Quick Details
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
Searching for an unforgettable way to explore Puglia, Italy’s stunning southern region? Look no further! This unique and exciting adventure allows you to experience the best of Puglia, from its picturesque towns and villages to its breathtaking coastline and countryside. With the freedom and flexibility of an authentic Volkwagen RV, you can explore at your own pace and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on this one-of-a-kind journey and discover the beauty of Puglia from the comfort of a Volkswagen RV.
From countryside charms to coastal views
This itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the most charming and picturesque towns in Puglia. Start by visiting the beautiful tiny town of Alberobello, known for its traditional Trulli huts. Next, explore the UNESCO city of Matera, which boasts sustainable architecture with houses literally carved into stone known as “Sassi.”
In Grottaglie, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the art of crafting ceramics in this pottery town. Take a break from the road trip with a stop on the rocky coastline to enjoy the wonderful natural pools and beaches of the Adriatic Sea.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the easternmost city of Italy, Otranto, and then on to the “beautiful city of Gallipoli,” famous for its fishing and trading history since Roman times. Finally, marvel at the stunning scenery of Ostuni, also known as the “white city” for its whitewashed buildings set against a backdrop of olive trees, vineyards, and the blue Adriatic Sea.
Experience Puglia the Authentic way
We create a personalized digital travel pack to help you get the most out of your valuable holiday time. The pack contains a day-by-day itinerary, driving tips, a digital map, hotel information, emergency numbers and a paper travel journal. This pack will provide you with all you need to explore Puglia with confidence.
Our goal is to make you feel like you are a local, that’s why we share with you what we love ourselves. And we don’t like to schedule every minute, which is why we leave room for serendipity – a local festival, a food stall by the road, a chance encounter.
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The basic includes:
9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS
Stay at traditional accommodations like a trullo, Masseria, agriturismo, each one hand-picked by us. The road trip includes 2 nights in the Alberobello area, 1 night in the Matera area, 2 nights in the Lecce area, 2 nights in the Otranto area and 1 night in the Ostuni area. All accommodations have on-site parking with electric charging stations, Wi-Fi and A/C. Breakfast is included.1 VAN RENTAL
Drive the iconic Volkswagen van, the symbol of on-the-road adventures. Our standard package comes with a Volksvagen RV (full insurance included for theft and damages, see T&C for more info).2 PRIVATE CAR TRANSFERS
We know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. If you’re flying in, we’ll meet you at the airport in Bari and transfer you to your car rental. When you are back, we will transfer you to the airport in Bari from the car rental offices.1 DIGITAL TRAVEL PACK
The digital pack contains a day-by-day itinerary, driving tips, a digital map, lodging information, emergency numbers and an actual paper travel journal. This pack will provide you with the knowledge to explore Puglia with confidence.1 PAPER TRAVEL JOURNAL
There’s nothing like putting pen to paper at the end of a day of sightseeing. A paper travel journal is a perfect way to document your trip, a tangible memory that you will bring home with you, and a token of appreciation from our team at AuthenticPugliaTours. You’ll find the paper journal in your car.EXTRAS (add at checkout):
3 EXPERIENCES
Learn from local artisans, chefs and artists the skills passed down from generation to generation, on these three experiences, all available in English:
– Visit a ceramic studio in Grottaglie to learn how to do ceramics and terracotta artifacts.
– Food harvesting and food tasting in Ostuni in an amazing scenery facing the White City skyline.
– Papier-maché laboratory in Lecce to learn the art of how to model paper to create amazing design artifacts.3 GUIDED TOURS
Explore Alberobello, Grottaglie and Gallipoli with a licensed English-speaking guide.2 RESTAURANT MEALS
Two full-course meals, including beverages, at some of our favourite trattorias and restaurants in Alberobello and Gallipoli.NOT INCLUDED:
- Tourist tax (€0.50-1.50 person/night to pay at each hotel).
- Car rental deposit (refunded at the end of the road trip).
- Electric charging fees and parking fees.
- Tips (not customary in Italy).
- Any other meals outside of those listed in your package.
- 6% transaction fee at checkout
- Anything else not listed above.
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DAY 1 – Bari and Alberobello
Arrival in Bari and transfer to the rental car offices. Collect your vehicle and then check-in into your accommodation in Alberobello.
Included: private transfer, car pick-up and accommodation.DAY 2 – Alberobello and Polignano
Guided tour of the picturesque village of Alberobello. Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Alberobello, then head to the beautiful seaside town of Polignano in the afternoon.
Included: guided tour, lunch, accommodation.DAY 3 – Matera
Drive to Matera, check-in into your next accommodation and take a stroll around the town of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 2019’s European Capital of Culture.
Included: accommodation.DAY 4 – Grottaglie and Lecce
Drive to Grottaglie, a town famous for its ceramics. Meet your guide for a tour of the town and a visit to a ceramic studio. Drive to your next accommodation near Lecce in the late afternoon, check-in and enjoy some free time.
Included: guided tour, visit a ceramics studio, accommodation.DAY 5 – Lecce
Spend the day in Lecce, exploring the quaint alleys and streets of this Baroque town learning the ancient art of papier-maché with a master at their workshop.
Included: papier-maché laboratory, accommodation.DAY 6 – Otranto
Drive along the coast to Otranto. This incredibly scenic road offers many photo opportunities, you can pick your favorites from our digital map. Drive to your next accommodation in the late afternoon for your check-in.
Included: accommodation.DAY 7 – Gallipoli
Drive to Gallipoli and enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. Meet your guide to visit the ‘città bella’ (beautiful town) of Gallipoli, a true hidden gem. Back to Otranto area in the late afternoon.
Included: lunch, guided tour, accommodation.DAY 8 – Ostuni
On your way back to Bari, stop in Ostuni, the ‘città bianca’ (white town). Check-in at your accommodation and go exploring Ostuni medieval old town, with alleys and whitewashed houses that unfold in a maze similar to that of a kasbah. Go up to the hill to view the amazing panorama of millenary olive trees and the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a food-tasting experience, admiring the skyline.
Included: food-tasting experience, accommodation.DAY 9 – Bari
Drive to the car rental offices in Bari to return your vehicle, then board the private transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Included: airport transfer.
Your accommodation at a glance