Exploring Puglia's Charm: A 7-Day Cultural Road Trip

Day 1: Coastal Wonders

Bari, Italy on July 26, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Spinnato

Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast of delicious pastries and strong espresso at Caffè Spinnato in the heart of Bari's old town.
Walk south towards the seafront to explore Bari Vecchia, the historic centre of the city.
€10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria delle Travi

Indulge in freshly-made pasta dishes at Osteria delle Travi, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Puglian cuisine.
Head to the harbour for a stroll and enjoy the sea breeze.
€20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Basilica di San Nicola

Visit the stunning Basilica di San Nicola and learn about the patron saint of Bari in this beautiful Romanesque church.
Take a short walk to Castello Normanno-Svevo, a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the city.
€5, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Antica Trattoria Mastro Ciccio

Enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood and local wines at Antica Trattoria Mastro Ciccio, a hidden gem loved by locals for its authentic flavours.
Relax and enjoy an evening stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade.
€30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Trulli & History

Alberobello, Italy on July 27, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Si Mangia

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Si Mangia, a cosy cafe serving delicious pastries and coffee.
Stroll through the unique Trulli district, known for its cone-shaped stone houses.
€8, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Terra Madre

Taste traditional Apulian dishes at Trattoria Terra Madre, a charming restaurant with a warm atmosphere.
Visit the Trullo Sovrano, a two-story Trullo house that offers insights into the region's history.
€18, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Alberobello Cathedral

Explore the Alberobello Cathedral and admire its elegant architecture blending Romanesque and Baroque styles.
Head to the Rione Monti district to shop for local souvenirs and handmade crafts.
€4, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Il Poeta Contadino

Experience a farm-to-table dining experience at Il Poeta Contadino, where you can savour organic produce and traditional recipes.
Enjoy an evening passeggiata (stroll) in the Trulli district under the twinkling lights.
€35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Baroque Splendour

Lecce, Italy on July 28, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticciotto & Co.

Start your day with a famous Lecce pastry, the Pasticciotto, at Pasticciotto & Co. and enjoy a creamy cappuccino.
Explore Lecce's historic centre, known for its baroque architecture and elegant palaces.
€6, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Alle Due Corti

Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at Alle Due Corti, where you can savour traditional Salento cuisine in a refined setting.
Visit the iconic Basilica di Santa Croce and marvel at its intricate facade.
€25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lecce Amphitheatre

Discover the Roman heritage of Lecce at the well-preserved Lecce Amphitheatre, where gladiator games once took place.
Stroll through the picturesque Giardini Pubblici, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
€2, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Vecchia Osteria

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at La Vecchia Osteria, a renowned restaurant specialising in creative dishes inspired by local traditions.
End your day with a leisurely evening walk along Lecce's illuminated streets.
€40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: White City Magic

Ostuni, Italy on July 29, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Porta Nova

Start your day with a freshly baked focaccia and cappuccino at Panificio Porta Nova, a local bakery loved for its artisanal bread.
Explore the charming alleys of Ostuni's historic centre, known as the 'White City' for its whitewashed buildings.
€5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Taverna della Gelosia

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Taverna della Gelosia, a traditional trattoria offering authentic Apulian dishes with a modern twist.
Visit the Ostuni Cathedral, an impressive landmark with panoramic views over the surrounding olive groves.
€22, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ostuni Civic Museum

Immerse yourself in Ostuni's history at the Ostuni Civic Museum, housed in a former Franciscan convent with fascinating exhibits.
Walk along the city walls for breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the rolling countryside.
€3, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Monacelle

Savour a gourmet dinner at Osteria Monacelle, a fine dining restaurant where you can taste innovative interpretations of local specialities.
End your day with a sunset stroll through Ostuni's illuminated streets, soaking in the magical atmosphere.
€45, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cliffside Beauty

Polignano a Mare, Italy on July 30, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Ascalone

Start your day with a sweet treat at Pasticceria Ascalone, a famous bakery known for its pasticciotto and sea views.
Explore Polignano a Mare's old town perched on the cliffs, and marvel at the stunning views over the Adriatic Sea.
€7, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Grotta Palazzese

Indulge in a unique dining experience at Grotta Palazzese, a cave restaurant set in the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Relax on Lama Monachile beach and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
€50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Diving Experience

Discover the underwater wonders of the Adriatic Sea with a diving session organised by one of Polignano a Mare's dive centres.
Stroll along the Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo for scenic views and a taste of gelato from Gelateria Principe.
€60, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Antiche Mura

Enjoy a dinner of seafood delicacies at Antiche Mura, a restaurant renowned for its culinary excellence and charming courtyard setting.
End your day with a panoramic sunset view from the Bastione di Santo Stefano, a historic fortress overlooking the sea.
€40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Seaside Retreat

Gallipoli, Italy on July 31, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Botteghina del Gusto

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Botteghina del Gusto, a charming cafe serving freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffees.
Relax on the sandy shores of Spiaggia della Purità, a picturesque beach near the historic centre of Gallipoli.
€9, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria del Pesce

Taste the freshest seafood at Trattoria del Pesce, a renowned restaurant with a focus on traditional fish dishes.
Visit the Castello di Gallipoli, a majestic fortress with panoramic views over the Ionian Sea.
€30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gallipoli Old Town

Explore the charming streets of Gallipoli's old town, characterised by its historic palaces and picturesque sea views.
Relax with a coffee at Piazza Aldo Moro and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal gem.
€3, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Porta d'Oriente

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Trattoria Porta d'Oriente, a stylish restaurant offering a modern twist on traditional Salento cuisine.
End your day with a sunset stroll along the Lungomare Galilei, a promenade with stunning views of the sea and city.
€35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Mystical Caves & Sassi

Matera, Italy on August 1, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Tripoli

Start your day with a typical Italian breakfast at Caffè Tripoli, a historic cafe known for its strong coffee and freshly baked pastries.
Explore the Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Casa Noha for insights into Matera's history.
€8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baccanti

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Baccanti, a restaurant blending traditional Basilicata cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Visit the Rupestrian Churches, ancient cave churches carved into the limestone cliffs of Matera.
€20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Matera Cathedral

Marvel at the impressive Matera Cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Apulian architectural styles, in the heart of the Sassi.
Wander through the narrow streets of the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, soaking in the unique atmosphere of Matera.
€3, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Conclude your Puglian adventure with a farewell dinner at Ristorante Francesca, a family-run restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes.
End your journey with a final stroll through the Sassi di Matera, illuminated by the warm glow of the evening lights.
€40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability