Morning: Depart Marina di Ginosa early and enjoy a scenic 1½‑hour drive along the Adriatic highway to Bari. Check in to a centrally‑located hotel and freshen up before heading out.
Afternoon: Wander the historic Old Town, visiting the magnificent Basilica di San Nicola (≈1 h) and the imposing Castello Normanno‑Svevo (≈1 h). Take time to admire the narrow lanes of the Petruzzelli Quarter and its medieval arches.
Evening: Dine at a traditional trattoria in the Porto Vecchio district, then enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the city’s lively night atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive the 1‑hour route to Matera, checking into a boutique hotel nestled near the Sassi. Begin your visit with a guided walk through the iconic Sassi di Matera, exploring cave dwellings and ancient churches.
Afternoon: Delve deeper into the historic quarter by visiting a restored Casa Grotta (≈45 min) and the impressive Matera Cathedral (≈30 min). Pause for a coffee in a stone‑carved café overlooking the ravine.
Evening: Savor a dinner of local Lucanian specialties at a restaurant within the Sassi, followed by a night‑time lantern‑lit walk that highlights the city’s atmospheric glow.
Find HotelsMorning: Leave Matera and head north (≈1 h 30 min) to the UNESCO village of Alberobello. Stroll among the whimsical Trulli houses, stopping at the Trullo Sovrano museum (≈1 h).
Afternoon: Continue the drive to Lecce (≈1 h 15 min). Begin your baroque tour with the stunning Basilica di Santa Croce (≈1 h) and the elegant Piazza del Duomo, admiring the ornate facades.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner of Puglian‑Apulian fusion cuisine in Lecce’s historic centre, then wander the softly lit streets, taking in the illuminated baroque architecture.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the ancient Roman Amphitheatre (≈45 min) and the Teatro Romano (≈30 min) before departing. Take a brief stop at the Church of the Holy Trinity for a final art encounter.
Afternoon: Drive the 45‑minute stretch to Brindisi. Upon arrival, explore the historic Castello Svevo (≈1 h) and the iconic Roman Column at the harbor.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner at a seaside restaurant in Brindisi, then prepare for your onward travel.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in Alberobello to explore nearby Martina Franca and its baroque architecture, or a day trip to the coastal town of Otranto for its historic castle. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Trulli visit and head directly from Matera to Lecce, saving roughly half a day while still covering the main art highlights.