After landing at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, allow about an hour for baggage, passport formalities, and the rental-car paperwork. Follow signs for the car-rental offices, then take the shuttle or airport connection indicated by your rental company to the vehicle area. Before leaving, photograph the car from every angle and confirm the fuel policy, toll transponder arrangements, and whether the car has an Italian ZTL warning system. Since you are heading straight south, avoid driving into central Rome; load the bags, set the navigation before moving, and plan a brief coffee or snack stop at the airport if needed.
Leave in the late morning or early afternoon via the A1 toward Naples, then join the A14 Adriatic motorway toward Bari. The drive is realistically 5½–6½ hours without lengthy stops, and tolls will generally total roughly €35–45, depending on the exact route. Take a proper break at one of the Autogrill service areas, refuel before the final approach, and expect heavier traffic around Naples and Bari. On arrival, park outside the restricted lanes of Bari Vecchia or use your hotel’s recommended garage—many Old Town streets are narrow, pedestrianized, or subject to ZTL restrictions.
After checking in, spend about 1½ hours wandering Bari Vecchia, where laundry hangs above stone lanes and the evening passeggiata gathers around small squares. Walk past the exterior of Basilica di San Nicola, then continue toward the harbor and waterfront for sunset views and a breeze off the Adriatic. Keep the route relaxed after the long drive; this is a good area to explore on foot rather than trying to move the car. For dinner, settle at La Uascezze, a convivial spot known for traditional Puglian small plates and local wine. Reserve if possible, or arrive early; expect approximately €25–40 per person, and choose several dishes to share rather than ordering a single large entrée.
Start at Pane e Pomodoro, Bari’s broad city beach, for an easy waterfront walk and, weather permitting, a swim. September mornings are usually pleasant, but arrive around 8:30–9:00 a.m. if you want a quieter shoreline; allow about an hour. Bring sandals and a small towel, as the beach is casual rather than resort-like. From here, walk or take a short taxi ride toward Bari Vecchia—roughly 25 minutes on foot along the seafront, or 5–10 minutes by car depending on traffic. Avoid driving into the old town, where streets are restricted and parking is scarce.
Visit Basilica di San Nicola first, then its atmospheric crypt, where Saint Nicholas is venerated by both Catholic and Orthodox pilgrims. It is generally open in the morning, though religious services can temporarily limit access; modest clothing is expected and entry is usually free. Continue to Bari Cathedral, only a few minutes away through the narrow lanes, for its Romanesque façade, quieter interior, and historic crypt. Afterward, head down toward the old harbor and Mercato del Pesce di N’dèrr’a la Lanz for a late-morning look at Bari’s fishing culture. Stalls and vendors are most lively before lunch, but hours can vary with the catch and weather; try a simple seafood snack, such as raw or lightly prepared fish, only from a busy vendor with good turnover.
Finish at Osteria delle Travi di Bari, tucked into Bari Vecchia, for a relaxed meal rather than another timed stop. Order local orecchiette, seasonal vegetables, and a seafood dish to share; budget approximately €25–45 per person with wine. The walk from the harbor is short, but the lanes are uneven, so comfortable shoes help. Reserve ahead if possible—September can still be busy—and let the meal stretch into the afternoon before wandering back toward the waterfront or returning to your accommodation.
Leave Bari around 8:30 a.m. and follow the SS16 south toward Polignano a Mare; the drive is roughly 35–40 minutes, though September road traffic and parking can add time. Use a paid lot outside the old town rather than trying to enter the restricted historic-center streets. From there, walk down to Lama Monachile, the dramatic cove beneath the white cliffs. The beach is pebbly and facilities are limited, so wear sturdy sandals and bring water. After taking in the viewpoints, spend about 90 minutes wandering the Centro Storico di Polignano a Mare, looking for sea-facing balconies and the narrow lanes around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Most shops open by late morning; the viewpoints are always accessible and free.
Have lunch at Pescaria, known for generous seafood sandwiches and quick service—allow €15–25 per person. Go slightly before the main lunch rush, around 12:00–12:30, since queues can build quickly; outdoor seating is convenient, but takeaway works well if you prefer to eat near the water. Then retrieve the car and continue south toward Porto Ghiacciolo, near Capitolo, following the coast for approximately 20–25 minutes. This small cove has a more relaxed beach-club atmosphere than Polignano, with loungers and food service in season; expect roughly €15–30 per person for a chair and umbrella, depending on the day. Two hours is enough for a swim and an unhurried break, but check the beach club’s September schedule before relying on facilities.
Continue north into Monopoli, allowing about 15–20 minutes from Porto Ghiacciolo, and park outside the historic center—street spaces become scarce in the late afternoon, and ZTL restrictions are enforced. End at Cala Porta Vecchia, the small beach beside the old town, where you can cool off or simply sit on the seawall as the light softens. It is a short walk from the main historic-center streets and free to access, though the beach can be crowded. Afterward, walk directly to your accommodation with luggage kept in the car only if it is secured out of sight; September evenings are ideal for a gentle first stroll through Monopoli’s lanes and harbor area.