7-Day Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bari traveling south to Lecce, Brindisi, Taranto, and Cosenza

On day 2 of your road trip in Italy, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bari are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lecce, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy all that Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino has to offer. This is an increasingly popular church you should not miss. Another must-see is Direzione Regionale Musei, an often recommended museum in Bari.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Basilica Di San Nicola. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Teatro Petruzzelli, another of the city’s curiosity-inducing attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Lungomare Araldo Di Crollalanza, a romantic place of interest in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lecce. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lecce. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Discover the culinary delights of Lecce by securing a reservation at Primo Restaurant. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of mediterranean and contemporary cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Bros', renowned for its delicious creative and contemporary dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Sensi after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Caffè Alvino for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Jolly Roger is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Italy!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Italy. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Madonna di Roca Vecchia, Sant'Andrea, and Lecce. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Brindisi, where you'll spend 1 night.

Make a stop at Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi - Villa Comunale. This often recommended park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Basilica Di Santa Croce located in Lecce for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Porta Rudiae. Its culturally significant features will captivate you.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Madonna di Roca Vecchia may take around 37 min. Upon your arrival in Madonna di Roca Vecchia, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering La Poesia, a popular cave known for its idyllic features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sant'Andrea. This drive usually takes around 7 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Torre Sant'andrea, an intriguing rock formation known for its eye-catching features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Brindisi, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Brindisi's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Bracerie Escosazio, a highly-rated dining destination in Brindisi. If you're eager to try something different, consider Penny, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Piadineria. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Brindisi this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Peddy Bar. Pasticceria. Gelateria. Happyhour. Prodotti Celiaci. Slot Machines. Scommesse, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Eden Cafè provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Altair Cafè offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Italy!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Italy includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Ostuni, Fasano, and Massafra. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Taranto, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking in Brindisi’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ostuni. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 35 min. When you arrive in Ostuni, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Parco Naturale Regionale Dune Costiere Da Torre Canne A Torre S.leonardo, an intriguing nature reserve that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Ostuni, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Fasano. This drive usually takes around 19 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Zoosafari Fasanolandia, a notable safari park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Massafra. This car ride takes around 1 hour.

Savor the day by heading to Parco Naturale Regionale Terra Delle Gravine, a curiosity-inducing nature reserve that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Taranto. Taranto offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Taranto is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Taranto.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Come Vuoi Pane & Condimenti, a top-rated dining destination in Taranto. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ricci - Pizzaioli dal 1963, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante La Pignata. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Taranto this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Bar Center, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Tabir. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Old Fashion, another top-rated place in the area.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Italy.

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Marina di Roseto Capo Spulico, Paola, and Cosenza. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Cosenza, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Marina di Roseto Capo Spulico. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Castello Della Pietra, a locally appreciated castle that draws visitors from near and far.

Paola’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Marina di Roseto Capo Spulico behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 37 min. Paola welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Saint Francis Of Paola's and explore the picture-perfect features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Paola and set your GPS to Cosenza. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 45 min. Upon reaching Cosenza, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Cosenza is Norman Castle, a curiosity-inducing castle that draws attention for its enchanting features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cosenza. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Cosenza, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Osteria San Lorenzo, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Trattoria Il Paesello is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Hippocampus. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cosenza tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like 1930, known for its lively atmosphere. La Bodega is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, People Pub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Italy.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Italy. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Matera. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bari, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Matera, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cosenza to Matera may take around 2 hours 27 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Matera, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Belvedere Di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the observation deck before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Sasso Caveoso. This up-and-coming cave system is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Sassi Di Matera. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the archeological site.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bari, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bari's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Cocktail Bar "Numero 75 ", a top-rated dining spot in Bari. If you're in the mood for something new, try Lo Svevo, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Mezcla. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bari.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Steam Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Cavanbah Pub is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Piccolo Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Italy!