Perfect Puglia Road Trip Itinerary- 14 Nights

Live like a local in the ‘Capital of the Trulli’

The city of Alberobello is most well-known for its some 1500 UNESCO World Heritage Trulli, circular 14th-century limestone building with a characteristic conical roof. If you visit Puglia in the European summer time, Puglia is increasingly popular holiday destination. During recent years the tourism is increased significantly so you should take Puglia road trip during summer time.

You’ll take a private tour of this fairy-tale town in the afternoon, exploring the towns windy streets and laiden with important monuments while learning about the history from a local.

Natural wonders and agriculture await you

In the morning explore a sprawling cave system located in the Puglia countryside. During Puglia road trip we will take you to 230 ft (70 m) underground to see the caves’ incredible natural features, including The Grave of Castellana (a huge natural pantheon with a natural skylight) and the White Cave (famous for its shining white alabaster). You’ll learn about the 90-million-year-old history of the caves, from their origin in the Cretaceous period to the modern day.

Then head to a traditional farmhouse to see how organic mozzarella and other Apulian cheeses are produced using traditional methods. Meet with the owner, who will explain the process and lead you on a tour of the processing facility.

Later you’ll enjoy a meal of local specialties before heading back to your lovely Trullo in Alberobello.

Prepare to be dazzled in this White City

Located in the heart of the Itria Valley, is called the White City, because all the buildings located in its historic center, whether they are houses or monuments, are painted in white lime from the roof down.

The city is perched on a hill of about 200 mt and its ancient village consists of alleys and streets that intertwine until you reach the highest part where the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria dell’Assunzione is located.

During our private Puglia road trip you will experience the old town centre, and be immersed in a tangle of winding streets that intersect with squares, alleys and courtyards.

Our private walking tour in Ostuni is characterized by a combination of history, sea and magic. Not to mention the flavors and aromas typical of this land which you will have the opportunity to sample.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lecce

After breakfast, hit the road for a trip to Lecce, a historic city on the coast of the Ionian Sea. It’s the central city of the Salentine Peninsula and is over 2,000 years old.

Thanks to its Baroque architectural monuments commonly found in the city, Lecce is nicknamed the “Florence of the Baroque” or “Rome of the South.”

In the afternoon explore Lecce’s city center on our Puglia road trip. Learn about the historical buildings and the traditions behind the local crafts—papier-mâché, wrought iron, ceramics, and inlaid olive wood – which you’ll also get to witness first hand.

Take in the coast and history of Otranto

Otranto, “the door to East”, is one of the most famous gems of the Salento coast.

This little town facing the Adriatic sea lies on the most oriental point of Italy.

Our private walking tour will lead you through the ancient part of the town situated within fortified walls facing the wonderful sea that boasts transparent water.

Sample world famous wines at the source

Salento is a land where the climate conditions have favoured the abundance and the variety of fine wines.

With this Primitivo and Negramaro private tour, you’ll be able to relive the magical atmosphere of the grape transformation and to understand the wine-making techniques that have characterized these wines over the centuries.

The best place to enjoy a good wine is its place of birth, the producer’s winery. During the tour you will visit two wineries and, with the help of an expert sommelier, you will taste the local wines and enjoy a meal with typical products (together with other lovers of good wine). To taste the wine and its wonderful region by bike through quiet roads surrounded by trees and greenery.

Gain an overview of stunning Gallipoli

Like Taranto, Gallipoli is a two-part town: the modern hub is based on the mainland, while the older centro storico inhabits a small island that juts out into the Ionian Sea. With a raft of serene baroque architecture usurpassed only by Lecce, it is, arguably, the prettiest of Salento’s smaller settlements.

Gallipoli’s old town is surrounded by late-medieval walls and is home to a traditional fishing port, baroque churches, a Renaissance-era “Greek” fountain, and a castle surrounded by the sea.

During Puglia road trip you’ll leave enriched with a comprehensive overview of this charming town plus plenty of time to continue exploring or backtrack to your favorite spots afterward.

Experience Salento at leisure

Discover at leisure the incredible beauty of southern Puglia, among charming ancient towns and breath-taking scenery.

Learn more about the best places to visit in Salento.

Visit Matera in neighbouring Basilicata

Matera, Basilicata’s jewel, maybe the world’s third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement. Natural caves in the tufa limestone, exposed as the Gravina cut its gorge, attracted the first inhabitants perhaps 7000 years ago.

After lunch, the rest of the day is free to explore. Pick from the following suggestions to see everything Matera has to offer:

• Visit the Casa Grotta of Vico Solitario, one of Matera’s oldest homes Tour the 19th-century Palombaro Lungo, a large underground water cistern
• Spend a few hours at the MUSMA—Museum of Contemporary Sculptures of Matera
• Enjoy nature in the Murgia National Park, (Natural Historic Archaeological Regional Park of the Rock Churches of the Matera region)
• Browse for snacks at the Central Market, where you can sample delicious cheese, salty cold cuts, fresh fruit and vegetables, and fresh-caught seafood

Discover the fascinating history of Matera

In the morning, you’ll enjoy our private walking tour of the city as well as the unique cave dwellings and rock churches as you learn about the city’s history from our local guide. Experience the cathedral of Sasso Barisano, as well as some of the filming locations for Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ.

This tour will take you on aq discovery of ancient local culture, history, tales and legends. You will get to see ancient dwellings and natural wonders.

Enjoy and taste the best of Bari

Head to the city of Bari, on the Adriatic Coast.

Bari’s old town, known as Barivecchia, is a melting pot of restaurants, bars, and historic, medieval buildings.

After lunch, go on a guided street food tour of Bari. You’ll go off the beaten path in the city center, as well as the medieval city streets, to discover hole-in-the-wall cafes and family-owned joints. Try local specialties, such as focaccia barese (the local take on an Italian classic) and panzerotti, a sort of fried pizza calzone with a legendary following.

Hands on pasta making session

Become a chef for one day in this stunning city and learn about Italian pasta. Enter the home of Daniela, your host and teacher located in one of the most vibrant districts of the city.

From start to finish you will prepare the dough and its condiments before eating the fruits of your labor with your favorite wine in a typically Italian atmosphere.

A scenic adventure awaits

Head to Gargano National Park located an hour north on the coast near Vieste. In addition to the Mount Gargano promontory, the park also includes the Tremiti Islands Archipelago and the Umbra Forest, a large protected wooded area.

Marvel at coastal views, incredible flora and fauna, and a light sea breeze as you spend the day exploring all the park as to offer.

After one last cappuccino over breakfast, head to the airport for your connecting flight home. Alla prossima! If you have question about Puglia road trip or about Puglia bike tours you can contact us or request a quote.