Ultimate Puglia and Matera Road Trip: From Bari to Rome via Coastal Towns and Historic Valleys

Day 1: Arrival and exploring Bari

Bari, Italy on August 31, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival in Bari

Arrive in Bari and pick up your rental car. Settle into your accommodation and get ready to explore the city.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Explore Bari Old Town (Bari Vecchia)

Walk through Bari Vecchia, visiting the Basilica di San Nicola and the quaint narrow streets filled with history and charm.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Uascezze

Enjoy a traditional Pugliese dinner specializing in fresh seafood and local dishes in a cozy Bari restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Bari to Monopoli

Bari to Monopoli, Italy on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Boccia

Taste authentic Bari pastries and espresso to start your day, open from 7am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive from Bari to Monopoli

Enjoy a scenic 40-minute drive along the Adriatic coast to Monopoli.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

10:00am

Monopoli Old Town Exploration

Visit Monopoli’s historic center, including the Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia and the seafront castle.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Perricci

Savor fresh seafood dishes and local flavors in this highly recommended Monopoli eatery.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Relax at Cala Porta Vecchia Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon by the sea at this popular beach spot in Monopoli.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Locanda di Federico

Dine on classic Puglian cuisine in an atmospheric, historic restaurant in Monopoli.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day trip to Polignano a Mare and Alberobello

Monopoli base, day trip to Polignano a Mare & Alberobello, Italy on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at MuMu Gelato

Grab a light breakfast and some of the best gelato in town to fuel your day, opens at 8am.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Polignano a Mare

Short 15-minute drive to the stunning cliff-side town famous for its beaches and views.
CURRENCY0, 0h15m

9:30am

Explore Polignano a Mare

Walk through the charming old town, visit the Lama Monachile beach, and admire celebrity statues along the coast.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Alberobello

Drive approximately 30 minutes inland to the town famous for its unique Trulli houses.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Terra Madre

Eat traditional Apulian dishes near the Trulli zone with authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Alberobello

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site with its iconic whitewashed conical Trulli houses, museums, and shops.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

3:00pm

Return drive to Monopoli

Drive back to Monopoli for dinner and rest.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Guazzetto Monopoli

Enjoy refined local dishes and excellent wine choices in this warm and elegant setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Monopoli to Ostuni

Monopoli to Ostuni, Italy on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Karmin

Start your day with great coffee and pastries before checkout, opens early.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive from Monopoli to Ostuni

Take a scenic 40-minute drive to 'The White City', known for its hilltop whitewashed buildings.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

10:00am

Explore Ostuni Old Town

Wander through the maze of white streets, visit the Ostuni Cathedral and panoramic terraces with breathtaking views.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale

Dine on local specialties on a terrace overlooking the town center.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:00pm

Check-in and relax at accommodation

Rest and enjoy the charming surroundings of your hotel or B&B in Ostuni.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset walk and aperitivo at Caffè Tripoli

Enjoy an evening drink with stunning views of the countryside and original ambience.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Taverna della Gelosia

Experience creatively refined Puglian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ostuni and surroundings

Ostuni, Italy on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Rosticceria Capriccio

Enjoy fresh bread and pastries to start the day right.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Day at leisure in Ostuni

Explore local shops, artisan boutiques, or take a gentle stroll through the olive groves and outlying countryside.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Tempo Perso

Taste authentic flavors with beautiful views in the old town.
EUR28, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Cathedral Museum and Santa Maria Maddalena Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in religious art and architecture, open until 6pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Piazza della Libertà

People-watch and enjoy gelato in the town's main square.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Porta Nova

Savor exquisite local recipes with fine wine selection.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day trip to Martina Franca and Locorotondo

Ostuni base, day trip to Martina Franca & Locorotondo, Italy on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local cafe

Start early with coffee and pastries for the day trip.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Martina Franca

Approximately 40 minutes drive to this baroque town famous for its architecture.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

8:45am

Explore Martina Franca

Visit Ducal Palace, Basilica di San Martino, and wander through narrow streets filled with history.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive to Locorotondo

Short 15-minute drive to this charming circular old town famed for white buildings and panoramic views.
CURRENCY0, 0h15m

11:15am

Explore Locorotondo

Walk the circular town walls, visit the Mother Church and enjoy the beautiful vistas.
CURRENCYFree, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at U Curdunn

Enjoy local cuisine and wines with great ambience in Locorotondo.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Return to Ostuni

Leisurely 40-minute drive back to Ostuni.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

3:00pm

Relax and free time in Ostuni

Enjoy your accommodation amenities or explore more of the town at your leisure.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale

Relish your last evening in Ostuni with excellent dishes at this charming restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Ostuni to Lecce

Ostuni to Lecce, Italy on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Enjoy a quick traditional Italian breakfast with cappuccino and brioche.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Lecce

Scenic 1h20m drive to Lecce, the Baroque capital of Puglia.
CURRENCY0, 1h20m

10:30am

Check-in and explore Lecce historic center

Visit Piazza del Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, and roam beautiful baroque streets.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Zie Trattoria

Eat authentic Salento dishes in an intimate, traditional trattoria setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Roman Amphitheater and Museo Faggiano

Explore ancient ruins and a fascinating archaeological site in the city center.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria degli Spiriti

Sample refined local cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Day trip to Gallipoli

Lecce base, day trip to Gallipoli, Italy on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at pasticceria in Lecce

Enjoy pastries and espresso for an early start.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Gallipoli

45-minute drive to the picturesque fishing town on the Ionian Sea.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Gallipoli Old Town

Visit the historic center, the 13th-century Castle, and the waterfront promenade.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Puritate

Feast on fresh seafood with a sea view café atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Beach time at Baia Verde

Relax on one of the area's most famous sandy beaches with crystal waters.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Lecce

Drive back to Lecce for evening activities.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Alle Cisterne

Dine inside a historic cellar offering expertly prepared Salento dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day trip to Otranto

Lecce base, day trip to Otranto, Italy on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café in Lecce

Light breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto before driving out.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Otranto

Approximate 45-minute drive to the easternmost town in Italy known for its historic cathedral.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Otranto Cathedral & Old Town

Admire the famous mosaic floor and walk the picturesque old town streets.
EUR5, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Aragonese Castle

Tour the well-preserved castle by the sea.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at L'altro baffo

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes in Otranto with sea views.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Relax at Baia dei Turchi Beach

Spend the afternoon at this beautiful sandy beach near Otranto.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Lecce

Drive back to Lecce for dinner.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Cucina di Mamma Elvira

Taste homemade Pugliese specialties to end your day in Lecce.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Lecce to Matera

Lecce to Matera, Italy on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at pasticceria in Lecce

Grab pastries and coffee for the journey.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Matera

Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes drive through scenic countryside to Matera.
CURRENCY0, 2h15m

10:30am

Check-in and explore Sassi di Matera

Walk through the famous cave dwellings and UNESCO heritage site, exploring ancient architecture.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria al Casale

Have lunch in a rustic setting with traditional Matera cuisine.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

See a preserved cave dwelling showing life in the past, open till 7pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Enjoy refined dining with views of the Sassi area.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Matera exploration

Matera, Italy on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Avvenire

A popular spot serving excellent coffee and pastries in Matera.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Matera Cathedral and MUSMA Museum

Explore the cathedral and the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture inside the Sassi.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Baccanti

Contemporary cuisine with local ingredients in an artistic setting.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:00pm

Tour Palombaro Lungo

Visit an ancient underground water cistern beneath Matera’s main square.
EUR5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax and explore local artisan shops

Discover crafts and small boutiques selling unique souvenirs.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner in Matera’s atmospheric setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Matera to Bari and Departure

Matera to Bari, Italy on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and early checkout

Enjoy final coffee and quick breakfast before departing Matera.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Bari Airport

Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive to Bari airport from Matera.
CURRENCY0, 1h15m

10:00am

Car rental return and airport check-in

Return your rental car and check in for your flight to Rome.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Flight Bari to Rome

Depart Bari on your scheduled flight to Rome.
EUR50 (approximate flight price), 1h0m
View Hotel Availability