APULIA ITINERARY: 7 Days in Puglia (Strategic Route)

Most 7-day Apulia itineraries make a critical error: they try to see everything. They bounce between coast and wine regions, rushing through destinations, hitting Instagram spots, and experiencing nothing deeply.

This itinerary is designed around sustainability, not completion. It prioritizes depth over breadth. You'll miss some famous destinations intentionally. You'll spend enough time in each place to actually understand it. You'll eat at restaurants where locals eat. You'll discover things not in guidebooks.

This is a real itinerary, not a highlight reel.

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Itinerary Philosophy and What You'll Experience

This itinerary assumes:

• You arrive/depart from either Lecce, Bari, or Brindisi airport
• You have 7 nights accommodation
• You want to understand places, not photograph them
• You'll rent a car (€35-55/day)
• You're comfortable with flexibility

What You Will Do:

• Spend 2 nights in Lecce (baroque architecture depth)
• Spend 1 night in wine region (Salento wine tasting)
• Spend 2 nights on coast (Ostuni/Polignano or alternative)
• Spend 1 night in inland valley (Alberobello or Locorotondo)
• Have 1 floating day for flexibility/rest

What You Won't Do:

• Gargano Peninsula (worth 3+ days, or skip for coastal focus)
• Manduria wine region (possible but requires 2+ hours driving)
• Bari city (worth 1 day but not essential for Salento focus)
• Every beach (you'll pick 1-2, not all 10)
• Castel del Monte (worth seeing but requires 3+ hours drive)

What You'll Gain:

• Deep understanding of baroque architecture (Lecce)
• Wine education (Primitivo, Negroamaro, regional context)
• Coastal experience (authentic fishing villages, cave swimming)
• Medieval inland experience (architecture, fornelli pronti culture)
• Food knowledge (markets, restaurants, local specialties)
• Relationship with places (not just boxes checked)

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Day 1 - Arrival and Lecce Orientation

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival

Assuming arrival at Brindisi Airport (closest to Salento):

• Collect rental car
• Drive to Lecce (45km, 60 minutes)
• Check into accommodation in Lecce centro (old town preferred)

Accommodation Strategy:

• Budget: €60-100/night for guesthouse in centro
• Mid-range: €100-150/night for small hotel in historic building
• Luxury: €200+/night for boutique property
• Recommendation: Mid-range in old town (€120-140) for optimal experience

Afternoon: Town Arrival and Settling In

• 2:00-4:00 PM: Walk the old town at slow pace, get oriented
• Stop at café for caffè (coffee) and cornetto
• Notice piazza structure, street patterns, baroque facades
• Get physical map if not used to medieval street patterns

Evening: First Dinner and Passeggiata

• 6:30-8:00 PM: Join passeggiata (locals walking, socializing)
• Walk main street (Corso Vittorio Emanuele), observe locals
• Stop for aperitivo (€3-5 for wine and snacks)
• 9:00 PM: Dinner at Alle Due Corti or similar (€25-40 per person)
• Go to bed early (travel tired)

Meals Day 1:

• Lunch en route (stop at casual restaurant near Brindisi, €12-18)
• Aperitivo (€5-8)
• Dinner (€30-40)

Logistics:

• Driving: 60 minutes
• Walking: 3-4 hours total (relaxed pace)
• Evening wind-down: Essential after travel day

What You're Actually Doing: You're arriving, avoiding tourist sites, and immersing in local rhythm. The goal is rhythm adjustment, not box-checking. Sleep early, wake early tomorrow.

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Day 2 - Lecce Deep Dive

Morning: Early Town Exploration (7:00-9:00 AM)

Wake early (6:30 AM), walk quiet streets before tourists arrive.

Specific Route:

• Start at Piazza Sant'Oronzo (main piazza)
• Walk to Basilica di Santa Croce (north side of town)
• Spend 30 minutes observing facade details (limestone fossils, sculpture)
• Return via smaller streets (navigate physically, study building details)
• Back to piazza by 8:30 AM

Breakfast:

• Caffetteria Alvino or similar
• Espresso + cornetto (€2-3)
• Eat standing at bar with locals

Mid-Morning: Cathedral Complex (9:30-11:30 AM)

• Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square)
• Study Cathedral exterior (baroque geometry)
• Visit Bishop's Palace (if open, civic museum)
• Spend time observing proportions, light on stone
• Photography: Stone details, not just wide shots

Lunch: Market Area (12:00-2:00 PM)

• Mercato Vecchio (old market, partially gentrified)
• Buy fresh burrata (€6-8), local cheese, bread
• Eat picnic-style in quiet courtyard or small café
• Engage with vendors (where is cheese from, when produced)

Afternoon: Two Options

Option A: Wine Bar and Second Meal (If Energized)

• Enoteca Salentina (wine bar)
• Taste 2-3 wines by glass (€3-5 each)
• Cheese and bread pairings (€8-12 total)
• Understand regional wine variation

Option B: Rest and Aperitivo (If Tired)

• Return to hotel, siesta (2-3 hours)
• 5:00-6:30 PM: Café stop for espresso
• Join evening passeggiata (locals walking at dusk)

Evening: Second Dinner or Exploration

• If did Option A at lunch: Light dinner (pizza or simple pasta, €15-20)
• If did Option B at afternoon: Full dinner (€30-40, different restaurant)
• Another evening passeggiata walk
• Observe evening rhythm (locals, couples, families)

Meals Day 2:

• Coffee + cornetto: €2-3
• Lunch (picnic or light): €10-15
• Afternoon wine/cheese: €10-12 (Optional)
• Dinner: €20-40
• Daily Food Budget: €45-70

Day 2 Summary: You've seen baroque architecture, understood town layout, tasted local products, joined local rhythm twice. You're ready to move beyond Lecce understanding its context. Sleep well—tomorrow requires early driving.

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Day 3 - Wine Region (Salento/Locorotondo)

Morning: Lecce to Wine Region (75 minutes)

Options:

• Option A: Locorotondo (25km, 30 min)

  • Concentric architecture, small wine producers, less touristy
  • Stay in wine region or return to Lecce

• Option B: Manduria (72km, 90 min)

  • Primitivo wine region, larger production scale
  • Requires full day, harder if returning to Lecce evening

• Recommendation: Locorotondo (closer, still authentic, good wine)

Locorotondo Day Structure:

9:00-11:00 AM: Town Exploration

• Walk concentric ring structure
• Spend time observing how architecture forms circles
• Notice painted doors and shutters
• Understand spatial organization

11:00 AM-12:30 PM: First Winery Visit

Cantina Due Palme (cooperative, community-focused)

• Pre-book if possible (phone or through apulia.travel)
• Tasting: €10-15 for 4-5 wines with food pairing
• Learn: Locorotondo wine profile, production process, regional context
• Duration: 90 minutes

1:00-3:00 PM: Lunch in Locorotondo

• Local osteria (€18-28 per person)
• Regional pasta, local wine from tasting
• Leisurely meal (not rushed)

3:00-5:00 PM: Rest or Optional Second Winery

If energized: Franco D'Amico (smaller producer, €12 tasting) If tired: Return to Lecce (rest before evening)

Evening (One of Two Options):

Option 1: Return to Lecce

• Drive back (30 min)
• Dinner in Lecce (€25-40)
• Stay in Lecce accommodation

Option 2: Sleep in Wine Region

• Book accommodation in Locorotondo (€100-140/night)
• Dinner in wine region
• Experience evening in smaller town

Recommendation: Return to Lecce (one accommodation, simpler logistics). You've experienced wine region, no need to overnight.

Meals Day 3:

• Breakfast in Lecce before departure: €3
• Lunch at first winery: €10-15
• Lunch in town: €20-30
• Dinner: €30-40
• Daily Food Budget: €65-90

Beverages & Purchases:

• Wine tastings: €15-20
• Consider purchasing 1-2 bottles (€10-20 each) if you liked producer
• Coordinate shipping through apulia.travel if needed

Day 3 Summary: You've understood wine region, tasted Salento wines, learned production context. You're ready to integrate wine knowledge into future meals. You haven't rushed; you've experienced depth.

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Day 4 - Coastal Village (Ostuni or Polignano)

Two Options:

Option A: Ostuni Focus (Fishing Village Authenticity)

• 40km from Lecce, 55 minutes drive
• Working harbor, authentic restaurants
• Less touristy than Polignano

Option B: Polignano Focus (Cliff Drama & Cave Swimming)

• 45km from Lecce, 55 minutes drive
• Cave kayaking, cliff dining
• More dramatic visually

Recommendation: Ostuni (if you value authenticity) or Polignano (if you value swimming/adventure). Choose one; don't do both.

Ostuni Day Structure (Full Day):

10:00-11:30 AM: Upper Town (Ostuni Vecchia)

• Park at harbor, walk up to old town
• 90 minutes exploring architecture
• Photography of white buildings, doors, details
• Not rushed (slow exploration is the point)

12:00-2:00 PM: Lunch at Harbor

• Osteria del Pescatore (harbor-side, fresh fish)
• €18-28 per person
• Eat slowly, watch boats, observe harbor activity

2:30-4:30 PM: Afternoon Rest or Beach

Option 1: Return to accommodation, siesta (2 hours) Option 2: Beach (Spiaggia Rosa, 1km south of harbor)

• €5-10 entry at beach club
• Swimming/snorkeling (water ~20°C April-May, warmer summer)
• Relax until 4:30 PM

5:00-7:00 PM: Lower Town Exploration

• Harbor zone (watch fishing boats, working town)
• Walk passeggiata emerging (6:00 PM onward)
• Observe locals, market area, working Ostuni

8:00-9:30 PM: Second Dinner or Aperitivo Focus

• Enoteca or wine bar (€15-25 for wine/snacks)
• Or: Light dinner (pizza, €15-20)
• Evening passeggiata walk

Accommodation:

• Stay in mid-range hotel in old town (€100-150/night)
• Wake early Day 5 for early departure

Polignano Day Structure (Alternative):

9:00-10:00 AM: Upper Town

• Walk piazza, cathedral, narrow streets
• Photography of whitewashed town

10:15 AM-1:00 PM: Kayak Cave Tour

• Pre-book (€25-40 per person)
• 3 hours: Kayak to multiple caves, swim/snorkel
• Epic experience if comfortable with water

1:30-3:00 PM: Lunch

• Casual restaurant or trattoria
• €18-28 per person
• Recovery food after water activity

3:00-6:00 PM: Rest/Afternoon Flexibility

• Beach time, additional walking, or complete rest
• Prepare for evening

7:00-9:00 PM: Sunset + Dinner

• Sunset from piazza or cliff edge (30-45 min, free)
• Dinner at restaurant (€25-45 per person)

Accommodation:

• Mid-range in old town (€100-150/night) OR
• Alternative: Day trip from Lecce (45 min drive, return evening)

Meals Day 4 (Ostuni):

• Early breakfast: €3
• Upper town stop: €5
• Lunch: €25-30
• Afternoon drink/snack: €5
• Dinner: €25-40
• Daily Food Budget: €65-85

Meals Day 4 (Polignano):

• Breakfast: €3
• Kayak tour (no meal): €30
• Lunch: €20-30
• Afternoon drink: €5
• Dinner: €30-40
• Daily Food Budget: €90-110 (higher due to kayak cost)

Day 4 Summary: You've experienced coastal working town (Ostuni) or dramatic cliff and water experience (Polignano). You've swum, eaten seafood, watched sunsets. You're ready for inland experience tomorrow.

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Day 5 - Inland Valley (Alberobello or Locorotondo Extended)

Two Options:

Option A: Alberobello (Trulli Houses)

• UNESCO cone-shaped houses, working town
• 65km from Lecce, 90 minutes drive
• More touristy but architecturally unique

Option B: Locorotondo Extended (Circular Architecture, Less Touristy)

• Concentric rings, wine focus, smaller scale
• 25km from Lecce, 30 minutes drive
• Less known, more authentic

Recommendation: Alberobello (more unique architecture) but know what you're getting (touristy).

Alberobello Day Structure:

9:00-10:30 AM: Lecce to Alberobello (Drive)

• Leave early to avoid crowds
• Arrive 10:30 AM before peak tourism hours

10:45-12:00 PM: Rione Monti Exploration

• Main touristy neighborhood
• Spend 75 minutes studying architecture
• Not shopping, not eating—architecture observation
• Photography of cone roofs, painted doors, details

12:00-2:00 PM: Lunch

• Trattoria Tagliere (off-main-square, local)
• €16-26 per person
• Regional pasta, simple preparations

2:00-3:30 PM: Rest or Rione Aia Piccola

Option 1: Return to accommodation, complete rest Option 2: Walk to Rione Aia Piccola (smaller, less touristy neighborhood)

• 15-minute walk from Monti
• Fewer tourists, more working families
• Observe authentic daily life (laundry, locals, normal activity)

3:30-5:30 PM: Afternoon Rest + Museum (Optional)

Option 1: Complete rest (prepare for evening) Option 2: Museo del Trullo (30-min museum, €3-4)

• See interior of traditional trullo house
• Understand spatial logic and living conditions

6:00-8:00 PM: Evening Passeggiata + Dinner

• Join locals walking (6:00-7:00 PM)
• Aperitivo at bar with outdoor seating (€5-8)
• Dinner at different restaurant (€20-35 per person)

Accommodation:

• Choose Rione Aia Piccola for authenticity (€80-130/night)
• Choose Monti for convenience (€100-160/night)
• Recommendation: Aia Piccola for two-night stay (deeper experience)

Alberobello Two-Night Option (Days 5-6):

If you have flexibility, staying two nights in Alberobello is justified:

• Day 5: As above
• Day 6: Morning in Rione Aia Piccola, afternoon wine region extension, evening return to Alberobello

Meals Day 5:

• Breakfast in Lecce: €3
• Lunch: €20-25
• Aperitivo: €8-10
• Dinner: €25-35
• Daily Food Budget: €60-75

Day 5 Summary: You've experienced unique cone-house architecture, understood spatial logic of trulli, discovered difference between touristy and authentic neighborhoods. You've participated in passeggiata. You're ready for either return or extension.

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Day 6 - Flexibility Day (Choose Option)

This day is intentionally flexible. Choose based on how you're feeling and what you've missed.

Option A: Extended Valley Exploration

If in Alberobello overnight, extend Valley d'Itria:

• Morning: Cisternino (15km, 20 min from Alberobello)
• Experience fornelli pronti (buy meat, grill at communal ovens)
• Afternoon: Locorotondo or return to Alberobello
• Evening: Return to home base (Lecce or coast)

Option B: Castel del Monte Day Trip

If you haven't seen it and want to:

• Full-day trip from Lecce (70km, 90 min)
• 2-3 hours at fortress
• Not essential but possible

Option C: Relaxation/Flexibility

• Sleep in
• Extended market time (morning market exploration)
• Cooking class (if booked through apulia.travel)
• Second visit to favorite restaurant
• Beach day if on coast
• Wine region extension

Recommendation: Choose relaxation/flexibility. You've done a lot in 5 days. Pace matters.

Meals Day 6:

• Depends on activity
• Budget: €40-60 (lighter day, flexible structure)

Day 6 Summary: You've given yourself space. You're not rushing. You've built in recovery time. This is intentional—deep travel requires rest.

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Day 7 - Return and Final Experiences

Morning: Final Activity Before Departure

Depends on your departure time:

If Evening Departure:

• Full morning activity
• Late lunch before driving to airport
• 2-3 hours drive to airport (Brindisi)

If Morning Departure:

• Early breakfast
• Quick final walk of favorite town
• Leave early morning

Final Activity Options:

Option A: Return to Favorite Spot

• Spend morning in Lecce piazza (café, pastry, observation)
• This gives closure and anchors memories

Option B: Market Visit

• Morning market in Lecce or coastal town
• Buy final gifts (olive oil, cheese, crafts)
• Engage with vendors one final time

Option C: Last Meal Experience

• Leisurely lunch at favorite restaurant
• Wine pairing
• Reflection on week

Meals Day 7:

• Breakfast: €4-5
• Final meal (lunch or light dinner): €20-35
• Daily Food Budget: €25-45

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Integration with apulia.travel Booking System

Pre-Trip Booking Through apulia.travel:

[BOOKING SYSTEM INTEGRATION: One-Stop Trip Planning]

• Accommodation for all 7 nights (Lecce x 4, Coast x 1, Inland x 1, Flexible x 1)
• Car rental coordination (pick up Day 1, return Day 7)
• Restaurant reservations (Lecce x 2, Coast x 1, Inland x 1)
• Wine tasting pre-booking (Locorotondo)
• Optional: Kayak tour (if choosing Polignano)

Coordination Benefits:

• Single platform for all bookings
• Confirmed reservations (no last-minute scrambling)
• Driver familiar with apulia.travel recommendations
• Restaurant consistency (you know where you're going)
• Wine tour timing coordinated with driving schedule

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Transportation and Logistics

Car Rental:

• Pick up at Brindisi or Lecce airport
• €35-55/day for mid-range car
• Fuel budget: €30-40 for week (moderate distances)
• Total car cost: €245-385 for week

Driving Reality:

• Total driving: ~400km for week (moderate)
• Longest drive: Lecce to Manduria (90 min) or Castel del Monte (90 min)
• Most drives 30-60 minutes
• Roads are good, Italian driving is aggressive (caution required)

Alternative: No Car (If Uncomfortable Driving)

• Public transport possible but limited
• Taxis expensive (€20-30 per ride)
• Recommend hybrid: Rental for coast/wine (Days 3-5), train/taxi for Lecce base

Parking:

• Free parking in most towns (off-street lots)
• Old town parking often limited and paid (€1-2/hour)
• Stay in hotels with parking included (€3-5/night usually)

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CTA SECTION

Ready to Plan Your 7 Days?

Use apulia.travel to coordinate your entire journey:

• Accommodation (4-5 properties, logically positioned)
• Restaurants (wine bars, trattorias, fine dining mix)
• Activities (wine tasting, kayak tours, city tours)
• Car rental
• All in one platform, confirmed and ready

Start your 7-day plan: [BUILD MY ITINERARY]

Or book pre-configured package: [BOOK 7-DAY APULIA PACKAGE]

Individual Components:

• [Search accommodations] (all 7 nights)
• [Reserve restaurants] (7 dinners + lunches)
• [Book wine tour] (Locorotondo)
• [Book kayak tour] (if Polignano)
• [Arrange car rental]

Extensions & Alternatives:

• [Gargano Peninsula Extension] (add 3 days)
• [Manduria Wine Deep Dive] (replace Locorotondo)
• [Cooking Class Add-On]
• [Photography Tour Option]