Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Italy, exploring the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Puglia region. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of picturesque landscapes, architectural marvels, and gastronomic delights. From the iconic Trulli houses of Alberobello to the mesmerizing caves of Castellana, the historic city of Bari, and the stunning coastal town of Otranto, every day brings a new adventure. You'll also have the opportunity to taste the famous 'pane di Altamura' and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera. This tour is perfect for those who love to immerse themselves in local culture and history, with a touch of nature's grandeur.
Included
7 breakfasts
7 nights' accommodation
Day 1-4 Alberobello
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Ramapendula or similar 4*
Day 5-6 Otranto
Superior Hotel Category = Palazzo Papaoleo Hotel or similar 4*
Day 7 Lecce
Superior Hotel Category = Art Hotel & Park or similar 4*
Car Group B = Lancia Ypsilon
8-day car hire
Pick-up and drop-off from Bari or Brindisi Airports
Unlimited mileage
All insurances: SCDW, PAI, TP
Tax
Domestic one-way fee (except to/from Sardinia or Sicily)
Airport and railway surcharge
Road Tax (VRF)
Additional driver
Grace period 29 minutes
Car Group B = Lancia Ypsilon
Destinations
Otranto
Lecce
Trani
Brindisi
MateraMap
Attractions
Castel del Monte
Basilica San Nicola
Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca
Pulo di Altamura
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
porto antico
Jewish Museum LecceDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Alberobello
- Brindisi - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Italy! Upon your arrival at either Bari or Brindisi airports, pick up your rental car and drive to the charming town of Alberobello, famous for its unique Trulli houses. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the town and settling into your hotel. Overnight in Alberobello (or similar).
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Alberobello, Castellana Caves, and Polignano a Mare
- Polignano a Mare
- More
- porto antico
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Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Alberobello, home to the iconic Trulli houses. After lunch, head to the Castellana Caves, a natural wonder filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and precious crystals. Continue your journey to Polignano a Mare, a charming coastal town. Depending on your arrival time, consider renting a boat to explore the caves along the coast. Don't miss out on tasting the town's famous homemade ice cream. Return to Alberobello for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Trani, Castel del Monte, and Bari
- Trani
- More
- Castel del Monte
- Basilica San Nicola
- Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
- More
After breakfast, head north to Trani, where you'll visit the stunning Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino. Continue to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited monument-museum in Puglia. Arrive in Bari for lunch, followed by an afternoon tour of the city, including the Basilica di San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian castle. Return to Alberobello for an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Altamura and Matera
- Matera
- Altamura
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- Pulo di Altamura
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Start your day with a visit to Altamura, renowned for its bread production. Continue to Matera, a city where time seems to have stood still. Explore the Sassi, the old quarters of the city, and marvel at the unique rock dwellings. Visit the majestic Church of San Pietro Barisano and the cave houses of Casalnuovo and Vico Solitario to understand Matera's past. Return to Alberobello for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Visit to Martina Franca, Ostuni, and Otranto
- Martina Franca
- Ostuni
- More
After breakfast, leave Alberobello for Martina Franca, passing through the Valley of Itria. Explore the old city of Martina Franca with its narrow streets and white houses. Continue to Ostuni, known as the White City, and get lost in its charming historic centre. Arrive in Otranto, a city with a rich history of invasions and the most easterly point in Italy. Overnight in Otranto (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Gallipoli
- Lecce
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- Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca
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Start your day with a visit to the Cathedral of Annunziata in Otranto. Then, head to Santa Maria di Leuca, the 'heel' of the Italian 'boot'. In the afternoon, drive to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast, stopping at the Natural Park of Punta Pizzo and the beautiful beaches of Baia Verde. Explore the city of Gallipoli, a testament to Apulia Baroque, before returning to Otranto for an overnight stay.
Day 7 – Day 7: Journey to Lecce
- Lecce
- Otranto
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- Jewish Museum Lecce
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Leave early in the morning to reach Lecce, a city renowned for its historic centre and beautiful examples of Baroque architecture. Visit the Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica of the Holy Cross, and the Palace of the Celestini. Don't miss the Roman remains like the Amphitheatre in the central Piazza St. Oronzo. Overnight in Lecce (or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Lecce - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to either Bari or Brindisi airport to drop off your rental car. As you board your flight back home, bid farewell to the beautiful region of Puglia, taking with you unforgettable memories of this enchanting Italian adventure.
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