Begin your foodie experience in Bari. Stroll around the Old Town and get lost in the narrow streets, where you'll find hidden gems like the Panificio Fiore, famous for its focaccia barese, and the Mercato del Pesce, where you can sample freshly caught seafood.
Drive to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its cone-shaped houses known as Trulli. Wander around the white-washed streets of the Rione Monti district and sample orecchiette pasta at the traditional restaurant Trattoria Terra Madre.
Head to Lecce, also known as the "Florence of the South", to marvel at its stunning Baroque architecture. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Piazza del Duomo before stopping for lunch at Mamma Elvira, a restaurant serving traditional cucina povera dishes.
Drive to Diamante, a coastal town in Calabria famous for its spicy Calabrian chili peppers. Visit the annual Sagra di Peperoncino festival in September and sample various pepper dishes. Don't forget to try the local nduja, a spicy spreadable pork salumi.
Visit a local orchard in Taranto for an immersive foodie experience. Learn about the region's agriculture and pick your own seasonal fruits like fichi d'India (prickly pear) and melograno (pomegranate). End the day with a wine tasting at Cantine di San Marzano.
End your Puglian adventure with a final day in Bari. Grab a coffee at the iconic Caffè Petruzzelli and visit the Piazza del Ferrarese for some people-watching. Don't forget to sample the burrata cheese at the Mercato Coperto before heading home.
If you have more time, consider visiting Ostuni, known as the "White City", or Gallipoli, a charming fishing village on the Ionian coast. If you're short on time, skip Diamante and head straight to Taranto for a half-day orchard experience.