Laidback Puglia & Matera

Day 1  Bari to Gargano Promontory  
Arrive into Bari and pick up your car, before driving north to the Gargano Promontory, home to ancient forests and bordered by charming coastal towns.  

Days 2-3  Gargano Promontory  
Spend two full days exploring the delights of this lesser known corner of Puglia. Visit the beautiful cliff top town of Vieste and take a hike through the ancient forest of Gargano National Park, home to epic tall trees interspersed with idyllic picnic spots.  

Day 4  Gargano Promontory to Fasano  
Head south to Fasano in central Puglia. En route, stop off at Castel del Monte, a mysterious castle from the 13th Century and enjoy a spot of lunch in the limestone town of Trani, home to a beautiful cathedral perched on the water’s edge.  

Days 5-6  Fasano  
Enjoy two days discovering central Puglia at leisure. Get acquainted with the local cuisine at the many wineries, cheese and olive farms that dot the countryside and relax on nearby beaches. For a real treat, head to Alberobello for its UNESCO World Heritage listed trulli houses, a collection of agricultural dwellings with their distinct conical roofs.  

Day 7  Fasano to Matera  
Drive inland to the ancient city of Matera, thought to be one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited human settlements. Lose yourself amongst the myriad of buildings and traditional cave dwellings that tumble down its hillside setting.

Days 8-9  Matera to Lecce  
Head back towards the coast to the city of Lecce. Spend a full day exploring the many ornate palaces and churches, as well as the impressive Roman amphitheatre, that sit beside a tantalising mix of upmarket boutiques.  

Day 10  Lecce to Otranto  
Take the short drive to the vibrant coastal town of Otranto. Perched between the glistening waters of the Ionian and Adriatic, it provides the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing final stop on your Puglian adventure.  

Day 11  Otranto  
For your final full day, find one of the many wild bays and golden beaches this region is known for and while away the hours under the Mediterranean sun. Alternatively explore the coastal road between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, one of Italy’s most scenic drives.  

Day 12  Otranto  
After breakfast, head to Brindisi airport to drop off your car and catch your flight home.