre

Explore Basilica di San Simplicio and the waterfront; most sites are open mornings and afternoons—check local opening hours (usually 9am–1pm, 3pm–7pm).
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Pizzeria Da Tonino

Enjoy classic Sardinian pasta or seafood in a family-run restaurant; open typically until 10pm—reservations recommended on weekends.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 3: Costa Smeralda

Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a leisurely Sardinian breakfast with coffee, brioche and local jams—many hotels serve 7am–10am.
Often included, 1h0m

9:30am

Spiaggia del Principe

Visit this iconic beach early (usually free access) to enjoy clear turquoise waters before crowds appear; public access but limited parking.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Phi Beach

Stylish beachfront club with Mediterranean plates and cocktails—open from midday; book a table for waterside seating.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll Porto Cervo marina

Browse luxury boutiques and admire superyachts; the marina and piazzetta are open year-round for walking and window-shopping.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Pescatore

Traditional seafood with harbour views; many restaurants open for dinner from 7pm—reserve in high season.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 4: La Maddalena

La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and drive to Palau

Early breakfast then drive (approx 30–40 minutes) to Palau harbour to catch ferries to La Maddalena; ferries generally start early morning.
Fuel/car EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Ferry to La Maddalena

Short ferry (20–30 minutes) to the island; ferries run frequently and timetables change by season—check the Palau–La Maddalena schedule.
EUR5, 30m

9:30am

Boat tour of the archipelago

Half-day boat excursion to remote coves and beaches—excellent for snorkelling and photography; tours usually depart in the morning and last ~4 hours.
EUR55, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch on La Maddalena

Eat at Ristorante Il Canneto or similar for fresh island seafood—open for lunch 12pm–3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore town and gelato

Wander the pretty streets and small museums; many shops and cafes open afternoons until around 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Return to Olbia and dinner

Ferry back to Palau then drive to Olbia; have dinner near your hotel to rest after a busy day.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 5: Drive inland

Nuoro, Sardinia, Italy on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for the drive inland—pick up a rental car if you haven't already (essential for Sardinia's interior).
Car rental EUR50/day, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Nuoro

Scenic drive of around 2 hours to Nuoro, the cultural heart of mountainous Sardinia.
Fuel EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Museo del Costume

Discover traditional Sardinian dress and craftsmanship; check opening hours (commonly 9am–1pm and 3pm–7pm).
EUR7, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Monte Alma

Try rustic mountain dishes—local lamb and hearty soups—open for lunch 12pm–2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gennargentu short hike

Afternoon walk or short hike in Gennargentu foothills for panoramic views; free access (wear good shoes).
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Agriturismo Su Massai

Book ahead to enjoy farm-to-table Sardinian food in a countryside setting—dinner service commonly from 7pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: West coast ruins

Oristano, Sardinia, Italy on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and depart Nuoro

Early breakfast then drive ~1.5–2 hours to Oristano on the west coast.
Fuel EUR20, 1h30m

9:30am

Tharros archaeological site

Explore the coastal Phoenician-Roman ruins—site usually open 9am–6pm; ideal for history enthusiasts and photography.
EUR6, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Bifora

Coastal restaurant with local fish dishes; open for lunch from 12pm.
EUR28, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll Oristano old town

Visit the cathedral and charming squares—shops and cafes are open through the afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Sa Pintadera

Savour regional specialties and local wine in a cosy setting—dinner service from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 7: Alghero charm

Alghero, Sardinia, Italy on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and drive to Alghero

Drive about 1.5 hours north-west to reach Alghero, a town with Catalan influences and scenic ramparts.
Fuel EUR15, 1h30m

9:30am

Old Town walking tour

Explore cobbled lanes, the city walls and the Cathedral of Santa Maria—most attractions open from mid-morning.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Maristella

Renowned for lobster and seafood; open for lunch around 12pm—book in high season.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Neptune's Grotto visit

Boat or coastal drive to the famous sea cave; cave visits typically run 9am–6pm with guided tours inside the grotto.
EUR15, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mabrouk

Modern Mediterranean dishes with fresh local ingredients; dinner from 7pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 8: Head south

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and drive to Cagliari

Longer scenic drive (~2.5–3 hours) down the western coast/through interior to Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari.
Fuel EUR30, 2h30m

10:30am

Castello district

Visit the historic hilltop Castello with museums and panoramic views; many institutions open 9.30am–1pm and 3pm–7pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Antica Cagliari

Taste bottarga, fregola and local seafood—open for lunch 12pm–3pm.
EUR32, 1h0m

3:00pm

Poetto beach afternoon

Relax on Cagliari’s long sandy beach with cafes and bars; public beach open all day.
Free, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Dal Corsaro (reserve)

Special-occasion Michelin-starred dining—reservations necessary and menu is seasonal.
EUR80, 2h0m

Day 9: Chia beaches

Chia, Sardinia, Italy on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and drive to Chia

Short drive (around 45 minutes) to Chia’s famous beaches; arrive early for the best spots.
Fuel EUR5, 45m

9:00am

Spiaggia di Su Giudeu

Enjoy crystal-clear waters and fine sand; ideal for swimming and sunbathing, the beach is publicly accessible.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Spiaggia

Seaside restaurant serving fresh fish and Mediterranean plates—open 12pm–3pm in spring.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike to Torre di Chia

Short scenic walk to the ancient coastal watchtower for views at sunset; accessible year-round.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Return to Cagliari and casual dinner

Back in Cagliari for a relaxed pizza or seafood at a local trattoria open until late.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 10: Final Sardinian day

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and market visit

Visit the San Benedetto market for local produce and fish (open from early morning to early afternoon).
Free to browse, 1h30m

10:00am

Museum or day trip

Choose between Museo Archeologico Nazionale (open 9am–7pm) or a short coastal drive to Poetto dunes.
EUR6, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sa Domu Sarda

Sample traditional Sardinian dishes like culurgiones and local cheeses—open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and pack

Afternoon at leisure to pack and prepare for your flight to the Italian mainland the next day.
Free, 3h0m

8:00pm

Farewell dinner in Cagliari

Choose a favourite restaurant for a final Sardinian meal—many open 7.30pm–10.30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 11: Fly to Puglia

Bari, Puglia, Italy on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Morning flight Cagliari to Bari

Take an early direct flight (approx 1h15) from Cagliari Elmas (CAG) to Bari (BRI). Book early seats for best fares.
EUR80, 1h15m

9:30am

Check in and relax

Arrive in Bari, check into your hotel and refresh after the short flight.
Varies, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Bari Vecchia

Wander the old town, visit Basilica of Saint Nicholas (open 8am–12.30pm, 4pm–7pm) and the seafront promenade.
Free, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Arpie

Enjoy Apulian seafood and orecchiette pasta; the restaurant typically serves lunch 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Castello Svevo visit

Tour Bari’s medieval fortress (open 9am–7pm) for an introduction to Puglia’s coastal history.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Al Pescatore

Try fresh Adriatic fish and local wines—open for dinner from around 7pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 12: Polignano & Monopoli

Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and travel to Polignano

Take a 35–45 minute train or drive to Polignano a Mare—trains run frequently from Bari Centrale.
Train EUR3, 45m

9:00am

Explore Polignano old town

Wander cliff-top lanes and visit Lama Monachile beach; most shops and viewpoints are open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grotta Palazzese (if available)

Iconic restaurant in a sea cave—unique but expensive; reservations required and check seasonal opening (often open for lunch in high season).
EUR60, 1h30m

3:00pm

Short drive to Monopoli

Explore Monopoli’s harbour, old town and small beaches—pleasant for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Gianni (Monopoli)

Traditional Puglian cuisine with local seafood—dinner service from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 13: Alberobello & Itria

Alberobello, Puglia, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast and travel

Drive or take regional transport (~1 hour) inland to Alberobello, famous for trulli houses—arrive before midday to avoid crowds.
Train/bus EUR5, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Alberobello (Rione Monti)

Walk among UNESCO-listed trulli, visit Trullo Sovrano (open 9am–1pm, 3pm–7pm) and local craft shops.
Free/Trullo entry EUR3, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Terra Madre

Sample local specialties such as focaccia and orecchiette in a cosy restaurant—open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Locorotondo

Short scenic drive to nearby Locorotondo for white-washed streets and panoramic terraces—shops open till early evening.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cibus (Locorotondo)

Contemporary Puglian cooking with local produce; dinner from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 14: Ostuni & Martina Franca

Ostuni, Puglia, Italy on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and drive to Ostuni

Head south-east (~1 hour) to Ostuni, the ‘White City’; morning is pleasant for walking its winding lanes.
Fuel EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Ostuni old town

Climb to the cathedral terrace for views; most churches and viewpoints are accessible in the morning.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Tempo Perso

Enjoy local Apulian dishes in a cave-like tavern—open for lunch 12pm–3pm.
EUR28, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Martina Franca

Visit this baroque town in Valle d’Itria; wander palaces and enjoy an espresso in the piazza.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Porto (Martina Franca)

Try hearty local meat dishes and cheeses, dinner service from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 15: To Salento

Lecce, Puglia, Italy on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and travel to Lecce

Drive ~1.5 hours to Lecce, the baroque jewel of the Salento peninsula; arrive mid-morning to explore comfortably.
Fuel EUR20, 1h30m

10:30am

Walking tour of Lecce

See Piazza del Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce and local workshops—many churches open 9am–1pm, 3pm–7pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Zie Trattoria

Traditional Salento recipes with homemade pasta—open for lunch 12pm–2.30pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Baroque artisan shopping

Explore local papier-mâché and stone carving shops in the afternoon.
Free to browse, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Alle Due Corti

Creative regional cuisine in the heart of Lecce—dinner from 7.30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 16: Otranto daytrip

Otranto, Puglia, Italy on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast and drive to Otranto

Short drive (~45 minutes) to Otranto on the Adriatic coast, famed for its cathedral and seafront.
Fuel EUR8, 45m

10:00am

Cathedral and old port

Visit the mosaic floor of Otranto Cathedral (usually open 9am–7pm) and wander the harbour area.
EUR3, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at L'altro Baffo

Seafood-focused menu with terrace views—open for lunch 12pm–3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon at Baia dei Turchi or local beaches

Relax on sandy coves or explore coastal cliffs—public access and open all day.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Return to Lecce and dinner

Back in Lecce for a casual dinner—try local street-food like puccia or panzerotti.
EUR15, 1h0m

Day 17: Gallipoli coast

Gallipoli, Puglia, Italy on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and drive

Drive (~1 hour) from Lecce to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast—arrive mid-morning to explore the old town.
Fuel EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Old town and fish market

Visit Gallipoli’s fort and lively fish market; markets typically open in the morning hours.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Puritate

Try local fried fish and seafood dishes—open around lunchtime through the afternoon.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Beach time at Punta della Suina

Relax on sandy beaches and turquoise water; public beaches accessible all day.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Gallipoli

Enjoy seaside dining with local wines—dinner service typically from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 18: Salento relaxation

Torre dell'Orso / San Foca, Puglia, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast and head to Torre dell'Orso

Drive northeast along the Salento coast (~45 minutes) to Torre dell'Orso for sandy beaches and sea stacks.
Fuel EUR8, 45m

10:00am

Beach morning

Spend a relaxed morning swimming and sunbathing; beaches are public and accessible all day.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a seaside osteria

Try grilled fish or local salads at a beachfront osteria—open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional boat trip or cliff walk

Short local boat trips explore sea caves or enjoy coastal walking paths; many operators run afternoon trips.
EUR20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner back in Lecce or nearby

Return to Lecce for dinner, or try a local agriturismo for rustic fare—dinner service typically from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 19: Up to Gargano

Vieste, Gargano, Puglia, Italy on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and long drive to Gargano

Prepare for a longer scenic drive north to the Gargano peninsula (around 3.5–4 hours) — or take train/bus options with changes; enjoy coastal landscapes en route.
Fuel EUR40, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Vieste old town

Arrive in Vieste and have a leisurely lunch in the harbour area—many restaurants open from 12pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Vieste and Pizzomunno

Walk the seafront to the Pizzomunno sea stack and explore the beach and medieval alleys—open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner with sea views

Dine at a local seafood restaurant overlooking the gulf; many establishments open from 7pm in spring.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 20: Gargano boat & beaches

Vieste, Gargano, Puglia, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast and boat tour

Take a morning boat tour along Gargano’s coast to sea caves and hidden beaches—tours typically depart 9am and last 2–3 hours.
EUR30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria local

Enjoy grilled fish and pasta with coastal views—restaurants open 12pm–3pm.
EUR28, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax on local beaches or explore inland Tremiti Islands option

Afternoon at leisure—either beach time or arrange a transfer to Tremiti islands (seasonal ferry service).
EUR20–EUR40, 3h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Puglia dinner

Enjoy a final regional feast featuring orecchiette, seafood and local olive oil—book a scenic spot if possible.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 21: Return home

Bari / Rome to United States on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Bari airport

Drive or take public transport back to Bari airport (allow appropriate time for the 2–3 hour drive from Gargano) for your return flight; alternatively travel to Rome for more flight options.
Fuel or transfer EUR30, 2h30m

11:00am

Flight Bari to Rome (if required)

Catch a domestic flight to Rome (approx 1h) if your transatlantic flight departs from Fiumicino; allow 2–3 hours for international check-in.
EUR60, 1h0m

3:00pm

International flight Rome to United States

Board your transatlantic return flight—typical duration 8–10 hours; arrive in the US the same day or overnight depending on schedule.
EUR600, 9h0m

Evening

Arrive home

Complete passport control and customs, then continue to home—allow time for luggage and onward transfers.
Varies, Variable
0
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