Road Trip: A self drive itinerary in Puglia
Puglia is the perfect spot for a self-drive tour. The region is famous for so many amazing cities and towns. Spectacular beaches, the warm hospitality of the south, and amazing food. This is a great choice for clients looking for freedom and flexibility. However, with Bella Vita Travels, you’re never alone!
We will organize every step of your road trip to make your adventure in Puglia worry-free. You’ll have a rental car as soon as you arrive. With our detailed destination kits and expert advice, you’ll have all the information you need to hit the road! We will work with you to pick the perfect accommodations each evening.
This month, we are sharing some special itinerary ideas for a self drive trip. Puglia is a great choice for any type of holiday in Italy. It’s an enchanting, vibrant region with easy connections by car. As always, all of our holidays are custom made to your travel wishes. If this itinerary piques your travel interest, contact us to learn about all we can arrange for you in this special part of Italy!
DAY 1: Welcome to Puglia
Upon arrival at the Brindisi airport, your rental car will be waiting for you. We will reserve for you a comfortable automatic transmission vehicle that will be waiting as soon as you step off the plane.
From the Brindisi airport, its quite a short drive to the baroque treasure of Lecce. You’ll check in to your accommodations with included parking. Our portfolio of hotels and bed and breakfasts in this amazing city has something for every style of traveler.
After you settle in, our private guide will meet you at your hotel. She will take you on a fascinating and detailed walking tour of this city rich in history, architecture and culture. From the Roman amphitheater to the noble palazzi, the city is just brimming with imposing sites.
DAY 2: Lecce and Gallipoli
Today you have so many choices for exploring this part of Puglia. You can hop in your rental car, and with our detailed instructions, take a short drive to Gallipoli. The old town is spectacular if you are in the mood for a city. But for beach lovers, this is where Puglia shines. With your rental car, we will help you find some of the best hidden beaches of the area. The beaches of Gallipoli are truly one of a kind! You have the freedom to move around as you choose, and we will make sure the day is easy and relaxing.
In the evening, you ‘ll return to your accommodations in Lecce. Perhaps a nightcap at one of Italy’s most acclaimed cocktail and mixology bars? We’ll share those “secrets” too!
DAY 3: Treasures of Puglia – Valle D’Itria
This morning you will check out of your hotel in Lecce and head on the road! We’ll arrange a trip through some of the most spectacular villages in Puglia. The Valle D’Itria is home to special towns like Locorotondo and Martina Franca. We can organize the perfect day through these villages before heading to your hilltop accommodations for the night. One of our favorite restaurants in the area is located in Martina Franca, so make breakfast as light as you can – in Puglia, they know how to eat!
We will arrange a luxurious room for you in the white town of Ostuni, with (of course) included parking. This is a stunning hilltop jewel with breath-taking sea views.This is a great way to relax after a day exploring some of the borghi più belli (most beautiful towns) of Italy!
DAY 4: Valle D’Itria
Today we can arrange a wide variety of tours for you to explore the area. Perhaps a day with another set of wheels and a fabulous Biking Adventure?
You will meet a your biking guide for a thorough briefing and bike fit before beginning the ride along the ridge of Ostuni. Afterward, we will arrange for a fantastic lunch at a local “frantoio” (olive mill) where you will first have a tasting of their incredible olive oil, then dine on After lunch, we will continue with a lovely climb into the beautiful hilltop town of Cisternino. Here, you will have sweeping views of the Itria Valley.
Biking not your dream vacation? You can take the short ride to Alberobello and admire the typical and quirky trulli homes of the area. Or perhaps a cooking class and wine tasting in one of the local masseria? The trip is yours and we will design it to your travel wishes!
DAY 5: From Puglia to Matera
This morning, you’ll ride up to the region of Basilicata and the indescribable city of Matera. On your way, we will be able to help you with any stops you still want to include in the Valle D’Itria. Or perhaps even include a morning on the sea in a private boat before you leave after lunch. The options are endless!
The short drive to Matera is a little under 2 hours and the hotel we recommend for the evening is one of the most unique in Italy and perhaps the world. The rest of the evening is up to you as you relax in your special accomodations.
DAY 6: Matera
Today your private guide will bring you through this incredible city. Matera is world famous because of its Sassi quarters, a stunning and well preserved example of a village where hundreds of caves were turned into dwellings, churches and palaces.
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, the Sassi represent a unique hamlet throughout Italy: the earliest inhabitants date back to the stone and bronze age. In the middle ages it boasted several monastic communities and later became a vibrant farming centre.
In the afternoon, you can take the short drive to nearby Altamura – Altamura is also a food travel destination because of the world famous bread “Pane di Altamura”. With your car, you have the freedom to do what you wish!
DAY 7: Arrivederci, Puglia!
This morning, you’ll check out of your accommodations in Matera. You’ll take the short ride to the Bari airport to drop off your rental car and fly home. If your flight is departing later on, a tour through the unique and vibrant old town of Bari you cannot miss!
Perhaps your vacation doesn’t end here either. We can happily arrange a few days for you in any other parts of Italy or the Mediterranean after your road trip in Puglia. We are eager and ready to help make your travel dreams come true!
