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Puglia and Matera Road Trip: From Bari to Matera with Coastal and Hilltop Charm

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Day 1: Arrival in Bari

Bari, Italy on August 29, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival in Bari

Arrive in Bari and check into accommodation. Enjoy your first afternoon exploring Bari's charming old town, including Piazza Mercantile and the Basilica di San Nicola.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Al Pescatore

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Apulian dishes at this popular Bari restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bari exploration

Bari, Italy on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Di Stefano

Start your day with delicious pastries and strong Italian coffee.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Castel del Monte

Take a half-day guided tour of the remarkable 13th-century castle located about 1 hour from Bari, open till 7pm.
EUR10, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Arpie

Relax and enjoy regional dishes on your return to Bari.
EUR25, 1h15m

4:00pm

Walk along Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Enjoy a leisurely seaside stroll on Bari's scenic promenade.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Al Pescatore

Dine on fresh Adriatic seafood specialties to end your day.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Head to Monopoli

Bari to Monopoli, Italy on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near Bari Airport

Early breakfast before picking up your rental car at the airport.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Pick up rental car at Bari Airport

Collect your rental car and prepare for the drive.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

10:00am

Drive to Monopoli

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

11:00am

Check-in and explore Monopoli Old Town

Wander Monopoli’s charming historic center and waterfront castle.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at La Locanda di Federico

Enjoy hearty Puglian specialties in an inviting atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Cala Porta Vecchia Beach

Spend a peaceful afternoon at this picturesque beach.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Perricci

Dine on fresh seafood with excellent local wine selections.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day trip to Polignano a Mare

Monopoli base, day trip to Polignano a Mare, Italy on September 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at cafe in Monopoli

Light morning meal to start your day.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Polignano a Mare

Take the regional train (about 15 minutes) to the beautiful cliffside town, trains begin early morning.
EUR3, 0h15m

8:30am

Explore Polignano a Mare

Visit the historical center, Lama Monachile beach, and scenic viewpoints.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Grotta Palazzese

Dine inside a stunning sea cave with breathtaking views.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Train back to Monopoli

Return via train to Monopoli for an afternoon rest.
EUR3, 0h15m

3:00pm

Free afternoon in Monopoli

Relax or explore more of Monopoli at your own pace.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Guazzetto

Enjoy refined coastal cuisine in a cozy setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Monopoli to Alberobello

Monopoli to Alberobello, Italy on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at MuMu Gelato

Delicious breakfast options with renowned gelato, perfect energy boost for the day.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Alberobello

Approximate 40-minute drive to the unique trulli village of Alberobello.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

10:00am

Check-in and explore Alberobello

Wander among the UNESCO-listed trulli dwellings, visit Trullo Sovrano museum, and shop local crafts.
EUR5 for museums, 5h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Terra Madre

Experience authentic Apulian cuisine in the heart of the trulli district.
EUR30, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Il Pinnacolo

Relax with local wines and specialty dishes in a charming setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Alberobello exploration

Alberobello, Italy on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local café

Begin your day with fresh coffee and pastries near the trulli area.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Museo del Territorio

Learn about the history and architecture of trulli houses and local traditions.
EUR5, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore nearby countryside

Take a scenic walk or short drive to olive groves and rural surroundings.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Casa Nova il Ristorante

Enjoy modern twists on classic regional dishes.
EUR30, 1h15m

4:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or rest

Browse local shops or relax at your accommodation.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trullo d'Oro

Experience refined Pugliese flavors served with elegance.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Alberobello to Ostuni

Alberobello to Ostuni, Italy on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Fresh pastries and espresso complete your Alberobello stay.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Ostuni

Short 40-minute drive to Ostuni, the famous White City.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

10:00am

Check-in and explore Ostuni Old Town

Discover whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and stunning vistas.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria del tempo perso

Eat traditional Apulian dishes with lovely town views.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Enjoy your hotel amenities or stroll the countryside.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

6:00pm

Aperitivo and sunset at Caffè Tripoli

Sip an aperitivo with breathtaking views of Ostuni below.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Taverna della Gelosia

Dine on local specialties in warm surroundings.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ostuni day trip: Martina Franca & Locorotondo

Ostuni base, day trip, Italy on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Ostuni

Light breakfast to power up your day.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Martina Franca

Approximate 40-minute drive to baroque Martina Franca.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

8:45am

Explore Martina Franca

Visit Ducal Palace, Basilica di San Martino and roam baroque streets.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive to Locorotondo

Short 15-minute drive to the circular town of Locorotondo.
CURRENCY0, 0h15m

11:15am

Explore Locorotondo

Walk town walls, visit churches and enjoy amazing views.
CURRENCYFree, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at U Curdunn

Sample local cuisine and wines in authentic setting.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Return to Ostuni

Drive back 40 minutes to Ostuni for free afternoon.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

3:00pm

Free time in Ostuni

Relax or explore more of the White City.
CURRENCYFree, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale

Enjoy one last dinner savoring authentic Apulian flavors.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Ostuni to Lecce

Ostuni to Lecce, Italy on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Ostuni

Start with coffee and pastries before departure.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Lecce

Approximate 1h20m drive to Lecce, the Baroque jewel of Puglia.
CURRENCY0, 1h20m

10:30am

Check-in and explore Lecce

Visit Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, enjoy Baroque architecture.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Zie Trattoria

Taste traditional Salento cuisine in a cozy trattoria.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Roman Amphitheater and Museo Faggiano

Explore historical sites and archaeological findings in Lecce.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria degli Spiriti

Savor local dishes in a charming setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Day trip to Gallipoli

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Lecce pasticceria

Fuel up with espresso and pastries.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Gallipoli

Approximate 45-minute drive to the charming Ionian town.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Gallipoli Old Town

Visit the 13th-century castle and vibrant old quarter.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Puritate

Enjoy fresh seafood with sea views.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Beach time at Baia Verde

Relax on white sandy beaches of Gallipoli.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive back to Lecce

Return approximately 45 minutes to Lecce.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Alle Cisterne

Dine in a unique cellar setting with authentic dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Day trip to Otranto

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

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast to start the day.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Otranto

45-minute drive to the beautiful coastal town.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Otranto Old Town and Cathedral

Discover the impressive mosaic floor and historic streets.
EUR5, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Aragonese Castle

Tour the seaside fortress with panoramic views.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at L'altro baffo

Enjoy fresh seafood with a coastal ambiance.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Relax at Baia dei Turchi Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on this nearby sandy beach.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

4:30pm

Drive back to Lecce

Return drive of about 45 minutes to Lecce.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Cucina di Mamma Elvira

End your day with hearty home-style Salento cuisine.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 12: Drive to Matera

Lecce to Matera, Italy on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at pasticceria

Light breakfast before the drive to Matera.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Matera

Approximately 2 hour 15 minute drive through beautiful countryside.
CURRENCY0, 2h15m

10:30am

Check-in and explore Sassi di Matera

Wander the ancient cave dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria al Casale

Enjoy traditional Matera dishes in a rustic ambiance.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

See a preserved cave home illustrating ancient lifestyle.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Dine with superb views of historic Matera.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 13: Matera exploration

Matera, Italy on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Avvenire

Reliable stop for coffee and pastries.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Matera Cathedral and MUSMA Museum

Explore the cathedral and contemporary sculpture museum inside Sassi.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Baccanti

Modern approach to Matera and southern Italian cuisine.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:00pm

Tour Palombaro Lungo

Visit the impressive underground cistern beneath the main square.
EUR5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shop local artisan goods

Find unique souvenirs at local shops in Matera.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Enjoy a memorable final dinner in Matera.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 14: Matera to Bari & Departure

Matera to Bari, Italy on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and checkout

Final breakfast and packing before departure.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Bari Airport

Approximately 1 hour 15-minute drive to Bari Airport.
CURRENCY0, 1h15m

9:30am

Car rental return and airport check-in

Return rental car and complete check-in for your flight to Rome.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

1:30pm

Flight Bari to Rome

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