A One Day Itinerary to Discover the Wonders of Puglia

• Castel del Monte: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Castel del Monte, an impressive fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle’s unique octagonal shape and intriguing history make it a must-see attraction for any visitor to Puglia (9:00am).
• Polignano a Mare: After experiencing the charm of the castle, make your way to Polignano a Mare, a breathtaking seaside town perched on cliffs that drop into crystal-clear waters. Walk through the narrow streets and try the local specialty, gelato, while enjoying the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea (11:30am).
• Alberobello: Next, immerse yourself in the enchanting town of Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses made of limestone. These historic dwellings with their distinctive conical roofs will transport you to another time and place (1:30pm).
• Bari Old Town: End your day with a visit to Bari’s Old Town, or Citta Vecchia, where you can wander through the narrow streets, enjoying the quaint shops and restaurants. Admire the Basilica of San Nicola, an important pilgrimage site, before settling down for a delicious local dinner (5:00pm).

Time and Costs Estimates

• Castel del Monte (1.5 hours, €15)
• Polignano a Mare (2 hours, €20)
• Alberobello (1.5 hours, €10)
• Bari Old Town (2.5 hours, €25)
• Total Estimated Costs (7.5 hours, €70)

Transportation

Puglia has an extensive public transportation network consisting of trains and buses, making it easy to get around. That being said, if you’re short on time or just want to avoid the hassle of navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, renting a car could be a great option. Renting a car for the day will cost you around €50-€60 and provide the flexibility to make the most of your time.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Puglia, consider visiting the Gargano Peninsula, Matera, or Lecce which are all popular destinations in the region. For those with less time, consider visiting just Alberobello and Bari Old Town, which can be done in half a day.

Airports

The primary airport in Puglia is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI), which is located just outside of Bari city center. Brindisi Airport (BDS) is another option for travelers visiting the southern part of Puglia. Both airports offer flights from several major European cities.