8-Day Puglia Self-Drive

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Explore Lecce in your own time. Half concealed beneath Piazza Sant’Oronzo is the long-buried ancient ruin of the Roman Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is capable of seating 15,000 people and stands as a perfect example of Lecce's ancient origins. A must-see in Lecce is the cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, one of Italy's most beautiful squares. Cafés line the street to the amphitheatre and here you can sit and imagine the activities of a bygone era.

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Otranto is renowned for its 15th-century Aragonese Castle and the beautiful 11th-century Otranto Cathedral. On the harbour, you can climb the Torre Matta Tower to be greeted with panoramic views of the sea. Otranto has a rich and vibrant past as a Greek settlement, a Roman port and later being ruled by the Byzantines, the Normans and the Aragonese. Otranto manages to preserve its ancient atmosphere which you can enjoy as you stroll its maze of alleyways and whitewashed buildings.

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Ostuni is known as the White City because of the characteristic colour of its houses. The historic centre of Ostuni, defined by its inhabitants "La Terra", was once entirely painted with white lime, which is only partly preserved today. The houses climb on the steep slopes of a hill and the village is characterized by winding streets, a succession of small squares, alleys and courtyards. After sightseeing, it is a 40-minute drive to Alberobello and stay in one of the quaint Trullo houses.

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Continue your Puglia itinerary to Alberobello, a small UNESCO World Heritage inland village, is renowned for its historic centre of interesting white cone-roofed houses which have made its landscape unique and one of the most interesting in Italy. These limestone dwellings are remarkable examples of prehistoric buildings in this region. They feature two layers of walls to provide insulation, a gutter system to collect rainwater and fireplaces and ovens built into the walls.

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Monopoli is a splendid little seaside town, where the white houses contrast with the blue of a sea that invites you to swim. The Castellana Caves are considered the most important speleological complex of Italy and Europe, located about 40 kilometres from Bari, in Apulia and are the result of the erosive action of an ancient underground river that has shaped limestone rock. For this reason, inside the Castellana Caves, you can get lost among the natural tunnels that snake in two paths.

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Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings known as 'sassi' and is one of Italy's most fascinating icons. Situated on a rocky outcrop, Matera is made up of a series of caves carved into the mountainside which now house museums, restaurants and bars. One of the most unique and spectacular places in Italy, Matera's remote location has kept it away from the masses which means it maintains its beauty.