Puglia, Italy 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Flight to Bari

Catch an early flight from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI) to kick off your Puglia adventure.

After landing, transfer to Polignano a Mare.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Polignano a Mare, a stunning town perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Take some time to relax and settle in.

HomeExchange options are often available in charming coastal towns like Polignano a Mare.

Explore Centro Storico

Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Polignano a Mare's Centro Storico (Historic Center), discovering whitewashed buildings, charming piazzas, and panoramic viewpoints.

Don't miss the several balconies offering breathtaking views of the sea and the famous Lama Monachile beach.

Lama Monachile Viewpoint

Visit the iconic Lama Monachile, a stunning pebble beach nestled between two towering cliffs, and admire the famous 'Nel blu dipinto di blu' (Volare) lyrics inscribed on the walls.

This spot offers incredible photo opportunities, especially as the sun begins to set.

Seafood Dinner

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Polignano a Mare, savoring fresh seafood and Puglian specialties with a glass of local wine.

Many restaurants offer stunning sea views. Book in advance if you want a specific table or a popular spot.

Local Breakfast

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast with freshly baked pastries, coffee, and juice.

Sea Caves Boat Tour

Embark on a boat trip to explore the famous sea caves of Polignano a Mare.

Admire the stunning rock formations and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.

Choose between Polignano in mare escursioni or Isolablu Polignano for your tour. Booking is recommended.

Lunch by the Sea

Have a casual lunch at a restaurant near the harbor, enjoying fresh local dishes after your boat tour.

Relax at Lama Monachile

Spend some relaxing time at Lama Monachile beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the unique cliffside scenery.

The beach can get crowded on weekends, but the views are always spectacular.

Sunset Aperitivo

Enjoy an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink with snacks) at a bar with a panoramic view, watching the sunset over the Adriatic.

This is a great way to experience local culture and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Authentic Puglian Dinner

Indulge in an authentic Puglian dinner, trying local pasta dishes like Orecchiette con le cime di rapa (pasta with turnip tops).

Pick up Rental Car

Pick up your rental car in Polignano a Mare or Bari (if you took an early train) for easier exploration of the Valle d'Itria.

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the charming towns and countryside of Puglia. Book in advance.

Drive to Alberobello

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Puglian countryside to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique Trulli houses.

Explore Alberobello's Trulli

Wander through the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, marveling at the hundreds of whitewashed Trulli with their distinctive conical roofs.

Visit a Trullo church and shops.

Many Trulli are still inhabited, while others host shops, restaurants, and small museums. Sunday can be busy.

Trullo Lunch Experience

Have lunch at a restaurant located inside a Trullo, enjoying traditional Puglian dishes.

Visit Locorotondo

Drive to nearby Locorotondo, another charming 'white town' known for its circular historic center and beautiful views of the Valle d'Itria.

Enjoy a gelato and stroll through its flowered balconies.

Return to Polignano

Drive back to Polignano a Mare, enjoying the evening light over the Puglian landscape.

Relaxed Dinner

Enjoy a more relaxed dinner in Polignano a Mare after your day of exploration.

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy breakfast in Polignano a Mare before checking out of your accommodation.

We'll head south today.

Drive to Ostuni

Drive south to Ostuni, known as 'La Città Bianca' (The White City) due to its uniformly white-painted buildings.

Discover Ostuni's White City

Stroll through the narrow, uphill streets of Ostuni's historic center, admiring its whitewashed architecture, the Cathedral, and enjoying panoramic views of the olive groves and Adriatic Sea.

Don't miss the 'Porta Blu' (Blue Door) for iconic photos.

Lunch in Ostuni

Savor lunch in Ostuni, perhaps trying local dishes like friselle or 'sagne ncannulate' pasta.

Wine Tasting at Terre di San Vito

Visit Terre di San Vito vineyard for a tour and tasting of local wines and olive oil.

Learn about Puglian winemaking traditions.

Booking is highly recommended for tours and tastings. This vineyard is closer to Polignano but still accessible from Ostuni.

Travel to Bari & Check-in

Drive to Bari and check into your new accommodation.

Bari will be your base for the final day of this chunk.

Dinner in Bari Vecchia

Enjoy dinner in Bari's atmospheric old town (Bari Vecchia), sampling local pasta and street food.

Breakfast in Bari

Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe in Bari.

Bari Vecchia Exploration

Explore the labyrinthine streets of Bari Vecchia (Old Bari), a charming district filled with history, local life, and hidden courtyards.

Look out for the 'orecchiette street' where women make pasta by hand.

This is a fantastic place to experience authentic Puglian daily life.

Visit Basilica di San Nicola

Visit the magnificent Basilica di San Nicola, a major pilgrimage site and a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture.

It houses the relics of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus), making it historically significant.

Street Food Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch trying Bari's famous street food, such as focaccia Barese, panzerotti, or sgagliozze (fried polenta).

Stroll Along the Lungomare

Walk along Bari's picturesque Lungomare Nazario Sauro, one of Italy's longest seafront promenades, offering beautiful views of the Adriatic.

Perfect for an afternoon stroll and people-watching. You might see local fishermen.

Early Dinner & Evening

Enjoy an early dinner in Bari, perhaps trying some more local specialties, before preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Travel to Lecce

Take a regional train or bus from your accommodation in Central Puglia (e.

g., Bari or Ostuni) to Lecce, the capital of Baroque architecture.

Settle into Accommodation

Check into your HomeExchange accommodation or hotel in Lecce, and drop off your luggage.

Confirm check-in procedures with your host/hotel in advance.

Traditional Lecce Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Salento lunch.

Try 'ciceri e tria' (chickpea and pasta dish) or 'orecchiette al ragù'.

Piazza Sant'Oronzo & Roman Amphitheater

Begin your exploration of Lecce in its main square, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, home to the Roman Amphitheater and the column of Sant'Oronzo.

The amphitheater is partly unearthed and offers a glimpse into ancient Lecce. Many cafes around for a quick espresso.

Basilica di Santa Croce

Marvel at the intricate Baroque facade of the Basilica di Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Lecce Baroque.

Pay attention to the detailed carvings and figures. The interior is equally impressive.

Evening Passeggiata & Dinner

Enjoy the evening 'passeggiata' (stroll) through Lecce's illuminated streets, followed by dinner at a local trattoria.

Lecce Duomo Complex

Visit the impressive Duomo di Lecce, its bell tower, and the Bishop's Palace within the Duomo Square.

Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Lecce if open and weather permits.

Museo Faggiano

Explore the unique Museo Faggiano, a private home where archeological discoveries were made beneath the floorboards, revealing layers of Lecce's history.

A fascinating glimpse into Roman, Messapian, and medieval Lecce.

Pasticciotto Tasting

Indulge in a classic Lecce treat: 'pasticciotto', a small pastry filled with custard cream. A must-try!

Salento Cooking Class

Immerse yourselves in Salento's culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare local pasta and dishes.

Many local chefs offer classes. Book in advance. Alternatively, an olive oil tasting is a great option.

Dinner in Lecce

Enjoy a leisurely dinner featuring more Salento specialties, perhaps a seafood dish or 'pittule' (fried dough balls).

Travel to Otranto

Take a bus or drive to Otranto, a beautiful coastal town on the Adriatic, known for its historic castle and cathedral.

Otranto Cathedral & Mosaic

Visit the stunning Otranto Cathedral, famous for its magnificent 12th-century mosaic floor depicting the 'Tree of Life'.

The mosaic is truly unique and covers the entire nave. Also, see the Chapel of the Martyrs.

Castello Aragonese

Explore the imposing Aragonese Castle, which dominates Otranto's harbor and offers great views.

Seafood Lunch by the Harbor

Savor fresh seafood for lunch at one of Otranto's charming restaurants overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Relax at Baia dei Turchi

Enjoy some relaxing time at Baia dei Turchi, a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters surrounded by pine forests, just a short drive from Otranto.

Requires a short walk from parking. Bring swimwear and towels.

Return to Lecce & Dinner

Travel back to Lecce and enjoy a final evening dinner, perhaps trying a different local spot.

Lecce Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy some last-minute shopping for local crafts, 'cartapesta' (papier-mâché) figures, or local food products.

Many artisan workshops offer unique gifts.

Traditional Caffè Leccese

Experience 'caffè in ghiaccio con latte di mandorla' (iced coffee with almond syrup), a refreshing Lecce specialty.

Farewell Puglian Lunch

Enjoy a final, memorable Puglian lunch, savoring your favorite local dishes before heading to the airport.

Check-out & Final Preparations

Check out from your accommodation and make final preparations for your departure.

Travel to Bari/Brindisi Airport

Depart from Lecce via train or shuttle to Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) or Brindisi-Salento Airport (BDS) for your onward journey.