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Three friends, two areas, one flight; that was the mission for a sweet road journey by means of Italy. In merely seven days in each space, we may be lounging on rugged seashores, gorging on quite a few cuisines, procuring in development metropolises, gawping at castles alongside lakes and visiting villages so pretty they might have been lifted from a fairytale.
We blended one week in Puglia with 7-days in Lombardy so we would tour every the south and the north, seeing two very completely completely different sides of Italy en route.
For individuals who’re one thing like me and want to maximise your journey days, you then’ll even be looking for strategies to find as a number of a country as attainable in your annual go away. In merely over per week, we launched into an epic journey, fast ample to feast on many magical moments nonetheless sluggish ample to nonetheless reside the La Dolce Vita.
I’ve moreover well-known a shorter itinerary below, in case you’re that strategy inclined, and the longer route incorporates some additional areas that I’ve visited on earlier visits to these gorgeous areas of Italy.
Typically, I wish to journey spherical Europe by put together and bus as rather a lot as attainable, so I’ve tried to supply the proper public transport or tour options I can. For in all probability probably the most half, which implies this one-week Puglia itinerary could also be adopted by way of the usage of public transport. Nonetheless, there are events when renting a vehicle in Italy does make points easier, and that is very true in relation to visiting among the many small inland villages or museums that I’ve well-known proper right here.
Nonetheless, virtually in every single place on this itinerary can’t be reached by bus or put together; chances are high you will merely need to journey slower, make one or two fewer detours, or select one mountain village over the alternative. There are a selection of completely completely different bus corporations throughout the space, so I’ve tried to depart the associated hyperlinks to each place – merely double-check the route and schedule when planning your journey.
Proper right here is an abstract of my really helpful two-week itinerary in Puglia and Lombardy. You’ll uncover full particulars, along with route, lodging, and recommendations on what to see below.
Day One: Otranto and Lecce
Day Two: Lecce, Manduria and Locorotondo
Day Three: Locorotondo, Ostuni and Torre Canne
Day 4: Alberobello and Valle d’Itria
Day 5: Polignano a Mare and seashore day / Bari
Day Six: Bari and Bovino and Sant’Agata di Puglia
Day Seven: Journey day/Additional time in Bari
And while you would possibly moreover use the itinerary to plan a one-week journey, here is a shorter and further fast-paced itinerary that I took the first time I dashed by means of the world. Chop and alter the below Italy itinerary to biggest suit your desires.
Day One: Otranto and Lecce
Day Two: Manduria, Torre Canne, Locorotondo, Alberobello
Day Three: Alberobello, Valle d’Itria, Polignano a Mare, Bari
Day 4: Hills of Puglia: Sant’Agata di Puglia, Bovino
Day One: Brindisi – Otranto – Sant’Andrea -Lecce
Entire drive time: 2 hours | Sleep in Lecce
Day one is all about lapping up what the far south-eastern coast of Italy has to produce. From waters so inviting to red-sand quarries that may have been lifted from the centre of Australia. The tempo of life is slower proper right here, the gelato is cool, and the welcoming smiles are in every single place.
What to do in Otranto
Otranto has numerous surprises to get pleasure from, along with in all probability probably the most easterly stage of mainland Italy, a short drive from Otranto centre, the place the Punta Palascia Lighthouse sits amongst wild herbs.
The Laghetto Cave di Bauxite was as quickly as a quarry nonetheless has been reclaimed by nature, and glossy crimson soil surrounds the lake.
Inside Otranto, previous the city-beach bathing alternate options and the massive fort superior, the distinctive Otranto Cathedral is properly worth a go to. The bottom is laid out with unbelievable mosaics depicting heaven and hell, and throughout the once more Chapel sits the bones of Christian martyrs who handed away proper right here. A charming place and a worthy hidden gem in Italy.
Moreover, bear in mind to attempt Puccia proper right here, an open sandwich stuffed with irrespective of delicious native substances you choose; we went to an unimaginable little spot referred to as Postofisso, merely down from the Fortress which dominates Otranto, and beloved a Buratta stuffed mannequin, which is a kind of creamy mozzarella. Out of your first Puglian chew, you’ll shortly realise that is possible one of many continent’s biggest areas for delicacies.
En route from Otranto to Lecce, stop to find some further of the coast at Sant’Andrea, a popular cliff-jumping spot and, although busy within the summertime months, fully breathtaking.
What to do in Lecce
Certainly one of many biggest areas to go to in Puglia, Lecce, is sort of also called the Florence of the south attributable to its gorgeous construction and its golden tone.
You’ll naturally be drawn to the Roman Amphitheatre throughout the coronary coronary heart of the city and to admire the Cathedrals and grand squares, nonetheless they’re moreover a great deal of inconceivable consuming locations and great stylish cocktail bars to be found on the little streets. I acquired up for daybreak to walk spherical proper right here and principally had your entire metropolis to myself; it was dreamy.
One different issue to not miss in Lecce is the signature espresso of the city, caffè in ghiaccio, an iced drink with almond milk, sweet and delicious on a scorching day.
Need a info or tour?
We had an superior info, Francesco, in Otranto who whizzed us spherical on an Ape Calessino, a three-wheel type tuk-tuk that comes from Southern Italy. Likewise, in Lecce, it was good to have a info and examine further regarding the Baroque buildings and the native meals scene. You’re going to get in touch with Francesco proper right here.
Need public transport?
Trains be a part of Brindisi with Lecce, a journey time of spherical half-hour; from Lecce, it’s possible you’ll take a 45-minute bus to Otranto. There are moreover some direct buses from Brindisi to Otranto.
The place to stay in Lecce (best choice) or Otranto or Brindisi:
Lecce: We stayed throughout the nice Donna Teresa Guesthouse correct throughout the centre of metropolis, the place after dipping by means of a picket door to a courtyard and climbing some stairs, you arrive at a handful of fantastically adorned and restored rooms. All mod-cons, giant bogs, some with spherical tubs, and clear furnishings made this an unimaginable place to spend the night.
Otranto: I haven’t spent a night in Otranto personally, nonetheless Resort La Plancia seems to produce good price straightforward rooms correct by the seashores, which is the place I might maintain merely exterior the city centre.
Brindisi (supreme in case you want to check-in after the flight): In case you’re arriving late as we did and easily want a spot to crash, then Helpful B&B in Brindisi is nice as a result of the clear, stylish rooms are accessed by means of KeySafe, a small breakfast is served on the roof terrace, and it’s moments from the first sights of Brindisi within the occasion you head for a stroll.
Day Two: Lecce – Manduria – Locorotondo
Entire drive time: 2 hours | Sleep in Locorotondo
After an early morning stroll spherical Lecce to get pleasure from it at its most peaceful, as we communicate is about wine and white-washed villages.
What to do in Manduria
The precept trigger for visiting Mandruia is the fascinating Museum of Primitivo wine, the place the native delicious wines are bottled.
You’ll be greeted with what seems like petrol pumps, nonetheless they’re actually used for pouring good price wine into containers clients convey themselves to be refilled. Underground it’s possible you’ll tour the rooms which used to hold the wine considerably than barrels nonetheless now dwelling a museum sooner than having enjoyable with a wine tasting.
What to do in Locorotondo
Locorotondo turned definitely one among my favourite areas in Puglia, and I fully fell in love with it. The title of this pretty Italian metropolis comes from the spherical kind it was in-built, although this isn’t obvious from ground diploma.
This could be a dreamy metropolis the place white-washed partitions are brightened up by purple and pink flowers in pots, and little consuming locations provide alfresco consuming throughout the quaint streets. There isn’t a whole host of points to do proper right here, nonetheless strolling throughout the charming metropolis will higher than put a smile in your face.
Need public transport?
To get from Lecce to Manduria, you’ll need to take a combo of buses and trains after which stroll or soar a taxi to the wine museum, so chances are high you will need if relying on public transport to skip Manduria and head straight to Locorotondo or Ostuni. Busses to Ostuni take spherical 90 minutes, and to Locorotondo, you’ll want to take a bus by means of Martina Franca or a put together, with a whole journey time of spherical 3 hours.
The place to stay in Locorotondo or Ostuni
Locorotondo: One of many charming and real areas to stay in Locorotondo is Sotto Le Cummerse, which operates as a lodge diffuso. Truly translated as a dispersed lodge, this distinctive thought has an expansion of flats and suites dotted throughout the historic centre, with breakfast and completely different suppliers supplied from a central location. Established by a pair who had been born throughout the village, it’s helped to convey among the many metropolis’s abandoned buildings once more to life, and you will make certain your money is staying contained in the native individuals.
Ostuni: You might decide to change the route of this itinerary barely, and within the occasion you do head to Ostuni first, then ponder staying at B&B Scuderie Maresca, a characterful reworked regular throughout the coronary coronary heart of Ostuni.
Day Three: Locorotondo – Ostuni – Torre Canne – Alberobello
Entire drive time: 2 hours | Sleep in Alberobello
From the streets of Locorotondo, set off early to find one different inconceivable white metropolis, see the wind-battered coast, and end the day amongst the UNESCO-listed Trulli of Alberobello; it’s a busy day in your Puglia road journey!
What to do in Ostuni
The ‘white metropolis’ of Puglia, Ostuni, gracefully grows up from its prime place barely inland from the coast, and the drive in course of the white-washed exterior offers you some attractive viewpoints to admire it from.
The historic centre is charming, a working theme in Puglia, and in addition you’ll be blown away the second you step by means of an earlier medieval gate into the centre. A mix of Gothic, Byzantine and Roman parts are blended throughout the Cathedral, whereas the labyrinth of alleyways brings endless image alternate options.
What to do in Torre Canne
After exploring Ostuni, take a short drive to the coast, the place it’s possible you’ll each have lunch in Torre Canne, a metropolis jutting out into the ocean, or at one among many seashore consuming locations in Parco Naturale e Regionale delle Dune Costiere.
This sand-dune nationwide park is a windsurfers paradise, so in case you want to be a part of a lesson or are an expert, it’s a likelihood to get some journey into your Puglia itinerary.
What to do in Alberobello
The precept draw to Alberobello is, in reality, the UNESCO-listed Trulli, the conical roofed typical properties.
Along with strolling by means of the streets and marvelling on the conical roofed buildings, it’s possible you’ll slip inside museum-style Trulli, nonetheless adorned as they’d have been traditionally lived in, or get pleasure from meals and drinks inside them.
It’s a charming metropolis, and there could also be moreover a model new half merely exterior the Trulli house the place it’s possible you’ll select up road journey offers.
Need to do a tour?
For individuals who fancy learning just a bit further about Ostuni and treating your self, then a 2-hour strolling and gelato tour could also be merely the ticket. There are moreover group excursions of Alberobello it’s possible you’ll be a part of to review further regarding the (usually disputed) historic previous of the Trulli proper right here.
Need public transport?
Counting on the place you are coming from the night sooner than, I’d seemingly counsel if reliant on public transport, you head straight to Alberobello for ease. Getting between Ostuni and Locorotondo seems favor it actually requires two buses and some hours. Attending to Alberobello from Locorotondo is simple with a 10-minute bus. From Ostuni to Locorotondo, the 370 bus to Ceglie Messapica after which the Marozzi service from there is a decrease than supreme and pretty prolonged best option from what I can see.
The place to stay in Alberobello or the Valle d’Itria
Alberobello: On this itinerary, I’ve put two nights staying proper right here, as a result of it is going to get exhausting on a road journey altering location every night and given the host of consuming locations and vacationer facilities shut by, it’s a clever alternative.
We stayed a couple of 10-minute stroll from the Trulli in a really nice guesthouse, Resort Silva, which was correctly adorned and supplied the proper breakfast buffet of the journey. The householders had been great helpful and dropped us off at their favourite restaurant in town.
For individuals who would favor to stay in an exact Trulli, ponder Il Trullo dell’Agricoltore.
Valle d’Itria: For individuals who would favor to stay exterior Alberobello, as chances are high you will be proper right here two nights, ponder renting one among many gorgeous Trulli-style lodging throughout the Valle d’Itria, you don’t even have to go far exterior the town to look out some gorgeous Trulli resorts with swimming swimming pools, corresponding to Il Gabellota Resort.
Day 4: Alberobello – Martina Franca – Valle d’Itria
Entire drive time: 1 hour | Sleep in Alberobello
Day 4 on the Puglia road journey is about having enjoyable with the pure improbable factor about Puglia, ideally by bicycle.
What to do in Valle d’Itria
The Valle d’Itria is awash with olive bushes and vineyards, and we decided to ditch the car for lots of the day and uncover by bicycle.
There are various good bike trails proper right here, and so they’re comparatively flat, although I take into consideration on great scorching days a bit too intense. It was a really good strategy to see the Valley, passing Trulli on the way in which through which.
What to do in Martina France
Martina France is a pleasing metropolis, famed for cured meats which might be eaten all all through Italy.
Head proper right here to get misplaced throughout the maze-like mesh of alleyways sooner than indulging in a delicious lunch within the major sq. – I extraordinarily advocate consuming at Ristorante Garibaldi by the first Cathedral.
Need a tour?
Get in touch with Puglia Cycle Excursions, who can set up a info and bike rental for you.
Need public transport?
In case you’re following this route by public transport, you would possibly want found you’ve already visited Martina Franca arising. As such, I’d counsel for exploring the Vale d’Itria you merely be a part of one among many biking excursions or associated, or simply take a neighborhood bus out of Alberobello. No need for one thing too tough proper right here.
Day 5: Polignano a Mare and Bari
Entire drive time: 1.5 hours | Sleep in Polignano a Mare
For day 5 of the Puglia road journey, it’s time to unwind on in all probability probably the most well-known seashores on the shoreline and uncover the culinary gems of Bari.
What to do in Polignano a Mare
It’s no shock the seashore proper right here will get busy, given it’s an Instagram star in its private correct. That’s moreover the place you’ll uncover the grotto restaurant, one different widespread Instagram shot.
What you will not realise, though, is solely how charming Polignano a Mare is contained within the cluster of properties that hold round over the ocean. Cute streets, nice consuming locations, and great bars to get pleasure from a Spritz at full the go to proper right here, and in addition you might even uncover you want to drive just a bit extra out of metropolis to get a barely quieter stretch of seashore or escape the heat throughout the Pino Pascali updated paintings museum.
What to do in Bari
Tip: When you’ve gotten a late flight on day seven, then possibly go away Bari until your last day and use this day for a lazy seashore day. For individuals who don’t have time to find the city in your final day, then head there for a day.
I’ve been to Bari twice; the first time, I didn’t adore it – which is why a lot of individuals skip the city – the second time, as a result of tour we did, I truly beloved it.
Bari is a port metropolis and the capital of Puglia, and it’s going by means of significantly of a comeback, having earned a fame for being a bit robust throughout the perimeters.
To be truthful, I consider it kinda is, nonetheless in a further charming strategy than it as quickly as was. With a robust Cathedral proper right here and plenty of little alleyways to get misplaced down, typically with Nanna’s exterior making modern pasta, it warms to you the additional time you spend proper right here. It’s moreover acquired some cracking nightlife, a on line on line casino within the occasion you fancy just a bit gamble, and a great deal of inconceivable meals selections, all of which I visited on our rickshaw tour, acquired right here with non-public tales and hearty laughter.
Need a tour?
I’d extraordinarily advocate the rickshaw tour of Bari we did, as a result of it was an efficient method to discover some hidden gems, examine further regarding the metropolis’s earlier, and magnificence some delicious native dishes. Velo Service Excursions runs an expansion of assorted selections in Bari.
Need public transport?
From Alberobello to Polignano a Mare, you’ll likely have to take a bus to Bari after which be a part of the put together line, which hyperlinks the two there; as such, you might swap the plan spherical just a bit bit as compared with driving. The trains between Bari and Polignano a Mare are widespread. There does seem like a restricted bus that connects to Conversano, nonetheless I can solely uncover restricted information on-line.
The place to stay in Polignano a Mare or Bari
Polignano a Mare: If you are going to maintain in one among many gems of Puglia, then bear in mind to get a room with a view. Prices proper right here fluctuate as a lot because the crazy pricey, nonetheless B&B Dei Serafini presents fairly low cost rooms, some with balconies and terraces out to the water.
Bari: For individuals who select to stay in Bari in its place (it might be greater to stay proper right here on the ultimate night in case your departure is from proper right here), ponder having just a bit splurge on the historic Oriente Resort correct throughout the centre of the city, or testing my options below merely exterior the city for further accessible parking.
Day Six: Bovino and Sant’Agata di Puglia
Entire drive time: 2.5 hours | Sleep in Sant’Agata di Puglia
For the time being on the Puglia road journey, it’s time to maneuver to Foggia, an inland and hilly part of the world the place medieval cities and villages perched on mountainsides reign supreme.
What to do in Bovino
In Italy, there could also be an official society for the ‘Most gorgeous villages of Italy’, and Bovino is proudly on that itemizing. It’s the kinda place you get misplaced in and stroll spherical, nonetheless there are a selection of main sights, corresponding to San Pietro Church and the Norman Fortress.
One of many thrilling foodie experiences I had in Puglia was in between my visits to Bovino and Sant Agata’ di Puglia, the place Olga and Massimo welcomed us to their earlier watermill relationship once more to the 1600s. Proper right here we learnt the easiest way to make pasta and beloved a hearty lunch, as organized by our native info.
What to do in Sant’Agata di Puglia
You’ll be whisked once more in time as you drive the less-than-perfect road elevated and higher to Sant’Agata di Puglia; what greets you though is a metropolis that adheres onto the mountain in a postcard-perfect strategy.
Proper right here it’s possible you’ll uncover earlier mills and wine cellars, admire the epic views from the fort, which is on the excessive of the town like a star on a Christmas tree, or slip into slow-paced cafes and consuming locations on the squares the place locals sip wine and occasional.
Need a tour?
As it’s a a lot much less traverse space of Puglia, you might want to enlist the similar native info/agency we did to help make a couple of of our preparations.
Need public transport?
Public transport selections seem to get further restricted when exploring the hills of Puglia, so visiting numerous areas in sooner or later is tough. You’ll need to get to Foggia metropolis, and from there, it’s possible you’ll take a bus to one among many cities (as you’d then need to backtrack to get to the alternative). The schedules change recurrently, I was knowledgeable, so bear in mind to check upfront. Take into consideration a tour as the best alternative; in some other case, take a put together from Bari to Foggia, and from there, search the recommendation of the native bus timetables or taxis to proceed.
The place to stay in Sant’Agata di Puglia or Bovino
Sant’Agata di Puglia: The gorgeous L’Antico Monastero presents a historic setting and good views of the town, with stylish, spacious rooms. If you would like good views, check in proper right here!
The place to stay in Bovino
Bovino: Inside the coronary coronary heart of Bovino, Palazzo San Procopio presents a historic setting up, full with some stone partitions and a wellness centre. It’s a stone’s throw from the quite a few sights of Bovino. For individuals who don’t ideas staying barely out of the centre, Mattress and Wine Rocco Zambri has some attractive views all through vines and the valley.
The place to stay near Bari Airport
For individuals who wish to stay near the airport, and even when in Bari, need a further comfortable parking alternative, then the stunning Le Tre Sorelle in Palese is an excellent alternative, as there is a put together station proper right here, and it’s a short drive to the airport. Behind the unassuming doorways are a grand courtyard, an infinite yard the place breakfast is served and good-sized rooms with very noble and royal decorations. For sure, in all probability probably the most stunning lodging of our Puglia road journey.
Day Seven: Journey Day / Additional time in Bari
Day seven is significantly of a journey day and might depend on which flight you take from Bari – or if it is important to get to a special airport. Use irrespective of time you’ll want to uncover further of Bari’s earlier metropolis.
Airport public transport
In case you’re going from Bari or Palese to Bari Airport, put together and bus are easy selections.
Automotive hire and driving in Italy
Make sure you’ve gotten your worldwide driving enable for Italy. Automotive hire costs will differ between seasons, nonetheless I counsel using a car-search platform to look out the proper price. You acquired’t be going too off the crushed path on this road journey, so there is no need to have a supercharged vehicle.
Keep in mind when parking for restrictions, which can change from space to space and could be marked on indicators. Loads of areas allow free in a single day parking, nonetheless chances are high you will wish to maneuver them. Moreover, parts of some Italian cities have restricted zones that you could possibly be not be able to go into, even when others have – it is going to typically be adopted with a pleasant letter a month later. Most of the time, the indications are merely in Italian though, so maintain a watch mounted out!
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