Morning: Land at Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and settle into a boutique hotel in the historic Old Town. Stroll along the seafront promenade, taking in the fresh Adriatic breeze.
Afternoon: Explore the magnificent Basilica di San Nicola and wander through the narrow lanes of Via Sparano, sampling local focaccia.
Evening: Dine at a traditional trattoria near the Porto di Bari, enjoying fresh seafood and a glass of Primitivo.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short train ride to Polignano a Mare, famous for its cliffside views and the iconic Lama Monachile beach.
Afternoon: Continue to the charming fishing town of Monopoli, exploring the Castello Carlo V and the pastel-colored harbor.
Evening: Return to Bari for a relaxed evening, sipping a limoncello in a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, where the whimsical Trulli houses create a fairytale landscape.
Afternoon: Join a guided tour that explains the history of the conical roofs, then enjoy a lunch of orecchiette with broccoli rabe.
Evening: Stay overnight in a renovated trullo, experiencing the unique ambience of a traditional Puglian home.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Ostuni, known as the “White City” for its gleaming limestone walls perched on a hilltop.
Afternoon: Wander through the labyrinthine streets, visiting the Cathedral of Ostuni and enjoying panoramic views of the olive groves.
Evening: Savor a dinner of grilled fish at a terrace restaurant overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Find HotelsMorning: Journey to Lecce, admiring the Baroque splendor of the Santa Croce Basilica and the Roman amphitheatre.
Afternoon: Visit the Pietro Morvillo Museum and stroll along the bustling Piazza del Duomo, sampling pasticciotti pastries.
Evening: Experience a vibrant nightlife in the historic center, with live music and local wines.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to the coastal town of Gallipoli, crossing the bridge to the old island and exploring the Gallipoli Castle.
Afternoon: Relax on the golden sands of Baia Verde, and try the famous fried “frittura di pesce” at a beachfront chiosco.
Evening: Watch the sunset from the seafront promenade before returning to Lecce for the night.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel east to Otranto, visiting the imposing Otranto Cathedral with its stunning mosaic floor.
Afternoon: Walk along the historic walls to the Castello Aragonese and enjoy a swim at the crystal-clear waters of Alimini Beach.
Evening: Dine on fresh mussels in the harbor, tasting the local “orecchiette alle cime di rapa”.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a day trip to the iconic Matera, exploring the ancient Sassi di Matera cave dwellings.
Afternoon: Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario and the impressive Matera Cathedral, then enjoy a lunch of regional lamb dishes.
Evening: Return to Puglia, reflecting on the unique history of the “City of Stones”.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend a leisurely morning on the pristine shores of Porto Selvaggio, a protected marine reserve.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Lecce countryside, visiting a family-run olive oil mill and sampling extra-virgin olive oil.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for a quiet night, perhaps a glass of Negroamaro under the stars.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a high-speed ferry from Brindisi to Cagliari, enjoying sea views of the archipelago.
Afternoon: Check into a hotel in the historic Castello district and wander through the Roman Amphitheatre and Tower of San Pancrazio.
Evening: Savor Sardinian specialties such as “malloreddus” and “porceddu” at a trattoria in the Marina district.
Find Hotels **... (Days 11‑17 continue similarly, covering Alghero, Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena, Nuoro, Oristano, and a return to Cagliari) ...**Morning: Drive north to Alghero, strolling along its cobbled streets and admiring the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Afternoon: Take a boat tour to the nearby Neptune’s Grotto, exploring its spectacular stalactites.
Evening: Enjoy fresh lobster at a seaside restaurant, accompanied by a glass of Vermentino.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to the glamorous Costa Smeralda, beginning with a visit to the sparkling Porto Cervo marina.
Afternoon: Relax on the white sands of Liscia Ruja Beach and explore the archaeological site of Nuraghe La Prisgiona.
Evening: Dine at a chic beachfront club, tasting the local bottarga and a chilled Sardinian rosé.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a ferry to the La Maddalena Islands, starting with a guided walk on Spalmatore Island.
Afternoon: Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Coticcio, often called “Tahiti” for its vivid colors.
Evening: Return to the main island and enjoy a sunset dinner in the historic town of La Maddalena.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel inland to Nuoro, visiting the Museum of Sardinian Life and Traditions for insights into island culture.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO-listed Bronze Age complex.
Evening: Sample hearty mountain cuisine, including “culurgiones” and wild boar stew.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to Oristano, strolling through the medieval Torresi district and the cathedral.
Afternoon: Visit the ancient ruins of Tharros on the Sinis Peninsula, then relax on the pristine Is Arutas beach, famed for its quartz sand.
Evening: Enjoy a beachfront dinner featuring grilled sardines and local Mirto liqueur.
Find HotelsMorning: Return to Cagliari and explore the vibrant San Benedetto Market, tasting local cheeses and cured meats.
Afternoon: Visit the archaeological museum at Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the Roman ruins of Su Nuraxi in the nearby area.
Evening: Celebrate the final night with a traditional “cantar” performance and a feast of “porceddu” roasted over an open fire.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend a relaxed morning on the stunning Chia Beach, known for its turquoise lagoons and fine sand dunes.
Afternoon: Take a short hike to the nearby **cave of **Su Giudeu and enjoy a seaside picnic.
Evening: Return to Cagliari for a quiet evening, perhaps a final gelato in the historic center.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring a final cappuccino and brioche.
Afternoon: Transfer to Cagliari Elmas Airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of both Puglia’s sun-kissed coasts and Sardinia’s rugged beauty.
Evening: Arrive home refreshed, with a photo album ready to share.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the trip, consider adding extra days in the Salento countryside for wine tours or exploring the lesser‑known interiors of Sardinia such as the Gennargentu mountains. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 1–Day 3 into a single “Puglia Highlights” day by focusing on Bari, Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello, and omit the Matera day‑trip, which will reduce travel time while still capturing the region’s essence.