Traveling in Puglia: 7 Itineraries in 7 Days Starting from Bari (with maps)

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Puglia or looking for a week-long vacation idea? We’ve created 5 different 7-day routes for your holiday in Puglia, each starting from Bari and designed to suit all tastes, taking you through this fascinating Italian region. Choose the one that inspires you the most and begin your journey!

Itinerary 1: The Adriatic Coast and Lecce

Day 1 – Bari: Arrival in Bari and check-in at BeBari Apartments. To learn more: discover what to see in Bari. Day 2 – Polignano a Mare and Monopoli: Visit Polignano a Mare and its caves. In the afternoon, head to Monopoli. Day 3 – Alberobello: admire the trulli in Alberobello. Day 4 – Ostuni: continue exploring Moopoli and in the afternoon, head to Ostuni, the “White City”. Day 5 – Brindisi: visit the city that was the final destination of the ancient Appian Way, the Roman road that connected Rome to Brindisi. Day 6 – Lecce: Transfer to Lecce: you will love the Baroque city. Day 7 – Lecce: Explore Lecce and its baroque treasures. In the evening, return to Bari.

Itinerary 2: The Gargano and the Tremiti Islands in Summer

Day 1 – Bari: Arrival in Bari and stay at BeBari Apartments. Day 2 – Monte Sant’Angelo: Head to the Gargano and visit Monte Sant’Angelo. Day 3 – Mattinata: do not miss the splendid Bay of Mattinata, characterized by crystal-clear waters and a rugged coast, ideal for nature lovers and hikers. Day 4 – Vieste: Explore Vieste and its beaches. Day 5 – Peschici: another day of sea and relaxation. Day 6 – Rodi Garganico and Vico del Gargano: Rodi Garganico enchants with its picturesque fishing port and golden beaches, while Vico del Gargano charms with its historic medieval center and lush orange gardens. Day 7 – Bari: Return to Bari to conclude the trip. Bonus Track: with one or two more days, take a ferry to the Tremiti Islands for a day of relaxation and snorkeling.

Itinerary 3: Exploring the Itria Valley

Day 1 – Bari: Arrival in Bari and accommodation at BeBari Apartments. Day 2 – Castellana Caves: Visit the Castellana Caves. Alberobello and Locorotondo: Explore the heart of the Itria Valley Day 3 – Alberobello and Locorotondo:

• Alberobello: Explore the famous UNESCO World Heritage trulli houses. Visit the Trullo Sovrano and the Territorial Museum.
• Locorotondo: Wander through the circular historic center. Enjoy panoramic views over the Itria Valley.

Day 4 – Cisternino and Ostuni:

• Cisternino: Discover the alleys and trattorias of the historic center. Taste the typical grilled meat of the area.
• Ostuni: Explore the “White City” of Ostuni and its cathedral.

Day 5 – Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca: taste the Bombette and enjoy breathtaking views;

• Visit the castle of Ceglie and the Messapic archaeological sites.
• Martina Franca: don’t miss its charming historic center, characterized by splendid Baroque and Rococo architecture, including the Basilica of San Martino and the noble palaces.

Day 6 – Noci: Move your base camp to Matera and visit the famous Sassi. Day 7 – Return to Bari: Spend a relaxing day at the pool in a Masseria and then return to Bari.

Itinerary 4: North of Bari and the Murgia

Day 1 – Bari: Arrival in Bari and stay at BeBari Apartments. Day 2 – Molfetta and Giovinazzo: Explore Molfetta and Giovinazzo. Day 3 – Trani and Bisceglie: Visit Trani and Bisceglie along the Adriatic coast. Day 4 – Castel del Monte: Visit Castel del Monte, a UNESCO site. Day 5 – Barletta: Visiting Barletta means immersing yourself in history with its impressive Castle and the famous Challenge of Barletta. Day 6 – Murgia: a day of trekking in one of the most characteristic landscapes of the inland Puglia. The Alta Murgia National Park will offer you unparalleled experiences to be in touch with nature and taste the “wild” cuisine with centuries-old tradition in one of the typical farmhouses:

• Tenuta Tedone Consolini – Contrada Lama d’Ape, 482/a, Ruvo di (Puglia BA) – 346 515 4493
• Agriturismo Coppa – S.P. 238 Trani-Gravina km. 26 70037-Ruvo di Puglia (BA) Phone: +39 3471549100 +39 0802147335 www.agriturismocoppa.it).

Day 7 – Ruvo di Puglia and Bitonto: Ruvo di Puglia offers a fascinating journey through time with its extraordinary Romanesque Cathedral and rich archaeological heritage, such as the Jatta Museum and the famous Talos Vase. Bitonto, known as the “City of Olives”, enchants with its beautiful medieval historic center and the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral, a jewel of Apulian architecture. Return to Bari for a day of shopping and relaxation.

Itinerary 5: Matera and the Gravine

Day 1: from Bari to Altamura

• Visit the Cathedral of Altamura and try the DOP bread.
• Explore the historic center.

Day 2: Gravina in Puglia

• Explore Gravina underground, fascinating ancient passageways carved over the centuries, part of a complex system of tunnels, cellars, and cisterns, bearing witness to the city’s rich history and unique traditions, and the famous aqueduct bridge, a set of a 007 movie.
• Visit the Cathedral.

Day 3: Matera

• Explore the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit the Murgia Materana Park.

Day 4: Ginosa

• Don’t miss the chance to visit the charming old town with its cave houses and churches, witnesses to the rich history of the city.
• Admire the Gravina of Ginosa.

Day 5: Laterza Day 6: Mottola

• Explore the rock findings and churches in the Mottola area.
• Nature walks among the landscapes of the gravine.

Day 7 – Return to Bari: Enjoy a relaxing day in a Masseria to unwind, and then return to the capital, Bari.

Itinerary 6: Salento along the Adriatic coast

Day 1 – Bari and Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area Day 2 – Lecce

• Admire the baroque architecture of Lecce and its Cathedral.
• Stroll through the streets of the historic center.

Day 3 – Torre dell’Orso

• First stop by the Grotta della Poesia: unmatched!
• Enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters of Torre dell’Orso.
• Discover the famous rock formation of the Due Sorelle.

Day 4 – Otranto

• Visit the Cathedral of Otranto and its fascinating floor mosaic.
• Explore the Aragonese Castle and enjoy the sea view.

Day 5 – Castro

• Discover the beauty of the village of Castro and its blue sea.
• Visit the Zinzulusa Cave for an adventure into the depths of the earth.

Day 6 – Maglie

• Explore the historic center of Maglie with its elegant architectures.

Day 7 – Relaxation Day and return to Bari

Itinerary 7: Salento along the Ionian coast

Day 1 – Bari and Lecce Explore the historical wonders of Bari in the morning. Continue to Lecce in the afternoon and be amazed by the city’s baroque splendor. Day 2 – Gallipoli Visit the historic center of Gallipoli, located on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Stroll along the ancient walls and admire the sunset over the sea. Day 3 – Nardò Discover the baroque center of Nardò, with its lounge square adorned with historical buildings. Relax in the waters of the Porto Selvaggio natural reserve. Day 4 – Porto Cesareo Spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Porto Cesareo, known for their white sand and turquoise waters. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel among the seabed teeming with marine life. Day 5 – Francavilla Savor the local wines in the cellars of Francavilla Fontana, also known for its rich cultural heritage. Explore the remains of the imperial castle and enjoy traditional cuisine in one of the many restaurants. Day 6 – Taranto Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto, which houses some of the most important relics of Magna Graecia. Admire the revolving bridge and stroll along the waterfront. Day 7 – Return to Bari Enjoy a relaxing morning in Taranto before returning to Bari. Conclude your journey with a walk in the center of Bari, reflecting on the memories gathered along the Ionian coast. We hope these itineraries help you plan your trip to Puglia and discover the beauties of this region. Have a great trip!