Discover the best spots in southern Puglia and explore Matera's unique cave dwellings on this self-drive tour.
Your trip to Puglia begins in Bari, the regional capital. You'll wander the streets of Alberobello, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its famous Trulli— cone-shaped, whitewashed houses that are unique to this part of Italy.
From there, you'll travel to Matera, famed for its sassi , or cave dwellings, and explore the Lucanian Dolomites. You'll continue on to the Salento Peninsula, stopping at Lecce, the provincial capital, and using Otranto as a base for your explorations of the tip of the peninsula and the area's crystal-clear beaches.
Along the way, you can hike, swim, or simply relax and enjoy views of some of southern Italy's most iconic towns and landscapes.Discover the best spots in southern Puglia and explore Matera's unique cave dwellings on this self-drive tour.
Your trip to Puglia begins in Bari, the regional capital. You'll wander the streets of Alberobello, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its famous Trulli— cone-shaped, whitewashed houses that are unique to this part of Italy.
From there, you'll travel to Matera, famed for its sassi , or cave dwellings, and explore the Lucanian Dolomites. You'll continue on to the Salento Peninsula, stopping at Lecce, the provincial capital, and using Otranto as a base for your explorations of the tip of the peninsula and the area's crystal-clear beaches.
Along the way, you can hike, swim, or simply relax and enjoy views of some of southern Italy's most iconic towns and landscapes.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Italy!
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Arrive in Bari and pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive towards the historic centre of Bari to kick-off your trip and take some time to explore this pretty port city. Stroll through Bari Vecchia's cobbled streets and discover architectural beauties such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, and the Petruzzelli Theater, Italy's fourth-largest theatre. Then, head southeast through the Puglian countryside to Alberobello; the drive will take around one hour.
Accommodation
Hotel Sant' Antonio★3 star
Activities
Bari
Transportations
Rental Car from Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla to Bari
Rental Car from Bari to Alberobello
Destinations
Bari
Alberobello
Day 2
Alberobello Village of the Trulli
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After breakfast today you'll discover Alberobello, the village of the trulli. These small buildings with conical roofs served as housing for peasants and agricultural workers and are still lived in today. In the afternoon you have several sightseeing options. You can rent bicycles and explore the Itria Valley, visit the Castellana Caves with its underground cavities, wander around the beautiful village of Locorotondo or visit the white city of Ostuni. The choice is yours!
Accommodation
Hotel Sant' Antonio★3 star
Activities
Trulli of Alberobello
LocorotondoOptional Activity
Grotte di CastellanaOptional Activity
OstuniOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Alberobello
Locorotondo
Castellana Grotte
Ostuni
Day 3
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera
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Today, you'll take the road towards Matera, located in the Basilicata region, bordering Puglia. On arrival, you set off to explore this magnificent city and its "sassi", cave dwellings dug into the rock, in a veritable labyrinth of winding alleys. Designated European Capital of Culture in 2019, it is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is advisable that you to hire a local guide to make the most of the beauties of this unique city. It is unforgettable.
Accommodation
Hotel Sant' Antonio★3 star
Activities
Matera
Sassi di Matera
Transportations
Rental Car from Alberobello to Matera
Rental Car from Matera to Alberobello
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Alberobello
Matera
Day 4
Explore de Lucanian Dolomites
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Today you'll drive to Lucanian Dolomites Regional Park in Basilicata to discover two of the most beautiful villages in the region. It will take you about two hours and 15 minutes to reach the park, but it will be worth your time. Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano seem to spring from the rocky mountain peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites. As you walk the narrow cobbled streets of the villages, you'll discover the rural soul of the region. After your visit, drive three hours to Lecce.
Accommodation
Palazzo Belsanti★3 star
Activities
Parco Regionale delle Dolomiti Lucane
Transportations
Rental Car from Casa Albergo Sant'Antonio to Dolomiti lucane
Rental Car from Dolomiti lucane to Province of Lecce
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Alberobello
Basilicata
Lecce
Day 5
Sighsteeing in Lecce
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Today you'll explore Lecce, nicknamed the Florence of the South. This will be a highlight of your trip to Puglia. From its Roman ruins to its baroque masterpieces, this city is an architectural gem. Lecce's baroque style combines mythological creatures, fantastic characters, floral and flamboyant motifs, and, in the most prestigious palaces, proud coats of arms. You'll need to focus on the details to appreciate the dazzling whole.
Accommodation
Palazzo Belsanti★3 star
Activities
Lecce
Roman Amphitheatre of LecceOptional Activity
Basilica of Santa CroceOptional Activity
Piazza Sant'OronzoOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Lecce
Apulia
Day 6
Explore Otranto
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After breakfast, you'll take the road to Otranto, which is 45 minutes by car from Lecce. Once you arrive, go on a beautiful coastal walk to the Punta Palascia lighthouse, which overlooks the symbolic border between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. After your hike you'll be able to go for a dip in the aquamarine waters. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to visit Otranto's medieval historic centre, its Aragonese castle and its cathedral with a colourful mosaic floor.
Accommodation
Masseria L’Uliveto★3 star
Activities
Otranto Hike
Otranto
Transportations
Rental Car from Province of Lecce to Otranto
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Lecce
Otranto
Day 7
Discover Southern Salento
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Today you'll travel one hour south to the tip of the Salento Peninsula to see the meeting point between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. You'll visit two small towns on the peninsula, Santa Cesarea Terme, known for its thermal baths, and Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost town in Italy. If swimming or relaxing on the beach sounds appealing, Marina di Pescoluse, known as the Maldives of Salento is your best bet.
Accommodation
Masseria L’Uliveto★3 star
Activities
Santa Maria di Leuca
Transportations
Rental Car from Otranto to Apulia
Rental Car from Apulia to Otranto
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Otranto
Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 8
Drive Back to Bari
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Today is the final day of your trip to Puglia. It will take you about two hours to drive to the Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport from Lecce, and you'll want to arrive early to turn in your rental car. Depending on your flight time, you could stop en route at Monopoli or Polignano a Mare to stretch your legs and enjoy a cappuccino.
Transportations
Rental Car from Otranto to Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Otranto
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What’s included?
7 nights accommodation
8 activities
7 breakfasts
Ground transportation
What’s not included?
Airport transfer
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entrance fees
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Licensed English speaking guides
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 2,017/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Italy in 8 days
3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
