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Comprehensive Puglia and Matera Road Trip: From Bari to Rome with Coastal Gems and Historic Towns

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Day 1: Arrival and Bari exploration

Bari, Italy on August 29, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival in Bari

Arrive in Bari and check into your accommodation. Take time to rest after your journey.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Explore Bari Vecchia

Explore the old town’s highlights including Basilica di San Nicola and quaint narrow alleys.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Uascezze

Enjoy a traditional Apulian seafood dinner in one of Bari’s best loved eateries.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bari old town and seafront

Bari, Italy on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Boccia

Start with local pastries and a strong coffee at this popular bakery.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Stroll along Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Walk along the waterfront promenade to enjoy sea views and fresh air.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Al Pescatore

Sample fresh fish dishes at this beloved Bari seafood restaurant.
EUR28, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Castello Svevo

Explore this imposing medieval fortress open until 7pm, rich in history and architecture.
EUR6, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax and gelato at Piazza Mercantile

Enjoy the lively town square atmosphere with gelato or aperitivo.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Tana del Polpo

Savor local recipes in this cozy, well-rated Bari trattoria.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pick up car and travel to Monopoli

Bari to Monopoli, Italy on August 31, 2025

9:00am

Pickup rental car at Bari Airport

Collect your rental car from Bari airport to begin your road trip in Puglia.
EUR0, 0h45m

10:00am

Drive to Monopoli

Scenic 40-minute drive along the coast to Monopoli.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

11:00am

Check-in and explore Monopoli old town

Explore Monopoli’s historic center including the Cathedral and castle.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Perricci

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and traditional dishes.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:00pm

Relax at Cala Porta Vecchia beach

Afternoon beach time at this gorgeous coastal spot.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Locanda di Federico

Savor authentic Puglian cuisine in an atmospheric restaurant.
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

8:00am

Breakfast at local café in Monopoli

Pastries and espresso to start your day, open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Polignano a Mare

Short 15-minute drive to a stunning cliffside town famous for its sea views.
CURRENCY0, 0h15m

9:30am

Explore Polignano a Mare

Visit Lama Monachile beach, wander the old town and admire coastal views.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Grotta Palazzese

Dine in a famous cave restaurant overlooking the sea (reservations recommended).
EUR50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Return to Monopoli

After lunch, drive back to Monopoli for relaxation.
CURRENCY0, 0h15m

5:00pm

Visit Monopoli Castle and harbor

Leisurely walk around the harbor and medieval castle at sunset.
CURRENCYFree, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Guazzetto

Refined dinner with excellent seafood and regional dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Drive to Alberobello

Monopoli to Alberobello, Italy on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at MuMu Gelato or local cafe

Light local breakfast before departure.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Alberobello

Short 30-minute scenic drive inland to the trulli town.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

9:30am

Check-in and explore Alberobello

Tour the UNESCO-listed trulli houses and museums in this unique town.
CURRENCYFree, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Terra Madre

Savor authentic Apulian cuisine close to the trulli zone.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and shop for crafts

Explore artisan shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Pinnacolo

Enjoy creative local dishes in an inviting atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Alberobello exploration

Alberobello, Italy on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Casa della Pasta

Grab local pastries and coffee to start a day of exploration.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Trullo Sovrano and Trullo Church

Tour the largest trullo house museum and quaint trullo churches around town.
EUR5, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa Nova Il Ristorante

Taste fresh local ingredients with traditional preparation.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hike or bike nearby Valle d'Itria

Explore the scenic countryside dotted with olive groves and trulli houses.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Il Poeta Contadino

Dine on locally sourced dishes with refined flair.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Alberobello to Ostuni

Alberobello to Ostuni, Italy on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast before departing Alberobello.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Ostuni

40-minute drive to the beautiful 'White City'.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

10:00am

Check-in and explore Ostuni Old Town

Visit the whitewashed streets and Ostuni Cathedral with panoramic views.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale

Enjoy a delicious meal with a view in Ostuni’s main square.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Relax at accommodation or explore olive groves

Enjoy leisure time or nearby nature walks in the surrounding countryside.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Taverna della Gelosia

Exquisite local cuisine and a warm ambiance to unwind your day.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ostuni and surroundings

Ostuni, Italy on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Rosticceria Capriccio

Enjoy fresh bread and pastries with coffee.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Free day to explore Ostuni

Relax or explore local shops, markets, and artisan boutiques.
CURRENCYFree, 5h0m

2:00pm

Light lunch at local café

Enjoy sandwiches or salads along with beverages.
EUR12, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Santa Maria Maddalena Sanctuary and Cathedral Museum

Explore religious sites open until 6pm, rich in history and art.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Porta Nova

Taste refined regional dishes made with local ingredients.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day trip to Martina Franca and Locorotondo

Ostuni base, day trip to Martina Franca & Locorotondo, Italy on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation or nearby café

Early start with coffee and pastries before heading out.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Martina Franca

Approximate 40-minute drive to elegant Baroque town Martina Franca.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

8:45am

Explore Martina Franca

Visit Ducal Palace, Basilica di San Martino and quaint historic streets.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive to Locorotondo

Short 15-minute drive to the circular town with stunning views.
CURRENCY0, 0h15m

11:15am

Explore Locorotondo

Walk town walls, visit churches, and enjoy the panoramic vistas.
CURRENCYFree, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at U Curdunn

Delight in local flavors paired with great wines.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Return to Ostuni

Leisurely drive back to Ostuni for afternoon relaxation.
CURRENCY0, 0h40m

3:00pm

Relax or explore more of Ostuni

Enjoy free time for shopping or rest.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale

An excellent final dinner in Ostuni with local wines and cuisine.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Ostuni to Lecce

Ostuni to Lecce, Italy on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local bakery

Enjoy cappuccino and cornetto before departure.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Lecce

About a 1 hour 20 minute drive to Lecce, the Baroque jewel of Puglia.
CURRENCY0, 1h20m

10:30am

Check-in and explore Lecce

Visit Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Roman Amphitheater.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Zie Trattoria

Delight in authentic Salento cuisine in a traditional setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Museo Faggiano

Discover archaeological finds in this unique Lecce museum, open until 7pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria degli Spiriti

Enjoy excellent fine dining with local produce.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Day trip to Gallipoli

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

7:30am

Breakfast at pasticceria

Pastries and coffee before travel.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Gallipoli

45-minute drive to this Ionian coast fishing town.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

9:00am

Gallipoli Old Town

Explore the castle, waterfront, and old town streets.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Puritate

Fresh seafood served with local charm and views.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Beach relaxation at Baia Verde

Spend the afternoon on one of the most beautiful beaches nearby.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Lecce

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

7:30pm

Dinner at Alle Cisterne

Dine inside ancient cellar with excellent local cuisine.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Day trip to Otranto

Lecce base, day trip to Otranto, Italy on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast before another full day.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Otranto

Approximately 45 minutes to the eastern coastal town.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Otranto Cathedral and Old Town

Admire the famous mosaic floor and walk the charming streets.
EUR5, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Aragonese Castle

Well-preserved castle overlooking the sea.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at L'altro baffo

Enjoy fresh seafood with sea views.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Baia dei Turchi Beach

Relax at this renowned sandy beach.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Lecce

Drive back to Lecce for dinner.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Cucina di Mamma Elvira

Traditional Puglian home-cooked specialties to close the day.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 13: Lecce to Matera

Lecce to Matera, Italy on September 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at pasticceria

Quick coffee and pastry before departure.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Matera

Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes drive through scenic routes.
CURRENCY0, 2h15m

10:30am

Check-in and explore Sassi di Matera

Walk among the ancient cave dwellings and UNESCO World Heritage site.
CURRENCYFree, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria al Casale

Enjoy traditional Matera cuisine in a warm, rustic eatery.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

Tour a preserved cave home to understand Matera’s history, open until 7pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Dine with a view of the Sassi district offering refined dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 14: Explore Matera

Matera, Italy on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Avvenire

Popular coffee house with quality pastries.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Matera Cathedral and MUSMA Museum

Explore religious and contemporary art museums in the Sassi area.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Baccanti

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

2:00pm

Tour Palombaro Lungo

Visit the vast underground water reservoir beneath the city square.
EUR5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shop local artisan boutiques

Buy unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.
CURRENCYFree, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Repeat favorite Matera dining experience for your last night.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 15: Matera to Bari and Departure

Matera to Bari, Italy on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and checkout

Enjoy your last Italian breakfast before heading to the airport.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Bari Airport

Approximate 1 hour 15 minute drive to return the rental car and check-in.
CURRENCY0, 1h15m

10:00am

Car return and airport check-in

Return your car and complete airport formalities with ease.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Flight Bari to Rome

Take your scheduled midday flight from Bari to Rome.
EUR50 (approximate), 1h0m
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