Highlights of Puglia by Rail

Day 1  Lecce
After arriving into Brindisi airport, make your way to Brindisi rail station to board your train to Lecce, known as ‘Florence of the South’ owing to its rich historic and cultural heritage.

Day 2  Lecce
Begin your adventure with a private Lecce walking tour. Discover the astounding Baroque architectural style of Lecce, featuring soft, local sandstone, and shown through spectacularly carved facades, apparent in Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Sant-Oronzo. Pass by some of Lecce’s incredible Roman age sites, before ending the tour at the impressive Basilica di Santa Croce. In the evening, why not head out to Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele II for a traditional Italian aperitivo?

Day 3  Lecce
After perhaps sampling a caffe Leccese and a Lecce pasticiotto, continue your enchanting walk through the beautiful city of Lecce, admiring the impressive Roman amphitheatre and theatre before wandering through the attractive Giuseppe Garibaldi Park. Perhaps spend the afternoon taking part in a Puglian cooking class, learning the secrets of delicious Southern Italian cuisine from a local before tucking into your mouth-watering creations.

Day 4  Ostuni
Today, head onto the beautiful town of Ostuni, known as the ‘white city’ owing to the city’s buildings being uniformly painted with white lime, lending the town much character. After settling into your hotel, enjoy an authentic pizza in Piazza della Libertà, with a view of the remarkable Spire of St Oronzo, before heading out to see an incredible panorama of the city at Vittorio Emmanuel Corso II Viewpoint - a perfect spot to watch the sun set.

Day 5  Ostuni
Witness the beauty of Ostuni’s hill-top old town, being sure to take a photo of the famous blue and green coloured door before admiring the remarkable Spire of St Oronzo and the Church of St Francis of Assisi, featuring beautiful ornately carved doors. Afterwards, relax and spend the afternoon at one of Ostuni’s many Blue Flag rated beaches, such as Lido Morelli and Pilone, famous for their fine white sand and clear, turquoise waters.

Day 6  Monopoli
Start the day by taking the train to splendid Monopoli, a delightful seaside village, famous for its charming maritime culture and golden sandy beaches. On arrival, absorb the historic charms of the old town by strolling down cobblestone streets, passing by colourful street markets and Monopoli’s grand cathedral, featuring an elegant 60-metre-tall bell tower built in 1693. After settling into your hotel, why not sample some of Puglia’s locally produced wine at one of the local wine bars?

Day 7  Matera and Alberobello
Today, enjoy an escorted tour, to UNESCO Heritage City Matera and Alberobello, taking in a few scenic stops along the way. Your tour will include a stroll through Matera’s magical alleyways, courtyards and viewpoints. See the city’s unique 9000-year-old architecture with a visit to some of the impressive cave churches of Matera, impressively built into the stone, rather than from it. Your visit to the enchanting town of Alberobello will be absorbed by discovering the famous Trulli buildings, with their incredible limestone bases and conical roofs.

Day 8  Monopoli
Start today with a gorgeous seafront hike along the Lungomare Promenade, leading to the impressive Charles V Castle, sitting on the edge of a promontory the overlooks the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Afterwards, perhaps spend the afternoon soaking in the warm Puglian waters and lounging on the beaches, or glide through the waters on a boat tour or sailing excursion. The plethora of beach bears and restaurants that line the waterfront mean you are spoiled for choice when it comes to sumptuous cuisine accompanied by mesmerising sea views.

Day 9  Polignano a Mare
Take a short train ride up the coast to Polignano a Mare, famous for its dazzling waterfront, for a dreamy coastal day trip. Roam its sandy beaches and cliff-sided coves, and stumble upon ethereal caves and natural swimming pools. Perhaps opt for a boat ride, gliding through the crystal-clear waters or, maybe for a hike along the clifftops and down to the shoreline, taking in the sweeping views of the charming, white-washed old town and sparkling sea. Cap off your beach day with a cooling, creamy gelato, as you sunbathe under the warm Mediterranean sun.

Day 10  Monopoli
Enjoy a final stroll through the streets of Monopoli, perhaps picking up a few souvenirs, before journeying by rail to Bari airport for your flight home.